Go Carolynn!

In our First Look Classes - I explain that if you want to "just Greet" then please go to Wal-Mart....but if you want to make a difference in someone's life....then let's go!

The point is that First Impressions is a MINISTRY - maintaining this vision is a constant challenge because - well...

we all have lives filled with so many distractions and struggles that take our focus away from the WHY we serve

we don't always see or experience the blessings in directing traffic or handing someone a bulletin

it can be boring or just a post

we don't always know where we are really gifted to serve so we take "whatever" is open

That's why we rely big time on our Team Leaders. These Leaders are more than just a "go to" people on for their team. We train and cast vision to our leaders to focus on the ministry. To be transparent to their teams and to be open to sharing what God is doing in their lives.

I find it funny and sad at the same time - that while serving at church, people (including me) can forget that we are "at a church"...duh! So we make it a priority to pray alot together - with the leaders - with our teams right their IN church. We also work hard to remind each other the WINS for the Kingdom every time a team serves. We meet with all our Leaders in our Leader Debrief at the end of our last service together to talk, share and pray for all of us and our teams "finish strong" when our last services ends.

Today, I received a copy of the following email that our newest Team Leader, Carolynn, sent to her team for this Saturday. WOW! I believe that this is exactly what Jesus had in mind when he taught us to encourage and disciple one another...what do you think?

"When I was talking to Marilyn this past week, she expressed how sad she was to not be able to serve for the next few months because of her class. It got me thinking about how much I also love serving GOD! Sometimes, I feel almost selfish serving as I personally get so much out of it...a support team, a deeper connection to the church community, and a stronger relationship with GOD! I was reading my Bible last week and happened to stumble upon a little side box that stated, "We will find happiness in loving GOD and serving others." It basically said that we will experience real joy in giving of ourselves to GOD and others out of love....that is when we will find purpose in life and experience true happiness. John 15:9-13 says, "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's riends." Jesus gave us the ultimate example of love by laying down his life for us! He is asking us in the above verses to do nothing less. This doesn't necessarily mean actually dying, but placing someone's needs above your own! Let's go Love people this weekend!!! I am excited to see how GOD uses us!"

I love how Carolynn shared her fears, excitement and trust in God to her team. Now this is church!