It is so easy to lose sight of why we do what we do here at RSC. Trust me, it isn't easy. It would be a lot easier to find a small church with a nice little building where all I had to do was preach and visit the sick. :) There are plenty of churches where the pastor is nothing more then a babysitter and get paid a nice salary.
However that isn't what God has called me to do.
That isn't what God has called our staff to do.
That isn't what God has called our church to do.
God has called us to do whatever it takes to reach this community and we will stop at nothing to see that accomplished.
One of the highlights of my week is hearing feedback from our first time guests. Nothing reminds me more of why we do what we do then those emails. The trump the abusive phone calls, emails, and other churches that stay mad at us any day of the week.
We got another one today and I need it. It was just a reminder to stay focused on the mission at hand. I love this church and God is doing some awesome things. You guys make it happen so I felt led to share this one with you just to remind you of how awesome all of you are!! (Malcolm sends out emails to all first time guests that is why the email is addressed to him)
Malcolm,
The best word I can think of to describe my first experience at the Stone would be PHENOMENAL!!! It seems strange to feel such passion about the Stone after only attending one time. I called all my close friends and sister on Sunday to tell them all about my experience. I am taking that as a very good sign and can't wait to be back on Sunday.
Church has been a huge issue for me all of my life. I have a very religious mother and growing up had some VERY negative experiences. She has always attended the non-denominational type churches so I am sure you can imagine. By my teens I had such a bad taste for the whole church thing, saying I had a phenomenal experience is something I thought impossible.
I have 3 children and over the years have wanted them to grow up hearing about God. I had my kids in my late teens and have just never found that place where I thought we fit. You know God has always had a presence in my heart, but I haven't lived for him over the years. My older kids are now 13 and 14 and I feel a sense of loss that I didn't find somewhere like the Stone years ago for us to attend. I walked in there and within minutes thought this is IT! This is what has been missing all these years. Gary cracked me up, my kids loved it and the band was OFF THE HOOK. I want to THANK ALL OF YOU and God for giving the vision to create the Stone. ANYONE who likes and plays 80's hair metal in a service is #1 in my book! :-)
You know I could talk for hours about how insane it is for me to bragging about a church and being excited all week to come, but I will spare you the details. :-) I do know the fact I felt that way has made me want to do whatever I can to help keep the Stone going. If there are any areas you need help in please let me know. Do you guys have any programs for single moms? I live in Ball Ground and have a pretty big living room if you ever need a place for home group in that area. I am not in a place yet to lead one YET, but can provide the home.
As far as a prayer request, please pray for all my kids. We are facing HUGE challenges that have been very difficult and going on for a long period of time.
Okay I am sure you are close to asleep by now! So I will end by just saying THANK YOU again and can't wait until Sunday!
Sincerely,
***** *******
RIDGE STONE, THAT IS WHY WE DO THIS CRAZY THING CALLED RIDGE STONE CHURCH!