Beautiful Day

I hope there aren't a limited number of perfect-weather days here in Cincinnati, because we've just used up another one! It can be a spiritual experience to sit in the sun and breathe in a beautiful day.

It's also a beautiful day for emotional and vocational reasons. Debbie and I sense a clear calling from God to join the ministry of Lifespring. The path by which we've arrived at this decision has certainly been a challenging one, but we are tremendously blessed to plug into this community and ministry.

Honestly, nine or ten months ago when we landed (painfully) in Cincinnati, I had my doubts about ever serving on staff at a conventional type of church again. And really, it's been unclear for much of that time whether my calling was something like that or just a "calling" that anyone else would have...to be a Christ-following ______________ and a Godly father & husband. As I've pursued that concept though, and chased God's plan for us...it has really become clear that we've been called to help others journey towards spiritual maturity in a setting like this.

The excitement is somewhat amplified by the opportunity to be part of something so new and fresh too. This gathering is not yet 2 years into their young ecclesial life and all the machinery and baggage of conventional church has yet to be added...which is of course how we'll plan to keep it! I really believe it's possible for a group of people to become the church rather than just going to church. It should be possible for a group of people to connect life and faith rather than disconnect or segregate the two. It will be pretty cool if we can embrace the Kingdom rather than create an institutional version of it.

Ahh...a fresh wind is blowing!