I shot out several tweets (follow me on Twitter) about church planters yesterday. Most of you know this, but for some this may be some fresh info. Two and 1/2 years ago we launched Church at the Bay in Tampa. It was a great launch and we give God all the credit. There were also people who coached and helped us along the way (partner churches and individuals especially Ron Sylvia, Nelson Searcy and Steve Stroope). Because of all the help I received and the principle of generosity, I believe CATB has a responsibility to help other church planters. As a church we have helped start several churches financially and with volunteers. BUT, the big surprise for me has been the “echo effect“. God has wired life to be an echo- what you send out you get back. I have discovered in my attempt to encourage and coach (I coach a network for Next) that I am the biggest receiver. Planters are huge risk takers- Faith livers! As I hang out with them, I find out that my faith is ignited.

There is another group that ignites my faith- Church at the Bay people! They have chosen a church not based on the best program, music or preaching. They have decided to invest in an IPO- which is always risky. They believe God has plans for huge impact for CATB and He has called them to invest. Because of that, they serve, give, invite and pray when others have moved on. I believe these pioneers at The Bay have eyes of Faith and my faith is fueled by the men and women . So CATB, let’s buckle up because:
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“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
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God’s Best
Hal Mayer