Another Learning

Ok…so I’ve learned something else. Another recurring theme with the parsonage visits has been a hunger for something more than just worship. Are you one that would like to have an opportunity to be part of a group of trustworthy friends that:

Support you in times of struggle

Celebrate with you in times of joy

Discuss ‘God moments’ that each other has during the week

Help one another discern God’s call on your lives

Empowers one another to pursue God’s call

Help each other work through challenges and fears

It is amazing to me how often these desires have been voiced. I am already brainstorming about how to begin to help the church meet this obvious need. I have seen Small Group ministry meet these needs in powerful, transforming ways.

Let this be the first official advertisement for a sermon series I will be starting on September 13^th. In the midst of this series Emmanuel will be launching Small Group Ministries for those who relate with this very article. I realize not everyone hungers for this. But for those who desire to go a step further than just the comforts of worship--for those who want to establish, strengthen and/or nurture friendships in a Christian context--this will be an opportunity for you.

More details will be forthcoming. I ask that you will be in prayer about this because it is laying heavy on my heart and it seems also to be on the hearts of many in the church.

What I have learned so far

It has been exciting learning about Emmanuel--the history, the strengths, the weaknesses, the needs, the gifts and the graces. It is certainly a unique church. I have learned 2 realities so far. Here they are:

You have come a long way. Even the recent history could write a book itself. The amazing amount of patience and courage it took to get to this point undoubtedly shows a strong faith and a determined spirit and effective leadership. It is not easy for two long-established churches to decide to change their course and start a new journey together. But recent growth has shown the benefits.

I’ve also learned you have a long way to go. I look forward to utilizing that strong faith and determined spirit. The potential for disciple-making is enormous. I can honestly say I feel the weight of the potential. Fortunately, God is on our side and as long as we stay on God’s side, I will work with you with confidence and great expectations. I suspect that many of you have no idea how far we can be taken in ministry. I suspect this because I have no idea. I believe in a limitless God.

Scary, huh?

In The Royer Home

We welcomed the first of several parsonage visits tonight and it went very well. It’s so nice to get a chance to talk with people in a smaller group setting. We got to share more about each other, including fears and dreams around church life.

If you haven’t signed up yet, there is plenty of time and space. It is your chance to ask us any question you want. We want you to know us just as much as we want to know you. It is also a chance for you to hear each other. It is sometimes surprising how little the congregation talks to each other about dreams and goals for the church. Sadly, fears tend to be the subject in a lot of churches. The result is a paralyzed church.

We are looking forward to the meetings yet to come. And if you have children, bring them along. Our kids would like to make new friends and get to know people as well.

Joe and Kim Royer

And Off We Go!!!

As I get to know people, I also get to know the church. How does it function? What systems are in place that encourage ministry to run efficiently? Where is God seen in the midst of all the work? How is the Good News communicated and to whom? There are lots of questions and I’ll be getting answers as time goes by.

Sunday was awesome for me. I know I have a different preaching style. Some have called it a ‘conversation’ rather than a sermon. It makes me no difference as long as I’m…what?…. Relevant, authentic and excellent (or at least pursue excellence) to the people I‘m trying to reach for Jesus. The grace of God is evident in the church as I met so many people who seemed to be having a genuinely good day. I’m also 10 pounds heavier now too. But the 10 pounds will help me last until the next potluck (pastors only eat free food because it tastes the best).

I thank you for the welcome. And if you weren’t there for my first Sunday, you can be there for my second because I’ve been told I get to preach again. I’m looking forward to working with all of you to continue making Emmanuel the relevant, authentic and excellent church that God wants it to be.

Please take the time to sign up and visit us at the parsonage. If you do, you will play a key part in the future months. God always has plans for us and we get to be on the great journey of finding out what those plans are.

The Result of Faithful Work

If you get a moment, I invite you to read :

http://miamivalleyds.blogspot.com/2009/07/church-visit-power-of-laos-ansonia-umc.html .

I'm so excited at the feedback Ansonia is getting. It is also great affirmation. But most of all, I hope you let it be a catalyst for your dreams and hopes at Emmanuel. We have the opportunity to go on a great ride with God.

We're Heeeeeeeeere!!

I am now sitting at my old computer desk, in front of my old computer, in my brand new house (new to me, anyhow). WOOHOO! I’ve also discovered the joy of sitting in my computer chair and rolling across the hard-wood floors as fast as I can without smashing my face up against the wall (just kidding).

But on to more serious matters. Kim and I want to thank all of you who have worked so hard on the house. It is incredible! There are few minor things to be done (like getting window coverings…need to be careful when you walk in front of an open win…..uh…never mind). The house is awesome and the kids love it too. I’m still waiting to hear the cat fall down the laundry shoot.

It’s still kind of surreal to know that we are starting at a new place. But you have made us so welcome that we are glad we are doing so. Please keep praying for us as we continue to unpack boxes and make the house a home. I also hope each of you take the time to sign up for the parsonage visits. We want to meet you . Thanks again for everything and see you Sunday.

Box Thinking

Have you ever sat in a box to think? It isn’t all that exciting. If you keep the lid open, all you see are brown walls all around you. No matter where you look you see dullness. If you think that isn’t bad enough, close the lid. Then it gets all dark. Brown turns to black and it gets even more dull. And if you stay in the box and continue to think, it may even get depressing. There is nothing as tragic as a thinker in a dark box. Hopefully it is a big box. Smaller boxes are awful to think in. Then you have to scrunch up your knees to your chest and maybe duck your head. It gets stuffy and hot and very little gets accomplished. Oh...and it can get lonely too.

But do you know what it is like to think outside the box? Do share. :)

Preparing For Change

As I preached my second-to-last sermon at Ansonia, I found myself on a curious bridge. On one side I prepare a church for transition to a new pastor who has yet to be announced. I am confident and also sad. I am confident that Ansonia can continue the process of disciple-making that we have established together on a long term basis. I am also sad that I won't be able to work with them on the cutting-edge ministries that we began together.

But the bridge is one of anticipation. I'm about ready to cross over to Emmanuel who is also wondering about their transition. I wonder how you are preparing for positive change. Lots has to happen before change, of course. Trust needs to be developed between congregation and pastor. Passion needs to be inspired. Relationships need to form in healthy ways. Positive change can take weeks, months and even years. But in my experience, it is so , sooooo worth it.

I also recognize that I need to be ready to change for the better. Ansonia and Emmanuel are such different churches with different needs, dreams, resources and opportunities. I'm trying to prepare myself to be as flexible as possible to adapt to these differences--to be patient when it is warranted and to be bold when it is needed. It will not be easy for me as it likely won't be easy for Emmanuel. But it is in answering Calls such as this that give me Godbumps because I have seen and experienced awesome, transformed lives, when churches and leaders work together to create positive, soul-inspiring change.

So how do we prepare when change also brings fear to our days? How do we work through the reality that change brings the unknown and the unknown doesn't always work out to be good news? This is easy for me. I remind myself that that same God who led me through Ansonia is the same God moving with me to Emmanuel. And the same God that worked with you and Randy is the same God who will work with you and me. And the same Jesus that told Ansonia to 'make disciples' is the same Jesus that tells Emmanuel to 'make disciples'. All we have to do is let God work. Don't get in God's way because we are afraid of the unknown.

So I invite you, Emmanuel, to journey with me. I don't know where we will go, but since the same God is with us, it must be a soul-inspiring place. Indeed, we might get Godbumps together.