As you look back on your life, do you have a defining moment where you said YES to a very big decision? Was it hard to do? Did it cost you something? Did it take risk, faith, or did it cause fear?

I think it’s safe to say that everyone has had at least one defining moment in their life where they said yes to something big. It may have been a proposal, a promotion, a move, a college, or a baby. Something BIG that changed everything.

In May of 2013, some of our dear friends asked us a big question. A heavy question that required a yes or no answer. A question that would drastically change the direction of our lives because of what it required of us. Half way across the country, during the middle of a baseball game our friends boldly asked us if we would be a part of a big vision to plant a church in Asheville, NC.

I wrote in a previous post about this decision and how hard it was to make. Long story short, a few months later after visiting the city we knew that God was telling us to GO and to say YES to this vision.

Fast forward to today and it’s hard to believe the one year anniversary of our church is just around the corner (in mid February). The one year anniversary of The Gathering Church!!!

A year! For those who have been a part of this journey just take a minute to resonate and reflect on this. A year!?!!?!?!

It has been 365 days full of community, growth, wins, losses, hardships, surprises, victories and if I am being honest- fatigue. 

Who would’ve thought that so many people would say yes to this crazy calling and in a few weeks many of us will be celebrating a one year’s worth of it.

Eight years ago our Pastor and his wife said yes to this vision. Four years ago we said yes. And then along the way more staff and others said yes. Since then we have all sacrificed so much, worked our butts off, been challenged in every way possible yet God has provided immensely.

We have seen people commit their lives to Christ and have also seen people’s misconception about “Christianity” and “church” change. It brings tears to my eyes just to think about all that has happened in this past year.

We watched a dream become a reality with front row seats. 

Our church, our family and this community has evolved into this beautiful picture of the gospel. Strangers have become friends, people from hard places are sharing their stories and gathering in each other’s homes, and life-giving change is taking place in this city.

I am so thankful that a fearful yes has guided us to now; a year’s worth of provision and celebration. A year’s worth of hope and expectancy for the future. 

I can’t imagine where we as a family would be if we wouldn’t have said yes to this calling. This journey has been nothing but hard and challenging but so worth it in every way possible. It’s been a journey of faith and fear. Thank you to all who have supported us and have given financially to this dream. 

I’ve had to remind myself quite often this past year of the reasons why we do what we do, especially when this calling got hard. With the help of an amazing community and perseverance, I have grown personally in ways that I never thought possible.

I am not sure what is being asked of you but my hopes are that you will say YES to faith and NO to fear. What do you have to lose? It may mean that you are about to make some HUGE changes in your life but sweet friend just think about what may be waiting on the other side for you to experience? I wonder how  your faith will be stretched or what kind of impact you could play a part in if you say yes.

Think about it, pray about it, and do it. Say YES!