Do you believe in miracles?  I do.  The Bible is full of them, and God has been in the miracle business from day one.  I think He’s in the miracle business because He wants to remind us of who He is, and what He’s capable of.  I also think He likes to give us glimpses of the Kingdom - both now and in His heaven for eternity.

What miracles have you seen this fall? 

I was just up in Lutsen for a wedding - I was privileged to be asked.  I saw the miracle of God’s creation and handiwork, as the leaves turning red burst forth from the landscape of green.  I also saw God’s handiwork as he brought a groom and bride to stand together and become husband and wife.  I was reminded of His perfect and wonderful plan for humankind in marriage.

I also have seen the miracle of new faces all around St. Luke this fall.  With each new person among us, God gifts St. Luke with new gifts, new ideas, and new opportunities to follow Jesus Christ and share His love with the world.  Welcome, new friends!

I have heard our worship gatherings touch people in profound ways - a miracle of God’s presence when we gather to worship Him.  One member came out of the 9:30AM service a few weeks ago and said, “I’m speechless.  Worship was awesome.  I love the ensemble and the Holy Spirit was all over the place!”  I couldn’t disagree.

I have seen the miracle of new people stepping up this fall to lead Small Groups - God is calling us to be 1 big church made up of 100 small churches.  I can’t wait to see and hear about the miracles that come out of our Small Groups ministry.  Rock on, Small Groups!

Finally, I have seen the miracle of God continuing to stir among us - the buzz at “Feed My Starving Children,” the bright smiles on kids’ faces as they leave our newly formatted Church School Ministry, the harmonies of our choirs and the inspiring worship with our bands, and the faithful cheerful giving of self and resources to live out our God-given mission.

Where have you seen miracles this fall?

Pastor Tim

St. Luke is a big church.  Of the 10,000+ congregations in our denomination, we are in the top 1% for church size based on our worship attendance.  We see 800+ during the program year at St. Luke; and we’ve seen our worship attendance go from 400 to 800 in less than four years.  So, we’re big…

So we’re BIG.  We don’t apologize for that.  We’re big for a reason.  God is blessing our mission and ministry together.  God blesses congregations that are mission-based.  God blesses congregations that are grounded in His holy Word.

I have a secret for you.  Listen close: we need to get small.

What?

Yes, that’s right - I said we need to get small.

No, I’m not talking about declining membership.  No, I’m not talking about not welcoming all people to St. Luke.  No I’m not going to suggest we all stop telling our neighbors and friends about the excitment at St. Luke and that they should “come and see!”

No - that’s not the kind of small I’m talking about. 

I’m talking about getting small through authentic relationships through SMALL GROUPS.

As we continue to grow, we need to continue to get smaller - more and more people connecting with a Small Group.  A place to belong.  A place to know 8 to 12 others in an authentic way.  A place to grow closer to God.  A place to be a “small church” in a big church.

So, St. Luke, it’s time to get small.  If I asked you if you are in a Small Group by the middle of this fall - what would your answer be?

Pastor Tim