A Meeting of Leadership
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.” –Proverbs 19:21
It was daunting but exciting! In the Chapel, a Called Meeting of leadership. The need was to address the fast-growing numbers of our congregation with the question: How do we respond to God’s direction to bring more people to Christ in our current ministry?
The gathering of all church leadership brought many ideas, but the main problem was still the same --- SPACE. The church was older, landlocked in area, and had nowhere to expand. Portable classrooms had been procured and filled the surrounding area of the parking lot. Other weekend worship times were added to accommodate those desiring a different day and time. What else had God planned for us to do? We went to prayer!
The room fell silent as we began with a time of prayer, with our hearts and minds open. Minutes went by in silence, and then a voice from the back said: “We need to relocate!” All eyes turned to the back. When asked who spoke, no one replied, and again the room fell silent. It was asked again --- Who spoke? Silence. Was that God’s voice giving us our direction? Did the Holy Spirit speak?
Once the room gained composure, it was determined our marching orders were to explore a relocation of our entire ministry. How would we proceed? Over time, many worked long and hard to locate land and financing to make it a reality.
In September of 2001, the relocation was complete, and the ministry God had directed began in a new location and with hearts open to welcome all who would come.
As the years have gone by and we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this building, we reflect on the beginning and the future of ZUMC in God’s ministry plan. There is still much to do, and we trust God will provide the direction.
I have truly been blessed to share in a lot of those years. Years as a member of the staff that made the move, followed by years of helping to lead ministry to all who would come. My life has truly been given an opportunity I could never have imagined. I give all Glory and Honor to God!
Sue Forry
Former Church Administrator