These things always start with a vision...Lane Harrison, the single adult minister, and John David Edie, the college minister, were praying and discussing a vision to focus their ministries on engaging young adults in authentic relationships with Jesus Christ, and in August of 2002, the axp leadership met for the first time to discuss the vision God had impressed upon Lane and John David. Weeks were buried in rehearsals and prayer, and the first axp kicked off on September 4, 2002. During those first few months there were some growing pains, but God brought people back week after week. axp's debut year ended in May of 2003 as the leadership went back to the drawing board to plan for the fall.
SUMMER ROMANCE
While axp was on summer hiatus, band member Dallas Gillion put together an unplugged
version of axp. The band was made up of two acoustic guitars, a couple of vocalists,
an occasional djembe, an overhead projector, and a short message. As do all
summer romances, Unplugged ended with the summer, but left the leadership with
renewed vigor nd excitement for how God would move next. The leadership met
to discuss axp's future, and it became apparent that God's work during the summer
through Unplugged would provide a springboard for the fall.
DIVING IN
The axp leadership dove into the fall, eager to embrace the new season. Steve
Duede joined the band to lead worship, the production crew added more positions,
the leadership created a hospitality team, and the prayer station was introduced.
Watching God at work awed most axpers and brought them closer to God and to
each other. The fall was tough and full of ups and downs.The Gathering Room
groaned on nights when it was full almost to capicity, the group mourned together
over the death of a beloved sister, and axp-ers welcomed a new college minister
and axp speaker, Scott McDonald.
MORE CHANGES
In January 2004, axp started right where it left off in the fall. Steve announced
that he would be leaving to take up a ministry position outside the state, and
Dallas took over the axp band again. Chad Johnston joined the band as the new bass
player, and many new faces joined the crowd. The axp leadership kept meeting,
trying to plan for the next several months.
After outgrowing the Gathering Room in the spring, axp moved to the Basement at the beginning of the summer season. Axp-ers had room to stretch their legs and soon began taking advantage of the cafe area and the gaming areas in the Basement.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
After much prayer and debate, Scott and Vince decide to introduce dinner into
the mix, desiring that the breaking of bread together would provide more opportunity
for interaction among axp-ers—and quiet the growling stomachs in the crowd.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE
Life is full of surprises, and axp is no different. Scott was called away,
but Daniel has stepped in and there’s no telling what’s next. Seriously.
If you haven’t been to axp in a while, it’s time to come back. It will surprise you.
What happens next? Check out the Future page.