We launched Great Lakes Church on the second Sunday of February 2009.  From the start, we made it clear that our mission was to create a church for people who don't go to church.  If you think about it, this is problematic.  It's like creating a coffee shop for people who don't like coffee.  The big difference is this: The church doesn't exist for people with a common interest, it exists for people with a common problem.

What's the problem?  People don't know where they stand w/ God... or if there is a God... or if He's a God worth pursuing?!  From the day we opened our doors (one year ago) until now, we've stayed focused on creating a place where it's ok to ask questions, or have doubts, or become a Christ Follower w/o changing your personality. 

We've tried to help people understand that their spiritual depth shouldn't be measured by the length of a Sunday morning gathering, or by how moved they are emotionally during a service, or by how many verses they memorized in a week.  It should be measured by how quick we are to obey what we know God wants us to do.  As for where we actually stand w/ God, that should be measured by one thing: God's grace.

The response has been nothing short of amazing.  This past Sunday, we welcomed over 1,000 people through our doors and started using a 3rd adult auditorium.  Am I excited? Of course!  But I'm also overwhelmed.  We've done multiple random polls and have learned that roughly 50% of the people who attend Great Lakes have zero church experience or haven't been to church in 5 years or longer.  This week I'll be blogging more than usual 'cause I want to confront the challenges this has created and thank all of you who've made GLC possible.

Today I want to thank those of you who gathered in my parents living room, in the fall of 2008, to listen to a far-fetched dream and join us on the selfless mission of creating a church for people who don't go to church.  Most people who attend GLC will never know your name, but you can be assured that someday you will be welcomed into eternity by thousands of people who experienced God's grace because of you!

Dave