“What’s going on in here?” If ever a rhetorical question were uttered, this was it.  My dad knew good and well that nothing was going on – or nothing good, anyway.  Giving three kids the assignment to clean the garage, unsupervised, on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon was bound for failure (at least in my family).  No plan, no roles – it was inevitable that we would end up sleeping, goofing off, or at our worst, fighting.

Unfortunately, this same lack of direction can hinder ministries in the Church. Without a clear vision and an understanding of how to realize it, someone watching is bound to ask, “What’s going on here?”

Understanding the importance of this, I make sure that when I am sitting across from an individual or couple whom I am asking to consider leading a TMC Community or Small Group, I am very clear about the vision for the ministry.

Specifically, I want them to understand that in all our gatherings we seek to create a culture where everyone is equipped and encouraged to:

• live the God-centered life …

• in a Spirit-filled community …

• while participating in a Christ-exalting mission.

This is what we are striving for in our church – and by God’s grace, we will see it become more and more of a reality.

While each of these points can certainly be unpacked in more detail, they nevertheless help us to answer the question, “What’s going on here?”