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
1) We launched Great Lakes Church on the 2nd Sunday of February 2009. We're getting close to our one year anniversary!!!
2) Our "I Want a New Marriage" series has been a lot of fun. This past Sunday we talked about how almost every argument and fight is rooted in this very simple truth: We're mad 'cause we're not getting our own way! (James 4:1-3)
Here are some tips to make sure that you don't kill each other during a fight:
a. The way you treat each other when you're NOT fighting is the most important factor for determining the length, intensity and outcome of your actual fights.
b. It's always best to discuss things ASAP! (Ephesians 4:26-27)
c. Start the fight off right! (The words, tone of voice and accusations we make in the first 3 minutes of the fight will determine the outcome almost every time)
d. Fight about the actual issue. (Don't bring up the past or go off on random tangents)
e. Focus on the situation or behavior, not the person! (There is a huge difference between a criticism and a complaint)
3) If you want to continue to focus on your marriage after this series is done, you really need to join a Growth Group that focuses on marriage. I highly suggest the "Love and Respect" (Tues 02) or "Marriage Makeover" (Mon 02) Growth Groups . You can access our Growth Groups sign up page by clicking here.
4) Within the next week, I'll be blogging about why we've chosen to have a "live" interview w/ Ted & Gayle Haggard (Feb 21st) and what we hope to accomplish. I just finished reading Gayle's book, "Why I Stayed" and it is probably the best book I've read on the importance of establishing a culture of grace, hope, healing and forgiveness.