Looking ahead to 2008
A phrase we use around the office is “Saturday is only 6 days away.” Meaning, another church service is always just around the corner. I’d love to say that we work months ahead, but we don’t. Much of what we do is week to week, so it’s not easy to pause and look back. But the staff had a well deserved break between Christmas and New Years, so during my time off I had a chance to do a little reflecting. Below are a few thoughts about 2007.
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A year ago a third campus was only a thought, but here we are with Spring Lake Park. And this Christmas the people there got to experience what many of us have, and that’s being part of a service where many say “Yes” to Christ for the very first time. A few long time attenders there were moved to tears knowing the church they love had returned to its original God given mission.
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God has assembled the greatest staff and volunteers of any church that has ever existed (possible exageration, but not really). For example, I shake my head in amazement at the ability of our leaders in the kids areas. They are pros at what they do every weekend. They continue to put on relevant, compelling, and fun programs that kids will pull parents out of bed on a Sunday morning to go to. And when it comes to volunteers, all I have to say is 18 services. 18 services this Christmans between the three campuses! There’s no way that happens without an army of volunteers willing to do what needs to be done, SO THAT people can be reached for Christ! Thank you volunteers!
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Finally, I have to ask the question, “What will 2008 bring?” The only thing I know for sure is God can be unpredictable, but He’s always in control. He can give, but He can also take away. My prayer for 2008 will stay the same as it was for 2007. “God, please don’t let us get in the way of what you’re doing here at Eagle Brook. Lives are changing, people are growing in their faith, and thousands are being reached with the Good News, and all the credit and glory goes to You. Thank you for allowing us to play a part in what you’re doing here.”
Jason,
I am so thankful for Club K Rock and the Kid-O-Deo and all the volunteers that make it happen.
I have taken many lumps from religion and although I believed in Jesus as my Savior, I was probably the most sarcastic person out there when it came to going to church. Until Eagle Brook I was only attending (and only just enough) to get the tuision discount for my boys to attend private school. I hated going to church.
When we moved to White Bear Lake a little over a year ago I expected it to be more of the same. My wife was told about Eaglebrook and she begged me to give this one a try. Since neither of us had ever been there I found it easy to avoid.
Finally I decided to try it so my wife would quit bugging me.
I figured what’s the difference if I am bored and scorned at one church or another.
I was really suprised at the service, but the biggest surprise came the next Sunday when I tried to stay in bed and avoid the “church” subject. Instead of my wife prodding me to go all of my boys were there begging me to take them to church. This was amazing. I figured if my boys wanted to go to church so badly I needed to check things out and see why.
Needless to say things have progressed….I look forward to the service as much as anyone in my family. With my wife at the helm (I am sure God has been there too)….three of us have begun to volunteer, my wife and I were baptised (another tough obstical) and we became members…..we are constantly be moved in directions I can’t believe. We are actually in a small group now…..and what’s amazing is I enjoy and look forward to it all.
And my main point from all this babbling on and on is:
If it were not for the wonderful volunteers and leaders in the children’s programs I don’t think I would be here.
Jason, I would also like to ask you a favor…..can you help Pastor Don at the WBL campus with his blog…..I’ve tried to resond to him but it never takes….I think he is missing a link or something.
May God Bless ALL the volunteers in this new year as they are His wonderful tools for reaching people.
Thank you everyone in the kids programs!!!!!!
Azul,
Thanks for the note, and I’ll be sure to pass it on to the staff and volunteers in our kids area.
As for Don, I’m not sure if he’s missing a link or if he IS the missing link.
Jason:
I felt the same way as azul in the past. I was forced to attend a church in Forest Lake. I would leave (to walk) to church and return about 1 1/2 hours later never attending. I was then removed from the confermation classes after so many misses. I wish there was programming like EBC back then. I would dread going to church but felt I needed to go to stay connected (so I thought) to GOD. I said the “yes” prayer with BOB on Christmas and received my bible and a prayer. My wife, and mother-i-law also took this step. I am attending the new volenteer orientation on the 12th and am excited about it. I look forward to every message and every weekend. I was siiting in my chair just before sending this message thinking that I only have 3 more days until Sat’s service. I have began reading passages from the bible, and praying with my 2 year old son before bed. I guess I amjust writing this to say thanks to all of the individuals that have been put into my life to help me live a more god like life. I have to say one more thing. Jason Strand hit me hard with the message this week. I had a bad night the night before and said some harsh words to my wife and her sister. While listening to the message I broke down and thought that maybe I was the one who had the issues I was talking about the previous night. Well I guess I should leave room for other people.
Thanks,
Looking ahead in 2008……
When can we expect a “Little Buddy Blog”?
Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it?
Hi Jason,
Hey I’ve attended services the last few years and know God’s doing a great work there and you and Bob and everybody have blessed thousands and me, personally. Thanks.
Just one thought:
I don’t think the statement “God has assembled the greatest staff of any church that has ever existed” is a very humble approach.
I know what you’re saying.. but I think we as the body of Christ need to clothe ourselves in humility instead of actions or statements that seem prideful.
Thanks.