North Point Training- Part 1

July 25, 2009

One of the best things about our partnership with North Point Community Church is the incredible network of people we have available to learn from. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up the phone, sent an email, or sent a tweet to one of these guys. There are currently 15 Strategic Partner churches and 7 or 8 that will be starting soon. This past week I spent 8 days (I know that doesn’t make sense) in Alpharetta (and Chattanooga and Kennessaw) training with these guys. It was a blast.

During the week we visited 2 different partner churches, had conference calls with 2 different lead pastors, sat in training sessions with numerous other leaders, and had amazing discussion. The “unofficial” discussion went on literally till after midnight on some nights. Ok, so I was usually the first one down, but I stayed with it as long as I could. We talked about everything- the role of a lead pastor, creating environments, financials and admin, fundraising, time management, and proper techniques in whirlyball (the picture should say it all). My mind is full, but I’m headed back for another 8 days next week (I think the Beatles would understand that). This time several of our staff are going with me.

August 30th, the launch of our Sunday environments, is coming fast! For the first 18 months of this process I wondered if this day would ever come. Now I’m wondering how we’ll get it all done in time. Right now, I feel like a fighter jet approaching the speed of sound. I’ve heard there’s a buildup of energy that almost forms a wall as the sound barrier is approaching. The plane shakes and buffets until you finally break through. Then, the wall of energy moves behind you and everything smoothes out.

The wall is definitely building right now. I’m just praying that we make it to Aug 30th, everything comes together, and there’s a relatively smooth (or at least smoother) ride on the other side. How could it not be? We have an incredible group of partners, the best staff team I could imagine, the most amazing people serving on our teams, and the most opportunity to reach our friends who don’t regularly attend church ANYWHERE.  I’m excited about us doing this TOGETHER.

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