The Spirit of
Pastors
PASTOR JOHN’S REFLECTIONS:
A year ago when I was interviewing for the position of senior pastor I presented the search committee with a plan for rebuilding the congregation. I thought it might be helpful to revisit that plan and assess its effectiveness
The plan contains six points of emphasis. Those points are: 1) Dynamic worship centered around the unapologetic proclaiming of Christ from the pulpit: 2) Creating a radically hospitable atmosphere; 3) Emphasis on evangelism; 4) Caring for the membership; 5) Reaching out to young families and youth; 6) Increasing our emphasis on outreach to the community and beyond. Let me address our progress in each area.
Christ is being proclaimed and preached at every opportunity. The worship music is good and the choir continues to improve. We still emphasize the traditional hymns but we are occasionally throwing in something from the Praise Hymnal. We still don’t have a large screen but other things need to take priority for now.
Radical hospitality is being practiced in many ways. Our building is being offered for weddings and non-profit events at no charge. Janet Jaros has become the de facto agent of hospitality and is doing a marvelous job. I have had so many good comments about her. Young people are starting to tell their friends about this unusual church in Noblesville that actually welcomes them. We have already had one family join as a result of a wedding. We are also hosting baby showers and funeral lunches. We have not done much with hosting support groups like NA, AA and Grief Recovery groups but that should happen in the next year.
Our Evangelism efforts have been ramped up substantially. This group is helping with weddings when needed. They even serve food to the bridal party before the wedding. They have made sure we have a presence in the parades, the street dance, the carnival and other events. They have created an informational sheet about the church which can be found in the pews. The visitors table is manned by this committee and they make a real effort to speak with every new person. Evangelism is also working to promote and help the TOP program wherever needed. Kedrick and Joann are doing a fantastic job of visiting new attendees. They have on several occasions taken new visitors out to lunch at their own expense. Areas that will be emphasized in the future will be outreach to unchurched hospital patients and homebound people.
The Membership Committee is doing a really fine job providing fellowship opportunities for the congregation. These have included lunches to mark special occasions, outings to ballgames and theatres, dinners for 9, new members luncheon and much more. I know their efforts will continue and I feel we are in really good shape here. It should also be pointed out that a Caregivers ministry to the homebound and grieving has been started under the leadership of Jack Gates. This group works primarily with the elders.
I have tried to focus on the needs of our kids and young families. Two of our new members have started a Sunday School class for 5 to 10 year olds. They have been really conscientious about it and it is starting to take off. I began offering a class for the parents of these kids and it has been well received. It is my plan to expand these offerings in the fall. Julie Moon continues to do a superior job with children’s church. We recently met to talk about youth groups and specifically about forming a teen choir and drama group. Stacey Hardesty has expressed an interest in working with this group. They would participate in worship at least monthly. Julie is also planning a schedule of special events for the Sunday youth groups that would be fun and the kids would be able to invite their friends to. We are starting to see more and more kids in worship and I believe some great things are ahead for us in this area.
I have been trying hard to get to know the kids individually. I think I can call most of them by name now! It was gratifying to see seven children dedicated this past Sunday. I would like to see a board displayed in the narthex that lists the extracurricular activities the youth are involved in. That way more of us could make sure we attend those events to support them. My guess is that this will be done by September.
It is my hope that next year we will be able to send some of our kids to camp and on a mission trip.
One of the things that has sustained this congregation through the years is its commitment to outreach. The past seven months have seen us give generously to causes both local and worldwide. We have forged a relationship with Coppin Chapel and held both a joint bible study and a joint worship service. We will continue to expand our outreach to other churches as well as the unchurched in the coming year.
I want to conclude with a word about the TOP program. This is one of the best programs our church is offering. Young children are being educated, cared for and learning about Christ. Susie Beam and her staff should be both commended and supported in every way. Last Sunday the Beer family joined our church. They came to know us through the TOP program. I believe others will follow. We must always support these families, make them feel welcome and minister to their needs.
God is blessing our congregation so that we can be a blessing to others. We must be ever vigilant to respond to the needs of those God brings to us. We must also be vigilant in growing our faith both personally and as a congregation. First Christian Church is back and God is being glorified. May God bless you all as we continue to live the Great Commandment and accept The Great Commission.
Pastor John
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Rev. John Davis began his
ministry as Senior Pastor December 1st and delivered his first
sermon on December 6th.
Pastor John was ordained in our church in 2004 and has served churches
in Markleville and
Dr. Robert Pebley is Pastor Emeritus of First Christian Church.