HodosProject

Back from Boot Camp

When you think of a boot camp, this picture might not be what comes to mind. But it is a fitting image of what I experienced at church planting bootcamp a few weeks ago. It was taken in the prayer garden of a former monastery that has been turned into an urban retreat center in Richmond, VA. With church planters from around the country, I joined the rhythm of prayer and community with those who live there.

But this retreat center was by no means a secluded escape. It sits on a hill overlooking the city. The week was spent with periods of reflection and prayer contrasted with fantastic views of downtown Richmond. It was a fitting reminder of the inward and outward nature of the church’s mission. And a perfect context to form and shape dreams for new mission-minded churches.

Before I left, I emailed our prayer team asking them for prayers each day of that week. I knew that it would be an important time to help shape some thoughts for this new church community in Austin. I received a lot of encouraging emails in return. Thanks to all of you who were praying. (If you didn’t receive that email, and want to be on our prayer team, please let me know.)

The time of learning with about 40 other church planters was very good. But it also gave me some space to hammer out an initial strategy for creating a church community that is designed to reproduce itself. I’ve posted that strategy on my personal blog — A Mustard Seed Church. I would be grateful to anyone who takes the time to read through it and offer your questions and other feedback.

We also have some guiding values that are taking shape. Through our time at Pathways, I’ve been able to see just how important the core values can be to helping define the culture of a new church. I’ll share more about our developing values in the weeks to come.

Thanks for continuing to be a part of this journey with us.