We ventured outside of downtown Indy for the first time on our trip; this morning we had breakfat with Brad Ruggles in Carmel, IN before being surprised by an oppotunity to connect with Matt Odegaard from Grace Communtiy Church.  This afternoon Ryan and I drove south to meet Jon Porter from Greensburg, IN...he drove an hour to meet with us and share more of his story - honest and hilarious!

Brad Ruggles - Creative Guru & Future Church Planter
Matt Odegaard - Grace Community Church
A Tale of Two Opposite Perspectives.  Brad moved to northern Indianaplois one year ago to plant a church; Matt moved to northern Indianapolis one year ago to join the staff of a firmly established mega church...both are passionate about the church and impacting their community for Christ and have become good friends in the process. 

After breakfast Brad took us to Grace to find a quiet room where we could record a short interview, and we were surprised to have Matt walk in the door and join the interview.  Listen as Brad shares about the journey in preparing for the launch of their church plant and Matt shares about lessons he's learning from the front lines of ministry in Indianapolis...so good.

Jon Porter - Community Church of Greensburg
Ryan said it best when we got in the car after hanging out with Jon, "Truth is the only original thing we have left." Jon told the truth today...funny at times, vulnerably honest at others.

Jon drove over an hour to meet Ryan and I today, and I was so glad he did!  Ryan and I laughed so much during our time with Jon, but I don't think he was necessarily trying to be funny.  He was just so honest about his story and about his experience as a church planter and senior pastor over the last 10 years.

At one point he said, "Guys, what do you do when an old lady walks down the aisle and says to you, 'Pastor, the Lord has given me a song to sing for the church.'?  I wanted to look at her and say, 'Give it back!'"  Line after line about his experiences invited moments of humorous honesty as well as vulnerable confessions.  Jon's heart for people is clearly evident only shadowed by his pure desire to serve the Lord.  I am looking forward to seeing him again at Catalyst in Atlanta.

Pictures From Today!
(L-R, Breakfast with Brad Ruggles, Brad Ruggles & Matt Odegaard at Grace, Jon Porter)

• (video from our time last night Lockerbie Central UMC coming next week)

Tomorrow is a VERY FULL day, more soon from Indianapolis!

LV