GlocalNet

Nikki and I were just talking - this has had to be one of the most incredible weeks of our entire life.  It’s been wild though.  I feel like a little kid with 10 crayolas and blank sheet of paper and it’s scribbling everywhere all over the place.  One moment a conversation with a Communist, another moment a Muslim, another moment a Baptist, another moment a Universalist.  Jumping into different worlds as well from that of a church member to that of royalty, to that of a diplomat, to young Arab college students, to church planters.  The platforms are many from leading the sessions, to interviewing, to speaking to hosting receptions moving from diplomacy to donors for a major University - WOW.  Am I ready for it to be over? . . . . Perhaps in not so concentrated a form, but man am I excited.  What excites me?

First, the NorthWood Staff - I’ve NEVER seen any staff work as hard or be as involved and as excited as the Staff of NorthWood Church.  Everyone of them has been here working, sweating, corraling, doing whatever has needed to be done and it’s be top shelf.  Paul Schneider right there by my side the whole time working hard non-stop.  From Brent Minter’s worship leading, to Jordan Fowler’s production of each session, Becky & Donna have blown away the food in the Green room and made it “Kosher” for everyone, Matt Wellborn has done great bringing people in and out, Matt Robertson has really been driving our work of mentoring and training churches to do this kind of stuff, Mark Kimmel has kept the facilities going and everything working smoothly, Chris John’s & Heath have done awesome in the sound end of things, the youth staff Brandon has led (Susan, Jill, Daniel) have done awesome, Omar has smiled real good and been a good host - the admins starting with Carla, Cathy and Alecia taking care of the bookstore, Suzanne and Martha handling the Registration - I could go on and on and on.

Next, the NorthWood family - I don’t know how many people came up to me and said, “This really is a different kind of church - what’s the deal?”  I watched teenagers, young singles, young families, and seniors alike all interact, engage, greet, learn, share, listen, laugh - For all the challenges of being in a global world and trying to get people to live outside themselves and engage the city and the world - it’s worth it.  Very few pastors, get to lead a church like NorthWood.  It’s incredible, not just to be a risk taker, but to have a church full of risk takers that willing to push the edges of the envelope.

Third, I’m not shocked, but excited at how well opposites can get along when they treat each other with respect.  Watching NorthWood members, other pastors and Christians talking with all the different people of different religions, and worldviews and nationalities was really incredible.  There are some new friendships that are being forged.  This is how the world changes.

Fourth, we cannot, must not, be driven by fear - this is a time for courage, engagement, and reaching out.  If you don’t reach out when things are tough - you’ll never reach out when they are easy.  There is never a “safe” time to love.  I loved what Eboo Patel said last night - because you are Christian - you reach out and you defend others - ......

Lots more coming - but later ......