The Spirit is on the Move!

Grace and peace to you, friends, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I write these words, it’s early morning in Athens, and I am preparing to take our group to a location known as Mars Hill, the place where Paul once stood and boldly proclaimed the good news of Jesus to a searching world.

These opportunities and moments are so humbling for me. I can’t help but think about what Paul must have experienced standing on this same hill. Surrounded by temples, altars and voices calling for every god under the sun, Paul didn’t mince words; he didn’t shrink back. Instead, he spoke boldly of the one true God who “does not live in temples built by human hands. … Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:24-25).

And I can’t help but think of us, The Woodlands Methodist Church.

Paul looked around and saw a culture searching. Longing. Asking questions about truth and purpose and eternity. Friends, I think the same still happens today. And just like Paul, we’ve been called to rise with the same boldness and clarity that Paul carried, to step into this moment with confidence – not in ourselves, but in the power of the Spirit and the truth of the gospel.

This Sunday, we will begin to explore what it means to go beyond where we’ve been … and into what the Spirit has next for our church.

I won’t give it all away just yet, but I will say this: I believe God is stirring something in our midst. A new season is beginning to unfold. The Spirit is on the move, and just like Paul in Athens, we’re being called to lean in, listen closely and step forward with faith.

I hope you’ll be with us as we move from the celebration of resurrection to the calling of mission. Hear this: The best is still ahead, and I can’t wait to walk it with you.

With great anticipation!

– Mark