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Elders Corner

 

             With so much to talk about, Linda couldn’t have picked a better time to start our newsletter again.   God is at work here and our congregation is overflowing with enthusiasm and folks who are “just jumping in” and getting the work started.

             Pastor Jerry has given each one of the Elders a task that supports our Church’s commitment to youth, evangelism, and stewardship.  We are actively working with our Evangelism Director to equip our congregation for healthy growth through friendship, evangelism, and discipleship.  Look for the Bible based method for sharing the Gospel  which brings new disciples to Christ to begin in September.

             One of our Elders will be assisting Pastor Jerry as he begins his first Confirmation Class.  This has grown out of the first communion class ministry that begin in our school last year and was such a large success that it will continue indefinitely.  This will probably be one of the largest confirmation groups in this Church’s history.

             Look for small group studies based in homes and the meeting rooms of our church to begin this fall that will support discipleship and personal growth.  New members will have the opportunity to strength their faith through Sunday morning classes, mixing with older Christians socially, mentoring,  having volunteer training, and encouragement to “Just Jump In”.

 

 Book Reviews

 

Please join Pastor Jerry and me in reading books that support our YES commitment and providing everyone with the opportunity to write a short review in our Newsletter.  This may grow into an afternoon or evening book review in the future.

 

Bill Hybels               “The Volunteer Revolution”

 

             Pastor Hybels is the founder and leader of one of the largest non-denominational churches in North America.  Approximately 23,000 people in the greater Chicago area come for Sunday worship each week at Willow Creek Community Church.

             Pastor Hybel admits that he has never done anything of value without the assistance of others.   He explains how the “every member a minister” came alive in the body of Christ at Willow Creek and how we can  “unleash the power of everybody”.

             Recognizing that ministry should flow from interests, skills, and gifts of the people that God has brought to our congregation.   He spoke of starting a youth ministry in the early 70s that birthed their church.  They didn’t start with a plan to incorporate contemporary worship practices with dance and music, they just happened naturally and reflected the gifts and passions of the youth.

             “Just Jump In” was their motto then and now for volunteerism.  Try something and if it isn’t right try something else.  Sometimes the people you are working with make the area of service so special that you never stop.  Sometimes a task that might seem unpleasant at first manifests itself as God’s will for your life.   He stresses the importance of training, mentoring, check ups, and a just plain thank you occasionally.   Most importantly, just ask people to volunteer. 

             There is no right assessment tool  that will gauge your gifts.  Pastor Hybels discovered that you can happily serve until God reveals his plan for you.  He suggests a “First Serve Program: Come Once AND Check It Out.  No Strings Attached.

             One hundred and thirty nine pages of very interesting reading.