Stellar Sunday

Congrats to Jim Clayton and Journey Church in Franklin, IN for a stellar Easter Sunday!

Journey launched last September and already has been averaging 220.  A strong and essential start. Studies of thousands of church starts have shown that churches that do not break 200 in the first three years are not likely to ever do so.  Now, six months after their launch, Journey had 356 on Easter!  Jim hadn't gotten the final count but it appears that something near a dozen people accepted Christ as Savior!

It's wonderful to hear the excitement in Jim's voice, a note of amazement at what God is doing there in that small town.  As a member of Jim's Board, I can see the ways that the story is amazing.  For one, Jim had preached a total of six sermons in his life - three of them in preaching class - before starting Journey.  But he is has a genuine love for the Lord and lost people and naturally connects with them.

What's more, in the days leading up to the launch, Jim's father died.  Then a key launch team family left in a huff because he moved the worship time to 11 AM instead of a tad earlier.  And then just after the launch, he and Jodi had their first baby.  The emotions were all over the board.  But Jim never lost focus on his vision for Journey Church in Franklin.

I know, because I see the books, that the current giving at his church is minimal as most of his congregation has no idea about giving to a church.  Jim takes no salary.  In fact, Jim has personally provided much of the church's first year income.  That has to stop soon, we have advised, but my point is that Jim is fully invested, he's all-in.  

And his people are all-in.  Together they are on their way to a great church-chart story.

Congrats to Jim and Jodi and Franklin Church for 356 on Easter.