The End of an Era

Just in case you missed it, yesterday saw the close of a huge chapter of the Summit’s history.  After feeding thousands of people, setting up hundreds of tables, and repeating the process dozens of months, the Starting Point Luncheon is no more.

SPL began back in the mid-90’s under the cool hand of Rick Langston.  Back then it was known as “Discovering Homestead Heights” (the church was known as that too…not the “Discovering” part, just the…never mind).  Then when we went all Summit on folks, it changed to “Discovering the Summit.”  A couple of years ago, it morphed into the currently-known “Starting Point.”  But through it all, two constants have remained: we’ve gathered new friends over a plate of food, and we’ve shared the gospel in an attempt to introduce one more person to Jesus.

So the big question is, what’s next?  Is that it for Starting Point Luncheon?  No more lasagna, no more pot roast, no more filet mignon (you mean you missed that Sunday?)?  Here are a few ins and outs to help you know what’s coming next:

• Beginning in September, the Starting Point Luncheon will morph into a Starting Point Reception. It will take place after each of our three services (on the first Sunday of each month), rather than one time at the end of the morning.  This option will give new guests the chance to get some immediate gratification and not wait upwards of 2-3 hours, as they are doing now.
• Our pastors, staff, and table hosts will continue to drive the Reception. Part of the magic formula of Starting Point is the people behind it.  We’ll continue to have a rotation of people available after each service to meet, greet, answer questions, and get people connected.
• Starting Points Part 2 & 3 will continue as normal. Both of these classes will now have a new home in the soon-to-be-refurbished Suite 111, but they’ll continue to happen on the two Sundays following the Reception.
• Starting Point Marathons will continue to happen at Cole Mill, West Club, and Brier Creek Evening Campuses. Although you’ll see some changes coming in the next few months with the SP ministries at these campuses, for now it’s business as usual.

Yesterday was a bittersweet day, but I’m very excited about the future of this ministry.  Please join me in praying for these changes, and the myriad of details that have to happen between now and the launch in September.  And if you’d like to be a part of Starting Point, you can!  Contact Adam Moore for more details.