It was a cool site to see. There was a sea of black and white Journey Group T-shirts encircling the room.  There was excitement in the air and I must say that there was a sense of camaraderie among our leaders.  I felt like for the first time that they could see each other and they actually knew they were in this thing together with a bunch of other people just like themselves.  We are preparing for a fight here in Cartersville and we will go after those that need to be in a Journey Group.

We had about 50 cards turned in today which I thought was a real good number.  This was just the first day for sign ups and it is going to take a while for our folks to get use to seeing us out there and feel comfortable seeing us.  I suspect that we will have even a greater turn out over the next couple of weeks.  For about a third of our attenders the last month has been there first experience with Oak Leaf, so they are still trying to figure things out.

So here’s how we can help them.

I need the Journey Group Leaders to remember the first rule of ‘Reach’…Invite.   It is about you introducing yourselves to these people, getting to know names, finding things in common, and then asking them to your group.  It is that easy.  Your groups will grow as you begin to pray that God will put you in touch with those that need to be in your group then begin to look for those encounters.  Stop to say good morning when you walk by that face you don’t recognize.  These folks are waiting to see if we are the real deal.  They are waiting to see if we are going to be the church and not just play at church.

I am stoked about what is happening around here and I want to hear your stories about your encounters with these folks so make sure you send me your stories.

Josh Proctor and Mike Jenkins, thanks for jumping in this week and helping out at the House of Rock and for tearing down this week.  Your dedication shows in all you do.

Mike Mills, besides doing coffee all day thank you for stepping up and helping at the tables all day this Sunday, you are inspiring.

Coaches thanks for being there all day and hanging out with your leaders.

I would not want to be any where else than besides serving with you right here and now!