Well, Carlton and I are waiting for our flight out of Chicago Ohare - only 1 hour behind right now so I guess that's good (but we're not on the plane yet!) While waiting I thought I'd REVEAL, what was revealed at the planning session we attended at Willow Creek Community Church. They've discovered what we already knew...YOU ARE A GREAT CHURCH! But we also met pastors and leaders from 14 other great churches too. The neat thing we've discovered is that regardless of what size, ethnicity, whether rural or suburban or inner city, we all had some things in common. It didn't matter what the core programs were or the classes offered or denomination or lack thereof, there were 4 things that united us all and these were so powerful once we realized that they were the glue that held together and built these top 5% of the 500 churches who've taken the survey so far. Here are those 4 common elements:
- A clear pathway. In other words, there are clear expectations of growth and a path for movement, i.e. CLASS 101-401 at TVCC
- Strong emphasis on the Bible as THE TRUTH that is taught consistently in a way that helps people learn to study and apply it's truths to everyday life.
- Serving Community, not just serving the church. Getting outside the walls and into the lives of others, i.e. Second Saturday, Food Drive, Backpack Drive, etc.
- Strong Feeling of Ownership by the church family. We're thankful for what God is doing here and we are of 'one accord' and in the 'unity of the Spirit' as we love God, serve Him together, and love one another.
We will be sharing more of the findings with you in the days to come, but suffice it to say, there's lots to learn and we are forever learning and growing as a family who is "Leading people in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ!"
Well, gotta run...they changed our gate from F4 to F7, hopefully in 35 minutes!
Later,
Steve & Carlton
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