Concert on the Lawn

I feel like I see a new perspective each day of my North Point Internship, whether that is in ministry, life, or just people.

As the days go by, the importance of understanding the vision and mission of whatever you are doing, from a small project to your occupation, is vital. Further than understanding, having the ability to properly communicate that vision truly shows if a person really “gets it.” At North Point, it is so evident that staff has captured the vision of “Leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” The way the entire staff operates reflects this understanding. There is no competition between divisions and ministries. The staff sees the church as one body and work together so that everyone succeeds.

With catching the vision, comes this feeling of responsibility and ownership of what you are assigned to do. Although North Point does not have tons of different ministries and aspects, everything that they currently do is done with excellence.

Along with excellence, there is an aspect of purpose. From the intern retreat a few weeks ago to Concert on the Lawn (which was yesterday), every aspect of what they do has purpose that ties in with the vision statement. Yesterday was Concert on the Lawn. Basically it is this huge concert that North Point puts on to attract married couples to come and hang out together for a Friday night. The concert is held outside and all the music played is secular. It is a perfect way to invite someone who has never considered church to a safe environment. Although it was raining throughout the night, about 2,000 people showed up and had a great time. All the singers and musicians were a part of North Point church, but you would have never known the difference between them and the radio. I have attached a picture (not a great one) of the concert. Tonight is Gig on the Grass, which is targeted towards singles, between the ages of 20-35 or so.

One of the coolest things I saw yesterday was the community in small groups, which is the entire focus of this church. North Point believes that heart change really happens in small groups, so everything that they do, leads to encouraging people to be a part of one. Because of the rain yesterday, hundreds of people waited inside the church before the concert started. As I walked through the hallways, I experienced something that is unusual for a mega church. There were groups of people everywhere, talking and socializing on a personal, intimate level. Granted everyone did not know everyone, but everyone did know someone. The sense of acceptance, love, and fellowship was so evident.

In a sense, I feel like the box I have placed heart change through God has slowly been getting bigger and bigger. It is said that Americans are among the loneliest people in the world although they have the most entertainment options. People want to have community. If only the Christian stereotype of exclusiveness and “holier than thou” attitude could be eliminated and replaced with a Christ-centered perspective of loving everyone and considering others better than yourself. Oh the lives that could be affected and changed, simply by acting as God intended us to be.