Reflections

Sunday was a culmination of sorts of what God has done in and through City on a Hill Church for the last 15 months. We celebrated our Grand Opening of our new building with 98 people - by far the largest attendance we've ever had. Friends and families of different backgrounds and cultures came together to celebrate Jesus.

I had planned on kicking off the Wild Goose Chase series, but the Lord led me in a different direction. I preached on the four essential keys to a healthy (ie, growing) church found in Acts 9:31. It's obvious to me that a healthy church is also a church that is growing. I'm proud to say that COAHC is a healthy church.

Our King's Kids ministry was packed with kids learning about God and experiencing the love of Jesus. Our worship team did an incredible job of leading us into the throne room of the Lord. By the time it was all over, several people had responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit by rededicating their lives to following Christ more closely.

Our visitors were met in the parking lot with smiles. Everyone was welcomed with open arms and delicious refreshments (boy, did we have a lot of food!). As I looked around, it was great to see our COAHC'ers extending a warm welcome to each and every person. I'd say that everyone was touched by the love of Jesus at least two or three times before they left. I was so proud of our folks. I know some of us don't always feel comfortable talking to strangers. But it was the power of the Holy Spirit leading everyone on Sunday!

The other neat thing was that a lot of people stayed for quite a while after the service. That's always a good sign of a healthy church - relationships! Many of our visitors stayed behind to meet and talk with people. They didn't rush to leave. It was neat to simply watch ministry happening right before my eyes everywhere I turned.

I'm so thankful that God called my family and I to Culpeper. I'm so thankful for my church family. What an incredible 15 months it's been. I can't wait to see what He does in the next 15 months!