I’m on my way home after leading a men’s retreat for Christ Community Presbyterian in the North Georgia Mountains. I was their keynote speaker and worship leader. After speaking at their church in Kennesaw this morning I’m heading for the home front where I return to my church at Centerpoint and my sweet family in Tallahassee.
I officially finished my first year of pastoring Centerpoint about a month and a half ago. My family is doing well in Tallahassee and I’m keeping the fire lit with the vision of Rebirth. I wish that I had enough resources to provide for myself good administrative support, but God is good and providing along the way with some volunteer help.
In addition to ministering to numerous churches this year - encouraging them to remain the Compassionate Community God envisioned for us to be in our world - I am searching for those next-generation urban ministry leaders to replicate new incarnational ministries in pockets of poverty. I’ve facilitated some of the resources toward the work of Rebirth in New Orleans and continue to try and encourage the work that continues there. I’ve also consulted with churches and organizations regarding their strategies for outreach to the poor.
I’ve never fancied myself a pastor. When I went to seminary, I did so for the purpose of being trained as a missionary, not a preacher. Nevertheless, I do love the people who are Centerpoint Church, count it a privilege to shepherd them and am thankful to them for their forbearance and longsuffering with the likes of me. And I know that God is using me in Tallahassee, but perhaps even more so using Tallahassee in me.
I have finished my recent CD project entitled Shards of Light. I should have copies of it within two weeks. It is a collection of spiritual songs and hymns and is a retreat from my regular melancholy self - it has actually turned into a rather encouraging and uplifting piece. I’ve appreciated the assistance and help I received from our worship leader at Centerpoint, Vance Watt, in the recording of this project - making it an affordable effort and hopefully a considerable contribution to the resources of Rebirth.
Ever since I started my journey in ministry, the Lord has provided for me a cloud of supporters to envelope and encourage me. Thanks for continuing to help undergird me in this vision. Please stay in touch as I press forward in the call God has placed on my life. I’m giving thanks for you on my trip home.
Kip
Mo,
Thanks again for spending some time with us at the Christ Community men’s retreat. I’ve been aware of your ministry efforts (and greatly encouraged by them) for some time now. It was a real blessing to finally get to hear you speak and preach in person.
My family and I will look forward to hearing more about how the Lord is using you and your family at both Rebirth and Centerpoint.
And if we ever do have the opportunity to share a meal in New Orleans, the PoBoys are on me….
