So I've just returned from the Orange Conference 2012 and, I have to say, I'm feeling pretty excited, but at the same time a little nauseous about how to handle the information I've come back with. I went to OC last year for the first time and I remember I came back foaming at the mouth about EVERYTHING I heard! I was super excited! But I was new. We were at the beginning. I didn't yet know what I've learned so far about implementing Orange in the local church.....when nobody else understands what you're talking about.......when almost no other churches in your community see a need for change. I should also add, I'm not a great communicator! It felt liked I was being punk'd by Jesus!
This year, knowing where we're at and where we need to go, I focused pretty much only on the things that would help us get there: Sticky Faith and leadership development. I feel like the Sticky Faith stuff I brought home is SO important to our church that I'm feeling concerned about how we should put it out there. I know better now than to just throw it at them and expect them to get it. I'm really looking forward to talking with our pastor (who has my back!) about the best way to introduce it to the congregation. I'm excited to see where God takes this in our community.
I'm also really excited about Lead Small! Looking forward to studying this with our elementary and preschool leaders and then look forward to watching what happens as they study it with their small group leaders and how it trickles down to our student leaders!
It's a full year ahead! It's a huge responsibility! Here we go......
