New Passion Church has a home! I met with the principal at Cedar Ridge Elementary School in Grovetown and we have received permission to use the school for our weekend services. This is a huge day for us! The school is located in the very part of Grovetown that I have been praying the Lord would position us, as well, it is in the very section of town that I believe the Lord wanted us to be in. Originally, we were aiming to get in the middle school which is located on a main road. Even though we were told we were first on the list if the principal chose to allow a church to use the facility, the opportunity was never granted to us. Cedar Ridge sits directly behind the middle school, so we have the opportunity to be in the same location as the middle school. We were tuned into the right location, just the wrong school.
I am excited that Cedar Ridge is the school we will be meeting in. The principal is fully supportive of us being there and she is in tune with the needs of the community. Here are some of the statements she made to me: “There are all of these neighborhoods popping up all around here, but there is nothing for families.” “People are always telling me that there is nothing in Grovetown for their family.” “If you can attract the children around here, you’ll reach these families.” “Most of the families in the neighborhoods around the school can practically walk to church here.” I look forward to partnering with the school to be a benefit to the community.
This is a big day. There has always been a lingering question of “What if?” “What if this school does not work out?” “What if we don’t find a location soon?” “What if we can’t afford it?” “What if the space does not work out?” “What if?” “What if?” “What if?” – As I left the school, I had this overwhelming feeling of, “Wow! This thing is really happening!” It leaves me speechless and amazed to see how God works.
Keep Praying for Us!
#1 Pray for God to Provide the Finances: With overcoming the biggest hurtle so far pre-launch, we’ve placed before us the biggest hurtle post-launch of NPC. The school board has doubled their prices for leasing school buildings for non-profit activities in the last year. Therefore, our young churches faces a steep rent. Can God do it? Sure! However, I don’t believe God places a challenge in front of us so we can remain silent. We overcome these challenges through the prayer. I know God would not have placed us in the location we’ve been praying about, opened the door to the school with such a supporting principal if he did not intend on providing…its still scary to look at it through human eyes though 
#2 Pray for the Team: I’ve been a part of a church plant for almost the last 3 years. I’ve seen some amazing people set up a campus and tear it down. Our home church (Greenbrier) breaks an entire campus down at a theater in approx. 30 minutes! That’s amazing! The school set up will require a bit extra than the high school required when Greenbrier met there. In the early days few people may have to wear many hats, but through prayer, I believe the Lord can send us those people who can help us with the weekly required tasks.
#3 Pray for the Community: All of these “Yeah God Moments” and all of these “What and Why God Moments” are for 1 reason. To share the gospel with those who live in the community of Grovetown. Plain and simple. Do we have to rely on God for finances? You bet. Do we have to rely on God for people? You bet. But in the end, when lives are transformed and we see adults striving to become spiritually mature Christ Followers, everything will be worth it! Keep praying for the people of Grovetown who the Lord will have us serve and love.
Nick
