Mile Two.

Hello, dear friends!

It has been over a month since returning from our exploratory trip in December. The Bell crew took a week to do a lot of nothing between Christmas and New Years. With our home being led by an 8 and a 3, it was an uncomfortably-healthy time of self care and listening.

Becky and I agreed, this week, we are on the other side of a stretch of being fairly overwhelmed. Giving God our yes started us on a bit of a sprint and now we are adjusting to the need for a marathon pace. When sprinters finish a race, they are bent over exhausted. They just poured all of their training, experience, and effort into a short/fast stretch. You are only hearing from us now, because the past few weeks we have been bent over catching our breath a bit. Our marriage is great, careers, family, etc…are great. But…we needed a breather from planting discussions and decisions.

That said, we are back and ready to find our marathon pace. One that is sustainable and (dare I say) successful in stewarding what God has trusted us with. Here are some FYIs, in ‘clasic-Jared’ bullet points:

• I am looking for job ideas in Denver. I have a lot of education to be a pastor and bible teacher. If anyone has any ideas or contacts for jobs I can pursue, let me know.

• I am collecting job ideas because I am committed to what is called “co-vocational.” This is an insider term meaning, to purposefully take on a 2nd career for missional reasons. For me personally, I believe it will deter our mission too much if my entire salary is dependent on in-church giving alone. The type of job I’m looking for will allow me to have time to lead/invest in a team, create content (sermons, etc), and be present.

• We are committed to the long game of ministry. Meaning, we have a mission bigger than what can be accomplished in the short term.

• I can not get past the power of the word “see.” I can not get past the idea of starting a movement of people who are asking God to not only change the way they think and act…but (also) the way they/we see the world.

• I can not get past the power of the word “listen.” Every day I am reminded, even more, than the day before. We need every new movement (of God) to be a people who are doing less talking and more listening.

• Finally, the phrase “a church for a post christian culture” has been stuck in my heard for a week now. There is something intriguing about the idea of thinking about those who are not unfamiliar and/or unfavorable to religious practice. This direction will change the way we communicate what God is calling us toward.

Thanks for your support. I believe the next 30 days will lead to more concrete clarity but, for now, I’m just thankful to be part of God’s mission to restore his creation. You are loved.

Please consider becoming a supporter.

Jared (and Becky)

Side Note: This blog was 99% complete when I began to follow what is happening in the US Capitol. I have no (productive) words but believe the world will be forever changed after today.