Keith Bower

GREAT NEWS! I've Got a New Job!

I knew from the beginning of my journey into urban ministry that I would be doing something else full time to make a living. Well, on Tuesday, June 17, that "something" became a reality when I was offered and accepted a position with Advanced Project Solutions as a project management consultant. APS provides front-end loaded planning on capital projects for clients in the oil and gas industry. APS facilitators lead client project teams in workshops in project execution planning, risk mitigation, value improving practices, project controls and more. I will be working as a workshop facilitator. Unexpected? Yeah, I know! But right in line with my crazy mix of talents! I start on July 21. I am very excited! Thank you so much for praying.

Awaken 2008: A Mosaic Event

On Monday, March 31, the day after my final Sunday as Pastor of Grace Community Bible Church, Richard Hunt and I were in the Los Angeles area for the Awaken 2008 Conference. The conference was sponsored by Mosaic, an amazing multi-ethnic church, with several gatherings around LA, that sets the standard for ministry to among and through young adults in an urban envirnment. (Do you see why I was interested?) Mosaic's pastor, Erwin Raphael McManus, is among the most respected and creative Christian leaders, thinkers and authors in the country.

Richard and I attended Awaken 2008 with our new friends from City of Refuge church, Pastor Rufus Smith and Worship Leader Russell Thompson. City of Refuge is a pioneering, multi-ethnic congregation located south of the Medical Center near 288 and OST. During the conference the four of us had the opportunity to visit with Mosaic's Navigator, Eric Bryant, about the possibility of a Mosaic movement in Houston. We also spoke with Erwin McManus, as well as with other key Mosaic leaders.

When it comes to possible partnerships, Mosaic is very exciting. They know how to reach across ethnic lines to respect and empower young adults as cultural leaders and influencers. They  know how to unleash the creative spirit in the context of urban ministry. That's why, before leaving LA, I joined the Mosaic Alliance. It's not clear what the nature of our partnership might be, but Mosaic will be part of my journey.

Mission Houston: A HUGE Heart for Our City!

Great cities inspire great ministries!

One of the greatest in our city is Mission Houston. Today I had the pleasure of sharing visions with Steve Capper, Mission Houston's Executive Director. The goal of Mission Houston is simple and ambitious: "We seek nothing less than the spiritual and social transformation and revitalization of greater Houston--each person, neighborhood, and community." Mission Houston's vision includes, "Christians in every community of greater Houston united in actively addressing the needs of their neighbors." You can see why I am so excited!

Collaboration is critical to our shared task of building the Kingdom of God in our city. Sharing my vision and discovering fellow travelers like Mission Houston is a BIG part of what God has me doing right now. It's the very essence of this stage of my journey. (For details on the "4 Steps" in my journey, click here.)

I encourage you to visit Mission Houston's website (click here). Find out who they are and how God is using them in our great city. You will be inspired!