N*Rich 09

October 22, 2009

Well, I just got home from a trip to Atlanta for N*Rich 09. N*Rich is an annual gathering of the staff’s of all of North Point’s Strategic Partner churches. I think there were around 140 people there from about 20 or so different churches. Since we’re a new partner (we launched our Sunday environments on Aug 30th, 09), this was my first N*Rich to attend. Here are a few things I took away from the event. This is not at all an exhaustive list. Just a few random thoughts.

1- I’m blessed. I really mean I’M BLESSED! And, if you’re a part of Beachside Community Church or another of NP’s partner churches you are also VERY blessed. I spend time almost weekly talking with friends in various churches who are frustrated beyond imagination. I’ve been there. It’s painful. But I’m not there now. I’m a part of a movement that is taking place across the nation. I get to be a part of something incredible that the Lord is doing. Wow!

2- North Point and it’s partners aren’t a perfect group of churches- and that’s a good thing. As a matter of fact, there’s not a single perfect church in the partnership, including North Point. That may be an obvious statement, but I think this self-awareness is what drives this group to continue to seek answers, learn from others, and ask the hard questions.

3- Planting a church is hard work, but it’s so worth it! N*Rich had some great moments: Discussion time with Andy Stanley,  leadership lessons from Jeff Henderson, spiritual growth talks with Bill Willits, worshiping with Todd Fields and Eddie Kirkland, (and I could go on) were all worth the 6 hour drive. However, the highlight was hearing the stories of life change from our partner churches all over the U.S. It was an incredible reminder of why we do what we do- and that what we are doing works.

4- We’re better when we work together. I can’t explain how much I learned just talking with people from other partner churches in the hotel lobby or while standing in line to get lunch. These are the same guys I call, email, text, and tweet frequently. What would it cost to hire a consultant with their combined knowledge, experience, and resources? I’m not sure, but I know I couldn’t afford it.

5- The Emerald Coast needs a church like Beachside. I don’t mean that arrogantly. Like I said, I’m just excited and grateful to be a part of it. What I do mean is this- there are tens of thousands of people among us who don’t know Jesus Christ. This is our opportunity to create engaging and relevant environments, invite them to attend,  and pray like crazy (literally) that God intervenes and reveals Himself to them.

We have an amazing opportunity. For all of you who have joined in this mission with us by giving sacrificially and serving faithfully- Thank you. You’re a part of something that is so much bigger than you realize. I can’t wait to watch it all unfold.

Shaun

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