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Archive for September, 2011
National Coffee Day!
Thursday, September 29th, 2011
I don’t know where I’ve been, but I just found out on Facebook that today is National Coffee Day! So join me in the celebration! Go out and grab a cup of dark, rich, Eithiopian blend coffee! I’m celebrating the National holiday with a cup…and remembering the sights, sounds, and smells of an Ethiopian Coffee ceremony I attended (in Ethiopia) with my daughter, about nine months ago.
Enjoy!
Joe
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Leaving and Leading (Part 2 – the Pain)
Thursday, September 22nd, 2011
So here’s the jist, I have arrived … and left a few ministries over the years.
The last two have been after 5 years in Dayton Ohio and after 5 years in Indianapolis.
Here’s something I can say about transition: it’s painful. Both ministries we’re great experiences. Both ministries had high and low moments. We left both ministries only after hearing God calling us to a particular church.
Here’s why it hurts so much:
- 1. It’s all new.
You have a new house, church, phone number, boss, friends (or lack there of), school, smells, air…everything is new. New can be exciting, BUT eventually, the excitement ends and reality sets in.
- 2. You’re starting all over again
You’re starting new relationships. You’re building trust all over again. You’re figuring out new systems.
Have you transitioned? Was it tough? Why/why not?
Coming up:
Part 3 – God’s will?
Part 4 – Communicating
Part 5 – Timing
Part 6 – Bridge Building / Bridge Burning
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Catalyst Atlanta…going?
Monday, September 19th, 2011Who’s going? I’m going to be there this year. I’m so pumped! Let me tell you why:
I’m excited for David Platt, Reggie Joiner, Andy Stanley, Francis Chan, and all those guys, BUT the number 1 person I’m pumped to hear is Katie Davis. Never heard of her? You will from this point out, I promise. Check out her story (HERE).
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Leaving and Leading (Part 1 – The Introduction
Monday, September 12th, 2011
So today starts the series I’m calling Leaving and Leading. I thought I’d start with where I am today, and then work backwards. After a week or so of transition, I feel like today is my first official day working. The transition period is so crazy. I have found myself wondering aimlessly through the building looking for the bathroom… my office… or even a familiar face.
So after a week of wondering, here’s the first email that I sent. It’s a great starting point in that it explains a little of my role and the task at hand.
Here it is:
Yesterday afternoon, I found myself sitting back and truly thanking God for all the great things that he has done for me over the last week. I want to start by thanking Fellowship for a great welcome. Last weekend was amazing and my family feels so loved. We have managed to unpack most of the boxes…at least all the essentials are safely put away in their new place. We are excited to be back in Ohio and call Chagrin Falls our home.
Although my first official day in the office was September 1, I did get to spend a couple “unofficial” days getting to know the staff and discovering what an amazing team we have here at Fellowship. I really am encouraged to be moving into a position that will oversee such a growing ministry.
If there is one thing I’ve learned over the years in ministry, it’s that during a time of transition, communication is king. If you’ll hang in there for just a few lines more- I want to give you a quick overview of (1) Who I am, (2) What’s my job, and (3) What this means for you.
1. Who I am
My wife, Aime, and I have been in ministry for over 14 years. Most recently we served in Indianapolis, Indiana where I worked with families as the Pastor if Children’s Ministries for the past five years. I have a Bible degree from Cedarville University and a Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Liberty University. We have five children, 4 daughters and 1 son, ranges in ages from 11-15 months. We are proud members of the Buckeye Nation (although I never attended OSU…yet)
2. What’s my job
My title is Pastor of Community and Family Formation. As the PCFF I’m charged to develop a holistic approach to our ministries for children and teens, intertwined with Community Groups, new programs for parents and adults, worship, missions and service.
My title is Pastor of Community and Family Formation. As the PCFF I have the privilege of developing a holistic approach to our ministries from children all the way through adults. This includes guiding our Community Groups as they engage in the Word, Inner Life and Missional Living. I will also oversee classes for adults. I am excited to intertwine our children, teens and adult ministries to help us all move forward on our spiritual journey. Whether you are single, married, have children or grandchildren we all can agree that helping our families develop good spiritual habits is a good thing.
3. What this means
This means that along with working very closely with both the Children’s and Student ministries to develop a family approach to ministry, I will also oversee Community Groups.
Here at Fellowship we believe firmly that community is the bedrock of the Christian faith. It’s all about a relationships. God calls us into a relationship with Him. Christ came to us and died so that this relationship could be re-established. We walk in relationship with Him through the power of His Holy Spirit, AND if this isn’t enough, God has called us to go on this journey…in community. We put it like this: As maturing worshippers of Christ we are to be cultivating the Inner Life, living Missionally, and growing in our understanding and knowledge of the Word of God. Community groups are crucial here at Fellowship in that we believe that these components will only produce a well-rounded believer when it is rooted in Community.
Thank you all again for the opportunity you have given me to serve Fellowship in this capacity. Please know that I’m here for you if you have any questions, concerns, or just need a listening ear on this journey. Feel free to contact me or just stop by. I’d love to grab a cup of coffee and talk.
Owned by God,
Joe McGinnis
Pastor of Community and Family Formation
Fellowship Bible Church
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