“what’s next?”

That is probably the most frequently asked question (along with “when are you going to start having weekend services?”) in my world today and I’ve answered it enough on a individual basis that I thought a blog post was due. So, as clearly and succinctly (ps…I think I fail at this!) as possible, I’ll try to answer this question:

1. First, we aren’t entirely sure….but….

2. We will be having a study/meal/hangout time at our home beginning on Sunday evening, April 18th. This will be a regular meeting that I will give weekly updates on here at this site. If you think that day|twelve church might be/could be/should be your church home when we “officially launch” then we’d strongly encourage you to make this a priority. We know not everyone that wants to be involved can make it all the time…that is okay, but right now we are forming the core of what we pray will be the beginning of a long-term ministry in Phoenix. Want more info? CONTACT US.

3. We are looking at having another formal gathering at the Phoenix Theater in May, potentially Mother’s Day weekend. We definitely see the value in having these formal gatherings as they give us a “rallying point” and allow us to come together on a larger scale to worship and build broader relationships. These gatherings also give us more exposure to the community at large. There are mixed opinions, however, on when to commit to having services weekly. Many times in an urban context like ours where we have sort “parachuted in,” meaning we don’t have a large group of people from an existing church that are in this community already, church planters are encouraged to be “on the ground” for a year before meeting regularly. That gives the planter time to settle into the community, meet people, build relationships, understand the culture and begin small groups so that a church service flows naturally from that. We sped that up quite a bit, meeting for the first time just 2 1/2 months after moving to Central Phoenix. There is no right or wrong “way,” but we don’t want to by-pass important steps in this process. I’ve talked to several planters who have done urban plants and almost to a man they’ve told me they would have waited a little longer before “going public.” We are seeking God in this process, seeking to follow His will and His timing.

4. I continue to meet with church planting organizations and local churches about supporting day|twelve, whether that be through accountability, leadership or financial assistance. This is a process that doesn’t happen overnight because many people are involved. But, I can say with complete confidence that I believe God is moving in these arenas and He is gathering the support we need. We’ve already seen individuals be so generous to us and allow us to do what we feel God is calling us to do. And, during this time of preparation, I’ve been fortunate to meet leaders of organizations who have expressed great interest in helping. I pray that by the end of April, our  partnerships will be solidified and finalized enough for us to begin to make some more long-term decisions.

I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it a 1000 more times, starting day|twelve will not come from beginning a weekly worship service, it will be a combination of us getting to know this city, serving the community and gathering together. So, in every way, we have definitely already “started.” I pray that we never lose sight of the fact that the church is about living out the Gospel in our own lives and letting that invade the lives of those around us.

Over lunch today I listened to a local pastor speak about the story of Joseph(found in Genesis 41).  He reminded us all to have “patience” and trust God’s timing. If God had given Joseph what he wanted, when he wanted it, Joseph may have been freed from prison two years early but he probably wouldn’t have been handed the keys to the Egyptian empire. I’d rather wait and receive God’s best than get what I want right now. Wouldn’t you?

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