Southview Connect

Community

I've spent the last two days at a conference in Chicago focused on small groups.  I've been taught by outstanding, world renowned leaders - I've listened and heard so much - and God has challenged me in a new way regarding what Biblical community is all about.  There'll be much more said on this in days to come at Southview, but for now, let me say that what I've seen and heard over the last two days has me more convinced than ever before that God's dream for community at Southview and in churches all over the world is both possible and available.  But we have to want it.  We have to understand that we were never meant to be "lone ranger Christians" - we are made to be in community with others.  We have to want to live in true, Biblical community.

I want it.  I want to see Southview become a place where "community" is more than just a buzz word or a part of our vocabulary.  I want to see Southview grasp the real meaning of that word - the meaning as  Scripture defines it.  I want to be a part of something that only God can do. 

We do a lot of things well at Southview.  There are many things that I can point to and say "that's awesome."  But in the days and weeks ahead, we're going to be talking about, exploring, learning, and doing community in some new ways.  It's going to look different - it's going to sound different - it's going to be different.  And I can't wait to see what God will do.    

Awesome Discussion Last Sunday!

Excellent discussion last Sunday regarding the proposed bylaws!  The bylaws team asked me to teach on the Biblical basis for Elder leadership, and the response to the sermon has been great so far.  Many people have commented that it was helpful to them to see what Scripture teaches about Elders, how they lead the church, what their responsibilities are, what characteristics they have, etc.  The discussion during the SMBS hour was great - a wonderful spirit of love and unity covered the discussion, and the comments after the meeting and in the two days since have been very positive and affirming. 

The bylaws team will be meeting Wednesday evening to review what we have heard and learned - our goal will be to make some decisions regarding the next few months and a path forward toward the end of this process.  Please continue in prayer as we seek God's direction, leading, and blessing as we seek to follow Him in EVERY way.  If you have comments, suggestions, amendments, etc. to the proposed document, know that we are very open and appreciative of every one and would love to hear from you.  Thank you for your prayers, your emails, your words of encouragement, and your affirmation of what has taken a long time to work toward.  We praise God together for what He is doing at Southview!

Bylaws Discussion this Sunday!

This Sunday, September 23, we will have a time of discussion between the new bylaws team and the congregation regarding the proposed document that was sent by mail to all members last week.

 

My prayer is and has been that this process would first be honoring to God in every way.  That has been our desire as we have prepared to bring this document to the congregation.  Second, I’m praying that we can conclude this process by the end of the year.  I believe that this document, while not perfect, is the best that our team can craft, and I am excited about the changes and improvements this will bring for our church.  While most people will not see a change on Sunday mornings, it will dramatically improve the way we make decisions as well as our ability to respond to and deal appropriately with challenges.

If you have any questions or concerns, please know that my door is open to you (as always).  I would be happy to meet with you and talk about any questions you might have.  I know the rest of the bylaws team feels the same way.  We do not want this to be a rushed or hurried process - at the same time, we want to conclude this process in a timely manner so that we can focus on what God has called us to be doing - reaching folks who are far from Him, challenging believers to grow in their faith and maturity, and changing the world around us with His love.

Join with me in praying that this process will draw us together as a church, united around the Scriptures, as we attempt to follow God in every way.

Summer 07 at Southview

When I first came on board back in April, I was told that summer at Southview is pretty quiet.... yeah right!!!! If this video doesn't disprove that... I don't know what will!!! It was an awesome summer though, it's great to see God's work in our church.

Tears From the Saints

Due to the overwhelming response I added the video we showed prior to Pastor William's sermon yesterday. It primarily comes from a video I saw on youtube posted by Carla. It encapsulates everything the song communicates in a real powerful way.

New Beginnings Weekend

New Beginnings Weekend 2007 is now history.  Lots of planning, lots of praying, and lots of preparation went into it - and a lot of great stories came out from this weekend.  One of my favorites so far came at the end of Sunday's events - one of our younger students told me that she invited two of her friends who are not Christ-followers and that both of them came to our service today.  I absolutely LOVE to hear stories of how Southviewers are investing in other people and inviting them to come and hear about the hope they have found in Jesus.  So many stories from this weekend - and more are sure to come. 

Nathan Tasker did an incredible job of leading worship this morning.  Incredible guy - and he really took us to the throne today in worship.  I've got to get his CD... 

What were some of your takeaways from this weekend?  Out of all the activities - extended times of leadership development and training; concert with Mainstay, Anchor 28, and Nathan Tasker; and Sunday morning activites and lunch - what do you think went really well?  What should we do again?  How can we make it better and more intentional?

Welcome to Southview Connect

Welcome to the new Southview blog... our mission is to reach out to those who do not know, challenge those who do know and change the world we all live in...