John 10:9-10(NLT) 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
1. Prepare future generations
Church is always one generation from extinction
In United States – 22% frequently attended church in 1992 – 18% in 2002 – projections – 15% by 2025 – 11 or 12% by 2050
85% of teens between ages of 16 & 22 raised in evangelical churches stop attending church
Last Sunday – 172 children – last Wednesday/Warehouse – 30 students – over 200 birth thru 12th grade last week – 30% increase in children’s ministry last year
Preparing kids with a Biblical foundation – importance of prayer – focus on worship – this summer at CnD – Back to School Night
2. Function as a missional community
A missional community is a group of believers who passionately believe Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow – believe that He lived the perfect example on earth – paid the ultimate price for redemption – and are determined to live from His life to change the world
Walk through the door on Sunday to Ruwandan coffee – Land of a Thousand Hills – Upcoming missions weekend – Friday night – Dominican Republic emphasis – India for children – Saturday work projects – 8:30 at FWSUM – Sunday morning Commitment Service
Living with purpose – prepared for divine appointments – destined to make a difference
3. Produce lives that are changed
This past Sunday – girls from Wings of Hope
Last year over 300 1st time visitors – 189 3rd time visitors
Salvations last year – 292 – Kids Blitz 127 – CnD 62 – Sun mornings 103
9 of last 11 weeks over 600 in attendance – last week 727
LBC Basics – 7 videos/new life in Christ/Holy Spirit/Baptism & Communion – 1st week devotionals – platform for 7 week Community Group
Together we can experience and share a rich and satisfying life as we – prepare future generations – function as a missional community – produce lives that are changed
Praying – that together we will – that resources and provision will be released
Giving – everyone plug in to God’s economy – $20 or at least something – embrace Biblical principle of tithing – challenge to missions giving
Serving – ushers/greeters/childrens area/musicians – community – missions trips
1 Corinthians 9:22(NLT) When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.