| | | | | | A Full March The past month has been FULL! While not everything went as planned, there is cause for celebration. The Gospel reach of New Vertical has increased beyond our expectation. This is a broad overview of recent events with highlights listed below - Roswell - Nexus Coworking Luncheon
- Birmingham - Thrive Coworking Luncheon
- North Georgia - Retreat
- West Trip - Retreat
- Alpharetta - Thrive Coworking Luncheon (fully independent)
Each event has its own unique prayer request listed at the end of this update. | | Roswell 3/12 We had a full house! There is rising engagement in this gathering, especially amongst those disconnected from Christian community. While this gathering does not yet have a third-party leader, it is beginning to generate new relationships amongst participants. IN OTHER WORDS, friendships are forming with the gospel as the foundation. THAT'S COOL! | | BHAM 3/18 Great news / Not so great news:
The day before the event we were sold out and needed a larger room. (Temper your excitement as the rooms are modest to begin with :)) Unfortunately, through a series of illnesses and tech glitches a large portion of those registered missed the event.
Our previous gatherings in BHAM did great, so we are trying to discern several questions. For example: Was this the consequence of not having a local sponsor?
Gaining this insight is especially important as another Co-Working space in Birmingham has expressed interest in offering something similar. Answering this question will be important before expanding within the region. | | MMMM 3/20 MMMM: (Men's March Madness Meeting) is an overnight retreat for rest, community and dedicated time to study God's word. We gathered in North Georgia to explore Leviticus and how to trust God as a father, husband, leader, etc...
 | | West Trip - End of March Sanctification is often catalyzed by stepping away. It can grant us an outside view of our life (what others see plainly) with the intimate knowledge no one else has. People call this a "mountain top" experience. Lasting life change can occur if there is intentional follow up. | | Alpharetta 3/4 This group is fully independent. We are still participating in the process, but our role is to support. One cool note: I was in BHAM and heard people talking about the benefits of this (Alpharetta) group. So while they have their own highs and lows, it is encouraging to experience the ripple effects from a long distance. | | Peer Coaching? We are seeking a process to further shepherd individuals from unconnected to connected spaces. One strategy we are exploring is developing peer coaching groups. While the marketplace has many existing peer coaching models, New Vertical is seeking to offer a gospel centered approach that is engaging for those unfamiliar with Jesus as well as those who call him Lord.
This approach appears to be gaining momentum as several individuals have independently expressed interest. at this point we are prayerfully considering how our gathered resources, timing, and network properly align with the vision of New Vertical. By faith we will gain clarity on this in the near future.
If successful, then we will foster a group that objectively benefits the local economy in the spirit of Jeremiah 29. | | Prayer needs None of this can happen without God's blessing. We ask for you to join us in prayer for these needs. - Roswell
- Praise and pray for continued growth and engagement amongst participants and for a leader to emerge.
- BHAM
- Pray for a local leader who can provide regular sustained engagement.
- MMMM
- Praise for a successful retreat! Pray for continued gospel conversations amongst participants.
- West Trip
- Pray for all participants to experience Christ in an undistracted environment and for that experience to become a deeper pursuit of Jesus.
- Alpharetta
- Pray for encouragement and wisdom for those who lead this important gathering at Thrive Alpharetta.
- Peer Coaching
- Pray for wisdom, courage and creativity as we explore this strategic step.
| | Join the Team Our ability to proclaim Christ in unreached areas of the Marketplace depends on the support of others.
Your one-time or monthly support equips New Vertical to proclaim Christ to community leaders beyond the reach of the local Church.
The goal is to build a network of chaplains that engage a broad range of communities. | | Personal Update: Heather and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. While paddle boarding (in very calm water) I struck a pile of discarded oyster shells. I received over 30 cuts and one severe laceration on my wrist. The danger was in the cut location (see photo #3 below). Below are the non-gross photos. Thank you for the prayers.
Photo 1: In an instant everything changed. Heather hauled me a half mile in the lagoon. I received a bandage, then she drove me to the hospital.
Photo 2:
If you want to skip the waiting room line... Go in, drop to your knees and say, "I'm about to pass out". Magically the doors open up.
Photo 3:
stiches removed with a new scar.
 | | Grateful We know support comes in many forms. We cannot pioneer marketplace ministry without you. Thank you for your support. You are loved and we are grateful.
His Grace is enough. | | | | | | | |
