On October 6, 2013 The Brook officially launched. 3 years ago today!! Reflecting on that day and season of life brings back so many memories. Here are 3 “snapshots” I’ve been reflecting on. Ready? 3…2…1… here we go:

Snapshot #1:

I definitely had a burning passion to be a lead Pastor but didn’t expect that to happen in 2013. My initial response to starting the church was an emphatic, “No.” First off, I didn’t think I had what it takes to start a church (Exactly! I still agree with that!). Secondly, I didn’t have a heart for the community… First Lesson: God needed to do it, and He sure did! The Brook is a result of his kindness using imperfect people to do eternally significant work! This front-row seat has been a blast. The Brook officially launched 3 years ago today!! Reflecting on that day brings me to my second snapshot:

Snapshot #2:

Few know about the immense fear we had leaving Good News Bible Church, a place we loved so dearly. Several nights I was up late staring at the ceiling. Other nights I had to get out of bed and pace the house and pray. In my worst moments I thought, “This was a bad decision. What are we doing? This is crazy!” But God said, “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). Second Lesson: God has a way of putting his children in faith-defining moments that stretch us. He tells us to walk by faith and trust Him while keeping our focus on Jesus. Though it hasn’t always been pleasant, I’m so glad for this stretching!

Snapshot #3:

Before pursuing the opportunity to Church plant in Montclare, we took a stroll through the community while praying. That's was what tipped the scales for us to plant the church. God showed Erikah and I that this community was thirsting for the hope of Jesus to break in and bring new life, healing, and joy. Yup, that’s what set our thoughts on a name that had to do with water…Jesus said, if anyone thirsts let him come to me and drink! Hence, The Brook.
 Third Lesson: Life’s rhythms can be a bit hypnotizing, preventing us from seeing the spiritual needs of the people around us (even our own need for Jesus!). God urges us to take a step back and pray for Him to open our eyes…a request He delights in answering!

The Big Picture

Reflecting on these 3 Snapshots reminds me of the big picture. Although there were so many fears and unknowns, Erikah and I were certain God wanted us to start The Brook the moment we moved into the community…God faithfully walked with us each step of this walk of faith! He gathered an amazing team to join His mission leading to the October 6, 2013 public launch. It was all part of God’s plan to use imperfect people like us to accomplish his perfect plan, "leading the thirsty to the Water of Life" --> That means, we're about pointing people to the cross of Jesus where our sin was forgiven, God's wrath was satisfied, Satan defeated, and death overcome when we raise our white flag and surrender our lives to Jesus by putting our faith in him. That's the good news. That's the gospel. That's what we're about!

Needless to say, we'd love to connect with you as part of the ongoing story of God's work at The Brook. Join us on Sundays at 9:30am and 11:30am. Soli Deo Gloria!