Emerging from the Sea

I have a lot of respect for a guy called Andy. He started out as a youth pastor at the church I attend, but a year ago he took a giant step of faith, out of a secure salary and into the unknown.

He took on SonSurf in the Strand area, what you might call an Emerging from the Sea Church. His organization ministers to surfers and beach-types. He coaches learners (grommits), provides sponsored/free surfboards to guys who can't afford it, takes the kids on camps and trips, and cares for their souls.

He's a mentor, a guy you can lean on, someone to talk to when your parents won't do.

And on Sunday nights he offers church at a local Muslim-run beachfront bar! The owners have kindly offered their space free of charge (though they don't know their souls are being heavily prayed for!) and stick around for the live band worship, word and fellowship.

If ever there was an emerging church, this is it. It meets the guys where they are and draws them in with love and acceptance.

Yes, Andy and his wife and kids struggle. Especially financially. Their leap of faith included not knowing where a monthly income was coming from, who would support the ministry and how it was going to happen. It was blind following of God's voice, trusting Him for everything.

It's paid off - bigtime.