I read once that we should expect preferential treatment because of who our Father is. God pulls strings for his kids all the time. Many times I am not even aware of how God’s favor is directing and blessing my life. I believe that God’s favor is on our church right now in a huge way. Here are the ways I see his favor:

1. The Life Change. We baptized more people in the last 12 months than at any other time in our history. Baptisms, maybe more than anything represent changed lives. People are going public with their faith and it makes God smile.
2. Our Attendance. 70 people started this journey with us 7 years ago. Just 3 years ago, 200 of us moved out of our “home” into the Middle School (that in itself was a miracle). In April, we averaged 650 in our Sunday services. 80% of churches in America are flat or declining but God has decided to grow Fellowship. When you factor in the fact that we are in the Northeast this is huge.
3. Our Relationship With The School. Our connection with the school district is unprecedented. God is allowing us to be a vital part of our community. My pastor friends are amazed at what God has given us with the school. We met this week with their representatives and I have some exciting news that I am saving for the our VIP event tomorrow night.

Why are we seeing God’s favor? A couple of things jump out.

1. Fellowship’s Heart For The Unchurched. We are learning to be preoccupied with what God is preoccupied with. People. People far from Him. People in crisis and in pain. Spiritual people who have yet to find their connection to God through Jesus, and have yet to discover their purpose serving and growing in His bride, the church.
2. Fellowship Is Not Playing It Safe. The larger you get the more there is to protect. 2007 was a brutal year for Michelle and I with the toll that pastoring and ministry takes. It was tough on our staff and elders. The human part of us says to take a break…catch our breath…maybe we can just coast for a while. NO WAY! We are continuing to run the race…we will be taking our biggest faith risks this year. This is not the church to come to if you want to just get comfortable.

So today, I am thankful to be a small part of God’s plan. I’m thankful to serve God and you. I’m humbled that I get an inside look at his favor in our midst. Great things are happening at Fellowship and greater things are coming!