Some sad news today in my personal ministry. The Water's Edge church plant has been shut down by the conference. It was, ultimately, a kingdom building decision. The pastor will be moved to Dahlonega First UMC. That church is starting a new contemporary service. Joe is the best person I can think of to start a new contemporary service. Dahlonega is a college town and Joe's a phenomenal college pastor. Eventually the church will probably open a daughter church on GA400 (a highway) directly inbetween where Joe lives and where the Dahlonega church is.

It makes so much sense, and eventually a new church will get planted. So, why do I feel so empty? This opens up a lot of oppertunities for me. This was the biggest road block keeping me from seeking out a youth ministry position. My Sunday nights are available to work with the youth group here in Toccoa, too. I learned a huge amount about church planting through this experience - and also grew a lot in my faith through my interaction with Joe. So, why am I upset that it's over?

I hope that the conference doesn't make the same mistakes again. I hope that they are willing to admit that placing a few families in an area is worth the financial burden if it will help the church grow. I hope the conference learned something. I want to go work in Pittsburgh with the new church our conference is planting. I want to encourage any new church planting that the UMC is putting on. I'm still excited by the idea of new churches.