Yesterday was one of those days that left my head spinning. Our staff team is now half way through the planning process for ’09. We covered a lot of ground yesterday, made some good decisions (I hope!) and feel like we’re getting a sense of where the Lord is leading us. I really can’t wait for the spring and for our Gathering wide leadership meeting on December 6th.

But there was one moment yesterday that stuck in my heart. James Misner was leading a session on outreach and he drew something on the whiteboard that got all of my attention. As much as God has blessed The Gathering in the last four years, 99% of the students on our campuses have never been to a Gathering! Wow! Think about that for a minute. Granted, that doesn’t mean they’re not followers of Jesus – but most aren’t, if we’re honest.

We exist for that 99%. Do we love the 1%? Of course. I hope you know that without me even saying it. Our whole staff team loves you more than you can imagine. But all of our hearts should beat for the 99%. Because God loves them just as much.

Just wanted that number to be kicking around your hearts today. It’s very much in the center of our conversation today.