Here's a post from our new Office Host, Stephanie. She's the one answering the phones and greeting people when they come in through the week. We asked her to give a quick view into what she's picked up on after a couple weeks in the new job. Here's her thoughts:

Most of us who attend Southland hang out for an hour or two each week. We drink a little coffee, listen to Amaris belt out a song, and watch Jon give away free pizza. When I became a member of the Office Host staff, I was incredibly excited to experience the “real” Southland  and see the ins and outs of daily Southland life and gather all the wisdom that I was sure must be floating in the office air.

In just two weeks, I’ve heard the depth of many scientific conversations among staffers. A current popular topic is the development of theories on the precise amount of time that a Double Bubble gumball, courtesy of guest speaker Reggie Joiner’s visual prompt, can last before it runs out of flavor, color and texture, rendering itself useless.

Conversations that demonstrate the creativity and ability to practically apply Biblical knowledge are also popular. The new desk in the front office has freed up a noticeable amount of space. Our staff Culture Director is keeping tabs on the ideas that flow from the wealth of brilliant staffers, including a rocking chair with a nice, quilted blanket thrown over the back; a crackling fireplace; and an oversized checkerboard to foster the Acts 2:42 concept of Christian community. Others are suggesting that we work on the importance of keeping our bodies, as the temple, healthy and include a treadmill and smoothie machine. In the works: a possible www.oneideafortheoffice.com* website where staffers can leave suggestions for the empty space, since it’s sister website, www.oneideaforlex.com is already working so well for the new campus project.

Even with all that distracting brilliance, the front office is the perfect place to get to know  the people that make up our local portion of the body of Christ. I’ve had the opportunity to talk with a woman who has spent almost her entire life in the area surrounding the Lexington Mall and has been praying for its revival and for God to send his people there. Hearing her laughter and joy at the realization that God has honored her prayers was a beautiful thing. I’ve spoken with a man who came to Lexington to study social work and is now starting his own organization to help the people in his home country of Zimbabwe. I’ve discussed the weather, the theological basis of Catholicism, and t-ball. I’ve spoken with people who are homeless, jobless, and hopeless and realized how much our spiritual family and our city are crying out to be covered in prayer.  The people I have the opportunity to talk with on the phone or in the office are part of the rhythm of Southland’s heartbeat.

And quite possibly the coolest thing about setting up camp in the front office? Seeing how much caffeine, prayer, and iphone usage go into keeping this place running every week.

*This is not really a website... although it would make a great one.