The past 6 months

Now that I’ve “officially” gone public with the next part of the journey that God has planned, I can share what I’ve been doing the past 6 months. Besides working full time as a physical therapist, being mom to 3 travel hockey playing teen boys, doing house projects that I had put off for 20 years, and seeing my oldest son through his senior year of high school/preparing for college, I’ve actually had some time to make some great connections and learn a ton!!

I have had the opportunity to speak regularly at Thursdays, Northgate Free Methodist Church’s midweek service geared toward 18-30ish year olds. I’ve learned to prepare sermons, do announcements, speak and learn from Anthony Hoisington, leader of Thursdays.

I’ve been able to “meet” so many fellow bloggers who have encouraged me, offered support and input, and have inspired me. I don’t dare begin to even list them because there are so many, but to all of you—THANK YOU!!!

We started working on systems, organization, job descriptions, volunteer positions and tons more for Walls Down Church. I’ve also been learning a lot about myself, and I’ve been stretched in so many ways.

In October we traveled to Georgia and I attended Catalyst conference, a huge leadership conference and heard speakers Dave Ramsey, Andy Stanley, John Maxwell, Erwin McManus, and Craig Groeschel talk to a packed arena in Atlanta. That same weekend we attended Mountain Lake Church where I was able to not only experience all the “pieces” but also attended the Saturday night after service meeting with the pastors/leaders. On Sunday we traveled to Oak Leaf Church , led by Michael Lukaszewski, getting there early to see setup in a high school. On the way home, we drove to the Cincinnati area, to get a feel for the area, pray and listen to where God was leading.

In November we drove to participate in Backstage Elevation, an opportunity through Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC to help and experience a portable church set up in a high school. We met with some great guys, Larry Brey and Chunks Corbett, who took the time to share their incredible wealth of knowledge. Elevation is a church led by Steven Furtick and is one of the fastest growing churches in the country.

I’ve tried to take advantage of any chance to see portable churches in action, as Walls Down will be in a facility where we will setup/tear down weekly. Although there are not many in this area, I was able to go to The Chapel at Elmwood and experience church in a movie theater. I met campus pastor Brek Cockrell and am looking forward to returning and learning more.

January took us to Cincinnati where we met up with Paul and Sherri and family to be on the ground where Walls Down will launch. It was the first time we were all in the area together! We spent a day with Molly Cunningham of Crossroads Church. Wow–what an experience. She shared so much information and so many resources. I can’t wait to get back down there again!

That brings us to February and my trip last week to Georgia. Between all these trips I’ve visited numerous churches in the area, talked to many leaders/volunteers/pastors and am really learning from everyone I meet and every place I go! It’s amazing!!

The past 6 months have been an incredible ride…and it’s only just beginning!!! I love it!!