Philosohpy of ministy part 3

Disciple:

defined as, Verbal commitment, combined with the act of baptism by professing Christ as the leader of your life.
Life change, by which you have decided to allow the authority of scripture to dictate the decisions of your life.
Continued efforts, by which you are commit ed to the journey of being a life long follower of Christ.

Discipleship process:

Gathering - designed to connect the disconnected

Life Groups - designed to equip the disciple

ImpACT - designed to have the leaders serve the community

Philosohpy of ministy part 2

Core Values
Biblically based:
Jesus Christ established the church to bring love and grace to the people of this world. We take seriously the truths found in His word and share them as they are presented in the Bible

Missional Minded:
Church is molded after the human development, for Christ called her the bride. So as a new church is birthed it should grow to maturity and reproduce. We are committed to that example.

Authentic Relationships:
When God’s people experience Acts 2 community, the church is an unstoppable force. When REAL community takes place you see the strength of one man helping the weakness of another.

Inspiring Gathering:
We believe the creative arts come together in the form of worship, music, relevant teaching, drama and more to create an irresistible environment for life change

Family Unit:
We feel that God has called us to strategically reach, grow, and teach our children and students. From training them in character growth to interaction with the entire family to just having fun

Philosohpy of ministy part 1

I wanted to start by saying we are still unsure on the name and logo. Once that is settled will have a grand unveiling.

Vision: Drawing people one step closer to Christ

no matter where you are in life, whither far from Christ or been walking with him. Our vision is to take you one step closer to Him.

Mission: Connecting people to Christ while equipping them to serve the world around them.

DNA: Connect Equip Serve

Everything we do will have these three elements working in unison. Not one without the other two.

Bootcamp

Just to give you an update we are back from bootcamp. Bootcamp was great. It was a week long process of developing goals and vision for the church plant. During the week I was able to share our philosophy of ministry with the other church planters. It was nice to get some feedback on the direction God is taking us. I will be sharing the philosophy of ministry just as soon as I work out the bugs.

It was a great experience sitting in a classroom full of people just like us. Each with a vision and a passion for people. Each with their own personality but, all with the same purpose - reconnect people with God.

I would ask that you continue to pray for us. We need to sell our house in Mt. Juliet before we can move. We still need to raise funds for the plant. I know God is faithful and look forward to sharing the miracles God will do in the process.

Out with the old

I know I am a little late getting this out but life has been crazy around here. Speaking of, let me ask you how did you end 2009? Was it a sucsess, did you achieve the goals you set for yourself? Or are you ready to press forward. I hope it was a little of both. Being a christ follower means we are on a journey. So, enjoy the walk.

Speed bumps

What was I thinking, I was just going to quit my job and start a new church with no problems. Everything would fall into place. OUT OF MY MIND!!! Throughout the bible everyone that God asked to do something it started with problems, Moses in Egypt; first time he talked to pharaoh he told him no. David was told he would be king, next thing he knew he is running for his life. God does have a plan but to think that plan is coming about with no obstacles you are mistaken. Walking through the journey is what grows our faith. It allows us to be dependent on Him. That is a lesson I was reminded of this week when we put our house on the market and we were told if we wanted the asking price we had to spend x amount of dollars on new counter tops. Granted our counter tops are ugly. Looks like the 70's threw up in our kitchen. I don't have the money but I do have the faith if I would just trust him.

God has a plan for each us sometimes you think the plan is too big or too much has happened. Let me encourage you, it is His plan for your life and if you trust him he will guide you over the speed bumps. Just believe.

In the Beginning

Well, step one; sell the house. Met with the realtor last night and wouldn't you know it he is a Christ follower. We explained what we were doing, he stated he would agree with us that God would sell the house for the right price and at the right time.

Next up Fundraising; That's right "give me all your money" it's happened I've turned into one of those TV evangelist. Well, not quite. I would ask that you prayerfully consider partnering with us in the journey. I can't do this without help. It's not about me it's about teamwork, joining together to accomplish what God desires.

We have to raise $100,000. MAN, that's alot of zeros. Truth is, the money is out there. The question is are you willing to part with it. Your investment will go directly to the Meto East Network, where it will be used to fund the church during the first three years. It is our goal to reach the people of East St. Louis with the love of God: reconnecting the Creator with His creation. It can be a one time gift or monthly offering.

All I ask is pray about it.