Most people I have run into in recent weeks have been asking me how things are going at West Ridge Church. Though it’s not a full-time job for me, that’s where I’m spending the majority of my time these days. The bottom line is that I’m convinced God has great things in store for our church.
We’re blessed by the fact that momentum is working in our favor right now. God is moving in a big way. Here’s a taste of what’s happening:
- Attendance is up. We’re coming off of one of our largest non-holiday weekends ever.
- Brian announced plans this week to launch our first multi-site campus in 2010. (We’re hoping to launch five campuses in the next five years.)
- Brian and I are taking steps to establish a new church planting network to equip leaders and launch churches across the country. (You want to join us?)
- Over 50% of our adults and students are engaged in small groups. We have plans in January to engage the other 50%.
- We are trying things we’ve never tried before. (And this weekend’s services are no exception.)
- We’re partnering with John’s company to retool our web strategy.
- Our team is planning and executing a strategy to double our attendance Christmas week. (Got some fun stuff planned!)
- Through our Engage Atlanta initiative, we’re partnering with a number of local churches to serve and reshape our community.
- In January, we’re putting a family on the ground in Burkina Faso, Africa as the next step in our effort to reach a country for Jesus.
- We’re planning a new series in January that has the potential to transform our church.
In the mean time, I’m working with my teammates to bring a laser-sharp focus to our strategies for discipleship, volunteers, groups, care, children’s and student ministries. We’ve had some fun conversations in recent weeks about how we can help lead people on a life-changing journey to follow Jesus Christ.
I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to serve with my friends at West Ridge. I can’t believe I get to do what I get to do. And, if you can’t tell, I’m really excited about what’s coming next.
Sounds good! I’m planning on taking Jim’s church planting class starting in February and hoping to plan in Chattanooga in 2011. Is the church plant stuff you mentioned different?
I’d be interested in learning more about the church planting network that you are beginning to establish.
I’m actually transitioning to a church right now that has a lot of momentum as well. It’s very exciting and hard to beat.
I don’t know how long it will last for us, but I’m going to ride the wave for as long as possible.