The Genesis of Epoch (pronounced epic)

Idea
In January of 2011, the dream of a collaborative environment, a hotspot of sorts, for those who are “wrecked” by the plight and pain of people locally and globally was birthed… for innovators, thought and action-leaders, and those who open-handedly give their time, talents, and resources to missions.

Prayer
Was this was a God idea. I asked Him again and again if He thought a gathering like this could…

1. Incite new ways of thinking about missions
2. Provoke a greater craving for hurting and lost people
3. Create a holy sense of embrace for people on the field and in the trenches
4. Bring lift/growth/awareness to the groups/org’s that participated
5. Awaken a movement of generosity.

People
After marinating the idea and sensing God’s greenlight, I started to verbally distribute the idea, as vague as it was, to a few reliable friends, then to key stakeholders. Through collective brainstorming we landed on Epoch.

Name
Epoch.

Yea, I didn’t know how to say it the first time I saw it either. It sounds just like “epic”. The meaning fits well…

1. a particular period of time marked by distinctive features, events.
2. the beginning of a distinctive period in the history of anything.
3. a point of time distinguished by a particular event or state of affairs; a memorable date.

Awards
By faith, we decided to give $50,000 in award money in seven different categories. Let me tell you, it’s more than just a little bit unnerving doing something so audacious for an event that has never been done before… anywhere.

This is pretty cool. The goal was to hopefully get 250 (quality) nominations. We received 438 nominations from 5 continents, 25 countries, and 38 states.

Team
Our small, but remarkable team at Adventures; Mandy, Betty, Allie, Lisa, Ann, and Karis continue to do everything possible to make this night one to remember. I’ll be forever appreciative for their attention to detail, their special touches, their tireless work, and all of the love they are bringing to this night. On Tuesday night, Ann and I joined our team, Seth, and 20+ volunteers to stuff, address, and mail 3,500 invitations to family and friends. Plus, over 40 people have already signed up to help the night of the Gala.

Partners
Well aware of the hurdles we face with inward-focused/competitive-thinking organizations, we still thought this was a God-enough idea to pursue them for partnership. This never was intended to be a solo act, but a collaborative effort… a shared experience, a rag-tag collective of sorts. As of today, we have a growing group of INDIVIDUALS, MINISTRIES, and COMPANIES that have said yes to partnership. I can’t wait to say thanks and give them a bear hug for their support to make this night a reality.

Here’s a partial list: Adventures in Missions, 316 Networks, Streaming Faith, Disney Resorts, Northwestern Mutual, Men’s Wearhouse, LawrenceInk, Awana Lifeline, National Christian Foundation, Comfort Suites, Affairs to Remember, Sugar Hill Church, Cason Photography, Outreach Media, and Watershed. Several families have also partnered with us: Dupree’s, Steer’s, Proulx’s, Iglesias’s, Barrett’s, and Barnes’s.

If you want to talk about some creative ways to partner with us for this event please call me at 704-918-1000 anytime.

I love working behind the scenes to spearhead really big things for God – things that bring change… mindshifts… and movements. I’m a risk-taker, not on the level of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:26, but, I’ve got to tell you, it sure feels like that right now with only 39 days until Epoch 2011.

I hope you’ll join us all of us as we gather, honor, and celebrate the past, present and future of missions. The night will be bursting of celebration, inspiration, laughter, tears, and the presence of the Almighty.

Did you read Jamie: The Very Worst Missionary’s blog about Epoch 2011? Would you consider spreading the word through your social media efforts?

Imagine what could happen in the upper room at the Fox Theater if God allows the five things I prayed for to actually happen.