Monroe Campus - Some Thoughts

It's been one year since Pastor Rob twisted my arm and made me take on the campus pastor job in Monroe. And I haven't regretted it for one minute! I have to say I wasn't to sure about this whole campus pastor thing. I can also say we still have a lot of figuring out to do. We are exploring new territory. And we are seeing God use the people at Southbrook in amazing ways.

I meet once a month with our ministry team leaders. We don't have any paid staff at the Monroe campus yet (besides me). But we have some super-committed volunteers, and as far as I am concerned, they are staff. At our last staff meeting, about a month ago, we were debriefing a joint baptism service we had attended with Weddington. Everyone of these staff volunteers came from Weddington originally. I was pumped when I heard some of their comments! "Monroe is becoming it's own church." "We didn't really know anyone at the Weddington campus." "Weddington didn't feel like our church home anymore." Understand this - none of these comments were meant to be derogatory, they simply drove home the fact that these volunteers believe in and love what we are doing in Monroe. Southbrook Monroe is developing its own personality. It's awesome to watch.

I look forward with anticipation to the next thing God does with us.

Children's Wing Update

As you know we are in the process of up fitting the Children's Wing. We joined together over the summer months to raise the funds to complete the construction. Many of you gave faithfully and sacrificially. We did a three month giving campaign, which technically ended in August. But the need for funds was still there, and many of you have continued to give. We are about $2000 short of our projected need. Praise God! Thank you for your generous gifts!

Dane Kovach has been leading the effort to complete this task. The Lord has provided us with a plumber and an electrician who are offering their services and expertise for free. We also have a great group of volunteers who have been giving their time and talent to help us get the job done. Our goal is to be in the building before Christmas. And what a relief that will be for Children's Ministry! The kids have been meeting in a small room since January.

Thank you for giving faithfully to this project. If you would like to make a donation, be sure and include a note, or write on the check, "Monroe Children's Wing."

Dane told me we had the electrical and plumbing rough inspections today. Yipee! That means we can complete the drywall and get ready to paint the walls. In fact - if you want to help hang some drywall, come on out this Saturday at 8:30am. No experience necessary, we just need your help!

The HVAC crew is busy getting the heating and air conditioning ready. Things are really starting to fall into place. Here are a few pictures so you can get an idea of what is happening.

But You're So Busy...

"But you're so busy..." That's what I often hear from people. "I wanted to email you, or talk to you, but I know how busy you are, so I decided not to bother you."

I've heard this one enough that I thought it would be good to set the record straight. Yes, I am busy. But that is not the point. We are all busy. Here's my take - you are my job. You are my responsibility. When God called me into the ministry, He called me to care for people. I can't care for people if I am not in relationship with people. Jesus was busy. So busy that the disciples forbade the little children from coming to see Him. But what did Jesus do? He said "Let them come! I always have time for these." Now I'm not saying you are little children...my point is this: it doesn't matter how busy you think I am, I will make time for you.

So yes - I'm busy. But don't let that stop you from asking that question, or making that phone call. I will make time for you.