Getting to Know CCC

Colorado Community Church is awesome.

I knew as soon as walked through the doors of CCC that I was somewhere special. Around me were people of all different races and ages worshipping God to some gospel/jazzy choruses--and I LOVE multicultural culture and gospel/jazzy choruses! Pastor Doug Carlsen preached a great sermon on the parable of the tenants, the one where Jesus describes a farmer who plants a vineyard and leases it to some tenants. Then, at harvest time, he sends a servant to gather some fruit from the tenants, but they beat up the servant. After sending many servants with similar results, the farmer sends his only son who is also killed and dishonored. The tenants thought that if they killed the son, then the vineyard would become theirs. Why? Because they thought the farmer was dead. Doug made a very interesting point that God was very trusting yet the tenants treated him as if he was dead. I don't often think of God as trusting, as one who gives us great liberty to use what he gives responsibly. It is a very liberating thought. And I often treat God like he is dead, and I definitely don't want to do that this summer! So it was great music and good preaching. 

I then got to meet the staff from CCC! They are amazing and act like family. They are quick to laugh and eager to encourage. I love analyzing team dynamics and getting to know people who are talented at what they do. Want to meet them?? Check this out: STAFF I will provide some more personal thoughts about these wonderful people in later posts.

I am going to learn a lot this summer about ministry. CCC has a very specific focus; they are an "Externally Focused" church. I have been asked to read "The Externally Focused Church" by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson as an entree into their ministry focus and philosophy. They feel like their calling is as follows: "Transforming our city and beyond by connecting people to Christ, Community, and Calling."They seek to move people from living a L.I.E. to fullness of life in Christ.

Lost : Connect to Christ

Isolated: Connect to Community

Empty: Connect to Calling

Their convictions make them who they are and can be found here: DNA. Again, I will reflect throughout the summer on these convictions and how they are shaping my thinking and dreaming about ministry.

My job description as an intern: For these first two weeks I will be doing two things. First, I will attend many of the events and ministries happening at CCC to get a sense of what goes on in the church and what things I might be most interested in getting involved in. Second, I will meet one-on-one with most of the pastors/directors to plan on ways to work with each of them throughout the summer and get to know their area of ministry and leadership style. For example, yesterday I met with Pastor Ray, Director of Congregational Life and discussed doing visitations and classes with him throughout the summer; on Wednesday mornings I will be working with Pastor Keita at the MoreLife Center; and today I served with the whole staff at the Food Bank of the Rockies--we packaged 650 boxes of food. And that is only the beginning! 

I am also staying with a great family--the Hans's. They took me out to dinner for my birthday today and have been very supportive and helpful with the transition! 

Stay tuned for more stories and thoughts! Love you all.