To define, develop and grow a uniquely relational congregation that is balanced in our Biblical knowledge, Spiritual understanding, and Faithful Practice.
To define:
When I came to Crossroads in February of 2000, I began by preaching concerning the importance of intimate relationships (first, with God through His Son Jesus Christ, then, with one another). In defining this vision we must go beyond what can be said from the pulpit. I will begin to clearly state and restate this vision. I will ask that this statement be stated and reiterated in our Sunday School and published in all our written materials.
To develop:
Personal development demands personal involvement! Nancy and I are committed to 2 Timothy 2:2, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." I have spent six months with one man and Nancy and I spent one year with another couple. We will continue to disciple others and will increase our number as God gives us insight as to whom we disciple. I am asking that each Elder take another man to disciple. My goal for 2002 is to have six men and six women discipling (spiritually mentoring) one person each. In the presentation presented early 2001, entitled Deepening the Relationship, this development was characterized by the figure 1X1. We must grow the CORE relationally!
To grow:
Our growth must focus upon the unchurched (both believers and non-believers). If only we reach out to those that come to us, we will reach people. This strategy is very weak and does little to honor God. In order to expand our strategy we must accept more responsibility. I plan to ask a couple from our congregation to help formulate a visitation plan that will, over a period of time, involve many families in our visitation program. Nancy and I will continue to take visitors to lunch on Sundays and use this time to get to know them and introduce them to our church. I hope that by modeling this strategy others will join us in this form of outreach. Jackson Creek and the apartments on the south side of Gleneagle make for wonderful outreach areas. New materials will be printed and passed out in our "target areas."
Uniquely Relational:
The commitment level of our congregation IS minimal but beginning to change! My belief is that more distant the relationships, the more minimal the commitment level. Early in 2001 I introduced a tool (2X1) in order to create a heightened involvement among our people. This was good in its early days but cooled later in the year. I hope to reintroduce 2X1 this year and ask the people to be creative in the ways they interact. I have asked four ladies to work on four events for 2002. Nancy and I will also be able to better model "in home" fellowships this year. We believe that our vision must show a lost world what Godly relationships look like. We cannot accomplish this by having a "come and hear" church strategy.
Biblical knowledge:
Growth in Biblical knowledge will come as we invest more energy in our Sunday School, personal discipleship, and group Biblical studies. Our Sunday School will increase classes and develop new classes that approach Scripture with a targeted emphasis. (Women's Studies, Men's Studies, etc.). Every class will be responsible for it's own people and growth. I will encourage the use of our Sunday School as the base for our outreach. We will study the use of FAITH later in our year.
Spiritual understanding:
Helping people grow in biblical without an equal growth in Spiritual understanding contributes to a sense of religious pride. Through our worship we will emphasize humility and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. We will also teach on Spiritual gifts and Experiencing God. Our goal is to develop believers who understand their part in the work of the Kingdom.
Faithful Practice:
This year will be marked with the delegation of ministry! We will ask people to do that which God has called them to do and attempt to figure Godly ways to hold them accountable. I will begin meeting with deacons (two at a time) in January. I will ask them to begin meeting with their families and talking to each family about faithful practices (i.e. attendance, personal disciplines, and ministries).
Pastor and Teaching Elder,
"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."
