derasha: introduction
This weekend, we release Derasha: This Thing Called Church Vol. 002. Next Wednesday we begin our Mid-Weeks again, spending four weeks exploring the Church. What follows is an excerpt of the introduction. If you would like more information on how to get a full copy of Derasha, please email me.
Introduction
The morning air was crisp and cool. Frost covered my lawn and my breath crystallized into a small cloud. I walked toward the garage, got into my car, started it up and backed out of the driveway. My kids were watching and waving to me from the front window as I pulled away from the house. After a quick stop at Starbucks I was on my way. It was the first day of my new job. Part of me was excited for what would be, and part of me was nervous about what could be.
Music played in the CD player, but I was not listening to whatever was playing. It was just noise to accompany my mind as it wandered into the future trying to see what was around the corner. Sunlight was streaming through my car’s windows with a golden, brown-sugar color. The landscape gave off an eerie glow as I drove past frost covered fields that reflected the sunlight. Most of the time was spent between praying, reflecting on my life over the last ten months, and thanking God for the opportunity he had given me. Then it happened.
The building where the people of Ridge Point Church meet came into view as I crested a hill heading west on I-196. Today was my first day as a pastor of that faith community. Though I had been there many times I was unsure where to go upon walking into the building.
My mentor, Ed, once told me that on his first day at the church where he and I served together, he went into the auditorium of his church and spent time praying. This seemed like a good idea. I walked into the auditorium and sat on the edge of the platform to pray for the people who would fill that room over the next years of my life. I asked that God would use me to lead others into a deeper relationship with his Son Jesus. I sat and prayed for the church called Ridge Point.
I am in love with this group of people, trying in the power of the Holy Spirit to change the world. I am crazy enough to believe we can. My hope as you read this book is that you would find the same love, joy, hope and vision that Jesus has for his group of followers. As we journey together may you fall in love with this thing called Church.