365 Days Ago

January 4, 2009 was my first service as Lead Pastor at Western Hills. As many of you know, I’m not really a sentimental type, unless the topic is Alabama football but I was reminded of something yesterday by some of our congregants. WH wanted to focus on three things in 2009 – prayer, stewardship, and leadership. They had made that decision before I ever got on the scene. Not a bad three things to focus on any year but for WH it was crucial.

I’m humbled by what God did through that focus in these last 365 days.

The ‘outer’ accomplishments/markers are fairly easy to list –

Adopted an elementary school, supplied volunteers and school supplies throughout the year,

Potawatomi Nation relationship blossomed with serving at Pow Wow and giving Christmas gifts to reservation.

We added Rick Stones and Darci Koci to the team and they’ve been awesome.

We’ve grown as a church this year – both numerically, financially, and spiritually. Saw $102,000 in debt retired.

Our vision was clarified and codified. After years of process the mantra of Love God, Live Connected, Serve All is not just the rally cry but our leadership structure was biblically redefined.

So many more ‘things’ that could be added to the list – ministry to the homeless, student ministry stories, Upward, Life Groups… all of which were foundations setting us up for an incredible 2010…an opportunity to see God unleashed like never before.

But for me what is most impressive and the most important to remember is how we made decisions this year. The common fabric in all of these decisions? They were made out of a seasons of prayer, after seeking God’s wisdom and voice.

What a great 365. Ready to start the next 365.