The Brook Website and Blog are Launched

Make your way to www.thebrookministries.org to check out The Brook Ministries. And don't miss the new blog as well. Your feedback is invited!

Perspective

Yesterday brought to an end the first two weeks of my new life. The new office is set up, the church keys turned in. I've found that my stress level has dropped considerably, yet my time is as busy as ever. Meetings, emails, phone calls, letters, lunches. New, but familiar.

And though we've made great progress in these two weeks, we still have another 54% of our support to raise by January. Add to that another $3,975,000, and we're good to go to build or buy The Brook. Donors are waiting in the wings--nervous in the new economy. Nothing like a little pressure to push a man to look closely in the mirror and try to figure out what he's made of.

Of course, that's the danger, isn't it? The temptation is to look to ourselves. I'm glad there's a better answer. I think "Revelation Song" by Gateway Worship says it best: "Worthy is the lamb who was slain. Holy, holy is He." It's a quote from Revelation, but there's something about it being sung that grips my soul and reminds me that my Savior Jesus Christ alone is worthy and He alone is Holy.

I am broken. I am weak. I am unrighteous.

I bring nothing to the equation but an inconsistent devotion that often lacks passion. Yet the fact that I bring it--however pathetic it is--that I bring it to HIM, changes everything. Jesus, the only Wise King, the Righteous One, the Healer, for Forgiver of Sins, the Miracle Worker--You are my everything and I will adore you!

Last Day On Staff at Grace

Yesterday was my last day as a staff member at Grace Community Church. For those who have been following my transition, you might expect that I had about 86 days to go. Well, things change.

The Brook Ministries has been moving quite quickly in terms of development. And with my job in transition at Grace, the opportunity presented itself the speed up the time table. Pastors George and Kyung worked hard to help me find a way off staff now so I can work on the rapidly expanding ministry that God has brought our way.

Of course, my family will continue to attend at Grace, and I expect you'll see me now as a volunteer wherever they need me. It is a bittersweet transition--I'm excited to work now on this new ministry, but it is certainly tough leaving a staff I've known and loved for almost 12 years.

Finally, I'd like to express my gratitude to all the members and attenders of Grace Community Church (past and present). Your acceptance of and love for me has made my time at Grace very special. So, thank you one and all!

All Systems Go

Yesterday the Board of Directors for The Brook Ministries met in McKinney. A friend provided us with an amazing board room at The Players Club at Craig Ranch (thanks Steve Ezell!). It was a beautiful location for such an auspicious occasion.

Aside from the expected business of giving oversight for a new ministry--planning, funding, budgets, and the like--it was special because it seemed to be the milestone of decision. We are moving forward, full speed ahead, all systems go.

In a way if felt like that scene you see in so many movies that depict the early days of NASA. The flight director calls out each area, and the leader of that team gives a "go or no go" response. It's an important moment, because unless all the systems are ready, there is no launch.

Are all systems ready for The Brook? Well, to be honest, we are not yet there on our funding. We've only been reaching out for three weeks, so we are at about 35% of where we absolutely need to be to survive. Do we go ahead anyway? Of course!

Though the next few weeks and months will prove to be very important for the viability of The Brook, I have no doubt that God will continue to raise up a team of supporters and investors to carry us all the way. I can say that because each step of the way God has proved faithful, and He certainly has the resources (in His people, of course) to meet every need. And not only that, I believe in the vision. Night and day I cannot escape the reality that we are going to be impacting spiritual leaders throughout the Americas. The thought that every pastor we build into is multiplied hundreds or even thousands of times through the people he or she leads grips my soul. And the thought that God could do such awesome work through people like us rocks my world. He is truly amazing.

So climb aboard, if you dare. This ship is taking off!

A Star is Born

Yesterday my son brought home the full script to Little Shop of Horrors, and hasn't looked up since. It seems he has been given the lead role of Seymour in the musical at Haggard Middle School. As parents we couldn't be more proud of our son.