Prior to this, I had never started a church. I've been a part of more than my fair share and experienced worship services across the gamut. Even though I was on staff with a church plant in Florida, much of the structure, vision, values, and direction was already established or in flux through the conversations and prayers of the elders. In the church planting pool, I didn't learn to swim there.
We tested the waters with our big toes. Once we determined the temp was right for swimming and it was the pool we were supposed to swim in, we jumped. Only then did I realize I didn't know how to swim. For the last 4 months I've been scratching to keep my head above water and avoid drowning. It's intense!
For the first time I felt like a major hurrdle was crossed last week when it comes to our Vision, Mission, and Values and the best way to articulate what Mark, Jeff, and I felt, knew, and we're called to do. Maybe it doesn't sound so extreme a situation. I fully believe that what happens in these early days and the direction we set out in now (and the way we go about traveling that direction) will make or break us long-term. Coming to embrace our Vision, Values, Mission, and Driving Principles for me was like learning to Doggy-Paddle and taking my first strokes. It still ain't pretty, but it's better than drowning and will keep you afloat.
Maybe one day we'll be breast-strokin' with the best of 'em, like Phelps.
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