Connecting people with Jesus

Tonight was the 2009 year in review for FBC. It is fun to read the 40+ page document of all the happenings that went on at FBC. All in the name of Jesus!

Pastor Dave said something pretty interesting…

“We do not want, as the newspaper say, a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world” G.K. Chesterton

I couldn’t agree more! Literally, everyday as the leadership of First Baptist of Cadillac, we’re looking for what God wants us to do regarding the advancement of His kingdom and the building up of the Body of Christ. When I look back on any year, my thoughts don’t go to programs, budgets special events, or attendance. And I’m not downgrading the role of any part of those things. But what I want to dwell on is the changed lives that were affected by the gospel through our work and witness as a congregation! For that information , we need to hear the voices of numerous folk. And believe me, they’re out there.

But the question we continue to ask as leader is: what must we do to help every follower of Christ within this church family take the next step in Loving God, loving people and serving the world. There are involve deeper devotional commitment through:

• Prayer

• Corporate Worship

• Daily connectivity to God’s Word

• Intentional community

• Discovery, development and deployment of one’s spiritual gift(s) and

• Making Jesus Christ known in the world through service, witness, and the generous giving of resources.

Our goal is to offer opportunities and tools for personal growth in Christ. On the other end, your goal [should be] to take advantage of those opportunities. None of us can take all on but what would your “Year-End Report” say regarding your advancement toward Christ-likeness?

I just thought that kind of fit with the theme of my year. One of the other things I like about the yearend report is all the different fonts that people use. I think it kind of says something about their personalities by how they set up their report and the font that they use.