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For me, 2016 was a year of “growth.” I’ve grown spiritually in my walk with Christ as He teaches me, prunes me, and deepens my faith in Him. I’ve grown in my marriage as Erin and I have overcome, by God’s strength, some unique challenges this year. Relationally, I’ve made new friends and physically I completed my first 1/2 marathon. Yep…it was a year of growth.
I’m thankful for the season of growth because 2017 looks to be a year of adventure.
People often ask me if I’m nervous about starting a new church. I have to say, it’s a lot like sky-diving. I feel like I’m sitting on the edge of a plane, ready to take the plunge at any moment. Well, 2017 is shaping up to be that moment and I’m more than excited about the adventure!
As with any adventure, there’s an element of risk. Although I don’t consider church planting as a risk adventure but more of a faith adventure. (The Difference between Faith and Risk)
This year my family, along with several others, will embark on a faith-filled adventure. Here are the top 5 things we plan to do in 2017.
5. Wrap Up Training.
“I believe that people make their own luck by great preparation and good strategy.” – Jack Canfield
The last couple of months our launch team has been meeting together for training, and we’ve laid the groundwork for Antioch Georgetown. This next semester we will move towards the nuts and bolts of starting a church. Pray for us as we prepare together, strategize together, and grow together towards the vision and mission God has placed on our hearts.
4. Move to Georgetown.
Moving isn’t easy. Not for adults, and especially not for kids. Sure House Hunters on HGTV make the process look simple and seamless in a 30 minute episode. What they don’t air is the hours of searching, packing, moving, settling, learning and adjusting that comes with relocating.
Pray for the families who will begin the process of transitioning to Georgetown. Our desire is that God will place us in neighborhoods where we can make the most impact for His Kingdom.
3. Find Jobs.
There is a reason Austin is the fastest growing area in the nation. Jobs. People are flocking there from California, Dallas, Houston, and….did we mention California! It’s great that jobs are readily available, but the competition is stiff. We are trusting God will open up the right jobs at the right time.
2. Build Influence.
Once we begin to settle down in Georgetown, our top priority will be building influence. We will do this by getting to know our neighbors and coworkers. Serving will be high on our list of priorities. There’s no better way to let people know you care than to meet their needs. We aren’t moving to Georgetown to see what we can get FROM people. We are moving to Georgetown because of what we have FOR people!
1. Share the Gospel
The number one thing we plan to do this year is share the gospel. (This should always be on your daily “to do” list!) It’s so easy to get sidetracked. It’s easy to think our goal is to build a building or have a worship service. Those are great, but our primary mission is to lead people to follow Christ in a life changing way! We will go out of our way to show Christ’s love to all people.
In fact, this one thing (sharing the gospel) is the reason we will do the other 4 things. It’s the reason we embark on the faith-filled adventure.
So bring it on 2017!
– Andy Comer