10 Years of Blessing

This past Sunday we celebrated 10 years of fruitful ministry in our currently/building! In Philippians 4:8 we are reminded that, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  So we celebrated some praise worthy things that have happened in the last ten years, things like almost 50 baptisms in just the last five year alone, over 40 parent child dedications, over $350,000 given out to ministries outside our walls, countless lives changed through our recovery ministry, students and kids loved on, and so much more! God is truly good and faithful.

In Ephesians 5:15-17 it says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” I think as we looking into the next 10 years of ministry is important that we first and for most seek the Lord’s will. So our strategy to do that is going to be to focus in on our four core values: GATHER, GROW, GIVE, GO.  

We will continue to seek to make gatherings important and valuable, we were created to be a gathered people in community. In Hebrews 10:24-25 we are reminded that we should, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” In the future we believe that God may be calling our church to gather in new ways, at new times, and in different locations but regardless we will continue to gather.

We will continue to seek to grow. Not just growing in size or attendance (although we do believe that healthy things grow) but in maturity and faith. For us we are not interested in people just praying a prayer or knowing a bunch of information. Our goal is committed followers of Christ who have been deeply changed by Jesus. We believe that is the mission we have been given.

We will continue to give of our time, talent, and treasure as we seek to be a generous people. In 1 Timothy 6:18 it says, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” We want to be rich in good deeds and be a generous people! We are generous because God is generous.

Finally we will continue to GO into our neighborhoods, communities, and beyond to share the hope and good news of Jesus Christ! We will take our cue from Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. My hope as we go is that in 10 years from now people in the community know us by our love for them.

For our partnerships in our community and beyond.

For our impact in the schools.

For the way we love the orphans and the widows.

For how we are helping people on their recovery journey.

For how we care about and are invested in the next generation.

For how we make our space available to the community.

For how we are generous with our time, talent, and treasure.

For how we love people and help lead them to new life in Christ.

Thanks for being a part of the journey and may God continue to bless us and we keep moving forward. The best is yet to come.

-Pastor Aaron