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I took some time away this past week. That, plus a great team of leaders allowed me to "soak in" our Gathering time a little more yesterday. As I continue to reflect on all that, one theme that popped out was this journey towards becoming mature disciples on our way to the City..

Celebrating the beginning of Parker's journey 

I was pumped to hear that we were going to be able to celebrate Parker's decision to be baptized with he and his family! I loved seeing the guys in his small group stream in and watch as Seth & Krysta led him through that. I've witnessed Parker being a steady leader to many and I can't wait to see how the Lord continues to use him!

Senior Milestones as markers instead of destinations

A few steps ahead on the journey were the graduating seniors we recognized: Mark, Clayton, Jincey, Becca, Jordan, Molli, and Emma! It's always exciting to hear where and how God is sending people next! I also really appreciated both Kenny and Melissa talking about how this milestone was just a marker on their journey - not the destination! And seniors, I'm with Melissa: We're sending you to be missionaries wherever you're going! GO BE THE CHURCH!

A Picture of a Disciple

I took 2.5 pages of notes in my journal from Kenny's message yesterday as he cast vision being disciples who join Jesus in going out to make disciples in this next season of ministry God has given us here at Christ Community. It was one line in particular where he quickly rattled off a picture of the kind of disciple we are trying to make here at Christ Community. The kind of disciples we hope to make have...

HEADS that know God deeply,

HANDS that are calloused from serving, and

HEARTS that are broken by what breaks God's heart.

Keep leading us towards this, Kenny!

Finding that "Golden Tempo"

The Kentucky Derby is always exciting in Kentucky, but this year's race was more exciting than any I can remember! Golden Tempo went from worst to first and got so wide coming around the last turn that he was closer to the outside rail than the inside one - WOW! It was interesting to me in one of the post-race interviews with his trainer that she mentioned not being worried about all the horses in front of him, but rather whether or not his times were on the right pace.

The Lord's used this is a soft reminder to me that the "Golden Tempo" is always the one where we keep in step with the Spirit, not what everyone else says is the most effective or advantageous. My heart needed this reminder as a leader more than I realized. Our journey to the city that is to come, Christ Community, must be walked with that Spirit-led "golden" tempo.

All of this talk about the journey, but if the bridge is out...

News hit the media this week that the bridge just around the corner on Main Street is going to be replaced and will close down the road for several months beginning sometime this summer. Many of us will have to change some of our driving patterns, and we're already frowning at the thought of having to find a way around.

Spiritually speaking, God wants to use us to be a bridge for the gospel to crossover into the lives of our neighbors and to the nations. Let's not neglect our responsibility in that this week and be a bridge that's out. Let's make the way to Jesus clear so that people can begin the lifelong journey towards the City he's preparing for his people.