Members Meeting

This afternoon at 3:00 we had one of our two our annual meetings for members of Christian Challenge. Every January we go over the financial report for the previous year and every July we select new members of our Board of Counselors which assists our Board of Directors and Pastoral Staff in providing leadership to the ministry. The January meeting also gives me a chance to review the previous year and talk about the direction for the upcoming year. Here's a little of what I shared today:

2007 was a year of transition and growth since I assumed the duties of Senior Pastor on December 16, 2006. We started several exciting new ministries, including our CARE Team (water distribution, etc), Angel Food Ministry, and Cenla First Class Homeschool Coop. We expanded our worship team, licensed one trained disciple to the ministry (Lane Fletcher) and added 15 new families! We also saw our missions and outreach giving increase exponentially! It was a very good year!

I shared with our folks this afternoon that the Lord has been faithful to give us an emphasis for each of the past couple of years. In 2006 it was "Youth and Fellowship". In 2007 it was "Outreach". In both of these years we saw significant growth in those areas of emphasis. We want to continue these things but in 2008 I feel the emphasis is to be "Relationships!" We're going to continue our growth but we're going to pay special attention to activities that foster deeper relationships to one another and to our Lord. I anticipate adding more small groups and seeing them become an integral part of our connection to one another. I look forward to seeing how the Lord is going to lead us to implement small groups into our discipleship oriented ministry. I believe it's going to be a win!

There's a lot more in store for 2008 - missions trips to Mexico, a VBS Sports Camp, more innovated outreaches and we're also forming a building advisory commission to help us determine the specific need and plan for a Family Life Center. All this while continuing the exciting activities already in place and become more connected to one another. Buckle your seatbelts, it's going to be a GREAT ride!

I LOVE serving Jesus with YOU!

Nathan

P.S. I "borrowed" the graphic above from my good friend Joel Dyke up at Life Church West Monroe. Check out his blog!