We left Summerville, SC this morning after spending about 5 days there meeting with friends. Old Fort is the church I attended during my time in college at Charleston Southern and I am so encouraged by the new direction they are taking. We went to lunch with pastor Eric and he shared with us more about his desire for his church to focus on real ministry, not programs. Sounds like what so many are saying, but this is for real. This large Southern Baptist church is turning outward. . . away from programs and buildings and consumer worship. Its a change that seems like fresh water in a dry, stale church culture in America. It seems to me there is a subtle but growing tension these days in church . . . maybe God's people growing discontent with bigger buildings. Feeling not so effective and wanting to do and be more for the kingdom. Not that buildings are bad. They aren't good or bad. They are concrete. I am young and inexperienced but I think there are lots of believers out there who are ready to pour themselves out for the the fame of Jesus Christ but they need organization and leadership from their pastors to make something happen on a congregational level. Thank you pastor for being bold enough to change things that need changing, and for demonstrating faith in a big God to walk you through it.