Goodbye, Hello, and Help!

Goodbye comfort. Goodbye security. Goodbye friends. Goodbye church building and polished services.

This month I left all I have ever known as church after becoming a Christian 27 years ago. This church was my spiritual home, place of development, where I felt called into the ministry, my friends, my family, my life. I gave all I had to it and I gave all I was to it. I loved it (and I still do).

But, when God calls - we have to go right? It's Simple.

Although, in all honesty, it never was that simple. I questioned, I fought, I struggled; I was stubborn and scared. I never doubted God's voice, but doubted his plan! Did he really know what he was doing? Did he really think I was up to it? Did he really want me ripped away from all I knew and loved to start something totally new?! But I knew ... it was time to practice what I preach and put my trust in him.

And so:

Hello discomfort, Hello unknown. Hello loneliness. Hello a whole new way of being church!

LifePointChurch.uk

                        Hello church planting.

                        Hello LifePoint Church. 

                        Hello to a new adventure.




And Hello to a new blog series (well, that's the intention) as I try and work out, walk out and live out all it means to be church in a new community, with a new team, and a new leadership responsibility.

I haven't got it all together - in fact - I'm secretly (well, not so secretly now!) freaking, but I will continue to put my feet down where I believe God is leading and trust he will equip me to serve him as he reveals his plan in all this crazyness!! Prayers always appreciated!




What have I learnt so far?

* That it is possible to love a community of people whilst they are pretty much still strangers.

* That God often reveals the big picture, but waits for us to step out before revealing the details.

* That not all Christians will be behind you.

* That God sends support and encouragement in the most obscure ways!

* That God loves to speak to imperfect people through imperfect people.



The journey has started ... come along with me, it would be great to have companions!