The mediation meetings today were really long and exhausting. I thought we might be there for 3 hours. I was only off by half. We started at 9 and I left at 3:40. The bottom line is that we were too far apart. Therefore, we could not reach an agreement.
Why is this good news? Well, we needed to know some sense of direction. We would have liked to have put this behind us today, reached an agreement and moved on. Instead, we are still moving on. We'll do it by digging in, turning the matter over to the attorney and a couple of in-house folks who have some skill in these sort of situations and turning our attention to our core mission.
For a few months now, I have put an inordinate amount of time and attention into solving this dispute. So has Chauncey, Dennis, the Steering Team, others on staff, and some of our leaders and others in the church. Since we are apparently going to be a while before we have a resolution*, let's just focus on church again. I'm not saying that we forget the building. We can't do that. We're in the middle of the project and we have a responsibility to construction, the county, to continuing to raise money and to the bank.
Still, today - as hard as it was - was a good day. I feel...released. And I have a great idea: Let's just do church again! How about that? Let's just focus almost all of our attention on people again for a while. When the time comes and the arbitration process has run it's course and the project is ready for are attention again, we'll focus there to wrap it up. Until then, I think there are about twelve thousand people who need help, hope and a home.
So let's go get 'em!
Thanks for standing with us during this season. I kid you not: I'm really excited about this fall! And it feels good to think about focusing all my energy on our church and our mission again.
See you Sunday.
*What I mean by this is that the arbitration process is going to take a while - probably a few months. I don't like it, but it is what it is. We've done all we can. Now we have to wait.
Love your positive attitude. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteLet Christ guide you guys through the valleys of building a "church WITH walls. Return you attention to joining the Lord in building the "church WITHOUT walls."--no contractors necessary...just the Chief Architect!
ReplyDeleteI believe better things are yet to come, Love that song, and we will focus on Gods will and the people that need to hear his words. I can't wait to have you on the pulpit Sunday. PCC Will Move On
ReplyDeleteWith Our Hearts In The Right Place
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man who depends on flesh for strength...he will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7,8 Application Bible).
ReplyDeleteAmen. Thank you for being the example to all of us of this truth.
Angela
I could actually "hear" your relief in the words of your blog. We have given it to the Lord, and He will keep moving in this situation. Let's go get those 12,000!
ReplyDeleteBrian,
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you & Chauncey & Dennis. You guys are where you are and who you are because of whose you are. The battle is the Lord's and He is not surprised by the outcome of this meeting. He will open the doors of this building when He is ready! His outlook is always for what is best for us. All we need to do is focus on what He has called us to do.
This my friend is a Dress Rehearsal and we are working out the kinks. We all have things we need to do, and things to work on and baggage to lay at His feet so He can move us to the next level free and clear.
It is what it is and God knows what it is and when all is said and done He will be glorified and we will rejoice in Him!
Anyone who wants to throw stones at the way things are going or have gone needs to check them selves, their motives and needs to remember that what God has blessed no man can curse.
You guys are awesome and I am proud to be under your leadership. Let's go serve the people who need us!
We continue to lift you up in prayer and are trusting God to guide you with all wisdom, knowledge and love!
pino