Northside is an awesome church

I was talking with Erica this evening after my Session meeting and I feel so blessed to be Northside's pastor! Taking feedback from the congregation, leaders, and elders in the congregation, I crafted three goals for our 2011 year.

1. Discover and celebrate what makes Northside unique as a church. Advertize that and let people know why our church is so great!
2. Have exciting, strong, applicable worship that is light, fun, joyful, appeals to a broad selection of people, and embraces the best of traditional and modern music.
3. Intentional discipleship focused on relationships between old and new members, small groups, accountability, and commitment.

 When I asked the elders what they thought, I received universal support.  One woman said, "It's so nice to have a direction like this.  We've never had that before.  It's good to know where we're going."  Hearing this I felt the mixed emotions of sadness and pride.  Sadness because this church is so awesome, they deserve to have visionary leadership like this; and pride, because I know God has called me here for this very reason.

How blessed am I to be leading a group of faithful Christians who are looking forward to a growing and productive ministry together!  Northside deserves the very best -- because they're neat, faithful people.  Our Lord deserves the very best -- because, well, he's God.  And that's what I'm giving:  100% of my best.  Why?  Because I love Jesus, and I love Jesus' church, and I love Jesus' people in North Chattanooga.

Am I rambling?  Probably.  Am I gushing in a totally un-manly way?  Most likely.   Do I mean it?  Absolutley!