State of the Church January 2008

On Sunday night January 6, 2008 I thought it would be good to give a “state of the church” message to reflect on where we were, what God has done, and what we pray God will do. My intention is to glorify God by praising Him for the past and glorify Him by trusting for what He will do for the future.

It is my prayer that no matter how much God blesses us in resources and people that we will continue to stress the primary things.
Our success should not depend buildings, budgets, attendance, quality of music, or community influence. Our success should be measured by the degree to which we grow in four foundational areas. I invite you to consider Acts 2:42

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42, NKJV)

1. Doctrine
2. Fellowship
3. Worship
4. Prayer

No matter what happens in the future, our success should be measured by our steadfast devotion to these primary areas.
We are praying that God would grant us the achievement of the following goals for 2008 (list is not in an order of priority):

Hope for the future

1. Music minister
2. Pianist for all services
3. Guidance as we update our constitution
4. Solidify our Mission program
5. Create multiple age graded Sunday School’s
6. Remodel Fellowship Hall
7. Increase our weekly attendance and membership
8. See many people to confess Jesus as Lord and be baptized
9. For more people within the church to be equipped for ministry
10. For more people within the church to be engaged in the ministry

Your Part

1. Pray—1 Thess 5:17
2. Participate—Heb 10:25
3. Get equipped—Eph 4:11
4. Reach out by inviting others—compel Luke 14:23

Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.