I don’t know about you, but I am having a hard time believing that we are already through July, and that school is starting here in town in just a couple weeks. Where has this year gone? Even though it has gotten to us fast, I love this time of year. There is almost a renewal of things. Not to mention that (hopefully) we’ll start seeing some cooler temperatures soon. A new school year is starting, high school football season is here, and in just a month’s time, I’ll be hearing those famous words that get my blood pumping UT Orange; IT’S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!
If you’re not familiar, that’s a phrase that is said by the radio and loud speaker announcers at the kickoff of every Tennessee Volunteer home football game. It’s the signal that the game has begun, and it’s time to pay attention. Along with the phrase, I’m looking forward to hearing “Rocky Top” played and watching the Big Orange take the field through the Power T. I’ve probably confused many of you if you’re not familiar with college football, or the Vols at all, but that’s ok, because there is a point to all of this, I promise.
Tennessee is expected to have one of their best years in recent memory, and there is a lot of excitement surrounding this team. There is also a little nervousness from the fans, however, because if something goes wrong, and the team disappoints, it could set the program back a few years. In other words, this season, in terms of college football, is very important. I’m extremely excited about the season, and no matter what happens, I will be a VFL (Vol For Life).
There is another reason that I love this time of year. And that is you! Our faith family, through the summer, is scattered. We don’t get to see each other as often as we do during the fall, winter, and spring. People are traveling, working longer hours (because of the daylight), and just generally busier during the summer. We’ve had weddings out of town, people traveling for work and vacation, and many other things that have kept us apart. It seems that every year, once school starts back, things settle in for the Church as well. While school is starting the second week of August, we are going to launch our Fall sermon series a few weeks later. This launch will be September 11, when we start a series about discipleship, looking specifically at the ways that Jesus discipled His disciples, and seeing how we can implement those same techniques as we try to build disciples today.
I’m even more excited about this series than I am about Tennessee football! And for those of you that know me well, you know that means a whole lot. I believe that we are poised here at Central for a great “season” of ministry. Things are coming into place, and it’s time that we fully trust God, get out of our comfort zones, and reach our potential that we have in regards to sharing Jesus with others. That’s why we are going to be focusing a lot on discipleship, and the things that get in the way of discipleship in the coming months. But just like the Vols, while the potential is high, this is a critical season. I will share more next month about what our “game plan” is for this season that we are entering in to, but there are two things that I’m sure of that I’ll end with. As the Wednesday Night Kid’s Ministry begins in August, and our Fall series starts in September, I’m excited to say, “IT’S MINISTRY TIME AT CENTRAL!” More importantly, no matter what happens, if this season goes as well as we could ever hope for, or there are some disappointments along the way, I will be a CFFL (Christ Follower For Life)! That is my prayer for you as well. Let’s get serious about building disciples!
Thoughts from a Crosseyed Jesus Freak 
Amen … & Go Irish!