The Future
Covenant Church is dedicated to Kingdom work. We cooperate with a worldwide network of churches. We resource for our benefit and the benefit of others as broadly as possible. We support and draw strength from many organizations that have shared interests in the welfare of people and the care of their souls.
Building a local church with a heart to reach out requires directed action. Twenty-five years ago when I came to be pastor the leadership recognized that a viable future would be dependent upon able pastoral staff and volunteer leaders.
Earthen Vessels was the first intentional gathering of "want-to-be a leader". Paul instructed the Corinthians (II 4:7) that they were vessels of clay to be used for the excellency of God's glory. From our congregation of about 75 in 1981 an invitation was extended to anyone who wanted to learn about leadership to attend a Sunday dinner to include an hour of leadership training.
Those who attended were from teenagers to Grandma Hall, who was about 70. Each month training was concentrated on a specific area or issue of ministry, e.g., hospital visitation, home visitation, jail visitation, nursing home visitation, witnessing, etc. Following training the participants practiced their skills by going into the community and doing what they had been taught. Results were phenomenal. We met for more than two years and produced a number of strong leaders.
In 1982 a church secretary became full-time. In 1983 a part-time music ministry was hired. In 1984 the music minister became full-time and a third staff member was hired. Hiring of staff offered another challenge: The pastor who had once "carried all the keys", i.e., been the sole employee of the church, faced the challenge of giving up keys. That is, the pastor no longer was responsible for everything.
A key concept that guided us through this time of change was "The Jethro Principle" from Exodus 18. Moses' father-in-law instructed Moses to raise up and ordain leaders to share the leadership. Jethro told Moses that a shared load would keep the leader encouraged and prevent the people from becoming weary.
The congregation began to change, and they were graceful about the change. The congregation recognized that if the mission of the church was to be accomplished other leaders must be trusted to lead. The concept of shared ministry was a partnership between the pastor and the congregation. Both had to be willing to allow grace to work. Grace did work.
Seeds of a mission heart began to grow. God in His favor responded to Covenant's sharing heart for sending missionaries. God began to send to Covenant persons from other cultures and other nations.
More than a few times the Lord sent to us leaders who were able to help us. An elder from a very large church in Detroit, Ken Staugaard, and Bettie, his wife, came to Covenant. Ken led us in developing an Elder's and Deacon's ministry.
As the congregation and staff continued to grow different models were developed for administrative structure. What worked beautifully for a church of 200 did not work well for a church of 300. What worked well for 400 did not work as well for 500. What worked for 500 did not work as well for 600 or 700.
We came to realize that the growth of a church is hugely dependent up administrative structure. Growth in numbers without mature growth in organization and administration is destined to frustration. Administration must adjust to vision and ever be in a state of change to anticipate the future.
Seven years ago the Lord brought to us Executive Pastor Robert McCready and Nicole, his wife. Robert’s apt administrative skills were timely for the staff and general leadership.
That brings me to the present. We know God is on the move in Covenant. We know that this is a providential time for us to minister to our community, hinterlands, and to distant shores. We feel responsible for more than 20 persons in full-time ministry who have been mentored in Covenant Church. As a parent church we must assume responsibility to continue to instruct and mentor congregants and others in distant places.
Staff and Elders are discussing how we most effectively accomplish our God-given mission. As Senior Pastor I am assuming one part of the planning and preparing for the future. Wednesday nights 7 to 8:15, PM, July 4 , will be a leadership development class with Pastor Bare. Elders, Deacons, Staff not engaged in teaching, other leaders, and anyone serious about advancing in leadership in will want to be in this seminar.
This will be a directed study, probing deeply into how each person can best develop the high skills of leadership needed to accomplish the most for Our Lord Jesus. It will continue for at least a year as a complement to other directed efforts of discipleship and evangelism.
I look forward to seeing those called to leadership. Together we will march with boldness into the future of Great Commission work.
Pastor Bare
II Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.