The Browning's
Developments 11/25/2009
 
Over the last several months we have been raising money for our Rebuilt campaign.  At this point we are around 82% from where we need to be to take care of our needs for the next two years; leaving us in need of donations around $40,000. One of the unexpected new developments has been how God has provided in other means outside of such generous financial giving.  Lately, God has been providing through specified donations.  We've received wood donations for the stage and riser system that will go in the worship center and most recently, a good friend in Kentucky, Jim Powell, has agreed to help us with all our cabinetry, our coffee bar, and check-in stations.  The awesome part of this partnership is the quality of the pieces being donated. Below are a few mock up drawings for some of the work that is being donated to us.  These small touches will make our facility feel state-of-the-art, while allowing us to stay under-budget in each of these areas.

The Interior Design Team is working diligently at this time to develop a scheme that will work throughout the building.  God has been so great to us and I am confident that He is going to provide for us in ways we never expected.  Right now we are looking for QUALITY donations in the children's area.  We need cribs, toys, baby swings, bouncy seats, books and puzzles.  If you have any, and I stress, QUALITY items that you would like to donate please contact Katherine Williams at katsjourney@gmail.com.  

We are humbled and so grateful for all of the various ways that everyone is supporting and giving to Journey. This is an incredible walk of faith - trusting in God's continuous provision - thank you for being a part of His great plan.  
Top Left: Reception Desk; Top Right: Coffee Area - Overhead View.
Bottom Left: Sound Booth - Side View; Bottom Right: Children's Check-In Counter 
(Designs subject to change.)
 
 
After the Presidential State of the Union, there are all kinds of pundits that weigh in on what the President has said. Newscasters and analysts all give their opinions, trying to make sense of all the minutia found in the words of the address.  While no newscasters will be wading through our State of the Church address from this past Sunday night, and no pundits will ever weigh in on that same church service, I truly believe that God was listening in and I pray that He was pleased.  (If you missed it, download it here).

We spoke honestly about our failures and our successes.  We addressed areas where we need to improve and directions we are preparing to take.  No strategy is more important than our call to define our 'circle of responsibility'.  We have been challenged with finding six people who we will take responsibility over.  Six, out of the more than .5 million people, who live in the Charleston Metro area.  Once these 6 people have been identified, we will love them, serve them, invest in them, and invite them into a relationship with God and a relationship with us as a church family.  It is a simple plan, but it is the plan that we feel will allow us to make the greatest impact on our community.

As we move into our new location, I dream about seeing new faces walk through these new doors.  New people who walk in the door with you - that have been truly affected by your ministry.  People that you have invested in by having them over for dinner, buying them the occasional lunch, or serving their needs over the course of the next few months.  We are going to need everyone to take on this responsibility amongst other responsibilities.

The next 3 months we will be accomplishing a great amount of work in the new building and we need you to volunteer.  We will need painters, wood workers, lunch providers, builders, electricians, and technicians.  We have a lot of work ahead of us.  It is going to require hours and hours of volunteered work.  If you can help, please contact Clay at clay@journeychurchsc.org and tell us about your skill and expertise in any of these areas.  God is going to do some great things over the next few months.  Please join us as we change the landscape of this community with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
 
I'm very excited about this coming Sunday's, State of the Church address.  Sounds presidential, right?  Maybe you are wondering, what is this State of the Church address all about? 

Each year I want to spend some time looking honestly at how the last 365 days have transpired.  Every month, as a staff and elder team, we evaluate ourselves.  We look at the progress that we have made over the 30 days prior with honest evaluation.  These are always very fruitful discussions and often challenge us to move towards new ideas and new strategies.  I believe that evaluation can aid individuals and churches to reach their potential if used as a motivator.  This Sunday, I will give an honest and full evaluation of the state of our church.  We will celebrate what we have accomplished.  We will speak openly about our failures.  We will even spend some time thinking about where we are going and what it will take for us to accomplish our goals.

One thing that you are going to hear me say is, "We have failed when it comes to communication."  Currently, we are brainstorming new ways to keep our church family abreast of all that is happening in our church.  Here is the plan.  First, I will be using this blog as a means to communicate information on many levels.  Second, we are planning on sending out weekly emails to the church body with important information.  Finally, I am planning to give a verbal update each Sunday at the beginning of my sermon.  Hopefully this will keep us all on the same page and heading in the same direction together.  I recognize that I need to give a big shot in the arm this week in the area of communication.  Here are a few questions you can look forward to being address this week at the State of the Church address:

     How are we doing financially as a church?

     Where are we at with the New Building's construction?

     Can we see the blueprints of inside of the building?

     When will we move into the new building?

     What is the plan for the next 6 months?

I'm super excited to share the answers to these questions and much, much more.  Please be with us.  Keep checking here for more updates.