http://www.advancedministry.com/index.cfm?i=1636&mid=25&blogid=3029 This blog is designed to keep the body of Northwest up to date on the latest questions and news related to our Connect with Future Generations initiative. Check back often for updates from our Executive Pastor, Brandt Wright. AdvancedMinistry Why? A good question... and, for those of us at Northwest, why Connect with Future Generations? Why now?  I'm glad you asked!   I believe that outreach to children and students is one of our greatest opportunities to expand the Kingdom. God continues to lead more and more young families to Northwest, but we're welcoming them into a disjointed environment highlighted by dysfunctional buildings, congested hallways, and crowded classrooms. The experience for many families in our current environment is best described as "frustrating." We need to create an environment where children, students and parents come to know Jesus and grow in Him. While we have made a significant investment to establish excellence in leadership, volunteers, and curriculum within children and student ministries, we have not addressed the facility-related barriers that prevent us from effectively connecting with the families that God is leading to us. Connect with Future Generations - the first phase of our master plan - provides the solutions that are needed. The Elder Board and Facility Planning Committee have investigated multiple options for the current and future needs of our campus - and this is it. Please prayerfully consider what your investment will be. Thank you in advance for your support! As always, you may always contact me directly with questions. http://sites.advancedministry.com/index.cfm?i=1636&mid=25&blogid=3029&comments=9177 9177 As I welcomed Paul DeHaven, our new children's minister, to Northwest this week, I felt a wave of excitement and energy each morning. And even though my schedule was crazy, I felt compelled to slow down and consider what my role will be as we connect with future generations for Christ. I know many of you are asking that same question - what is my role in connecting with future generations? How can I use my talents here? Maybe you have a heart for children, possessing a unique view of how classrooms can be arranged to keep children engaged. Maybe you have a talent in construction, having learned from past mistakes and successes. Maybe you are exceptionally skilled staying calm when the environment is chaotic, as it will surely be when construction is underway!   One of my roles is to provide a time when I can hear directly from you - learn from you - as we connect with future generations. It is with this responsibility in mind that I invite you to attend a Facilities Forum on September 16, 23 or 27 to talk with me and the Facility Planning Committee about your campus-related ideas and questions. Your opinion matters. Please join me and others as we move toward God’s best for Northwest. http://sites.advancedministry.com/index.cfm?i=1636&mid=25&blogid=3029&comments=8606 8606