Pilgrimage to Mecca....

I think everyone knows by now that the whole staff of mountain Grove just returned from Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. It was beyond awesome, so thats all I'm gonna say about that. But, immediately following Catalyst, a group of UpStreet workers had the opportunity to visit North Point Community Church in Alpheretta; ground zero for UpStreet, and where we stole the whole idea.

Now, NPCC is not Heaven (though some may disagree). It's not perfect, it's not ideal, and it's certainly no more important than any other church on earth. Amazing, yes. Growing, yes. Mecca, yes, er, I mean, NO, it's not Mecca. BUT, they're doing something right and there's NO reason not to steal and rob as many ideas as possible from them. So thats what we did.

It is impossible to describe what we saw and experienced as team. It's unlike anything most of us have ever seen. Their operation is like a combination of Disney World, rock concert and Christian Conference all rolled into one. Oh, and they're saving souls and changing their community. NPCC has recognized the importance of "service" over "serve me", and as a result they are exploding. See the website for more info, but just take our word for it, they are on the right track. But I didn't write this post to hype North Point, I just wanted to share some of the resources we can use to further our mission and change kids lives. So here we go...

1) North Point Kids This is a blog by Kendra Fleming, director of children's ministry at NPCC.

2) Family Ministry Operation Family Blueprint gives families something to do as, well, a family. What a concept??

3) Resources Here's is spot for obtaining all things resource/material wise to feed the craving for knowledge and wisdom.

4) All Things NPCC This site is a springboard for most everything related to NPCC and it's ministries.

5) Production One of my favorites. This is Buckhead's production website, and it is seriously cool.

If you're part of UpStreet, at Mountain Grove, I hope you to spend some time in these sites and help us discover ways to get better and better at engaging and reaching our children.

Thanks guys, love ya'll!