Recently twenty of our Pastors in our District gathered before they were to begin at a new church setting.  They gathered with about 70 of the Staff Parish Members from those churches for some dialogue and Best Practices for starting well at the new church they were going to.  Rev. Doug Anderson who has led many of the "Church by Size" Seminars shared with us this day from his history and study of trends over the years. 

For most of the Pastors and SPRC folks gathered, it was the first time since the introduction that they had met, so the time was full of energy and dreams.  One Pastor said, "This is a perfect way to start to prepare for that first Sunday."

However, in a way we are all starting new this fall even if we have been a part our present church for a number of years.  Thus I wanted to share with you a few quotes from  the Starting Well gathering.       

Three of the best ways to start are to "Be a Champion of the mission, focus on the right issues, and ask good questions."  Bosses give right answers, leaders ask good questions. Church growth happens when you have 1% vision and 99% alignment.  

We spoke of the great Hymn, God of Grace and God of Glory and the words Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, as being key in working with folks and all of the history. There was some discussion on the possibility of someone not resonating with you.  Of course we all had some laughter because we all know it will happen. 

We all agreed that spending time with that person and getting to know their story of who they are and the understanding of the church will enable trust and relationship to form and possibly have transformation. This all could be summed up by making sure you, love God, love and serve others, and make disciples.

Grace and Peace to you this summer,       
Rev. Marcus Atha