And so it begins ...

While in Chicago at the School for Congregational Development, Kelly Hruz and I attended a workshop by Brad Kalajainen, pastor at Cornerstone Church in Caledonia, MI (http://cornerchurch.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=68898). The first thing he suggested to do before beginning any effort at congregational renewal, expansion or growth was to fast and pray. He told us about the Daniel Fast, based on the book of Daniel, that he and his leadership have used.

Melissa Jones, Kelly and I came away from the School with a commitment to begin a time of prayer and fasting for our congregation. Kelly and her mom did the Daniel Fast (http://danielfast.wordpress.com/), a 21-day partial food fast, in August and were richly blessed by their experience.

As of last night, we had 10 folks from our congregation committed to journeying together on a 21-day partial-food fast. We will forgo meat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, and all drinks except water. For some of us who are vegetarian, it's not a big switch in our diets. For others, it's a significant sacrifice, especially giving up coffee!

Our congregational prayer focus areas are:

1. That people who do not know of the saving love of Jesus will come to know of it through our congregation
2. That our own congregation will experience a spiritual renewal
3. That God will reveal to us the community need we have been given the gifts to meet and fulfill.

My own discipline for this season of fasting is to write a prayer and post it every day of the fast. I look forward to journeying together with whoever comes across this post. I pray for you!