–>I've been in ministry for twelve years, and I promise you I haven't seen anything like it before.
Again on Wednesday, I got stopped by someone I had only met a couple days earlier and as he pulled me aside he said "So…can you sign me up for this Connexus thing? I want to be a part of it." Almost the exact same thing happened last week. Again last night, someone who rarely asks me about church struck up a conversation and began asking great questions that indicate he might be more than interested. All of these are people who are not part of a church or who have never gone to church. Unreal.
Usually I approach people and ask them questions that lead into church or God. But to have people I barely know stop me out of the blue and ask if it's possible for them to come to Connexus (or any other ministry) — that's new.
Think God might be up to something here?
What I sense underneath all this is a deep appetite among people in the community to experience God, and an openness to experiencing God in environments like the ones we are putting together at Connexus. Honestly, I have never seen people this willing to consider trying church…this willing to strike up conversations…this willing to engage God.
In our first elder's meeting at Connexus, one of our elders prayed that God would grant us favour as we invested in people over the next few months and invited them to the opening of Connexus, much like God granted people like Nehemiah favour with others. I have thought about that prayer and prayed it often over the last months.
Have you thought about praying that prayer? Have you started thinking about who is on your invite list?
I met one 20 something Connexus person yesterday who said she had five people coming with her to the opening. That is so cool.
What's your experience in this? Are you finding favour, curiosity and interest as you share what's happening with people? Anyone approaching you out of the blue?
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On another note, I am totally looking forward to our first Sunday gathering at 10:00 a.m. at the Galaxy in Barrie. If you plan on volunteering at any Connexus campus, this is your morning. Don't miss it! Be there by 9:45 a.m. and make sure you bring along everyone you know who want to volunteer and help us launch Connexus.
By the way, we have finally sorted out the final legal details of giving at Connexus (remember, we're a brand new charitable not-for-profit corporation), so we will be able to receive an offering Sunday. (I know many of you have been waiting for this, so thanks for your patience!) As usual, no pressure to give, but your generosity so far has been so appreciated.
Sunday morning I'll also have a pretty fantastic and I hope surprising announcement for everyone, a clear look at the month ahead, training for volunteers, infant care and the Bee Movie for UpStreet kids. Don't miss it. The event starts at 10 sharp! We'll wrap up by 11:30 (the Bee Movie is 90 minutes…)
Oh yeah…and continue to watch for opportunities to invest in people and invite them to the openings December 2nd and 9th. I really believe God has granted us a season of favour.
See you Sunday!
Carey Nieuwhof
Lead Pastor
[email protected]