Thank You, Catalyst Church

Yesterday, it was announced that Catalyst Church will close at the end of April.

I hurt so badly for my friends. I cannot imagine what my great friend and co-laborer Casey Ross felt yesterday having to make that announcement (video). I cannot imagine what it was like to have been with Catalyst from the beginning and then hear that announcement this week. So many people gave so much of themselves to a vision and a mission...lots of blood, sweat, and tears have been shed so that people in Greenville, SC could be led into a growing relationships with Jesus Christ. It's those tireless faces and stories of sacrifice that make Catalyst a special community.

Yet, at the same that I hurt, I celebrate. People are in the family of God today because of Catalyst Church. People re-connected with their Heavenly Father because of Catalyst Church. People became leaders, missionaries, and fully devoted disciples because of Catalyst Church. Real needs have been met in Greenville because of Catalyst Church. And, as hard as it was at times, we sure did have a lot of fun!

Thank you, Catalyst Church. You taught me a lot. You let me make mistakes. You let me mature. You encouraged and honored me. You supported me and my family as God moved us away.

Thank you, Catalyst Church. You allowed God to use you to make a difference. You didn't break when times got tough. You sacrificed. You gave. You cried. You prayed. You served.

Thank you, Casey, Jake, Ryan, and Sarah. You led courageously. You met every challenge head-on. You celebrated. You sacrificed. You laughed a lot. You grew. You obeyed.

Greenville is better because of Catalyst Church. The family of God is bigger because of Catalyst Church. Catalyst Church the organization may close, but Catalyst Church the people never will.

Thank you, Catalyst Church. Your Heavenly Father is proud of you. I am, too.

Comments

[ryan Fitzgerald]

jay,

thanks for the kind words and prayers...

//fitz

[Phillip Brande]

Wow, I have been there, done that and it is not easy. You wonder if it was all worth it, the sweet, the toil. It was not until years later that the fruit of the ministry we had to close was seen. Thank you Jay for your encouraging words to this group, I am sure it meant a lot to them.

[Michelle]

Wow Jay! I am so sorry to hear the news. I know Casey and the ministry are dear to you and LB. Your positve attitude is awesome and I pray God uses it to touch others through this...

[jay hardwick]

fitz - we're standing with you, bro!

phillip - great reminder that full perspective might not come until much later...that's a good word for cc'ers to hear.

michelle - thanks for your words and prayers. you guys are great!

[Chris]

My wife and I are going through this ourselves right now, we have been so saddened by this but know that God has not left us. May God add growth to the seeds that were planted at Catalyst.