Forward Strategy

This past Sunday as we arrived at Oshawa for yet another constituency session we were expecting a lengthy argumentative meeting. Then the President Derrick Nichols opened the session presenting the Vision for the future of the Conference, and he got my attention, my support, my “YES! & AMEN!”
"Every Member a Minister!" – he began. WOW! We did not compare notes. We did not talk lately at all. Yet, I believe, that the Holy Spirit is moving today many pastors, administrators, leaders of our Movement to go to the next level of putting into practice God’s Vision of every believer being engaged in ministry according to a unique calling God gives each individual. I enjoy working for the Conference of churches that encourages and facilitates this Biblical principle.
Then comes the latest Messenger in the mail. The first page of editorial is again from our President, starting with a preamble: “Everything continues in a state of rest unless it is compelled to change by forces placed upon it.”
Just a day before – last Sabbath – I had worked 8 hours with Nicholas Rhone. First with elders of the South, then the North churches, and then just two of us – analyzing the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats of moving the churches forward. The change is never easy – yet it is necessary.
A few months ago at Andrews one of the presenters made a remark – “evolutionists wait for things to happen, creationists make things happen.” Which one are you? Do we sit, wait, and let things happen, or evolve, if you wish? Or should we get creative, tap into God’s Will and discover Him at work, with us being co-laborers? The later option motivates me.
In the process of implementing the recommendations of the NCD (Natural Church Development) program you have successfully accomplished the first step. The need for gift-oriented ministry placement was understood and supported. The Nominating Committee began its work making use of the database already, matching people’s gifts and interests for service with the ministries that are most needed for efficient work of the Church.
As we consider our immediate and overarching need of Spiritual Growth in our church we’ll use following strategy:
North Church

• Recruiting leaders for small groups and starting a training TURBO Group from October 15 to December 10
  
• Leaders ready to start house churches, small groups will be presented to the church December 10 and begin to recruit people for groups
  
• January 15th will be an official launch and 8 small groups will be started by the end of January. Pastor Alex will provide coaching and further training to all leaders
  
• By September 2006 groups will be ready to multiply and receive new believers as we prepare for a city wide evangelistic effort.
  

South Church

• Preaching for 3 months on various aspects of Loving Relationships
  
• Intentional extended hospitality – visiting with church families on days other that Sabbath, and for purposes other than church business. Each family is expected to invite a new guest at least once per month
  
• Restart our Cultural Diversity Program, and run it consistently.
  
• Provide a Biblical Conflict Resolution training, going beyond management and tolerance principles taught in the secular society.
  
• Recognizing and celebrating people’s milestones as a family.
  

Please support your leadership in working together to grow in Christ.