Saturday, June 04, 2005

Hey Baby let's go to Vegas!

Just returned from Vegas this week after moving the middle son out there for his job. By the way, it's a long way to drive. Everything went fine. The truck caused no problems and I kept the wheels between the white lines on the road (1,279 miles). When we got there, it was 102 degrees but we wanted to get the truck unloaded so we sweat it out. But don't forget - it's a DRY heat. Began to help get things put away, went to the local target and bought some household items and then went to the grocery store and got the necessary goods to get started. (A little more selection than Mel's). Yes, we did end up going down to the strip. Don't tell me people don't have money. It was being spent like it grew on trees. Restaraunts, shows, casinos, hotels - you name it. And people from every nation under the sun. Wall to wall people, young and old, male and female. I remembered why I likes the slower pace of the small town. HOWEVER, what a huge opportunity for outreach, for a church plant, for being creative in ministry. Even out where Eric lived, it seemed that the potential was endless. It's intriguing to me to think about because new ideas and change are hard to come by in established communities, established churches. We can get in ruts because of the way we've always done things and because of that we lose our fire, our desire think anew, to think of ways we can offer the gospel in fresh and exciting ways. This summer I'd like you to help me think of ways we can not change the message, but the possibility of changing the way we "do church" so we can be more effective. I'm open to any and all ideas. If it takes a trip to Vegas to get us to think differently, maybe we can go on a road trip - you up to it? Give me your thoughts.

3 comments:

T. J. said...

I'll go to Vegas to help you think of new ideas for church. Interesting you are thinking about new ways to present the Gospel. You know much about the Emerging church movement? Perhaps take some ideas from that. Just a thought.

Anonymous said...

O.K.......let us hear more about the Emerging church movement.
Mainline churches are stagnating and we need help. Many of us want to see change but don't know where to start. We have started with an intense prayer ministry and believe this is the beginning of change in our church. Much excitement for that from people we have not gotten excited about other gimmicks.

Anonymous said...

I don't believe churches are stagnating...I believe,,,right now..because of President Bush,,,we have unknown boundaries opened to us...let's go out and let everyone know about Jesus....to heck with the people whose toes we step upon....they have done it to us long enough...Have a great day