Extension Gathering Update
By Stovall Weems
These things are just unbelievable. It looks like the extension gatherings that are really taking off are the institutional and outreach ones. It is kind of like the opposite of the bus ministries of the 80’s and 90’s. Remember when churches like Tommy Barnett’s Phoenix First Assembly (awesome church by the way!) would bus in so many demographics of people who for whatever reason could not get to church? Well this is the same thing except instead of busing people in, we are busing church out! Which brings me to my theory #3 on Extension Gatherings. (Remember, I have several more theories to go. I just wanted some of these things to launch so I would have some evidence, ha ha! So now that I have the evidence, I can change them from being theories to actual principles.)
Principle #3: Ministry environments are very important, but to certain demographics they are very secondary.
People can connect to Christ and be part of a local church by connecting to the vision of the church and having Christian community where they are.
Stovall
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2 Responses to “Extension Gathering Update”
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Hey Pastor, Yes Pastor Wade and I were down at the boxing gym this morning. It’s awesome what’s happening down there. This gathering is going to blow up into a really cool deal. You’ve got guys working out in the boxing ring, and at the same time reaching people from outside that are coming in for the service. Where else but Celebration Church! Awesome!
Pastor,
Yesterday I met with Pastor James Price, and I was telling him of another awesome gathering hosted by Jeff Browne that is held at a boxing gym on 61st and Main on the Northside. On Monday night, there were boxers sparring in the ring, and working out all over the gym while your message was being projected on a 15 foot inflatable screen. You could see the shadows through the screen while the message was being played.
I think Pastor Wade and Pastor Wayne went down there to check out the venue today. During the EG, 12 homeless came in off the street and sat to watch the message. Some were crying, and weeping. You would go off the chain if you saw this venue. The name of the team of athletes is Team Savior. It is something you should check out….
I will update you further when I have more time, too much to type.
Press On
Jason