The MVC Swap

I did something today that I've never done before… I swapped places with Pastor Ken VanVliet from Monte Vista Chapel.  He came to NLCC and spoke in all the services, and I had the chance to speak at MVC for the day.  What a great experience!  To connect with a church that is doing everything it can to build the Kingdom of God, to help people reconcile to God and to each other, and to grow deep disciples. They were so welcoming and encouraging.  A BIG THANKS  to Mark, Matt, Steve, and all the rest of the staff that made everything so smooth for the day.  I also called Ken after the service (he was eating a hotdog at the NLCC fellowship hall, otherwise known as Costco).  He said the services went great and the NLCC gang was awesome (way to go guys!).

Here's the cool thing…I get to do this for the next 2 weeks as well.  Next week I'll be swapping with Steve Carlson at Turlock Covenant, and the following week I'll be exchanging with Rusty Lyon from Calvary Baptist.  I think this speaks something to our community about being on the same team as churches.  There has been so much competition among churches, it's awesome to do something uniting us together.

I can already tell that the big takeaway for me over these next weeks is going to be seeing how God is alive and well and at work ALL OVER TURLOCK.  I know we have different styles, different methods, and different personalities in our churches, but God is moving in unique ways none the less.

I'm looking forward to the adventure.  But I have to admit, I do miss the family at NLCC.