Sunday Rumination (1-20-08)

I need to quit saying I'm blown away, but I'M BLOWN AWAY! I was afraid we were going to run out of seats today. I LOVE Element Church. It scares me to death, the thought of leading these people but I'm doing my best to hang on as Jesus leads the way. I couldn't believe how many people were coming in to the service.

--- Eight people responded to the altar call today. To receive Christ or re-establish that relationship with him. All responded in the first service. I then received this email when I got home. "Pastor Jeff well it has been a few weeks since I have been to the church and I have to say every time I go there are more convictions that are plummeted my way......your comment of seven people going forward to the altar and yet no one moved at the next service, ummmm I was in need to move forward. My body was so hot and jittery inside yet my feet were like cold concrete, something that I struggle with bad. A voice that is so tender saying go (name), be free, and on the other side a voice that says look at who you pretend to be you should be ashamed....The struggle within me of knowing what is the true meaning of living, and the other saying, but its fine as you are. I not only apologized to Jesus but to you for not making the move and also to me ...."

--- 302 in church today. Absolutely amazed! My dad asked me today "Did you ever imagine you'd have 300 people in church?" To be honest, I didn't see it happening so quickly, if ever. If someone were to ask how we did it, I'd first say "WE didn't do anything!" God is doing it, we are simply and literally just doing our best to listen to HIM and do what HE says. If I were doing this, not sure anyone would come. I am SO humbled to lead this church. I can't imagine why God chose me. I know I say that a lot but I mean it a lot. ABSOLUTELY HUMBLED!

--- Our preliminary offering #'s look like they are going to be amazing. It looks like people are taking the tithe challenge seriously. My prayer is that God would BLESS THE SOCKS OFF those of you who committed to start giving. We have the capacity of doing some MAJOR things in our city if we give! Can't wait to see what God is going to do.

--- The band, AGAIN, rocked! Nothing throwing in a little Collective Soul "Shine" to kick off the service, and then a GREAT worship set again. Band is killing it lately. I so appreciate YOUR worship leader, Adam. He came to me this week, knowing that God had thrown the curve ball into my message to offer an invitation to receive Christ. In order to leave enough time for the end of the service, Adam came to me and suggested we take a song out. I know Adam has a desired set he likes to get in so as to facilitate a good worship time so I really appreciated the change to accommodate the changes in the message.

--- I hope all you Elementers know how privileged you are to have Adam as your worship leader. I don't know many other people that have as much a passion for worship, OR put as much time and energy into creating a worship time that people can engage with. YOU DA MAN ADAM! (now give me the money you promised if I'd say that) JK bro!

--- Set up went a TON better today! Looks like we're going to have to buy a new soundboard. The one we have keeps cutting out on the right side. I think it's an internal issue. We've trying different cables and different connectors.

--- Someone gave us the name of a custodian today that is willing to work Sundays if we can get in the High School. I need to give them a call. Folks, I am urging you to PRAY LIKE CRAZY this week for the East High School authorities, the Laramie County School District authorities, and for this custodian that IF God wants us in the high school to meet that everything would fall into place. We were packed to the gills today! I LOVE IT! But I don't want it to stop. In order for us to keep growing we are going to need to #1 Come up with an INCREDIBLY creative way to make more space in the theater or #2 Get into another building. We LOVE East High Schools fine arts center. That is our preference. We will obey and follow God though.

--- 302! I really battled going to 2 services too. Guess God knew what He was doing.

--- 302! What is next? It's hard for me to fathom what could be next. The sky is the limit if we'll just follow God.

--- 302! Means NOTHING if we don't connect people with LIFE IN CHRIST!

--- Two things I am totally pumped about. #1 The close to our Deal or No Deal Series. We are closing the service next week in a way you won't want to miss! It's going to be fun! #2 Satan's Sex Ed series. I have been working in advance on some sermons. I am TOTALLY stoked for this series. I think it is TIMELY and will strike a chord with many people. Can't wait to expose some lies and tactics of our enemy.

--- Nap time! If there is more to add I'll add it later! I love you guys and love serving Element Church!

Following Christ,

Jeff