Amazing is all I can say. As I drove to 3 of our 4 campuses (We are trying to figure out teleporting to China)…I was a bit overwhelmed as the issues began piling up at our campuses. Sometimes it doesn’t seem worth it.
It is hard being a leader of a big church in a small town. It is hard to be in a place where the economy is tougher and the growth is slower. It is hard to be criticized and gossiped about. It is hard for us to have a huge passion to REACH THE WORLD because we believe that Jesus told us to go into ALL of it. It is hard to then TEACH them to OBEY EVERYTHING that Christ commanded that they might grow. It is hard work. It is hard for our staff and leaders to do this craziness every week. It is hard for our volunteers to give their all week in and week out, service in and service out. It is hard for all of us @ NH to give of our time, talents and treasure when there is so much competition for our time, talents and treasure. It is hard to change from 1 pastor in 1 building to multiple pastors in many buildings in many towns and a loss of connection. It is hard to make radical switches like video and multi-sites, which is virtually unheard of out here in the sticks. It is hard to try to connect over a thousand people with each other in true community. It is hard ____________________. (You fill it in).
But today, our Campus Pastor in Ashland saw his father who had driven 2 hours to be there, raise his hand to trust Christ. Then his step-mother did the same. Pastor Bud embraced me in the lobby in a moment I will never forget and said: “If this is the whole reason we did all this…no matter where this thing goes…it was worth it all today.” As tears welled in his eyes and my heart leaped like never before…all of the sudden it became quite easy again. And I am sure there were a hundred other stories this weekend…
Thank you God. Keep pushing us where we need to be. I know it is never easy. And it never will be.
Oh, yes it is worth it and I thank you so much! My husband and I were able to attend together today (he worked last Sunday). When I asked him his favorite part of the service he said “well, I have so many.” That spoke volumes to me when at first I wondered how he’d react to going somewhere different, etc. I know that the service is FOR God and God alone, but we left changed, too. The loving things we have done for each other just in the last 7 hours shows me that God is moving in our marriage already. Wow! *sniffle* No matter the stresses at each campus, please keep giving of God’s love the way you did today…that includes all of the Ashland team. I love what you are doing for God’s purpose in this small town. I could seriously stay in your service for like 8 hours straight if the band would play that long. LOL See you next week! I’m so curious what you’ll have to say next. God Bless You!
what a blessing it is to be part of a plant again
Natalie…you made my Wife and I’s night as we read your comment. And I will share this with the team. They work so hard.So happy that God is speaking to you guys. Don’t take it for granted!I know that our marriage will grow as well! After preaching it 4 times…it tends to settle into my thick skull.Keep pressing on!-Charles
Don’t you just love those moments! Praise God. It makes all of those challenging times fade into the background. Keep after it.
thanks Kris…looking forward to meeting you here in the sticks!blessings!
That’s awesome. Natalie’s comment is a huge blessing. On another note, I don’t think the band can play for 8 hours, but I think the pastor can preach that long.
Praying for you all at NH, God bless!
I, too, pastor in a small town and it does come with many challenges BUT it is moments like these that make all the HARD work worth it! We are experiencing some exciting growth in our church and that keeps me motivated and energized to keep moving forward despite the challenges!
You go guys, and all the rest of the teams !!!!!!! Bud, I got God bumps when I read about Dad and Mom. God’s counting on all of us, and especially those who have heard his call and accepted it !!! Have a blessed week you all, and be sure to take time for yourself and your families. Date night? What a wonderful idea Charles. Gonna do it !!!!! God Bless ALL You Newhopers !!!!! Gratefully, Don Shadel