Welcome Our Newest Campus!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

For weeks and even months many have been praying and asking, “God, what are you saying to us?”

With mixed emotions, the membership of Northminster Church has voted in favor of the merger/partnership with Atlee Community Church.

I say with mixed emotions because this was not an easy decision to make. While they are excited about the future, they have a lot of personal history with Northminster. Some have never known or been a part of another church. They have invested tons of time, money and resources. While this partnership comes with sacrifice and risk for both churches, Northminster is making the greater sacrifice.

Even with knowing what is at stake, the leadership from both churches believe this is the direction God is leading. We both believe God is saying, "You will be better together."

In the book, Better Together by Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird, they cite the following reasons to merge:

   Ø  To be better together than each church is individually

   Ø  To begin a new church life cycle

   Ø  To reach more people for Christ

   Ø  To make a greater difference for Christ

   Ø  To multiply your church’s impact

   Ø  To better serve your local community

   Ø  To leverage the legacy and good reputation of the past

   Ø  To maximize church facilities

   Ø  To be a stronger local church

   Ø  To further extend God’s kingdom

As the leadership has walked through the process, with the help of Jim Tomberlin, we wholeheartedly see how each of these will play out in the very near future, and we are excited to see each one come to fruition.

This week the entire staff of Atlee, now 5 campuses strong, met together to celebrate what God is doing. It was a great time of fellowship as we enjoyed lunch together and got to know each other a little better. And yes, that is my amazing granddaughter I'm holding celebrating with us!

We ended our time by celebrating communion together in honor of Christ and in anticipation of this coming Easter weekend.

God is on the move and doing something new. These are exciting times for all of us as we partner with God to reach seekers and equip believers to love God, love others and serve the world!

Let me officially welcome the staff and folks of Northminster to the Atlee family. It will be an honor and privilege to serve you as Lead Pastor. I look forward to all that God is going to do in us as well as through us as we follow Him together!

Join me on Atlee Community Church – Northminster Campus facebook page and send them a warm welcome!