A Call to Maryland

What a week we have had and all I can say is that God is good! All the Time! Cary and I got up at 3:00am Thursday so we could make our 7:00 am flight to Baltimore. The flight was just a little over an hour and then we had a two and one half hour drive to Salisbury. Salisbury, MD is located on the Peninsula just south of the Delaware State line. We crossed the bridge near Annapolis and had a beautiful ride south.

After arriving at the Church facility we went to lunch with Bill Warren who has been the Pastor for 22 years. I found out later that the previous pastors all have had long tenures. This says a lot for the Church and it's standing in the community. We ate ate at a China Buffet of course. (I couldn't move there unless there was Chinese food and a Panera Bread) It was during this lunch we found out how compatible we really are. This pastor is definitely spirit-filled and led. I can see how much we'll compliment one another as far as gifts we bring to the team. He took us on a tour of Salisbury and showed us the new facility that should be completed in March. I really like the small city feel and you can get anywhere in the city in 15-20 minutes. There are about 22,000 people in the city and 60,000 people in the surrounding community. The new facility is on the by-pass and in the south where all the growth will be. This is phase one and the worship center will hold 550 and there are three services. This facility sits on 40 acres and there is much room for growth. They have been dreaming about transitioning to this property for at least 7 years.

Thursday evening we had dinner with Bill and his wife Deborah and they took us to Watermans a wonderful Seafood restaurant. Cary being the Florida girl loved seafood and I love fish so it was like a taste of heaven. For the next few days I ate so much flounder I began to flounder.

Friday I met for a few hours with Bill and was able to ask my three pages of questions as well as hear his heart, passion and vision. Again I was blown away as God showed me over and over again that He was giving me the desire of my heart. Everything I dreamed this could be was opening up before my eyes. I could honestly say by this point my answer would be a resounding yes if they asked me to come.

Friday afternoon I found myself in more meetings. I was able to spend time with Velvie the Childrens Pastor who has been there since February. What a great heart and Spirit and she was able to give me insight to what it has been like moving in from out of State and her experiences on staff. I have nothing but respect for the team God is pulling together. Friday night the cell search team (seen above in the picture) had a gathering for discussion and dessert. I was so charged up that when they asked me questions I poured out my heart and didn't know when to stop. So we already knew that when we got together Sunday evening for a final discussion the better approach would be to hand me their questions and I could give concise answers. Oh well they got a real taste of my passion and enthusiasm for Christ.

Saturday we had a free day for the most part and went to Ocean City Maryland and walked the whole boardwalk along the beach. We are only 25-30 minutes from the ocean so this will be a wonderful place for all of you to come visit. There are so many things to see and do in this area. We also visited the National Seashore /Assateague Isalnd where the wild horses roam. All I can say is "Beautiful." Besides all the outdoor beauty we are two and one half hours from Washington D.C., Baltimore, Dover and close to Virginia Beach as well.

Saturday evening we were invited to a barbeque hosted by a cell group and the cell pastor search team. I had the opportunity to facilitate a cell gathering. I chose to bring application from the message the previous Sunday. This is what most cell churches do. The topic that is taught on Sunday gets applied during the week. They seem to really like that idea. Cray and I felt nothing but love and southern hospitality the whole time amoung these precious people!

Sunday morning Cary and I attended all three services. At 8:15 they have a traditional service. It reminded me of the years right after I accepted Christ and attended South Park Baptist Church in Crown Point Indiana. This is not my preferred style of worship but it was well done and the people were friendly and loving. I like the idea of being able to minister to a diverse group of people who all matter to God!

The second and third services blew our minds. Before coming out here I was thinking, "I wonder what contemporary means in this congregation." The first song was a powerhouse song by the David Crowder Band and it took off from there. Cary and I were smiling from ear to ear because we love contemporary worship. We also have freedom to worship expressively as the pastor understands the power of worship. Bill is a wonderful teacher and motivator as well. Second service I noticed a man slip in and sit in and sit in the back row. During ministry time at the end I was praying for him as I sensed he had needs in his life. What a wonderful surprise to have him respond and ask Christ into his life. This congregation has momentum and I believe when they go out to the new facility their will be great growth and continued momentum!

More lunch meetings and another discussion with the cell search team and it was time to head back to Ohio and wait for a response. I was so positive and excited for this opportunity but I would have to wait until Wednesday evening to see what the team thought. Finally I received the call I was waiting for. It was unnaimous as the team met on Wednesday evening. They will recommend to the Church that I be called as Cell Pastor! Cary and I are thrilled and excited that God would give us this open door of ministry! On the weekend of Sept 10th we return for the formality of meeting the congregation and formalizing this relationship.

Some of you are wondering what a Cell pastor does and how does he use his time? I'm pasting below a rough job description that will show you what attracted me in the first place.

Job Description:
Main Purpose:The Cell Pastor will provide the primary leadership for the cell group ministry.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead the Cell Vision Team in their mission of guiding the church through the eight stages required to create an effective cell group ministry.
2. Coordinate and delegate the training of cell members, cell leaders, and cell coaches.
3. Supervise the cell coaches.
4. Supervise the assimilation of new members into cell groups.
5. Supervise the discipleship journey of members primarily through retreats and mentoring.
6. Lead our cell groups to multiply at least once every 12 to 18 months.

Qualifications:This ministry position requires a Spirit-filled person who is highly relational in personality and who has the administrative skills to manage a ministry effectively.

This describes my heart and passion. For those who know me, you can see the perfect fit! God is so good and truely gives us the desires of our heart!