354.
Not sure if that sounds like a big number or not, but to me it’s massive.
Quick backstory before I explain why 354 became such a massive number to me this past week. 5,491 days ago, that would be September 1st, 2009, there were roughly 25 men, women and kids that considered GENESIS to be their home church. 15 years ago, there were just barely 2 dozen people who had been praying and praying and praying some more that God would move in powerful ways as GENESIS was established as a brand-new church in Woburn, MA.
Fast forward to today, September 13th, 2024, and we have 354. Last Sunday’s attendance was just shy of 1,000 people… clearly a much bigger number than 354… so WHY on earth is 354 such a massive number to me?
This past week, our most excellent Director of Engagement, Simeon Beil informed me that there are exactly 354 men, women and students currently serving within GENESIS. I knew we had a lot, but 354… MIND BLOWN!
Kids Ministry.
Student Ministry.
Young Adult Ministry.
Support Ministry.
Hospitality Ministry.
Creative Ministry.
GROUPS Ministry.
When you add up all the men, women, and students SERVING to make each of these ministries flourish, well, there are 354 people. And when I say ‘flourish’, I really mean, 354 men, women, and students who are loving as they have been loved and serving as they have been served. And because of that, these ministries are flourishing under their care.
354… as I’ve sat with this massive number this past week, I was reminded afresh of something Jesus said nearly 2,000 years ago.
“I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”
Matthew 16:18 (NLT)
What Jesus promised to Peter, and the other disciples 2,000 years ago is still moving forward in 2024. Why? Well, Jesus made clear that even the powers of hell would not be able to hinder the work that Jesus would accomplish with and through His people this side of Heaven.
354… that to me is a very tangible expression of how Jesus’s promise is still aggressively moving forward in our midst. And what has not changed in 2,000 years is Jesus using each of us as his tools and instruments to love and serve just a few more so that a few more might see the Greatness and Glory of King Jesus.
To the 354… THANK YOU!
I cannot wait to see how that number will continue to grow this ministry year as Jesus uses GENESIS to build His Church.
