BIG NEWS!!!

Ok, now I can share our big news. I’ve been trying to figure out how to capitalize on the momentum from Movies in the Park. We’ve had a lot of people show interest in Hub City Church, but their only options for being a part are to join the launch team (which isn’t a bad option) or wait until September 21 when we launch to check us out. So, I’ve been wondering what kind of step could we create that would move people from the crowd into our discipleship process? Well, two weeks ago on I-26 I had an epiphany (maybe it’s not a real epiphany, but I did get some direction from God about what to do).

We are going to be having two preview worship experiences. We’ll have one in July and one in August. They will happen the Sunday immediately following Movies in the Park (July 20 and August 17). This is an easy, obvious and strategic way to move people from MIP to our community. Second, we are going to be starting small groups in mid July. These are going to be designed for people who wouldn’t consider themselves Christians, but who might consider exploring what this Jesus stuff is all about.

I am pumped about this next step in our development. I’m pumped about our Launch Team’s work and enthusiasm. I’m amazed at how God has and is orchestrating things and people for all of this to happen.

So, if you don’t go to church somewhere, why not consider checking out one of our previews? What do you have to lose? We’d love to get your feedback about your experience. Or maybe you want to parter with us as a volunteer. We could use your help. See you on the 20th at Spartan 16.  Tell all of your friends!

 

Strategy

We are working to be strategic in planting Hub City Church.  So, our team is reading through this book together.  It will be a sort of guide-book as we create systems that will help us to create a church that 20 and 30 somethings want to be a part of, where they can hear from God and do what he says.

 

LTM 4/21/08

At this week’s Launch Team Meeting:  Systems!  Now I know you’re drooling and about to wet yourself with excitement just thinking about systems, but here’s the deal.  Systems determine behaviors.  Systems are the way things get done.  All organizations and churches are made up of systems.  Most, however, aren’t thought out, strategic or effective.  We don’t want that to be the case for Hub City Church.  Thus, the beginning of the system discussions!  We want to have systems for everything from set-up to children’s ministry to fixing coffee!  See you Tuesday @ 6.

Until then… plant a tree (Tuesday, April 22 is Earth Day).

 

LTM Recap

I want to thank everyone for a great LTM last night.  I know we covered a lot of content, but you hung in there and had some great ideas.  I’m excited about us working together to make a difference in Spartanburg. 

Here’s a quick recap of what we discussed:

• Relational networks:  College campuses, non-profits (service organizations), sports/rec teams, city groups, civic groups, schools, neighborhoods, work place, YMCA.
• Direct touches:  Block parties, sports camps, movies is the park w/in neighborhoods, neighborhood festival (Halloween), provide food for teacher appreciation, volunteering with Habitat for humanity or the Children’s home, giveaways.
• Marketing:  Web site, blog, billboards, signs, mailers, door hangers, t-shirts, Frisbees, movie trailer.
• Front door:  A worship gathering 

For us to be missionaries to Spartanburg we need to spend the majority of our time and resources in relational networks and direct touches.

The direct touches that we decided to focus on are movies in the part (3-4), movies on campus (2-3), volunteering with habitat, Christmas in action and the children’s shelter (possibly renovating an entire home).  Thanks for telling me what you want to be involved with.  I’ll be contacting you within the week to make a time for teams to meet and begin planning.

On another completely random note, why does wordpress think Spartanburg is misspelled in one location on this post, but is spelled correctly in another location?  Things that make you go hmmm.

 

Purpose, Vision, Strategy

I’m not a big fan of purpose statements, but I think knowing why a church exists (ie. it’s purpose) is important. So, here’s our purpose: We exist to love God, love people, influence outsiders, and develop insiders.

Vision is all about a picture we have of the future. It’s about what we want to see happen in a year, five years, ten years, etc. Sometimes that picture is complex and and confusing (especially when you start asking “how” questions). I value simplicity, so here’s our vision in one sentence: We want to create a church that 20 and 30 somethings want to be a part of.

Strategy is all about “how.” How are we going to accomplish the vision? To continue keeping things simple here is our one sentence strategy: We will accomplish the vision by creating irresistible environments where young adults can invite their outsider friends, experience community and put their faith into practice to change the world.

Feel free to ask questions. The best way to find out more is to come hang out with us. Join the revolution.

Until next time… we’ll leave the light on for ya.