April 2008

04.01.2008

ne Parson’s Opinion


I want to thank so many of you who volunteered your time to meet in focus groups and interact with our consultant, Larry Richmond. If you were able to be with us Sunday night, March 16, to hear his initial report, you were no doubt impressed with the direction of his consultation. His focus is not on programming as much as it is on spiritual vitality.

Please pray to discern God’s activity between now and when Larry returns on April 13. Larry will be asking the question: “Where do we see God working in our church and in our community?”

*Remember, the only way we hear from the Lord is to be willing to obey what He tells us to do. If we are not willing to be obedient, God will not show us where He is working.

Following are, in Larry's opinion, ARBC strengths and his general conclusions:

Strengths of ARBC

• Pastoral Staff
  
• Solid, Biblically-based church
  
• Solid financial base of the church
  
• Very good focus on Judea, Samaria and Ends of the Earth destinations
  
• Great atmosphere of love and care for each other
  
• Facilities are generally in very good shape, but limited in size

General Conclusions

• Look to the future, not to the past. In nearly every discussion group, there was evidence that some people have not emotionally overcome the conflict from four years ago. Dwelling on past difficulties can immobilize church members from taking action on God’s agenda to expand the Kingdom. Church members should look to the future, being led by the Holy Spirit as He reveals God’s plan for action.
  
• Reaching younger families, and developing ministries to young families, are high priorities.
  
• There is a need to dramatically develop Jerusalem ministries to impact the community for Christ.
  
• It is essential that the church find out where God is working in the church and the community. The highest need of the church is to develop a closer relationship with Jesus in order to discover His plan for the church. I recommend that the church spend the next month prior to my return to:
  Pray much more intentionally to develop each one’s personal relationship with God, and at the same time, seeking God to reveal where he is working.
  
• Begin an on-going discussion at every point of church life, to attempt to develop a consensus of where God is working and to begin to uncover a picture of God’s vision for the church.*

See you on the Lord’s Day!
Jim

Posted by arbc at 08:46 AM