So we had a rehearsal Monday night and it went swimmingly. Jordan, Jenna, Kelli and Lindsey all did so well preparing that by the end of the night, it had felt like we had been playing together for a long time. The truth is, none of us had played or sang together ever. It was so fun.
Now I’m even more excited for October 11, the band will get the great opportunity to show that worshipping God through music doesn’t have to be boring and passionless. We don’t have to confuse reverence with being “reserved.” We want to bring the sincerest form of RAWK! Because nothing is more pleasing and reverent to God than a sincere heart worshipping!
Hey, if this doesn’t work out you can apply at another church!
Nah. Honestly I didn’t give up my Seattle life to “get in to pastorin’.” I can only see myself filling this role at a place like EastLake.
So are you guys just gonna start in your house?
Nope. South Jr. High on October 11! Kids’ classrooms, family room and main auditorium for adults. Loud music, video, coffee and tons of fun toys for the kiddos! We want to launch big!
So is it just those nine people starting it?
Nope. We have 35 volunteers jumping right in even before the first service. These people are my heroes.
I’ve met with and simply met a lot of people over the past several weeks who have a lot of similar questions about the whys of starting EastLake. Just wanted to start sharing some!
Aren’t there like 100 churches in Lawrence already?
Although I could give stats that show there aren’t near enough seats in Lawrence churches to accommodate God moving even 50% of its residents to attend church in the same day, or the simple fact that only 30% of the city attend any type of service, or simply say that God uses different personalities of churches to reach certain people - the real reason is that my dream is to create a safe environment for my friends who hate church or don’t believe in God to explore faith in Jesus without losing their minds or sense of humor.
Why Lawrence from living in Seattle?
I lived in Lawrence for 10 years. Went to KU, graduated with a journalism degree. I played in a couple bands, drank lots of local coffee, enjoyed the local brews. I love this town. I was only in Seattle for three years living my dream of video game design.
Wait, you left your gaming dream to start a church? Are you crazy?
Yes…to both. But honestly this dream is even bigger. I hate saying things that may sound like I’m trying to “sound spiritual” but really this is something God is doing and I can’t wait to be a part of whatever that is!
Shameless plug: Speaking of leaving game design, the game I poured my heart and many sleepless nights into is out this week! Go pick it up if you own a Nintendo DS!
…of planning, meeting with volunteers and getting legitimately excited for the first monthly service on October 11. Every day it seems new materials, books, programs, pens, equipment, etc. gets delivered adding that extra dose of reality.
We have a band! Tryouts went really smooth and I am excited to rock out to three loud tunes. It’s gonna be a great time.
I’ve been running into a lot of familiar faces and meeting lots of new ones as well, but many of the same questions keep coming up, so I think I will take the next couple blogs answering them…stay tuned!