Exciting Things In Columbus!

Many people may not know there are 5 different Grace Brethren church starts taking seed right now in the greater Columbus area. I've enjoyed building relationships with each of these men, have learned from their efforts, and admire them as leaders willing to take risks for the expansion of God's Kingdom.

Last Thursday, we gathered with about 25 other Grace Brethren pastors from central Ohio and had the opportunity to give updates on the happenings in each of our church starts. It was good to hear all that God is doing in developing teams, creative ministry ideas, and strategic plans.

I was excited to share about ClearView. I talked specifically with the men about the special people God is bringing to our team and how God has worked through some of our recent challenges (especially Trish's thyroid cancer) to lead us to push back the date of our Grand Opening Celebration (sometime Fall of 2009). If you're interested in reading more, see the text of my remarks here.

I was also thrilled to hear of what God is doing through my comrades in other parts of greater Columbus. Sean Spoelstra shared about the extraordinary things God is doing in Encounter Church, starting in the Jerome Township/Dublin area. God has blessed them with over 25 family units on their launch team and they are holding preview gatherings leading up to a Grand Opening month in April.

God is also working in the heart of Columbus through the conception of Capital City Grace Church. Pastors Larry Totske and Eric Miller are forming a launch team and planning for a Spring launch. Be sure to check out their blog and a Columbus Dispatch article about the Totskes' efforts to meet people through bowling. Good stuff.

My friend Sean Kaeser is working out in Plain City. Shawn and his wife Tracie are working on starting Darby Grace from scratch. God is blessing and over 40 people are attending worship gatherings weekly.

Last but not least- Doug Shotsky and Tony Webb are working together on a unique and effective approach to church starting in the Mt. Sterling area. Doug is a Gatherer- he works at making connections in the community and telling people about the new Sterling Grace. Doug shared that they are anticipating a special weekend where they will host a special dinner for couples and watch the Fireproof movie together. 24 couples have already registered!

As you read...please pray for my brothers and their special work. What they are doing is not easy, is driven my mission, and has potential to change the world. If you know anyone looking for a church in any of these communities...please refer them to these new churches.