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A 'church full' is not just about numbers. It's about changed lives! Looking at any given Sunday through God's eyes helps us understand that not one person who comes through our doors comes haphazardly. By sending a flood of new people to us, God is giving us the privilege of cooperating with Him to move each one forward to the goal: Reaching all kinds of people with the message of God's love.
God's mission will be accomplished and our vision will become a reality when our church is full of people who do three things: Come to worship service to fall more in love with God and His Word; get connected to a small group to love others in communiity; and serve in ministry to impact others.
Our vision is realized when we lead people God has sent us to love God, love others, and serve the nations. Our vision is that simple.
THE PLAN: After much prayer, God has given us His plan for reaching His vision:
THE FIVE INITIATIVES...
1) REACHING OUT THROUGH SERVANT EVANGELISM
"Servant Evangelism" in a nutshell is demonstrating the kindness of God by offering to do some act of humble service with no strings attached. We have chosen servant evangelism as our primary strategy for reaching out.
2) CONNECTING PEOPLE THROUGH BIBLICAL HOSPITALITY
Most everyone who comes to a church comes through the front door wanting to be welcomed and hoping to connect. Most everyone who leaves a church slips out the back door unnoticed, feeling unwanted. Our strategy is to train our church to practice Biblical hospitality which will help us close the back door so that no one slips away unnoticed.
3) DISCIPLING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS
Our small group plan will bring people together outside of a church service so they can help each other grow in at least one aspect of loving God, loving others and serving the nations.
4) DEVELOPING SERVANT LEADERS THROUGH SERVANTSHAPE
What would happen if the whole church got involved in serving? What if our congregation was a volunteer community devoting their God-given talents and passions to accomplishing God's redemptive plan? ServantShape is an ongoing training strategy that builds "servant leaders". Our strategy is to help everyone find their best fit as a volunteer, use their skills to uncover their passion, discover where they are best equipped to serve and learn how to stay fresh over the long haul.
5) TARGETING YOUNG ADULTS THROUGH CENTRAL STATION
Within a 15-mile radius of our church are over 180,000 people. Forty-five percent of these people (81,000) are under the age of 25. Over 100 guests between the ages of 18 to 25 visit our church each year. This also happens to be the largest age group that walks away from churches across America. With such an overwhelming potential harvest in our backyard, we have a mandate to focus on this group as an outreach target. We have plan for going after this group and we have chosen to call it 'Central Station'. This weekend outreach will be a place for young adults to connect to Christ and each other. This ministry will feature special events and small group opportunities for both single and married young adults.