State of the church address -ish

Even though it is not yet quite the end of the year, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness as I reflect on what a great year it has been already! The Oaklawn church of God congregation’s desire to be about the mission and vision of God is a great encouragement to me as I prayerfully embrace the responsibility of leadership.  Taking the lead in His mission while casting vision, is one of my greatest joys at Oaklawn. 

Throughout 2010, we have continued to ask, “God, what is YOUR vision for this congregation?”  Through our prayers and times of sharing, we have continued to understand God’s vision for Oaklawn is  – to provide spiritual direction, and help, for the families of our community.


So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.– Colossians 1:28(NLT)

When we do this, we join Jesus on His mission.  When the mission of Jesus becomes our mission we realize we exist to make more, and healthier, followers of Christ! 


The true celebration is in this:  those who are lost are coming to faith in Jesus Messiah!  Addictions are being broken!  Marriages are being restored!  And one cannot be around the Oaklawn family and NOT sense that something supernatural is going on – the love and grace in the air is undeniable evidence of the movement of the Holy Spirit!  Hungry children and families in our community are being fed and clothed through our community pantry and partnership with the Charitable Christian Medical Clinic!   Orphan girls in Guatemala have food, shelter and education through our partnership with the Prince of Peace Home for Girls!  And service ministry is happening all over Hot Springs as we partner with a number of other local congregations, tearing down the walls of denominationalism and being the kingdom of God in our city!

  I am absolutely PUMPED to be a part of what God is doing in, and through, Oaklawn Church of God!  Together, we follow Christ and we go forward!  May we embrace the adventure of the Journey and remain committed to the good work God has begun in us!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Choosing your worship style.

Image
The above photo is from a youth convention in 2001... and yes, that is yours truly with the ponytail.

One of the biggest battles within Christian congregations is "worship style." Now, one on the outside looking in, may be wondering, "Battles? Isn't there enough going on in the world to not be having battles amongst yourselves?" One would think so... wouldn't one. Never the less, this is an issue that has caused major fights between people who have chosen to continue the mission of Jesus (yes, that was a loaded statement; read it again if you like).

To some people, style is everything. To others, the One being worshiped is everything. To others, they just show up out of routine or duty.

Most people in emerging generations understand that the word worship has been taken out of context, and that it really has more to do with how you live day in and day out than what songs you sing or what rituals you partake in once or twice a week (more or less). The &qu…
Read more

Investing in Others (What is "discipleship")

Image
I continually find myself thankful for those who have invested in me.  Men and women who have mentored or coached me (maybe without realizing it), by befriending me and engaging in thought-provoking conversation - speaking into my life, as well as listening as if I may have something to say.  Some continue to invest in me, as I continue to grow and develop as a person... others may have been involved in my life for a short season.  But for each and every one of them, I am thankful.

One such friend is John McCallum (in the pic above with his awesome wife, Dayna).  John is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Hot Springs, AR.  I met John (I think for the first time) at a prayer luncheon for pastors when we happened to be seated at the same table.  During the conversation, he mentioned to us other pastors at the table that FBC had a full fitness center/gym, and would like to offer a free Family Membership to any Senior Pastor of the churches in town.   A few weeks later, I took him (and …
Read more

Preach on, Ladies!

Image
Recently, the religious community has been in a renewed upheaval due to something a well-known preacher wrote/said about women in positions of church leadership.  I typically stay away from debates and arguments, as I see they rarely (if ever) help further the mission of Jesus for His followers.  I write this blog post, not necessarily as a response, nor an argument, but simply an acknowledgment of where I stand.

Complementarians hold a theological view that men and women have different, but complementary, roles and responsibilities in marriage, family life, religious leadership, and elsewhere. It is in this camp where women's roles in church are to complement (work together with) men's roles, however the roles are clearly defined that women cannot preach/teach or be in senior leadership. Unfortunately this has led to a view that women's roles are secondary to men's.

Egalitarians hold a theological view that all people are equal, and that men and women have equal standi…
Read more