The Water’s Edge started at Russell Middle School on a rainy day in September 2006 with a big worship launch. The next Sunday about 70 adults and 15 kids returned. That is where we started. In 2011, on a typical Sunday at Millard West High School, we have over 400 adults and 100 kids. This is where we are today.
When we started The Water’s Edge just about four and a half years ago we didn’t really know what to expect. Our primary goal was (and still is) to provide a non-threatening environment where people not connected to a local church could learn about and experience the Gospel: both the comforts and the challenges. A secondary goal the first few years was to develop a critical mass of invested people who would make the ministry sustainable. We have accomplished the secondary goal and are now moving to the next chapter.
Faith-Westwood is a multi-site church. The Water’s Edge is a part of Faith-Westwood. Some ministries like worship, children’s Sunday School, most serving teams, and most small groups operate independently. Other ministries such as Vacation Bible School, student ministries (6th to 12th grades), and women’s ministries work more closely together.
Four years ago, it would have been tough to imagine the two campuses would be roughly the same size and have a much different culture and demographic. That is where we find ourselves today. In the last few months, the Church Council has been looking at our past, evaluating our present, and strategically visioning for the future. The question the council has been evaluating is: With the goal of making and multiplying disciples in our ministry areas, what will the future relationship between Faith-Westwood and The Water’s Edge look like in regards to vision, leadership, organizational structure, and shared ministries.
These conversations are not because of conflict. The campuses are working together well and a high degree of cooperation exists. Nor are the conversations happening because we are currently looking for land in The Water’s Edge’s ministry area. Like any responsible organization that has undergone significant changes in recent years, we are taking a step back, evaluating our current practices, and dreaming about the future so that we can partner with God and faithfully follow Him and serve His Kingdom.
I encourage you to pray that we discern, embrace, and live out the plans God has for Faith-Westwood and The Water’s Edge. I also encourage you to come to the Town Hall Meeting next Sunday after the 10:30 worship service to listen to others and to share your thoughts as well.
The best is yet to come…
Craig
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