what's next!

well, i decided it's time to blog again. i took several months off, even from reading other blogs, and now i'm ready. i guess i should start off with what the last few months have been for me. life-changing. i have been a believer for all of my life, served in ministry to some capacity for most of my life, but the last few months my faith has felt brand new.

it could be because God has brought healing in some areas or that i have chosen to nail my flesh to the wall (thanks to rita springer for that phrase). it could be because God has opened the doors for my worship ministry, started giving me songs, or has helped me overcome a few of my fears. or it could be because my husband and i are planting a church in raleigh with some of the most amazing people on earth!

i remember a couple years ago, crying to curtis (my soon-to-be pastor, who was then my worship pastor). here i was, called to lead worship, but at that point God had burdened me greatly for the community, outreach, and missions. at that time, i was not really released to serve in either area and was crushed. i also didn't know what to do. i wanted to serve with excellence in something particular...didn't want to be mediocre at many things. and as i was walking away, still sobbing, curtis said in his always encouraging tone, "maybe one day, God will make it so that you can do both."

i probably rolled my eyes or gave a sigh of disbelief...but here i am today....God has made it so i can do both! as most of you know, curtis and rachel have been called to pastor a church with our other friends cj and holly. and brian and i have been asked to join the team. i will serve as the worship and missions pastor (all our roles blend, but that's the best "label" i can currently give), and brian will oversee the finances, be the treasurer i guess! brian and i are just thrilled to be part of the planting process and serving together. and i'm just honored that God has made it so i can do both things i love so much. because you know what? i really don't deserve it. i'm still just floored....

so there you have it...it's what's next for our family! as you can imagine the planting process requires so much faith that God will provide the people and resources necessary. but i have such a peace about it all :) so if you think about it, would you pray for us?

* pray for our family as i transition into working again. i have not "worked" in 6 years (although i have volunteered enough to consider it a job! haha). all the kids will be in school this fall, and since i will not be getting paid with a church plant right way, pray God provides for us to do this. i know He will!

* pray for raleigh and that we will get to know it well. i'm well-connected in durham with organizations and all that, and now i am jumping over to raleigh.

* please pray for our church plant, Ekklesia- Church @ Raleigh. pray for our launch team, our staff, our families, and all the future people who will be part of our community. my next couple posts i will share more about our church and the vision/mission. pray for resources and His direction through it all!

ok, that's all for now.....