Since GLC turns one year old this Sunday, I've decided to blog more than usual this week and write about the challenges we've had in creating a church for people who don't go to church.   Nope, this stuff isn't meant to be negative.

Challenge #2: Staying Focused

Everybody (including those who don't go to church) has an idea of what a church should look like and do.  Great Lakes is not exempt from people walking in w/ ideas and expectations:

*Some think the music should be quieter.  Others like that we're targeting 20 & 30 year old males who don't go to church.
*Some think we should focus more on world missions.  Others like that we focus on church planting and our community.
*Some think we should have extended times of musical worship.  Others like that we're sensitive to first time guests and don't prolong the singing.
*Some think we should buy a building ASAP.  Others like that we haven't tied up all our resources in a building.
*Some think we should do more creative arts (ie - mimes).  Others like that we haven't created that kind of awkward tension.
*Some think we should add mid-week programs.  Others like that we keep it simple.
*Some think we should teach every week verse-by-verse through the Bible.  Others like that we've adopted the teaching style of Jesus w/ storytelling and reflection on how the Scriptures apply to our life today.
*Some think we should add more ministries.  Others like that all of our ministries happen through Growth Groups.

It's impossible to make everyone happy, so we've decided to do what we believe God wants Great Lakes Church to do.   That's it.  Nothing more.  I'm so grateful for a church that embraces the fact we can't & won't do everything.

Today I want to thank the 12 people who moved across the country and started their lives over to start a church for people who don't go to church.  God has honored the risk you took and the sacrifices you made.  I love you all.