Nehemiah Message Series
Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 1:00 AM 
It's interesting... I was concerned about having a 12-week verse by verse series through Nehemiah for several reasons.
First of all, that's a long time - will we be able to keep everyone's interest?
Second, it's not an overly exciting title, "One Nation Under God: Indivisible" - awesome concept, but, again, not overly seeker sensitive. (By the way, if you missed any of them - you can go here to catch up.)
Third, we typically have 2-4 week series. Occasionally, we'll have a 6 week series. So this kinda goes against the flow of what we're used to at Impact.
Last, it's Summer time. So many head out for vacations and/or take the opportunity to get away for a weekend or a Sunday... and we typically see a strong downturn in attendance... especially in May and June.
All I've got to say is... WOW! Were we ever wrong. Attendance has soared through the beginning of Summer and our first 4 weeks of this series. In fact, they are at all time highs compared to previous years of the same month with around 25-30% growth recently.
It's true that not everyone gets excited about a verse by verse study of a book of the Bible. Plus, Impact is known for it's innovative and often provocative series. However, this will be the 8th book of the Bible that we've gone through in 9 years. Here is the list:
John - May 2000 - Apr 2001
1 Timothy - Feb 2002 - Jun 2002
Acts 1-5 - Jul 2003 - Oct 2003
Jonah - Nov 2003
Philippians - Sep - Oct 2004
Acts 16-28 - Jun - Aug 2005
James - Jun - Aug 2006
NONE - 2007
Colossians - Jan - Feb 2008
Nehemiah - May - Aug 2009
What do you think? Balanced? Too much? Not enough?
Reader Comments (4)
How can the word of God be to much??? Never!! I look at it as balanced since through the years it has not been glaring that we covered God's word that much. You're doing an excellent job, Barry, of staying on the path God has set for you. I'm excited to be part of it at this time!!
First off, Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Go Kings!
I agree with Wendy that how can the Word of God be too much? Coming from a traditional background and having heard many a sermon series through books of the Bible, you have a unique way of mixing it up, keeping it interesting, and always sharing the Gospel message. We need to know how to study verse by verse and apply it to our lives, so keep it coming!
Barry,
I've found a new favorite leader from the Bible to add to my list. This Nehemiah guy had it goin' on. LOVE this series. Who says the Bible doesn't apply anymore?!
Thanks for the comments YO! And just to keep it clear - it's not that we don't preach the bible each week, even if it's topical... that's a given I hope for everyoen that doesn't attend Impact. :) It's just the verse by verse teaching through a book of the Bible that I'm curious about. Thanks for your opinions!