A Historic Day at Multiply Church: Embracing New Beginnings and Ordaining Elders

    Today feels different. It's one of those mornings where the air buzzes with the potential of something significant, a turning point for our beloved Multiply Church. As I stand before our congregation, the weight of this moment isn't lost on me—we're stepping into uncharted territory, making historic moves that, though we may not fully grasp now, will shape our future in profound ways.

    Historic events aren't always recognized in the moment. Sometimes, their significance is only understood in retrospect. Think about those pivotal moments in your own life, perhaps the first time you saw your spouse and thought, “That’s the one for me.” It didn’t seem monumental then, but it indeed was—a moment that altered the course of your life.

    Today, we're making history in a way that's new for us but as old as faith itself for God’s church. We're ordaining our first set of elders—men who've been called to shepherd our congregation—and we're announcing our move from the community center to a more permanent home. This move symbolizes our commitment to putting down roots and letting our community know: that we’re here to stay.

    I'm thrilled yet humbled as we embark on this journey. Our leadership doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but we are driven by a mission and a calling that's been laid out by generations of faithful leaders before us. As we stand on the shoulders of these giants, we’re reminded that what we do today will one day be a chapter in the history books of Multiply Church.

    The ordination of our elders—Russ, Matt, Michael, and Dusty—is not about assigning titles, but recognizing and affirming God’s hand at work in their lives. These men are not just filling roles; they are stepping into a calling to lead, shepherd, and care for our congregation. Their wives, too, play an essential role. Behind these strong men are equally strong women, who serve diligently, often behind the scenes, embodying the humble, servant-hearted spirit of our church.

    Today we revisit the responsibilities and qualities of an elder as outlined in Scripture. An elder is not just a leader but a servant, one who must exhibit integrity, wisdom, and a deep-rooted connection to the gospel. They are tasked with leading, feeding, protecting, and caring for the church. As we acknowledge their calling, we also charge them with the great responsibility of guiding our congregation according to the principles set forth by Christ himself.

    As this significant day unfolds, we're not just celebrating these milestones; we're inviting our entire church family to engage actively. This involvement is not passive; it requires a commitment from each of us to support, trust, and uphold these leaders, allowing them to serve us as we grow together in faith.

   This day is a cornerstone for Multiply Church. As we move forward, rooted in our faith and committed to our community, we hold onto the promise that what we begin today will resonate for generations to come. Here’s to a future where we look back at this day and say, "That was when everything changed."