We have finally landed in Nashville, TN! With a new location comes
re-orientation. That feeling we all have experienced when coming out of
Wal-Mart and absolutely forgetting where you parked your car is the
feeling we are having every day.
When people
think of Nashville, undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind is
"country music!" However, among Christian circles, particularly Southern
Baptists, Nashville has a tremendously rich heritage. Lifeway is
headquartered here, as well as the Southern Baptist Convention. Church buildings everywhere you look. Good old
Southern values
Nashville was once
the "buckle of the Bible belt." Those days have passed, with many of
those church buildings sitting near empty. Southern values are being
traded for post-Christian thought. Folks here grew up in church and are
over it. Or, because they grew up going to church as a kid, they believe
that they're good to go with God. What that translates to in our minds
is tough soil. Telling people that church is meaningless without Jesus
and the salvation He brings is a tough row to hoe.
On the flip side,
while many Nashvilians grew up in a family of faith, 60% of this city is
unchurched. As Nashville becomes more of a melting pot, that number
continues to rise.
We are both native
Texans - southerners! We have much in common with the feel of Nashville. We have
already connected with some people through Brentwood Baptist Church that
are cluing us in to the heartbeat of the city through different
neighborhoods. Not only will we get to know neighborhoods and
communities, but through the TRAIN residency, Josh will be making some
incredible contacts. As part of his TRAINing, Josh will be meeting 14
people in the community each week - leaders from established Christian
churches, cults, and business people. This exercise will continue for
the duration of our year here...that's close to 700 major community
leaders! Talk about networking.
Your prayers are felt and treasured! Please keep them coming! :)
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