What a Year at Stone Church

     . . . Grab some Joe and sit with Jon for awhile . . 

This year has been marked with some big changes. Early in 2011, we announced Pastor Ryan and Annie would be planting a church in Spokane. In June, we received the largest offering in Stone Church’s history to start True Hope Church, and sent Ryan and his team off in July. We launched Pastor Gary into a Lead Pastor role (Moscow, ID) in September. Mid-year, we added an amazing new Worship Pastor (Travis Lindseth); and most recently, a multi-talented new Administrative/Operations Pastor (Gerry Galbreath) to the pastoral team.

In talking with other Lead Pastors who have sent staff and church families to other communities to plant new churches, they speak of how the ‘mother church’ often experiences a ‘season of grieving’ after these launches.  (Melodee and I kind of feel this as you can imagine.) With change comes loss, and this is what is being felt in our church. Many of you had close and meaningful friendships with our Pastors, our staff, their families and those who transitioned to Spokane with Ryan & Annie.

What do I make of it all? I see a sending church sending people out, but it’s not easy! I see an awesome church in ‘temporary recovery’ after some ‘big birthing’ events. I see being part of bringing a new church into the world as awesome. I see individuals and families prayerfully willing to step up and relocate to be part of what God is doing in another region. I see a church where people grow and develop and become passionate about God’s ‘kingdom purposes.’ I see people called of God to stay right here to help other people find and follow Jesus. I see faithful people holding steady and getting their footing in this ‘new adjusted phase’ of Stone Church’s life.

You may say, “ok great, but how do I move from feeling kind of lost to getting focused again; from grieving to being hopeful again?”  It takes some time, it takes some new experiences with God, it takes finding a place to serve, and it takes making and developing new friendships.

Lots of new people coming to Stone are excited about this church and what God is doing in their lives. Jump in again, look around, initiate, reach out and get connected!

WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?

Soon, I plan to bring on an Executive Pastor to fill Pastor Gary’s position. In the interim, Pastor Gerry and I are reviewing the needs of all our adult ministry areas. We will be looking to identify, develop and empower individuals / teams of people to serve in new and expanded ways.

GIVING

Thank you to all who have partnered with us financially in 2011. Remember, tithing is God’s prescription for maintaining ‘His House’ and advancing His purposes. He said in scripture regarding tithing…“Test me in this says the Lord, and see if I won’t throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out…” As you and I step up in giving to His purpose and plan, God steps out in providing for our needs!

UP NEXT – 2012

Last February, God put on my heart the theme title of, ‘212: ‘The Extra Degree.’ For example, water is hot at 211  degrees but it boils when it reaches 212. Boiling water   produces steam and steam powers trains. I see 2012 (twenty twelve) as a significant year for us spiritually. It’s time to lift the spiritual temperature in our lives, our church and then out into our community. On another 212 front, True Hope Church officially launches on 2.12.12. I’ll keep you posted on their ‘happenings’ as we get closer.

I will begin the 212 series Sunday, January 1, at 11 am (this is New Year’s Day and we’ll have only one service). Each message in this series will rock your world and draw you nearer to Jesus. Get ready to experience ‘the extra   degree.’ I’m asking each person attending to bring his or her Bible to church every week next year. There’s going to be some “light it up” preaching and teaching in the House all year — be ready!

2012 PRAYER AND FASTING

The first Wednesday night of 2012 (January 4) at 6:30pm is my call for the entire church to gather in prayer. This gathering will set the tone for your entire new year. Also, January 9 – 29 will be our 21 days of fasting and prayer for 2012. What you sow early in the year in fasting and prayer will bring harvest all year long. I’m looking forward to this spiritual journey with you!