Launch Day Musings

The Pursuit Christian Church finally launched today!   

How was it, you may ask? It was just awesome! 

We have had three preview services before, for which I am very grateful cause we got the opportunity to study the system and understand the set up. However, I am glad we are officially open. Here's a confession: I love seeing a full room of people worshiping (or learning how to worship) Jesus! I am not ashamed of the fact that I love big groups of people united for the cause of Christ. Plus, I know first-hand that many of the ones present are in the beginning stages of their journey with Christ, and others were more seasoned Christ-followers. I love that spiritual diversity! We had a total of 139 people, including helpers, volunteers, well-wishers, first time guests, and members of The Pursuit. That exceeds my expectations by a mile!

The day began really early. I set my alarm at 5:45am, but I woke up even earlier than that cause I was so excited. After getting ready, we took the trailer to the ballroom, and unloaded everything in five minutes with the help of about 50 people who came all the way from Indiana to help out. Then, we set up everything, practiced, and stopped at 10am for about thirty minutes. During that time, I just kept thinking about how long we have been waiting for this day. And then, after the countdown stopped, we kicked off with the song "Heaven," followed by "All because of Jesus." The band did awesome! I chose those songs to open because the first one poses the problem of slavery v. freedom, and the second one poses the answer: JESUS. That is what The Pursuit is all about.

As I looked into the crowd I realized how cool it was that we were all there to seek Him together. Matt did a great job preaching, and it was great to see the reactions of people during that time. They laughed, cried, and I know they felt challenged by God's Word. Bob did an awesome job presenting the time of the Lord's Supper and the Offering. I felt so comfortable working with those guys. Janie did an amazing job with the banners and printed material; Erin and Linda did super with the kids area; and, everyone else did great in their roles! What a great team! It rocks being a part of the local church!

I am exhausted and excited at the same time. God was present in that celebration service today. I felt a peace that was hard to describe. He was all over us. Now, I can't wait to see more people come to Christ in South Florida!

Thanks to all of you who prayed for us and sent us messages of encouragement throughout the weekend. Thanks to all of you who support us in so many ways. Thanks to all of you who helped and worked so hard for this church to be birthed (including those of you who came from far away for this). Thanks to the wonderful members and volunteers of The Pursuit. You guys rock!

Thank You, God, for allowing us to serve you. May Your Name be glorifed!

Comments

[Lisa]

So glad to hear that the launch went so well. I knew that it would! We'll keep up the prayers for you up here in "cold" Indiana.
Love, Lisa

[Ali Smoot]

All i can see is your HUGE smile as i read this! God gave you so much creativity--Well said, wordmeister
God is faithful and He never gives up on anyone, people came to realize that personally--in a real way on Sunday. So, we will be on our knees asking God to deliver His Promise that if we seek Him, He will be found. May He use the Pursuit to help new & used :) Christians find Him & become more like Him. All of your passion & hard work is already bearing much fruit. May God be pleased & bless the work of your hands! We love you and love watching God work through you & leading us to Him in worship.

[yolanda]

amores gracias por describir tan acusiosamente cada detalle, y efectivamente me siento como viviendo toda la experiencia de Cristo con ustedes, es maravilloso. mil bendiciones y gracias. los quiero mucho