We heard about it Thursday. The announcement was made to the staff, but our lips were sealed. It was exciting beyond words to have been a part of that staff meeting. I sat there as Bob Russell addressed all of us. And this weekend...the rest of the congregation heard. Bob handed over the reigns to Dave Stone in services this weekend. In a sense he "passed the baton...or the tie" for that matter. Bob's official retirement won't happen until July of this year, but from here on out, Dave Stone is now the "prime" minister of SECC. It was a bitter sweet moment. I watched as Bob made his announcement in 3rd service and as he walked down the steps to his seat...it was sad. The man has been God's vessel in building this church for the last 40 years. His fingerprints are all over this place. He will be missed.
But oh the excitement I felt as I watched my friend Dave walk up to the pulpit and address the congregation. I've never before been so 100% behind a leader like this before. I've heard his vision for the future and I believe it is definitely God-ordained and that it will connect thousands more to Jesus Christ in the near future. Oooo...gives me goosebumps.
The basic idea to his vision is...
- Subtraction
- Addition
- Division
- Multiplication
Subtraction - 1. From our Membership Roll. Finding out whose really committed to Jesus and to evangelizing the community. 2. From our Programming. Getting away from the Smorgesboard approach and focusing more on certain areas.
Addition - 1. Using intentional language. Connecting People to Jesus and to One Another. 2. Having an Intentional Pathway. Teaching us the Value of Focus.
Division - 1. Dividing into Regions for Bible Study and Service. Connecting with people in your area through home Bible Study groups and service opportunities. Teaching us the value of connecting.
Multiplication - 1. Regional Small Groups. 2. Neighborhood Community Centers with numerous outreach programs. 3. Multi-site Worship Settings. A branch off of the main campus using live via satellite communications, so we could experience worship together and the multi-site centers could still feel connected to the body.
I was pumped about his vision. I know it will be supported. A few standing ovations are an indication of that. Pray for Dave, pray for the leadership, pray for the staff, pray for the congregation. This place is used to change, but this is the biggest change this place has ever seen. We are having to say goodbye to a living legend, but what we are about to experience is the 2nd Movement of His Orchestral Masterpiece....and it's just beginning. Maybe a change of tempo, maybe a change in key, but amazing nevertheless. Taking a moment to sit back and listen...
2 comments:
Stan and I watched a bit of the service Sunday--most of Bob's address and then Dave's vision. Exciting stuff! How awesome that you can be there to be a part of it!
Hi Sara. Just thought I'd say hi. It was nice seeing you a few weeks ago. Maybe we can see you again, in your spare time. :) Well, I'll talk to you later. Grace and Peace.
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