Looking Ahead to 2009

Just as quickly, as we entered 2008 it seems as if it is already gone and 2009 is pressing its way into our lives. What am I saying; for many of us, we have been on a roller coaster ride that seems to have gone out of control. You would not believe the number of members who are suffering from fatigue, burnout and sheer exhaustion. Neither would you believe the number of family relationships that have stretched to critical limits due to the complexities of schedule coordination and a lack of quality time as a basic family unit.

 

It would seem as if the more we do, the less we have, and in the end, our desire to get up and go, our excitement to take on new things and our ability to forge new frontiers seems to lose its competitive edge. This level of disappointment can reduce our capacity to dream dreams and have visions; it reduces hope and ultimately becomes the catalyst for fear. However, we know that God is not the author of fear and there is a viable solution to this pressing predicament.

 

God has placed upon my heart as spiritual leader of the church to move us to a place of rest and refreshment. During this season of refreshment, we would be required to build up our spiritual muscles, increase our ministry and mission endurance, realign our financial obligations, purge programs and ministries that have become ineffective and enjoy powerful and dynamic worship and fellowship on a weekly basis. During this season of refreshment, we would be intentional about reviving our spirits through church-wide revivals led by leading pastors across the country in addition to reshaping and recasting our congregational image throughout the Franklin County area. We would become intentional about radical hospitality and being a welcoming presence to the community.

 

This would also necessitate the cessation of spending that would be inconsistent with the vision and direction of our church during this season. Core Values would be determined, a plan for our future would be established. Intentional family ministries would continue to emerge while intergenerational ministries will find their way into each and every members heart.

 

Ultimately we would take all of 2009 to listen to the voice of God and allow God to convict our spirits, direct our hearts and energize our efforts into maximize our potential as the body of Christ. We will not pour the “baby out with the bathwater,” but we will avoid activities that will lead to member lethargy and burnout.

 

We have a great opportunity ahead of us as a congregation and I am up to the challenge of making our future as great as our past has been. I’m up to the challenge of recreating the level of excitement and passion for God and the church that existed in the early years of our history and I’m positive that many of you share my excitement. I invite you to join me on this journey of faith where together, we can do all things thought Christ who gives us strength and power.