Advice

Every once in a while, I get an e-mail from a pastor or pastor-in-training or a church-goer who's excited about St. Lydia's and wants to think about starting something new, or doing something different.  This is always slightly alarming to me because we're really right at the beginning of this thing and most of the time I'm pretty sure I have no idea what I'm doing.  But then I realize that, of course, neither will anyone else.

Here's what I wrote to one person who asked me for advice:

I'm glad to hear that you're thinking of starting something.  It is difficult and rewarding work!  Here's my advice:

-Pray.  A lot.  God will give you everything you need.  You don't even realize the ways in which God gives you what you need.  It's incredible!

-Fear is good.  If you're afraid, you're probably on the right track. 

-A church is made of people.  Listen to the people, and innovate and create based on what you hear.  See if what you're hearing resonates with them.  What you need to do your work will come from the people.  That all goes back to the God giving you what you need piece.

-Just start!  At a certain point you'll probably just have to do it.  It feels weird, but go for it.  No need to ask permission. 

This is my big picture advice.  Oh, and if you have any friends who live in New York, please do tell them what we're up to!  We're growing by word of mouth.

-Emily