Some Q&A's from the Dialogue on June 10

Here are some of the questions and answers from Sunday's dialogue.


What will the set-up be like?

You can see from the floorplan of the new facility (previous blog) that we'll have lots of room. On Sunday mornings we'll have access to the auditorium, gym, and Rooms 9, 10, 11, and 12. Set-up for the auditorium will be minimal, but there will be more we'll have to assemble for the kids' rooms. The lobby will afford much room for community building before/after service.

BTW, when we schedule ahead of time, we'll even be able to use the pool for baptisms, which is much better than wading out into the Maumee in January!


What about membership discounts?

The YMCA will work with us on this one. Because they would love an influx of strong believers at the Y, they would like to offer us some sort of discount, though we're not sure what it is yet. As they would, we would also like to see many NP people at the Y sharing the love of Christ in words and action.


Will we be able to use the West Y other than on Sundays?

Yes, the YMCA leadership has made it clear they want us to have a presence on Tremainsville. When the rooms are available, we're welcome to host Community Life Groups, Bible studies, etc. there, as long as we clean up after ourselves. We'll also have the opportunity to host larger groups afterhours, such as a Youth Night.


How did the NP leadership (elders) come to this decision?

There was a concern for some that we reached this decision rather quickly and without having disclosed any details prior to our forming the partnership with the YMCA. Some thought they should have been asked, or at least been given the opportunity to discuss the partnership. The elders reaffirmed that NP is an elder-led church, one where congregational votes are not taken. Not only is this the biblical model for church leadership, but it's also much more effective. (See below for more.)

For nearly 2 years, the elders have been researching and discussing the best strategy for accommodating numerical growth. We examined many doors we could walk through, but God shut them all and threw open the door to the West Y. Ironically, to use the auditorium at Start H.S. today would cost more than $2,000/wk, and we'll be able to use a completely remodeled auditorium at $1,100/wk, plus all the extra rooms and storage space. Best of all, we have the great benefit of knowing our rent will go to an organization that works to promote Christian values and a relationship with Christ.

The elders have not yet introduced in full the concept of Covenant Partnership, which is planned for this summer. Essentially, those who believe in the mission/vision of NP and its strategy of "being the presence of Christ to those who don't know Him and pursuing Him with those who do" will have the opportunity to join as Covenant Partners. CPs will be those fully committed to NP and involved in the three aspects of ministry at NP (Gatherings, CLGs, and Presence Projects).


What about the modular building?

Back in April, the elders put forth to the congregation the desire to pay off the rest of our debt and raise money to bring over a temporary building someone in the church was wanting to donate to NP. We received enough in pledges both to pay off the debt and bring over the building. With just 3 weeks left, about 85% of the pledge money has come in, so we anticipate being able to install the building soon. The debt has already been paid.

Since we won't have our Gathering at the West Y until Jan 2009, we'll initially use the modular building for PowerHouse. We'll likely create office space in the current PowerHouse space, allowing also for more room for community building. (People won't have to stand around in the hall to talk.) Although not the most attractive addition, the building will allow us to better minister to our kids until 2009.


What will happen to the Harvest/Laskey building?

When we move our Gathering to the West Y in Jan 2009, we intend to hold on to our current building, using it for office space and other ministries throughout the week. We anticipate someday creating another NP "expression" back here at Harvest/Laskey. Someday a Gathering will take place here where it all started.


Remember, if you still have questions, feel free to e-mail us at info@discoverthepoint.org or call 419.472.5346.

Some Pics

Here is an artist's rendering of the new YMCA. Here's the floorplan of the new facility.

YMCA Announcement

We announced Sunday, June 3rd the partnership NorthPoint has entered into with the West YMCA. If you'd like more info on this, see the letter summarizing the Sunday morning talk, or download the MP3.

Meeting Date Change

The date/time for our Q & A Dialogue has changed from Monday to Sunday, June 10 at 5:00 pm. Sorry about the inconvenience this may cause. Childcare will be available (5:00-6:00 pm) for those who need it.

If you have any questions about the YMCA announcement, please e-mail them to info@discoverthepoint.org, so we can be better prepared to answer.

Upcoming Series

Make sure you join us the next few weeks for a series where we'll illustrate the purpose of the local church and relate the specific vision for NorthPoint.

• May 27 - Y the Church?


• June 3 - Y the Y?


• June 10 - Y NP?

All Sunday morning messages will be made immediately available here on our website.

We will also host a Q & A dialogue on Monday, June 11 at 7:00 pm for those interested.

We'll have more info for you here on the blog as the series progresses, so please check back often.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the office at 419.472.5346 or info@discoverthepoint.org.