REACH London launch today!

Today churches across Ontario are launching the REACH initiative.  You have heard already about REACH.  We had voted details of our strategy November 24, 2012.  You had read the list of goals in December 2012 Newsletter.  Today we were planning to have the new banner displayed, but it is delayed in print, readying for the next Sabbath.  Are you ready for REACH?  Do we need REACH? What is it about?

During the annual workers meetings in Oshawa this week one of discussion topics was REACH.  Some objected to yet another “add on” programming to already busy churches. Some recalled previous initiatives of “Tell Ontario!” “Reach UP, OUT, IN.” Listening to misunderstandings and objections that exist among pastors I wondered if our church members in London are “on board”.  This is not a change of direction.  REACH is a better “version 3.0” an updated streamlined more comprehensive unifying strategy to what we are already doing, adding some new emphasis, such as healthy leadership practices, which were overlooked in the past.

I begin with words of Apostle Peter “I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth” (2^nd Peter 1:12).  Today’s launch is a reminder of commitments we made.  One objection that I heard frequently was “we are already doing it.  Why do we need an official ‘launch’?”  My illustration here may not be politically correct, but consider it anyhow.  A couple maybe living “common-law” for a while, but it does not mean they are married!  A marriage ceremony is needed to affirm their commitment to each other publicly; to make a statement of “no reserve, no retreat, no regret;” to seek God’s blessing through a sacrament of spiritual ceremony.  We may have been implementing positive changes for awhile, yet it is meaningful to have a special dedicatory commitment, to seek God’s blessing in prayer for our efforts, to state publicly to those who may missed the significance before that we are intentional about change!  Even married people need to renew their vows.  We cherish our wedding anniversaries, as it is a reminder of our commitment and direction in life.

May it be today as we inaugurate the REACH strategy, that we would make commitments to work together with other churches of Ontario Conference to grow God’s Kingdom.  We want to be in alignment not only within our church but also with our sister congregations.

It all begins with personal revival and transformation, reconnecting with God, revitalizing ministries, and making changes needed. We want to reaffirm our commitment to the great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) of making disciples, continually mentoring and teaching believers of all ages.  We want to recommit to serve community where we live and to lead people to Jesus.  We want to support our leaders, and build up empowering practices.  Let’s REACH London for God!