How Did We Get Here? - by Jordan Thurmond

A few weeks ago, we were in a board meeting discussing the future of Element - not just what we wanted, but where we thought God was taking us. As the conversation moved on, we started to look back to the past. What was Element founded on? Were we still on track with the original vision? All sorts of questions started popping up. Then the question of how we came to Element was asked. 

Liza and I had shared our story before with several people in house church and here and there. But this time, it seemed different. It was like the story became real again and it made us think about what happened over four years ago now that we hadn't thought much about at all lately. And that was sad. Sad, because we should think about why we are here more often, or rather how we even came to be here. Maybe we should think about it because it shows us why we are still here, still fighting and hoping and praying for our church. It shows us why our church is so important to us. 

So, here is how we came to Element... About five years ago now, Liza and I were a part of a small church plant. We had a good thing going and we were blessed beyond what we could have imagined. Through a series of events, it became pretty clear that we were to close up shop and move on. It wasn't a failure, it wasn't a terrible situation. It just happened. Before we actually closed up and moved on, a good friend of ours had visited Element on a Sunday morning. As soon as she had a chance, she called Liza to tell her all about Element. This wasn't just a "it was great, you guys should go one day" kind of talk. This was a "I can't stop thinking about this. This church will be your church one day. You guys will go to Element" kind of talk. Normally, we would just nod and say, "sure, we'll go", but we knew that this was different. We could not stop thinking about it after that. 

The first Sunday we had a chance, we dropped by to check it out. I remember walking in and thinking it looked like a cool place, bonus for having free coffee, people were nice. It was great, refreshing and fun. There was peace for both Liza and me. There was a feeling that our friend was right, this was our church and this was where we belonged. We felt right at home and made it our home. 

Looking back now, I just think... what if she hadn't called us? What if she was too busy or thought it was weird? Our friend doesn't even come to Element and actually never has again since. 

It's stories like this that make me see God in a different light sometimes. It makes me see that He cares so much about two people that He would set this whole thing up just so that we would be at Element. I'm glad He did and I wouldn't have it any other way. We have a home right here and we know that this is where we are supposed to be right now.