Walker - Thanks

Thanks for putting some thought to it! Great start to the discussion. I will email your blog to Michelle as I am not sure she is able to access this. I am still looking forward to seeing her draft of our mission statement, and I think it is a great opportunity for collaboration. Can everyone to have a stab?

I wanted to add one thought. We do want to "empower" Nat in conducting the Sunday morning service, but I think there is an irony here. I think the best way to empower Nat is to help him empower the body.

There is a history and context that has led to leadership responsibilities being very concentrated at the CHBC. Another discussion....I think that our number one task is helping Nat and the worship leadership in general to find ways to allow all those anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit to be "unleashed". I think this means really rethinking Nat's role, so in addition to being a very active and skilled "conductor" of the morning service he also becomes an even better administrator and facilitator of others. Through sharing responsibilities, targetting those with gifts that Nat does not have, the "worship leadership", represented by a larger body, can be more effective and comprehensive.

I had a very moving conversation with a pastor of a new church that is starting up. He stated his "mission" very simply with tears in his eyes, (I believe an overflowing of the Love of Christ), "I just want to pour myself into this body".

What would pouring ourselves into the body look like? That's what we are trying to figure out. But for me I think it will be happening when there are even more people leading, planning services, a wider variety of people doing solos, "videos", dancing, praying,administering, whatever.

Couple visuals:

I do not see us just circling Nat,(although that will happen at times)... I see Nat strengthening the circle with our help, surrounding the body.

I also get the picture of a barn dance, with everyone yehawing, not a few folks on stage and everyone looking at them. I know somewhat naive and idealistic, but something to shoot for.

Little bit stream of conscience...sorry.

God is Amazing.

Love you all.