Why Are We Here, Where Are We Going, and How Do You Fit In? (2013)

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Please Note: the full transcript is available in the Manuscript link above.

The mission of Faith Church is to glorify God by winning people to Jesus Christ and equipping them to be more faithful disciples.

1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Ephesians 1:6 - to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

…to seek to glorify God by winning people to Jesus Christ and equipping them to be more faithful disciples.

Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance. (ESV)

Colossians 1:28 - We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

Romans 7:18-20 - For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

1 Peter 3:15 - but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

3 key areas in which Faith Church is planning to grow this year

I. Plan to Grow Part One – Continue to Discuss, Refine, and Implement Our Discipleship Process

A. Christian growth is a process

Philippians 2:12 - So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

1. Our confidence resides in the sufficiency of the resources God has provided for our growth

Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

2 Peter 1:3 - seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

2. This is why we are not "afraid" to include everyone in the journey, even those who might say that until recently they were living far away from God and His Word

3. No one has reached the place where growth is unnecessary

Colossians 1:28 - We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

4. Processes, by their very nature, require planning

Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…

5. Often the best way to seek and promote the welfare of the city is by working on practical holiness yourself

B. Our task as a church is to link men and women with appropriate resources to facilitate the growth process and then provide mutual encouragement and accountability as the process unfolds

The Faith Church Gyroscope

1. Soul Care

2. Biblical Counseling

3. Outreach and Assimilation

II. Plan to Grow Part Two – Organize and Launch Our New Cluster of Ministries at Faith West.

A. Thank you

2012 Faith West Capital Campaign Goal - $2,045,000

2012 Faith West Capital Campaign Giving - $2,108,140

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

B. Pray

1. Worker safety

2. Neighbor relations

3. Purdue Bible Fellowship

4. FW Biblical Counseling

5. FW Community Ministries

6. FW Pre-school

7. FW Worship Services

C. Act

1. Need to determine who from our present church family will desire to worship at FW

2. Need to determine who from our present church family will be willing to serve at FW

III. Work Together as a Church Family to Develop Our Next 5-Year Strategic Ministry Plan

A. Willingness to acknowledge ways we need to get better

B. Broad participation by the entire church family and community

C. Willingness not only to talk and plan but also to be part of the plan's accomplishment