Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren
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Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren
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Senior Pastor
Tad Hobert
North Hampton, OH 45349 |
Hobert's Homily What are we here for? And how can we accomplish it? A focus on Purpose, Vision, Values, Strategy, Structure and God's Dream Pastor Tad Hobert Brothers and sisters in Christ be encouraged by the presence and proclamation of Jesus. He said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18) and He enables us to disciple others with His powerful presence (Matthew 28:16-20). Our mission is winning, building and sending people into the world. By God's grace we can all be energized by God's Spirit to fulfill our part through the gifts He has given us. Let's continue to pray and persevere in the process. Each of us as believers needs to understand that we have the message of reconciliation and sense the love of Christ constraining us. Thank the Lord He has revealed our purpose for living. We have a rich heritage of people who have lived with vision to win people to Christ, build them in their faith and send them into the world. Now is the time for the vision to be renewed by God in us, knowing that lost people matter to God for He is their only hope in this world. The values that drive to fulfill our purpose are: the Scriptures, prayer, worship (which are God focused); outreach, relationships, unity (which are people focused); and relevant change (which is ministry focused). Now let's focus on strategy. The most effective churches today are those who have a simple strategy. "The leadership and the church are clear about the process (clarity) and are committed to executing it. The process flows logically (movement) and is implemented in each area of the church (alignment). The church abandons everything that is not in the process (focus)" (Simple Church, P.67,68). Our strategy has included a series on "Becoming a Contagious Christian" Sunday School classes and/or Adult Bible Fellowships, women's and men's Bible studies, VBS and Bible based preaching etc. Our plan for the future includes more evangelistic training so all can use their giftedness is witnessing to nonbelievers, and training for children, teens and adults for learning and ministry. The structure of our church as set forth in Scripture calls for elders, deacons and deaconesses (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). Every member is a minister (Ephesians 4:15-16) and is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) as set forth in our member handbook. Let's continue to pray that every member, committee and board will seek the Holy Spirit's wisdom and empowerment. Our structure is to be simple rather than complex so that all can concentrate on the vision and the process of helping people become "on mission." God's dream for the Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren includes every man, woman, and child who attend DCCOB to be "on mission" for God. This would mean that they understand and embrace the vision of the church. People would be moving through the "on mission" classes because they desire to be "on mission." They would be learning how to share their faith with others. They would be looking for ways to meet people, and develop relationships with them so that one-day they might introduce them to Jesus Christ. They would know how to intentionally grow in their relationship with God and others and would be practicing it daily. They would be looking for opportunities to serve on ministry teams in the church, in the community and the world where they would be using their spiritual gifts. They would look forward to working with other Christians realizing they can accomplish more through a team effort. The result of Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren being "on mission" would be more people coming to know Christ on a regular basis. The new Christians would begin the process of learning how to be "on mission." The church would be growing and God's kingdom would be prospering. God would be honored and glorified through the obedience of His people. To God be the glory. These words and those in the four articles in previous months have been a reminder to me and I pray to all of us of the high and holy calling we have as servants of the Lord Jesus. For all of us, prayer and praise are to proceed proclamation. And brokenness proceeds blessing of being a light for Christ in magnifying Him. Come, let us exalt the name of the Lord together! |
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