– If anyone would have told me a year ago that I’d be leaving a mega church to start all over again I would have told them they’re crazy! But here we are and the Singletons feel more alive and at the center of God’s will than in years and years! We believe this was God’s plan all along because of His unique ability to bring good out of even something painful and bad. Satan can only turn things from bad to worse, but God can even take mud and create man out of it!
– In 12 short weeks of launch preparation—God has taken Impact from a couple families to over 400 men, women and children signing on for the adventure of a lifetime! At Christmastime we had nearly 650 show up! That’s only part of the reason we think of this as something more than just “church.” We believe God is building us up for a movement of the Holy Spirit!
– That’s why I wanted to take today’s post and do nothing but celebrate and praise God and some of His people who really have made this all happen! I’m sure I’ll leave some things out, but here are some highlights…
– If you haven’t heard by now, we took the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas Eve and wrote the names of lost loved ones on 197 ornaments and then prayed and prayed and prayed for the Lord to bring those whose hearts were ready to hear the gospel. About half of them showed up and most ended up giving their lives to Jesus! 64 FIRST TIME DECISIONS FOR JESUS!
– Since Impact is going ot be a lay ministry driven church, we also gave beleivers the chance to step out of the stands and get into the game for Jesus. 46 PEOPLE RECOMMITED THEIR LIVES TO JESUS!
– Friends, that’s 110 DECISIONS for Christ in a church that hasn’t even gone public yet! Man can’t do that, but God can and did!
– A few months ago one family called, The Macivers made it their sole purpose and selfless commitment to wrap their arms around the Singleton family during a time of not only the greatest hurt of our lives, but also a feeling of righteous anger and perhaps a small glimpse of what Jesus felt the night He was betrayed. Their love and gentle challenges were needed to help us down the road to forgiveness and what eventually restored our joy for ministry again! Thank you, Macivers! Although those words seem hugely inadequate in light of the sacrifices you’ve made.
– Within weeks of talking about all the possibilities of starting a movement like Impact, the Singleton’s had a lot of decisions to make. Two opportunities at mega churches opened up rather quickly and they seemed like not only the logical way to go, but also the easier. But, as you know, comfort and ease is not what a follower of Christ truly signs up for—more like a life of taking up our own cross daily and fulfilling the mission God called us to—to “go and make disciples of all nations…baptize them…teach them.” And to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.” These 2 scriptures long ago came to be known as the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
– In the end, we believed that the vision and mission God called me to was still here and not yet finished. I’ve never lost my love for this part of the country God called me to and I’m looking forward to seeing everything come to pass that God made plain to me over 15 years ago! And with this fantastic, committed and loving group of believers rallied behind the vision—we know it will happen…and quickly!
– There are so many others to thank…The entire red shirt wearing team of Impact volunteers who served in Children’s, set up, tear down, programing, worship, lighting, the leadership/elder team, hospitality, greeting, parking and so much more. In the weeks ahead I will be mentioning at least someone every week as I bring back an old blog favorite called, “Champion of the Week”—although I kinda like “Freak of the Week” better. We’ll see.
Here is the set Tom Bruscato came up with! Isn’t it awesome?!!!
And a shot of the brand new pulpit Chris Cauthren made! He’s a genius! Here are a few more shots of it before it was powder coated.
And a couple more shots of Christmas Eve…enjoy!!
– Thanks again everyone, and remember, the best is yet to come!