Sep
23
2008

New Word Delivers!

Everyone knew it was coming, but no one knew what to expect. Everyone held their breath: what would Word, the high school Bible study, be like without its posse of eight male high school graduates - and saddled with all-new leadership?

Everyone knew it was coming, but no one knew what to expect. Everyone held their breath: what would Word, the high school Bible study, be like without its posse of eight male high school graduates – saddled with all-new leadership? Many of those who left Word had developed a serious workforce of teachers, workers, cell group leaders, and they carried away a unique and exciting ethos…

fear factor night

Along with the college guys’ departure came another huge change. As Keith and Greg left their Word leadership post for other endeavors, seasoned Word leaders Joe Allie and Diana Michalek were joined by Mark Michalek and Neil and Kalie Brooks, all rookies to Word. On July 10, 2008 the home church was turned upside down when the freshman first attended, the college guys didn’t, and the new leadership team stepped in. The unspoken question simmered in everyone’s mind: “Would Word survive?”

Two months later the verdict is in and all signs show Word is not only surviving, but thriving. The meeting has maintained its average attendance, close to 21 people per meeting, and its outreach rate is a solid 11%. But these numbers include slow summer months. From August to September the group saw an explosive 50% growth in attendance!

The stats aren’t the only indication of success. Joe says “The leadership team change has been really cool. I am impressed by Neil in particular, who can be crazy and fun with the guys, but at the same time, makes sure to get to know them.” Neil, who performed cannonballs at the pool party while wearing a child’s lifejacket and ducky inner tube, says Word is “exciting and life-infusing to its workers.” Mark agrees that “this is the most fun I’ve had doing ministry in a long time.” And Diana is pleased to see her disciples Adi and Becky “really coming into their own as the new senior workforce in Word.”

But “this isn’t the same Word as last year,” Joe warned. Adi and Becky agree that “it feels more like Chill,” the misnomer for the high-energy junior high home church. The Bible study now warms up with ice-breakers involving blind-folds, Cranium clues, and animal sounds, settles down for a teaching, and then storms the Morschers’ pool or high school sports fields. After-CT activities include karaoke, Fear Factor and the infamous Scavenger Hunt. Just imagine Evan Beech licking uncooked hot dog slices out of Jordan Yoerger’s toes for a taste of the new Word’s fun.

 

[callout]The group is likely to outgrow the Morscher’s basement soon…[/callout]But the changes aren’t contained to energy levels or activities. “Filling the gap left by the graduates has been the biggest challenge,” Joe admitted. “Gone are the days when the younger guys could just show up and enjoy a spiritual time. Now it’s up to them!” But B and Jordan in particular are delivering. “From when I first met B until now, God has done an amazing work with him,” Neil reflected. Meanwhile Asta’s friends threaten to overrun the meeting with girls.

The group is also invading secular space at the high school football games, where they strategically invite friends to hang out afterward. Evangelism is booming as kids catch a vision for reaching the lost. And with stellar activities, relevant teachings, and a committed adult workforce (also includes Carrie Hemphill, Amy Lagotte, Ryan Leon, Nicole Wondercheck, Michelle Tidwell, and Kate McCallum), the group is likely to outgrow the Morscher’s basement soon.

“I didn’t realize until recently how many non-Christian friends I have!” Chloe said.

Get ready: the new Word has arrived!

Written by kbrooks in: Ministries | Tags: ,

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