Ten years ago today, on April 8, 2001, New Life celebrated our first worship service at the former location of the Bible Church of Ivywood.   110 people came out to praise God and to experience something that never been experienced before--New Life Christian Ministries!  I remember that morning as if it were yesterday.  I knew many of the folks who came.  Others were totally new to me.  One in particular, left an impression.  He told me he hadn't been to worship in seventeen years, but he just wanted to come and hear a preacher who actually practiced what he said he believed.  What he meant by that was I had stood up for my beliefs in a way that mattered.

I had left a secure, comfortable position in a healthy, growing local congregation, because I could no longer serve in the denomination of which the congregation was a part.  My leaving had made the newspaper--the Butler Eagle­--so some showed up to worship based on what they'd read in that article.  As the weeks passed, folks came and went.  Some who "checked out" New Life found they didn't like the music, or being part of a church where the board of elders discerned God's will and made the decisions without giving a vote to every member, and for many other reasons.  As I reflect on all those who have come and gone, some after only one time with us, I realize the unique shape of New Life at this moment is truly a matter of God's hand shaping us.  Those of you who call New Life home, those of you who are part of that group who are fasting and who will read this post are special to me.  All of us are special to God.  That's why Jesus died for us.  As Jesus reminded us, "It is not the will of your Father in heaven that even ONE of these little ones should perish."  But right now, I want to say, "THANK YOU!" to every one of you who has a played a role in New Life's history, brief as it is in the grand scheme of history. 

Some, who have come and gone on to their reward in heaven, have shaped my life in powerful ways.  I would name Peg Kier, Earl and Rose McRoberts,  Dan McRoberts, and Clyde Campbell in particular.  There are others, and I don't mean to slight them by not including their names here.  But those mentioned have held a particular influence in my life.

Others have been part of New Life for years, but have either moved away and become part of other local congregations, or have decided the mission of New Life, or the direction of New Life, or the way New Life approached New Life, or even my leadership is not for them.  To each of them I say, "Thank you for your part in moving New Life forward, or challenging us to become more than we were.  Without you New Life may not even exist today, because your support, encouragement and ministry have been a blessing!"  

Some came to New Life only once, as guests of family members, or to try out the church that meets at the school, and for whatever reason never returned.  Even you have influenced us.  We have been blessed by your presence, and challenged to consider what we may do to reach you more effectively.

In it all New Life has stayed the course of sharing the new life of Jesus Christ with the world--ONE person at a time. That's why we came to be and why we exist!  This morning as I write these words I am humbled and enthusiastic about what God has done in and through us so far, and to consider what He is doing RIGHT NOW.  My own spirit is filled with His, and I know that's the case with so many of you who call New Life your church family.  As we continue to live in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit we can be sure that He will continue to do miracles among us, and that e He will continue to send guests who will become members of the family.  I am honored to serve as New Life's lead pastor, and thank God every day for the opportunity to serve Him and you in that role.  Thank you to every person who loves God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and serves Him in and through New Life Christian Ministries.  Remember you ARE New Life Christian Ministries and by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, the days ahead will bring Him more glory, and His Kingdom more growth than the days behind!