This one’s for you!
It is amazing. When you have, in your hand, what someone else wants it is so easy to start off a conversation. When we started Jacob’s Well last summer we decided it made sense to have a bunch (bunch=10K what were we thinking!) of water bottles made up with our name, tagline (‘the kind of church you’re thirsty for’) and web address on them. Wells are where water comes from after all. They have been a great tool for us. (See why we aren’t getting anymore – it’s a core value/environmental decision for us – at www.jacobs-well.net/bottledwater)
Today is the big Fall Festival at 48th & Chicago here in south Minneapolis, the bustling little business district where our office is located. It is a gorgeous day and many 100’s of people are around. Our band was playing on the stage a number of times, and Nate, our worship leader, was the emcee for all the stage events. We were also doing face painting, had a rest tent for parents with little kids, had people out and about in their “What if…?” t-shirts (our billboard is also on that corner). And most of all, we were handing out water in front of our office and talking to anyone who wanted to.
“Thank you!” “Have you heard of Jacob’s Well?” “…uh, I think so… what are you?” or quite often, “Yes, my friend or neighbor goes there.” One young woman said, “Yes, I was there last week for the first time.” Cool. And the conversations went on. I usually tell people that we know most people have given up on church, but it isn’t God’s fault, we think God still matters. So we started a church for people who don’t like to go to church.” Faces brighten. They know exactly what I mean. I interpret that as permission to say more. Many people said they wanted to come and check us out – I think most of them meant it. They seemed excited.
The water was perfect. They wanted it, we had it. We connected and something important passed from one person to another.
It is amazing, when you have something people actually want – are thirsty for – it is easy, natural to make a meaningful connection.
Jacob’s Well – the kind of church you’re thirsty for
Hmmm… sounds a lot like John chapter 4 to me.
BTW: Tomorrow is the beginning of our 2nd year and we are celebrating by launching a 2nd service. It will be Sunday at 6 p.m. (we already gather at 10:30 a.m.) at Field Middle School, 46th St & 4th Ave S, Mpls. Keep us in your prayers. Better yet: come. If you would like to support our ministry, donations can be sent to our Jacob’s Well office at 4751 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
Precarious Pastor 