More than one hundred volunteers converged on over a dozen projects in the Goshen County area as their annual Project One commenced.  Project One found it’s its beginnings following hurricane Katrina.  “It’s good to go help another part of the country in the midst of a disaster,” says Pastor David Anderson, “but we have people in our own back yard that need help.”  The projects were designed to help those in our community who were either financially or physically unable to complete.  A wheelchair ramp and concrete ramp were constructed for a double-amputee, a roof was re-shingled for a single mom who couldn’t get insurance because of bad shingles, and another roof was shingled for an elderly lady who recently had a stroke.  Other projects included construction, painting, cleanup, tree trimming, landscaping, and furnace repair.  The projects were nominated and selected and then teams of volunteers were assembled to accomplish the jobs in one day.

The projects (totaling near $4000) were funded through North Hills by generous donations and many of the materials were donated or given at reduced prices for the projects. It is estimated that over $10,000 worth of labor was donated from volunteers ranging in age from 6 to 70+.  The motto of this year's Project One was "It's not about us," and the goal was to shine forth the love of Christ through serving the community. It is about loving God and loving people. As we say, Project One is an opportunity to not just go to church, but to be the church. And make no doubt about it, there were smiles from ear to ear on the faces of home-owners and volunteers alike as a result of Project One.

By: Pastor Brett Crimmel, Forefront Church

Sometimes, if you don’t pay attention real well to the word or voice of God, He has to use a 2x4. This story is no different than many stories across the Rocky Mountain regions, except that God used a 2x4 to tell me that I was doing a good job.

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If your phone rings and the number is unknown, here is a trick: Push the button on the top and it sends them to voicemail. This way, you know who is calling and what they need. You can gather the resources and call them back. That is the way I operate.

But one day, I got a call and didn’t know the number and I answered, “Hello, this is Brett”.  And on the other line he said, “Hi Brett. This is Bob Murphy and I am the Mayor of Lakewood”. Lakewood is on the SW corner of Denver and is the 4^th biggest city in Colorado. The Mayor said, “I need to get your calendar next week”. “Um yeah, I’m free.”

The Mayor of the city we are SET on called us. The Bible says you are set and placed intentionally.

I am simple which is why I am a good church planter. I cannot imagine navigating the complexities of an existing church. But I can do simple. At Forefront church, ALL local missions are at the school were we meet.

The Mayor was calling because they had recently been awarded as an all American city. One of ten in the US. They have not cut the budget or furloughed anyone and they are still in the black. They are one of the most effective cities in Colorado.  

At the meeting, the Mayor asked, “What are you doing?”

I answered, we are simple. We go to the principle and ask, “Ms Kay – what can we do to help you.” When she gives us the list, we say, “We cannot do the 1^st ten because we don’t have the money or people. We can do these.”

In an average year Forefront church with 250 people serves 3,000 hours. In July we do “servolution” for a week where the whole church invests in the school. We don’t feed the homeless downtown. We just serve in the school. But there is a reason that I was sitting with the Mayor of Lakewood.

The Mayor had to do a state of the city address. This is where they beat their chests about being a great city…basically saying, “aren’t we awesome”. The Mayor wanted me to be his guest…even though he isn’t a Christian or even a fan of churches.

At the event, there were 650 people including the CEO of Kaiser, the CFO of the City of Lakewood, and chief council of Lakewood.

At the event, the Mayor told everyone about how great the city was and that they are probably the most effective city in Colorado. “But”, he said, “We can do better. Like Forefront Church and Ms. Victoria Kay at Bear Creek.” This non Christian put the church up on display for the world to see.

Since this presentation, cities and other organizations in the city have called us about practical tips to get involved like we are at the school. So here goes:

Practical Tips:

1. It takes a long time to be in the fabric of the community. What would it look like if your church stopped existing, would anyone care?

Our Principle is a non practicing Jew. She is from the Brooklyn and wears Stilettos and miniskirts every day. When another organization that uses the school was going to negatively impact the church, Ms. Kay drove across town and said don’t mess with my church. When her husband died, she called the church. First. When a student ran away she called the church – FIRST.  

2. Find a group. Put laser eyes on ONE thing.

The state of CO cut $1 billion from schools year in 2011. Help is needed. And Forefront Church says “what can we do?” Let them dictate the content and you dictate the delivery method.

3. JUST SERVE. We do not check their faith at the door. We baptized the facility manager. 3 teachers attend Forefront. ½ of our children’s ministry goes to the school. But we don’t go in and preach the gospel. We just do what the principle asks. We just serve and wait for people to come to us. We love gospel presentations...in the right time and place.

4. Be in it for the long haul. Then you can make a difference to the point that the Mayor would come and ask if he can put your church on display.

5. Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Take care of the (spiritual) widows and orphans. And there are many that need Jesus.