BCC Heals

Welcome Pastor Perez

I saw the church web site and an email from Bill today announcing that Pastor David Perez has arrived in Bellevue to lead BCC.  What fantastic news!  Think of it - in less than a year, BCC got up off the mat and got blessed.

Lyn and I will always carry hope and love in our hearts for BCC.  It was the first church we joined together after marrying in 1996.  Both our children were dedicated to the Lord there and we built many relationships founded on a common faith in God.

I'm a little sad that Lyn and I won't be part of this next chapter in the life of BCC.  We are moving to Brentwood for, among other things, a flat yard and a fourth bedroom.  Our house on Tuliptree Lane in Bellevue will go on the market within a week.  We're hoping the buyer's family, whoever they are, will be as blessed as we have been to live there over the last 9 years.  (Shameless plug: Let us know if you know of anyone in the market for a house close to a fine church.)

I'll be blogging over here if you need me ;)

We'll miss you and BCC. God bless!

My BCC blog

A reader of this blog, Lynnette asks:

Dirk, are you discontinuing your "BCC Heals" blog? I've enjoyed reading it over the past several months, but I see you haven't posted anything new in some time.

The answer is "yes".

The truth is that I've lost my passion for covering events at BCC in the "newsy" style that was my choice from the beginning.  In addition I have not been paying close enough attention for some time in order to offer any posts.

Thank you to those who read this blog.  Blogging is still a passion of mine.  But specific blogs are not always forever.  Nevertheless, I appreciate the community spirit which has enriched me and allowed me to meet other brothers and sisters.

Keep the faith.

BCC names David Perez new lead pastor

After a 6 month search, BCC announced this week that David Perez will come to Nashville to serve as its new lead pastor.
READ THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FOR DETAILS

No News - Part 2

A couple weeks or so after BCC extended an offer to bring a new lead pastor to our church, work behind the scenes continues.

Based on my experience in recruiting, hiring and firing, I had become virtually convinced that BCC had been turned down.  Not so, according to two elders.  And contrary to my gut feeling, the word is that things continue to move in a positive direction.

That's where it stands today as far as I know.  Understandably, no official announcement will be made until there is a definitive answer either way.

News from "The Gathering"

We haven't talked about the Fosters or the new church they founded called The Gathering in awhile.  Many of us have followed the announcements if not checking it out in person. I have not been since the initial meeting at the Maxwell House.

Still, there is plenty of activity surrounding The Gathering, offering two services on Sunday mornings.  True to its "no bricks and mortar" charter, the church has moved several times since the summer - most recently to from a Green Hills movie theater to a Cool Springs movie theater.  Dr. Foster had a book signing at Davis Kidd Monday night for A Renegade's Guide to God. Here's an excerpt from his reflections a day later:

After so many years of having book-signings all over the place and doing interviews, you'd think I'd get used to them. But this night was special. This past year I have gone through a lot of controversy. A lot of public attention has been directed my way, none of which I've wanted nor could have ever anticipated...

...So if you're facing opposition and conflict because you stand for things that bring out the worst in mean, mad, or messed-up people, continue to stand. God will stand with you. And you'll be surprised. He'll come alongside. There's a little bit of renegade in all of us.

Today, Paula Foster sent out a "News Flash" email that announced an expanded children's ministry. An excerpt from that:

February 4th @ 10:00 AM begins a new journey for the older kids 5th grade and up at The Gathering! Be a part of this adventure as our leader and the team seeks to offer a place for our older kids to gather and begin and build a relationship with God and with each other. The leader of this great time with the kids is Steve McDuffie. The team who will begin with him are Erin McDuffie, Lindsey Foster, Sean and Paige McVity, and Kerri Boyte. Thank you guys for being willing to give of your time and talents to reach our older kids for Christ at The Gathering.

You'll remember that when Randy Holland questioned a prominent role for Lindsey Foster at BCC's student ministry Dave and Paula reportedly threatened to leave the church.

BCC and the Fosters have gone their separate ways and it seems like it was a lot longer than just 5 months ago when the church fractured. In that short time there has been a lot of progress.  Who would have thought this town was big enough for the new BCC and the Foster's Gathering?