Something Different

As this month moves along it is my guess that you will start to see people coming out with all sorts of top 10 lists. The top songs, movies, or events of the year or the decade. I’ll probably do much of the same and I thought I would start it off with my top 5 influential churches of the past decade.

5. New Spring – This is the church that I probably follow the most closely in the last year. The first time I heard Perry Noble speak at Whiteboard Sessions put on by Ben Arment I said to myself, “this guy is a freak” and I still believe that today. But it isn’t so much Perry Noble as it is New Spring. This church is doing things that I never thought possible. Examples include buying a home and giving it away on Mother’s Day or inviting people to get baptized at that very moment and providing every possible element that could be used as an excuse. New Spring is passionate about their Student Ministries and they will exhaust their resources in providing whatever it takes so that people will come to know Christ. Their newest efforts in Africa are also very exciting. I love their creativity and Perry Noble can bring the word. One final influence New Spring has brought to me personally is the ministry of Joe Sangl and his personal debt counseling for the Schmidt family.

4. Mosaic – I’m blown away by Mosaic’s artistry. I remember my first visit to Mosaic and the way they use dance is unlike anything I had seen before. The idea of the Barbarian and Crash will forever be in my heart. The environments/elements triggered new thoughts for me. I resonate with the Faith, Love, and Hope to such a high degree that they too are a part of thebridge DNA. Unstoppable force is a yearly read for me because I love to be reminded about friction/traction and momentum. I started blogging after meeting Alex McManus and continue to read whatever Erwin writes.

3. Mars Hill (Grand Rapids) – I love how this church takes action in their local community. Did you know that Grand Rapids is the epicenter of progressive culture? What amazes me besides the brilliant teaching of Rob Bell and his ability to tie the historical text into a meaningful application for the here and now is the overall branding and creativity of the entire Mars Hill community. Their Lenten devotions, joy boxes, and carpet square notes ring are just a few of their unusual creations that I love! Add to that the side projects of Rob Bell that have so much depth in content and visual excellence examples being Nooma (which is coming to an end), Velvet Elvis, and Prophets/Poets/Preachers. The influence of Isn’t She Beautiful and the chuppah is something that has been implemented at thebridge and has greatly blessed numerous people.

2. Willow Creek - The easiest way to describe my experience with Willow Creek is that prior to my exposure to Willow Creek church was in black and white and after seeing Willow Creek I realized that the church could be seen in color. Bill Hybels passion for the local church and the lost will forever captivate me. Willow also showed me a number of firsts such as using lights, video, drama, and energetic worship. A book store, conferences, and food court first seen here. A church having mission, vision, and values were also all learned here. Willow also was the catalyst in introducing me to numerous speakers and books that have shapped and influenced me.

1. Third Church – This is the first church I ever felt a part of. My faith came alive not so much because of any one person but rather a community of people. I had never seen anything like it. People were excited to come to church and so was I. This is also the first church I ever worked for. This allowed me to see what takes place behind the scenes. I was empowered to go after whatever I felt God was calling me to go after. This is the most generous church I have ever seen. They have been the sole financial backers of thebridge. They have given more than just money but also resources, time dedicated to projects, people support, and prayer support. Our family would not be in Ottumwa without Third Church.