Friends -
Last Sunday, I and the leadership team of NBC made a proposal to the church that we have been wrestling with for some time.
Months ago, I began to get a sense of God's leading for our church, and...frankly...it was a direction that I did not want to consider. After a good deal of time and prayer, I finally decided to follow God's promptings and begin having conversations with our leadership...conversations that I knew would be difficult. What I discovered was that God was moving others in our church in the same direction as He was me.
That brings us to Sunday.
Our leadership team shared with the church that we feel God has built New Beginnings Church from the very beginning to have a finite lifespan, and that lifespan is coming to a close. We believe that God put us together in this season of life and at this period of time to be part of accomplishing specific works, and that the season is coming to an end.
We have proposed that New Beginnings Church continue through the end of 2010, then close its doors on 12/31/10.
This is not easy to process and will come as a shock to some of you. As I said...I spent MONTHS wrestling with God about this...asking questions like "why?" and "are you sure?" and "what if...?" I didn't expect that anyone else would take the initial news any better than I did.
God has been working on me and in me now for months, and I can say with absolute certainty that I'm convinced this is God's direction and His plan. I've been meeting with folks from our church family all week, and will continue to do so for weeks to come, and through these open, honest, beautiful conversations, God has been speaking to me loud and clear with a voice that I can only imagine sounds something like "I created New Beginnings Church for THESE tasks and to care for THESE people. Mission accomplished. Well done, good and faithful servant."
Knowing that God is part of this movement and plan, I also know that God is preparing His people for our next seasons of life and ministry, and He has something wonderful in mind for each and every one of the folks at New Beginnings. I know that He's working in my life and preparing the way for what's to come next.
Regarding the proposal...
- As I've said, the proposal to close as of 12/31/10 was presented on 8/15/10.
- I am having one-on-one meetings with everyone connected to the church, both members and attenders, over these next several weeks. Our leadership team is available collectively and individually to everyone.
- On Sunday, 8/29/10, after worship service, we will have an open discussion for everyone that wants to participate. All questions and thoughts are welcome and encouraged. Everyone is welcome.
- On Sunday, 9/12/10, after worship service, we will have a short business meeting to vote on this proposal. Only members are able to vote. This will be conducted by ballot, and majority determines outcome.
I'm sorry that this post cannot convey all the thoughts, prayers, emotions, and data that are part of this proposal. If you have questions, please contact me.
On Sunday, before making this proposal, I led our folks in a time of remembering and celebrating the GOOD STUFF that God has done in, with, and through New Beginnings Church. In only moments, we'd filled a white board with things that included ministries and dates and the names of people that had been touched by God through the ministry of NBC...all GOOD THINGS that God has given us to be part of. These are to be celebrated!! We can give thanks to God for what He HAS given us, and not be resentful of what we think He SHOULD HAVE given us, such as a longer life span. God is good and faithful to provide, and His plan is PERFECT.
Thank you all for your prayers...your love...your support.
I'll keep you updated throughout this process, and inform you of the decision on 9/12/10.
I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in this final season as we commit ourselves to worshiping God and serving our neighbor through the very last moments of New Beginnings Church!
Blessings,
Pastor Kevin
