What a day! I'm in Chesterfield, MO right now hanging out a Starbucks looking back on a very full day in St. Louis. Today I had the chance to meet with staff from one of the largest churches in the St. Louis area (Windsor Crossing Community Church in Chesterfield, MO) AND the lead pastor of a church that started over a year ago with 7 people (New Life Community Church, also in Chesterfield, MO)...and several churches in between.
It was a chance to ride from one end of the church spectrum to the extreme other. I'm learning that mega churches are far and few between in St. Louis and the surrounding suburbs...
John Harris - First Baptist Church Maryville, IL
It was also a day of extremes on an another level...this morning, amidst celebrating what is happening on the front lines of churches in the area, I had the chance to meet the staff from First Baprist Church Maryville, IL and hear about one of the most tragic stories that many of you are already familiar with... John Harris is an old high school friend who is now serving as the Young Adult Pastor at FBC Maryville, but his story is EXTREMELY UNIQUE.
Do you remember the story of the pastor who was shot and killed in IL earlier this year (March)? John was there and tells the story of what happened...and how the church is slowly recovering from one of the most surreal moments imaginable:
(video interview with Randall Littleton at Windsor Crossing will be posted next week, stay tuned to hear about one critical component to a dynamically healthy team!)
Jason Bowman - New Life Community Church
12 years ago Jason was strung out on drugs & alcohol and couldn't hold a conversation for longer than 30 seconds...when he was sober! His brain was, as he says, "completely fried!" Today he is the lead pastor of a church that was down to 7 people a year ago and is now averaging about 70 each week. His story is extreme as is his heart for telling people about Jesus. I had an absolute blast hanging out with him and listening to the stories of how God is changing him from the inside out and using him to help liberate others...his story is incredible. Check this out...
Jason Bowman's Story - No Addiction Is Too Strong
Windsor Crossing Community Church
When I asked people about churches to visit in St. Louis several people mentioned Windsor Crossing Community Church in Chesterfield, MO. Greg Holder is the Senior Pastor and was out of town, but sevearl of their staff took some time this afternoon to sit down and share some of their story. HUGE thanks to Natalie Laslie, Randall Littleton, Eric McClerren, Bill Swaringim, & Andy Sharpe for sharing a glimpse into the story of The Crossing. Next week I will post a video highlighting insight from Randall and Andy about how a concerted effort to fight gossip and embrace conflict in a healthy way is a CRITICAL piece to a healthy team. And they ALL confess that it takes time, practice, and even more practice, but a culture of trust and safety slowly begins to emerge. It was an fantastic conversation...
Erik Lawson - Element Church
It was a marathon day but before it was all said and done I had the chance to meet Erik Lawson, founding pastor of Element Church. We only had about 30 minutes together but even in that short time it was clear that Erik has a humble heart for others. Element Church is one of the fastest growing churches in St. Louis and in three years has already grown to ever 1000, which is HUGE for churches out here. I was bummed he had to take off, but really respect his reason - he was getting home to be with his family. I wish more pastors felt the freedom to protect their evenings for their family!
It was a great day, and already looking forward to my last full day in St. Louis tomorrow! More soon,
LV
Pictures from today...
A full day, a great day...
LV
