Huntsville, Alabama is an interesting place. It was best known as the Watercress Capital of the World until Werner Von Braun and his peers landed there in 1950. They were the original Rocket Boys, and you’ve seen their handiwork. Their Saturn V boosted Apollo into orbit and ultimately got us to the moon.
Huntsville is unique. It’s consistently rated as one of the best places in America to live. It boasts more PhD’s (per capita) than any city in the US. You can’t swing a dead cat (they say) without hitting eight or ten aerospace or bio-tech engineers. You can’t use the phrase “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist…” because in Huntsville, it does. The county surrounding Huntsville also boasts the highest divorce rate in the country. Apparently, brains and marital bliss do not always go together.
Just across I-65 from Huntsville is the small town of Athens. About 20 years ago, a young pastor moved there and took over a small church that averaged about 80 worshipers on a good week. Today they are running 1,000.* They have a great staff, awesome members, and unlimited potential to grow disciples. They want to lean into small groups as a method and strategy, and that’s where the story gets personal.
The pastor called me a couple of months ago and asked if I would be willing to come to Athens to help them disciple people in small groups. “Sure,” I said (with my Yankee accent), “Vicki and I will go wherever God wants us” (knowing in my heart that it wouldn’t be Ala-freaking-bama). Turns out that God’s sense of humor is still intact. Long story short, Yankee Boy is the new Discipleship Pastor of Friendship United Methodist Church in Athens, Alabama. I start July 1, 2010.
One of the coolest things about Friendship is that it reminds Vicki and me of our early days at Granger Community Church. Small team, big potential, high passion and creativity, and huge reliance on God for “whatever is next.” We wept during worship. We laughed with brand-new friends. We feel at home there. We are humbled that God is letting us be a part of what he is doing there.
A couple of things: I’m moving to Alabama while Vicki stays in Illinois to try and sell our house in one of the worst housing markets in the country. Your prayers would be appreciated. On the positive side… if you know any small group or spiritual formation point leaders, pastors, or directors between Nashville and Birmingham, let me know (dtreat@thinkingsmall.net); I’d love to do some networking. This blog, my consulting and training, and “Thinking Small” will continue, but my primary efforts will be directed at growing disciples at Friendship.
After a brief countdown, the relationship-building, vision casting, and volunteer recruiting starts this morning with a week-long visit to Athens. I guess you could call it a launch. I can’t wait to see what God does.
* (Revised 10/11: This turned out to be incorrect. It was closer to 700).
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Welcome to Athens, and Friendship, Dave. I am sure you and your family will learn to love both. My family and I go to Friendship (unfortunately, we are going to be away all summer while I teach a class in Athens, GA), so I won’t get to meet you until later in the year.
We are involved in a small group at Friendship and have gotten really close to our friends in the group. We joke and call our group, “Married and knocked up with children” since three of the five couples have had babies in the last year. My wife and I had planned no more, but God had one more daughter for us, to go along with a 2 yr old daughter and a 6 yr old son.
Again, welcome to Athens, Alabama, and Friendship.
Tim Ferguson
The church and you are both in for huge blessings. They have no idea the creativity, leadership, and love that you and Vicki will bring. What a gift you will be just by modeling a life lived in community. And I look forward to hearing stories from you and Vicki about life “on the front lines” of ministry again. There’s nothing like being back in a local church, loving people who are learning to love God. You are in for an incredible ride, my friend, in rocket town! We will be praying for and cheering you on all the way.
Wow, small groups and rockets!! Dave you didn’t get a new job, you are dead… and are in heaven.
That is great to hear! All the best. Covell stopped by my desk last Friday – I was out of the office but I knew it was him because I could not read the hand writting on the note.
The Boldts
We are SO thrilled for you, Uncle Dave. God’s providence and faithfulness never ceases to amaze me. So glad we can celebrate this with you!
How’s the rental tractor workin for ya?
Much love you to and Vic!!
Great news Dave! Will be praying for you and Vicki in the transition. Can’t wait to hear what God does through you guys.
So glad you’ve made it to the good ole’ South!
Praying God uses you in great ways at Fellowship.
We are so happy to have you at Friendship and were so excited you could be here for vacation Bible school! The old saying is Alabama is that we were blessed to be born here and others just had to get here as fast as they could! Glad you made it!
Dave,
I’ve appreciate (granted from a long distance) your candor, humor and especially your passion for community. You’ve provided inspiration through the years via your sessions, blogs, and clips; I always know they’re going to be excellent. .
I know Friendship will be greatly blessed by you and Vicki. (I pray they recognize it early and often!)
BTW – The south ain’t that bad! You can sell your tire chains and snow blowers!
Dave and Vicki – I couldn’t be more thrilled for you and your new church. God is so good. I will be praying for your house to sell quickly in Chicago. Wish you and Vicki were coming to FL for the Summit in OMGosh… a week and a half… Bob and I loved our time with you… you’re closer now. Come visit!