Test... again!

Sorry for all the emails - I'm trying to get the bugs worked out. I'd appreciate any feedback you might have. Is everything working out for all of you on your end?

josh :)

email subscription test

I'm still trying to work some of the bugs out of my email subscription service... It's not working real well right now.

josh

We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!

Well, I just wanted to give you all an update this time around in my blog...

We have successfully made the move from Lagrange to Macomb! God took care of so many things and we are so grateful to everyone for their help, both in Lagrange and in Macomb. We are still unpacking boxes but the place is feeling more and more like home.

This is definitely not "Kansas" but we're excited to be up here in Michigan and are asking for God's guidance as things begin for this new church!

Pray for us as we get settled in; pray for me as I speak the next few weeks at the 5-LEAD Team Churches that are partnering with us in starting the new church. Pray that people will be lead to partner with us financially as we raise startup costs and that people will sense God calling them personally to be involved in this new church in some way.

God, only you know what you have in store - thanks for everything!

Transitioning

As one new adventure begins, another one ends. Transitioning to start this new church means transitioning away from a church we have spent the last 5-years pouring our lives into. We've laughed, cried, sweat, and genuinely grown to love the people of LaGrange Missionary Church. God has taught me so much through them, I will never forget my time there and the memories shared. It has been so great to see them grow so much in Christ.

Here are a few lessons I learned as I said "Good-Bye":

1) It matters how you leave.

I realized pretty quickly that I could have negated 5-years of ministry in just a few short moments by leaving badly (angry, without proper good-byes, without respecting appropriate protocol, grabbing everything I could, tooting my own horn, etc.). It matters how you leave; it matters how you leave your job; it matters how you leave your family; it matters how you leave your church. The how really matters so do it right and do it well.

2) Don't be discouraged by who doesn't come to your going-away-party.

I told myself long before it happened, not to let the mark of my ministry be based upon who showed up to send me off. You don't know people's reasons for not showing up, so don't let your mind get carried away. Even though big fan fare is great, I need to constantly remind myself that I get my pats from God not from men. If I'm aiming to please men and win their approval, I'm in for a big heap of trouble.

3) Don't look back.

If you know God has called you to do something or head a certain direction, get going and don't look back. Lot's wife learned the hard way. Lallygagging and second guessing will only cause problems. My dad used to say, "Son, don't undo in doubt what you've decided in faith." Thanks dad!

God, thank you for teaching me that there is a right and wrong way to leave, and thank you for your grace that helped me not totally mess it up. I can't wait for what's next!