Thursday, June 24, 2010 Countdown 2 Launch: Why Launch?

WHAT IS COUNTDOWN 2 LAUNCH?

You may be asking, what is this Countdown 2 Launch? What is this new Summer schedule all about? Well, let me put it like this. We've had some awesome Friday Night FWD gatherings and now they are morphing into something greater for Helena.

That's why we are focusing this Summer on connecting with the community and inviting the public to three Sneak Peek Worship Gatherings — one in July, August, and September. In truth, the new Summer schedule is more than just a schedule, it is an intentional strategy to launch Encounter on 10-10-10.

Our next article will focus exactly what will be happening this Summer, but let me tell you that it will be ... you guessed it, AWESOME! Click here for a glimpse. In the mean time, read through these thoughts from a recent discussion of the folks here at Encounter.

BE A BURNING BUSH

Based on the Exodus 3 story of Moses' encounter with God through the burning bush, we want to be like a burning bush...

We want to be something out-of-the ordinary
that catches people's attention
so they can encounter God.

We are called apart. We are not ordinary. We are out of the box. In fact, we are a strange and peculiar people. And according to scripture in 1 Peter 2: 9-10, we are a peculiar people to bring forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness!

That is why we feel we need to step out of the boat and create a safe place for people to embrace a dangerous faith. As with any encounter with God, you will never be the same!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

There are always challenges when you step out of the routine. When you decide to make a difference rather than settling for the status quo. And because of the resistance to change is often fierce, we find it important to celebrate those successes that God has brought our way.

We've made a difference, we've changed lives by serving people in our community. And the giving away of ourselves reflects what we value — being relational, authentic, and intentional. It has been awesome to reach people through Friday Night FWD — we've been able to live out a creative, authentic, and relevant faith through an accepting environment that is both edgy and impactful.

We also want to make a difference in people's lives right where they are. Helena parks, Summer concerts, and downtown events are just a few places we will be building relationships and serving our community.

WHY LAUNCH?

Whether you call it Launch Day, Grand Opening, or our first Public Worship Services, the Encounter Launch is key to making a difference here in Helena.

We need to launch to create awareness so that more people know that Encounter is here. We need to launch to connect with more people so that we can move toward self-sufficiency as a faith community. We need to launch because it creates urgency, excitement, and momentum — this stage of our church development that we are in will never come again, and it is the perfect time to connect with others (both for growing the launch team and building financial partnerships).

Most importantly, we need to launch because it will allow us to help more people encounter God and take the first steps of knowing Jesus better.

WHAT IS A LAUNCH TEAM?

Finally, what is a launch team and why do we need one? Basically, a launch team is a temporary team of people committed to launch public worship gatherings. The team will disband no more than 6 months after our launch. The reason we need a launch team, is because a church is not just one person. We must understand that each one of us on the team is a church planter.

What does it mean to be on the launch team? Quite simply, if you are serving in some way, if you are doing something specific to help us move toward launch, you are on the launch team. What are the expectations? Here is what we determined:

• Give of your time, talent, and treasure for at least 6 weeks into launch
• Serve in some role such as front line, musician, kids, setup, etc.
• Tell others. Invest in their lives
• Invite 5 people to each sneak peaks. Invite 10 people to launch

WHAT IS NEXT?

Our 10-10-10 Launch day is confirmed. And so this Summer is about connecting with others in Helena that long to see a unique, creative faith community focused on see the disconnected of Helena encounter Jesus in a real and authentic way.

The upcoming "Countdown 2 Launch" strategy for this Summer is crucial. Not only do we need your help to for the Encounter Sneak Peek Worship Gatherings, we need you to share the excitement with friends, invest yourself into this momentum, be consistent in your support (both time and treasure), and come out to make Jesus' name known in our community through Encounter.

Right now, I want to challenge you to step up with us. For us to join together as a team and make this happen. To listen to the vision that God has communicated, and find that safety with Him in the midst of chaos. I am personally asking you to respond right now.

ENVISIONING LAUNCH: THIS FRIDAY

Please join us on Friday, June 25 for an EnVision Launch Gathering as begin to kick off this whole thing. I guarantee that each one of you is a Rockstar. Now is the time to step forward and let that light shine.

RSVP on Facebook here