A far as I an tell this will be the first time all of us have been in a room together.
Here's our plan. We've been working on a list of guiding principles that will shape what we do and how we do it. Our hope is that these principles will run like a common thread through all age groups as we hope to launch passionate Godly people into young adulthood. It's also important to us that families know we're on the same page working towards the same goals.
As you know it's so easy to work separately and barely even know what's going on with other areas of ministry. We're trying hard to work together, appreciate one another and compliment each other's ministries.
So, here's what we have so far. These are in wet concrete and my guess is we will add something on outreach / evangelism.
Because every age group benefits
from exposure to other generations,
we value thoughtful opportunities
for intergenerational
connections.
Because true life change happens
primarily in the context of relationship,
we value life on life ministry driven by loving connection.
Because Jesus revealed moralism cannot save us,
we value teaching that centers on the transforming gospel of grace.
Because God’s Word is living and
active,
we value Biblical Truth that sets us free.
Because growing in Christ results
in compassion for others,
we value equipping children,
youth and adults to serve
our Body and the world.
Because a vibrant relationship with God is more often
caught than taught,
we value leadership that models an authentic walk with
Jesus.
Because parents have a major role in the discipleship of their kids,
we value partnerships
with parents, including parental involvement and equipping.
So, we could use your help. What would you add? What would you change? What seems to be
unnecessary?
This is great! Love it all, especially the value on the Word, student leadership (which had a huge impact on me), life on life, and intergenerational.
ReplyDeleteMaybe change the wording on "parents have a major role." Major is a vague term to me. But otherwise I love it.
Hey Evan, what would you say? Should I say primary role? I actually stole the verbiage from one the comments from my previous post.
ReplyDeleteYeah I like primary better.
DeleteGood Stuff David! Making sure each ministry builds on the previous one is difficult, but you have some incredible values written down to guide you. I like the wording "primary role" better than "major role."
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of having guiding principles for the entire ministry staff, covering all generations. I’ve forwarded this blog post on to my ministry director in hopes that she’ll agree that my church needs to have guiding principles also. Thank you for sharing such a thought-provoking and inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words Katrina.
DeleteI'm not sure I'd add anything...although one distinction I'd personally make is on the "grace" section. All too often, "transforming grace" is perceived to be in the moment of salvation. Granted, that's a heavy emphasis. However, equally as heavy an emphasis is that "grace" should be the main motivation in living the spiritual life NOW. Most churches refer to grace in salvation and then their teaching the spiritual life is "moralism." Kind of a "yeah...but" experience. Yeah, you're saved by grace, but now you need to stop (insert gray areas and some black & white ones here) and be a good person. So, in my mind, the transformation occurs not only once. It's moment by moment, and the phrase "saved by moralism" puts the emphasis on one. Of course, if you teach "transformation" while you're going over it, you can easily emphasize that reality. That's why I wouldn't change it but rather emphasize both.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great point! Our intention is to teach that the grace that saves is also the grace that sanctifies. I'm going to take a look and see if we can adjust it to make sure people know that when they read it.
DeleteThanks