Live Big!

A year ago this month, a core of Christ followers was dreaming of a church that could impact Southwest Ohio. In January and February of 2005, this core invested a great deal of time capturing God's dream for Journey Church. As we clarified the dream a phrase began to surface that would become our motto. These words succinctly communicated our passion as a community. These words certainly were not new. They were words Jesus used to define Himself and the work He longs to do in people. Jesus' words continued to echo in our minds and hearts. I can remember repeating them over and over again. They had completely captured our attention. We heard Jesus say anew, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

The mission and vision of Journey Church is summarized by a phrase (motto) that is shaped by Jesus' words in John 10:10, "Inspiring people to live big!" We have put those words on nearly every piece of communication since the spring of 2005. We did so because those words define the calling of Journey Church. They clarify why Journey is in existence. They define how we will invest our energy, spend our resources, and the path we will continue to encourage people to take.

This weekend I will begin a new four-week teaching series that will unpack this idea. The idea is simple, but definitely loaded. I am excited about unpacking what it means to live big!

Even a casual read of the Bible will reveal that Jesus came to bring us more than a mediocre existence accompanied by a good job, nice house, and a comfortable life in the suburbs. He came to give us life, a big life! Jesus was clear that He desires us to live, think, serve, and love big!

In the next four weeks, it is my hope and prayer that those hanging around Journey will not only be inspired to live big, but will!