my wilderness

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Christian liturgical season of Lent. Today also marks the liturgical anniversary of my journey from the safety of ministry in established churches to the untamed wilderness that is new church planting. Driving from suburban Indianapolis to the city of Chicago on Ash Wednesday a year ago, I had no idea where the journey would take me. I joked that I was giving up "security" for Lent last year, and in a way I was. No guarantees. No certainty. No salary! No security. But I had hope. And I had courage. And I had a vision. And as that vision continues to emerge and clarify, I am continually inspired by it. It's a wild world, this realm of new church - no guarantees, no certainty, a little salary, and not much security. But it's exciting. And I am glad to be on this journey with you.