The Discomfort Zone

They began arriving by 3 pm on Thursday afternoon. Soon the hotel parking lot was filling up with church buses, vans, and cars from all over the denomination. Even a charter bus from Louisville, KY made its way down Interstate 65 to Orange Beach, AL for The Discomfort Zone. One hundred ninety-one “officially” registered participants came to The ‘Zone to learn about sharing God’s love in practical ways. There was probably another 20 or so folks who just came “along for the ride” and we were glad to have them. The ‘Zone also included 11 children!

30 churches were represented:

Alabama – Florence, Christ Church of Monrovia, Rocky Ridge, New Hope, Grace Community, Helena

Arkansas - Barren Fork, Russellville First,

Illinois – Mt. Sterling

Kentucky – Bowling Green First, Calvary, Heartsong, Louisville First, Mt. Olivet, Rozzell Chapel, Wingo Old

Massachusetts - Casa de Fe y Alabanza

Missouri – Orange

Tennessee – Brush Hill, Cloyd’s, Dyersburg, Faith, Germantown, Greeneville, Mt. Ararat, St. Luke, West Nashville, West Union, Woodbine

Texas – Elmira Chapel

Leadership at The ‘Zone

Keynote Speaker, Steve Sjogren, challenged us to “Live the Invitation” of Jesus to serve and to “Put a Dent in our World” by acts of kindness. Steve taught us how to show God’s love in practical, everyday ways which we “practiced” on Saturday morning. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores was awash in black tshirts worn by folks sharing the kindness of Jesus Christ. Also providing leadership was the Praise and Worship band from Dyersburg, TN and the Creative Ministries Team from Woodbine CPC in Nashville. There were twelve small groups at The ‘Zone led by Brent Ballow (AR), Jim Barry (TX), Phill Bohannon (KY) and Drew Hayes (TN), Leslie Crane (TN), Donna Faulkner (AL), Samantha Hassell (KY), Gaye McGarity (TN), Milton Ortiz (MA), Lynn Thomas (AL), Chris Warren (TN), Michelle and David Watson (TN), and Matt Wooten (KY)

What Else?

Following a morning of worship and small groups, Friday afternoon gave way to free time on the beach. The sun broke through and some even braved the cold December waters. Within minutes of dismissing from the last small group of the day, the beach was crowded with approximately 200 Cumberland Presbyterians gathering seashells, playing ball, walking the shores, and just hanging with friends. It was a wonderful sight!

Saturday was filled with Servant Evangelism activities – the time where participants were able to practice what they had been learning. It was a moving, learning experience for everyone. Activities ranged from passing out bottles of water, candy, coloring books, etc to helping folks with their grocery carts, to collecting food for the local food pantry. With every act of kindness, the recipient was given a Connection Card telling them what we were doing and inviting them to a FREE concert that evening.

By The Tree

The Discomfort Zone came to a close with a high-energy concert given by a contemporary Christian band named By The Tree! The kids rocked and sang and worshiped as this first-time ever event came to a successful and tired ending. The charter bus from Louisville hit the road after the concert taking approximately 50 participants with it. Buses and vans and cars began their long journey home the next morning with many asking, “Are you going to do this again?”

The Discomfort Zone -- What an Experience!

One of th goals of The Discomfort Zone was that it be replicated in churches and presbyteries. To that end you will find the small group curriculum and other resources here.

Small Group Curriculum (Word format)

Free Discomfort Zone lanyard and T-shirts for $5. Just contact us at pam@cumberland.org or 901.276.9988.

The Banner is available for interested groups to use. Just give us a call. All you need to do is pay the postage.