This past Saturday Elevation Church met with our partnering church in the West Valley (Estrella Mountain Church) to discuss “What’s Next” for Elevation as we look to the future.  We had scheduled this meeting months ago, but the timing was just right for us – for it would seem that God has been putting us through a purification process over the last few months.  So, hearts were ready and spirits willing… In our discussion, there were some issues that popped up in that began our discussion:

1.  A possible location change closer to us.

2.  A need for better ministry to families.

3.  More community interaction.

4.  Richer spiritual vitality & deeper devotion to Christ.

After seeking God’s face on all of this, we sensed God’s leading to do something radical:  Effective immediately, we are entering into a summer-long consecration journey where we will focus only on prayer and community.  To answer the location issue, we are letting go of our Sunday morning worship in Scottsdale for a season. Instead, we will be meeting in Mesa – which is much closer for everyone – on every other Tuesday and every other Thursday nights from 6:30-8ish.  (We may also have another evening and location open up as space & schedules will be an issue).  And to answer the need for our families, we will use resources normally spent on cleaning at our current location to go towards family ministry.

Now… to be clear, this is not a retreat.  This is a regrouping, or renewal process. This is not us shutting our doors. This is us opening the doors of our hearts wide open to God. This does not mean Elevation is becoming a “House Church.” We are just simply rediscovering who we are in Christ. We may in fact meet again on Sundays at some point.

Sometime in August (TBA) we will then reengage with the leadership of Estrella Mountain Church to discover what’s next for us from God.  And this is the exciting part… with this covering from EMC, we will enter a covenant agreement together in which they will help us navigate the future with new eyes, better discipleship process, and family ministry.  That, my friends, is amazing…

Honestly, May 21, 2011 was one of the top 10 moments in my life in ministry.  I saw the people of Elevation step up.  I saw great potential and hearts expanding to all that Jesus has for them.  It was a “burning bush” moment for Elevation… one that points to her future.

In His Grip,

David Cowan