It's a Messy, Messy World

Ready or not, here we go...

After much prodding, I'm officially launching my blog.  This should be interesting.  I have a long history of my mouth getting me in to trouble, and now my thoughts will be posted for the world to see.

With my church (Ridgeview Community) launching a new and improved website, I decided this would be a great time to take the plunge.  After all, my mind has been churning the last few weeks as I continue to learn about community, and just what that really means to people.

I've spent the last 5+ years teaching (and a little preaching) about how important it is for people to embrace community.  Especially for Christ followers, we simply can't grow in our faith alone on an island.  I stand by that.  In fact, I believe it more than ever.  

There are tons of positives that happen when we "do life" with one another.  But I'm learning there are some risks involved as well.  People can disappoint us.  Love given may not be returned.  Confidences could be broken.  

Now, before you think I'm being Danny Downer, listen up.  Life is full of risk.  All of those things are possible, but so is the opposite.  Because we've taken the risk, people amaze us, we are loved and supported beyond any expectation, and our weaknesses that we've shared are carried to the Father in quiet confidence.

Yeah, building community can be messy; some would even say, dangerous.  But I know that if I'm going to be all that He has created me to be, I have to engage... I have to trust... and I have to risk.

There you have it... my first post.  In the coming days and months, I'll be sharing some of the stuff that rattles around in my head about group life, community, and even some leadership thoughts.  I'd love for you to post a comment or two... we might even build a little community.