|
|
Print This Page
Ephes. 2:10
 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do
The equation that every local church needs to find:
who God wants believers to BEandwhat He wants them to DO
In our seeking for a vision for this local body of Jesus Christ, as elders we believe that God focused our attention on two major missions
The BE-side of the equation -- Being a Healthy Church
The DO-side of the equation -- Conducting Children's and Youth Ministries
God's workmanship--A Healthy Church
We want to see every member of Elmwood Chapel grow in Christ to be able to live according to the Word of God:
2 Tim. 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
[17] so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We recognize that God's Word equips us not only for church life, but for ALL of our life. Our growth should result in healthy family relations, being good neighbors, friends, spouses--whatever capacity we are living in. As elders we will stimulate our members to take part in the equipping process by helping them find, according to their gifts and passions, what they can give to others. We will also encourage members not to leave their places vacant at Bible studies, services, meetings and other activities which are designed for growth. Only when learning and serving are both taking place will there be advancement towards mature discipleship. A mature disciple is able to be a whole and healthy individual equipped for every good work--whether that is at home, on the job, in church, or in the world at large.
Ephes. 4:11-16
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
. . . to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do--Children's and Youth Ministries
God showed clearly that we are a local body that is well fitted to minister to children. This is Not just to reach their parents, but for the sake of the children themselves. In many ways we have come to a stronger belief that this is what God is leading our church body to emphasize in activities and ministries.
This awareness grew through prayer, discussions and listening to each other. A retreat with the theme "Elmwood Chapel's Vision" gave the church elders an opportunity to test our beliefs with the members. During that retreat, we realized that:
- Every time a major children's event is happening Elmwood Chapel transforms in a group of people who work together as one with a passion and enthusiasm as if nothing else in this world is more important.
- It is not coincidence that we have the best Preschool in town!
- Even through our former Love In Deed ministry, which was originally established to help prevent parents from becoming homeless, we attracted children.
Our beliefs are confirmed, and we want to go forward boldly. To embrace the vision God clearly has shown us to reach out to children of all ages will help us in making decisions and encouraging people.
Where do you fit in?
|
