ministers desk 2nd June

Last week I started updating you on some of the responses of the Church Council from the small group discussions at the congregational meeting in March.  I said last week that we received some helpful insights through these groups and we thank people for their participation. 

 

Explore Groups – the early church, as reported in the book of Acts, experienced amazing numerical and spiritual growth.  Acts 2:42 tells us that “the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers.”  Put another way they experienced authentic Christian community.  At the congregational meeting it was reported that some people found authentic community in settings other than Explore Groups.  We are glad that this happens.  Humans are made for relationships and therefore need authentic relationships with others.  Our Explore Groups add an extra dimension to life, this comes through our study of the bible and applying that to our daily lives, so that we reflect Christ’s kingdom in the world.  Church Council and the Explore Group committee will find new ways to help people participate in groups where they can experience authentic Christian community.

 

Strategic mapping – it was noted at the meeting that our purpose has not been embedded in all the groups and activities of our church.  When the purpose was adopted by the congregation in 2011 it was agreed that this would be a purpose that would shape all the aspects of our congregational life.  During 2012 and now into 2013 attention has been placed on helping the congregation understand the implications of the purpose.  Attention is now starting to be placed on how it is expressed.  It was noted in the meeting that people are often unwilling to do something out of their comfort zone.  This is certainly true.  However, we can never forget that we are not asked to step out on our own, we are invited to join Jesus on a journey of faith.  The story of Peter walking on the water reminds us that when we take our eyes off Jesus and see the storm around us that we can sink.  Yet Jesus never lets us down, he will always keep us safe when we step out in faith.  Growing Disciples are people who are learning to trust Jesus more and see the dangers around them less.

 

Treasurer – the Treasurer reported that a barrier to our finances is a “maintenance mentality” where people respond generously when specific needs are identified, but are not as forth coming at other times.  The small group agreed with this barrier and that it restricts future opportunities.  More effort will be directed to identifying the financial needs that face the congregation and our outside mission partners.  We will also continue to raise the biblical model of stewardship that sees all our money belonging to God and that when we give we release back to God what was his in the first place. 

 

The Church Council will continue to act on the feedback that has been and will be received.  If you’d like to talk more about these issues, please contact the relevant Team Leader identified on the back page of the notice sheet.