Sing Hallelujah!
I love God. He is awesome. His light shines through the darkness, dispelling fear, conquering, and making hope live.
Covenant is in a season of growth. In addition to receiving new members we ordained two new elders and five new deacons. Today we baptized two persons, and we have two others prepared for baptism.
We have evolved a leadership structure designed and intended to engage volunteers. We call this paradigm a MAT (Ministry Action Teams) concept. Every team recruits volunteers with specific skills that meet the needs of the particular ministry. Each person has an area of responsibility. Yet, everyone must work together.
The old concept of a committee with a chair is history. Advisors designing a work load for others to execute is dysfunctional.
The Administrative MAT is the anchor team to assist all Ministry Action Teams to increase effectiveness and productivity. Measurable goals are established for each MAT.
Ours is a challenging time. Events are epochal. Our world is changing. Rip Van Winkle was a fictional character who slept 20 years, awaking to a changed world. One need not sleep 20 years to experience a changed world. Two years...three years...just hiccup...take a look around...the world will be different.
The church world is changing. Many "Christian" movements and persons are virtually apologizing for conservative concepts and traditional beliefs of Christianity. "Come as you are," "It does not feel like church," "If you don't like church, you will like worshiping with us," etc., are captions to attract attendees. One pastor bragged about his tattoo, showing it off to those present. Some ministers (men) wear earrings, or diamond studs on parts of their bodies. Some preach in bermuda shorts and a beach shirt.
At Covenant we had a recent visitor who left saying they would not attend a church where the minister wore a necktie.
Ah, these are strange times. Yet, in these strange times the leaders of Covenant have committed. (1) We will not compromise the Word of God. (2) We believe going to church is an act of worship. We are entering into the presence of a holy God. We should prepare ourselves and present ourselves at our best with humility. (3) We cherish fellowship. (4) We believe the Lord has called us to fulfill Luke 4:18,19. (5) We are committed to ministry outside the local church, into the community and unto the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19,20).
In the midst of it all we feel a holy anointing. We preach under the unction of the Holy Ghost. Our intent is to lead people to Jesus, baptize them, and make disciples of them for the glory of God.
The Church was created by Our Lord Jesus for these times. The Church has the message for these times. The Church is belongs to Jesus Christ and exists to serve HIM!
What a wonderful, wonderful blessing to go to church on Sunday and have fellowship with saints. Welcome newcomers. Study the Bible in small groups. Worship with congregational singing. Experience the community of saints. To share in the ministry of the sermon.
Never have I felt more assured that this is our time. God has prepared us for now. We will rise to the task. We will answer the call. We will sow and we will reap in faith.
Blessed are we as we walk together in unity. God is pleased.
Pastor Bare
Philippians 4:8