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First thing, let me apologize for not posting last week. We had a couple of deaths in our church and I was preaching on Sunday morning. With all the extra activities going on, I did not get around to posting. If I would have posted I would have given you some insight on the past weekend’s prayer team meeting and the upcoming Q & A luncheon. Since I did not post, here is what has happened.

Our April prayer team meeting did not go so well. Between the weather and other obligations, we had four people show up. Four people is four people and I am grateful for those who showed up and prayer walked some streets for us. I also know however, that if we start becoming lax, we can justify our involvement and necessity for praying. Most of our churches have lost a sense of urgency in praying and approach it as an after thought. Lord help us to not lose sight of the power and importance of prayer.

We hosted a Q & A luncheon this past Sunday. Our leadership team provided the soup, sandwiches, and desserts. We had a great turnout and great environment. We had some great questions and great interaction. Communication has proven to be very important as we are starting this new adventure. People have been very supportive and encouraging as we put one foot in front of another moving closer and closer to September. Our goal is to host one more luncheon before September rolls around. We’ll keep you posted. However, you do not have to wait for the luncheon to ask a question. Feel free to send an email or leave a comment here that you would like to see addressed. Remember, we want to be as authentic and transparent as possible.

Sunday morning we were also able to meet with the leadership team. We had a great conversation about our vision and value statements. It was great to have everyone together. This is more than laying the foundation of Hamilton Village. This is also doing life with families and allowing God to use our giftedness, personalities, and passions to provide an environment that will encourage Kingdom growth. I am blessed to be a part of what God is wanting to do.

I read this statement in a book this week that really confirmed what we are doing, “There are two kinds of people in this world: those who live outside-in and those who live inside-out.” I really believe this team lives from the inside-out. They want what is on the inside of them (triune God) to change the world, culture, friends, family around them. Change that is eternal and significant happens from the inside out. Church has its own culture, language, and system. However, sometimes we allow the church to get in the way of life change. We expect them to change on the outside so they can experience change on the inside. Jesus’ invitation have always been come as you are. This team gets that and is excited about creating this environment in Fishers that is inviting yet points to the One who can facilitate life change from the inside out! The subtitle of the book I’m reading says it all: because knowing God changes everything!