Mixed Emotions

Over the past several days, I’ve been pounded with people asking me to post an update from Sunday’s transition to two services. Unfortunately, I’ve been pretty conflicted about what to write.

I thought about writing an article about how smooth Kinetic transitioned into two services. Our production team arrived on time and setup the auditorium with time to spare. Jonathan Jackson and his team seamless rolled out a brand new lighting rig without a hitch. And for the first time in months, Diane and David Cleland attended worship together because everything was COMPLETELY COVERED in our Kinetic Kids area. How great is that?

On top of that, the service itself was great; you could sense the presence of God. I love that.

So, from that perspective, Sunday was AMAZING!

Yet, if I’m honest about how I’m feeling, I’m pretty frustrated.

Sunday, as I strolled through the hallways of the theatre, I was shocked to learn that the members of Kinetic failed to do the hard work of inviting. (though a select few got it.) That disturbed me.

Then Monday, after the numbers finally rolled in, I learned that our attendance was average at best. After signing only 6 first time visitor letters, I immediately knew that Kinetic neglected to use this transition as a chance to invest in the lives of others; an opportunity lost.

Part of me thinks that Sunday might have been the biggest exercise in missing the point that I’ve seen in a while. More work, more volunteers, longer days, and fewer invitations.

I’m saddened, because I have a burning urgency for the broken people of Charlotte. I know that Jesus has the power to transformed their lives and give meaning, forgiveness and purpose…and the call is now! The hurting need not be patient. They need not settle for good intentions or high hopes for the future. I believe that Jesus is the only source of life and am willing to do whatever it takes to help others know what it means to truly live. I am frustrated when my church fails to share my passion.

Please don’t miss my point: this is not about making Kinetic Church bigger and fatter. My goal is not to build a huge church in order to feed my ego and give me meaning. My mission is to change the city of Charlotte by introducing Jesus to everyone in the city. Evangelism is about Jesus, not about Kinetic. Yet, Jesus was clear about his purpose when he said, “I have come to seek and save the lost.” I want what Jesus wants.

I desperately want Kinetic to reach her potential. God has resourced us beyond measure. Kinetic has the talent, resources, heart and capacity to forever change the spiritual landscape of Charlotte and impact lives for eternity.

The sky is not falling. On the contrary, Kinetic is growing deeper, wider and is caring for more people than she ever has. We are in a good spot; poised and ready for God to move. We simply must be continue to be faithful to the call of God and the mission of Jesus.

Finally, if you prayed for Kinetic over the past several weeks, let me thank you for your faithfulness. God is moving and I am grateful for your prayers.