My current ministry position enables me to interact with a large number of churches.  I had the opportunity this past weekend to be with The Church at LifePark at the White Oak Conference and Retreat Center.  It was great to see what God is doing at LifePark – there was a spirit of excitement, joy, fun, and fellowship.  A special shout-out to the Retreat Planning staff and the leadership team at LifePark for a job well done!  Chad is doing a great job as campus pastor, Julianna is amazing at worship, and you can always count on Paul to keep it fun! As Bill Hybels is fond of saying, “The local church is the hope of the world.”  It’s great to see a church that has a high regard for the word of God, takes seriously their responsibility for the great commission, and is an environment of grace.  LifePark is clear about their mission and why they exist:

We exist to connect people to God. Worship is at the core of who we are as people, and we have been given a desire to devote our life to something.

We exist to connect people to people. Life is best when it is lived in community and fellowship with others.

We exist to help people grow in their faith. To be a healthy follower and disciple of Jesus, it takes spiritual growth.

We exist to serve others. Christians are called to serve and to be a blessing to the community… and the world.

 Do you need a fresh vision of the local church?  Read what Bill Hybels says about the local church and if you’re in Mount Pleasant visit The Church at LifePark,

There is nothing like the local church when it’s working right. Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the context of community. It builds bridges to seekers and offers truth to the confused. It provides resources for those in need and opens its arms to the forgotten, the downtrodden, the disillusioned. It breaks the chains of addictions, frees the oppressed, and offers belonging to the marginalized of this world. Whatever the capacity for human suffering, the church has a greater capacity for healing and wholeness.  (Courageous Leadership, p. 23)

Jesus gives us a tremendous promise for the local church,

I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. –  (Matthew 16:18)

Dr. Rick Higgins

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University