“I Heard A Fly Buzz When I Died”

I know, the title is a quote from an Emily Dickenson poem . . . and a rather depressing poem at that . . . But the line has been stuck in my head for almost 2 months now . . .

For the full poem, go to:
http://quotations.about.com/cs/poemlyrics/a/I_Heard_A_Fly.htm

I just finished writing the first-draft of this week’s Growth Groups Travel Guide, and was thinking about how much I’m looking forward to creating new groups at Journey Church . . . I’m excited to start one more group, but would love a whole lot more . . . which brings me back to the title of this blog entry . . .

Both of the church planters’ events that I have gone to with Eric have talked about creating a BUZZ in the community.  I am utterly convinced that, just like in the poem, that blue, uncertain, stumbling BUZZ is the essential ingredient that stands between the light of making a difference in the community . . . and death as a church.

Don’t get me wrong.  I do not believe Journey Church is on the verge of death by any means . . . but if we are serious about reaching disconnected people in Auburn/Opelika, there is going to be a Journey Church “Fly” buzzing around all over town.  That buzz doesn’t come automatically. It’s going to take work . . . and it’s going to take us stepping off the front porch and getting down in the mud and cow manure to stir up the Flies. 

I think mailouts are good, and can be affective . . . I think flyers are good, and can be affective . . . I think invite cards are good, and can be affective . . . There are hundreds of other ideas that are good and can be affective . . . BUT most of them are name-recognition tools and relationship starters.  Until we step out and invest in disconnected lives in a very visible way, the Buzz just won’t happen.

I’m ready to get messy!  If anyone has any ideas on how to get into the mud in a big way, and wants to join me . . . let me know!  If you want to know some of my ideas, you’ll have to ask me later . . .