2015 Faith Challenge

We look back over the last year to see if what we are doing is working, and in what areas we need to make changes to continue to grow and faithfully follow Jesus Christ. (I do believe that this a good practice for us to do individually as well.) 

That being said we need to look at how we are doing Financially, Spiritually and “Missionally”. His will first and foremost in our own lives, as well as for our church family. I know that God is pleased with what we are doing for him, but he loves us too much to leave us there. He continuously is calling us to become more like him and reach out to more people and share His wonderful love and grace with everyone that we can. 

Financially as a church we are doing ok. It is because of your generosity and your stewardship of God’s gifts that we are allowed to grow financially and do more mission work. Also, because of your faithfulness, that even in these challenging times, we have the means to continue to help others and try new things. 

Spiritually as a church, we have better attendance on Sunday at worship. We have new people stepping up to fill roles that need to be filled. But, the real measurement is found in the growth in each one of us. Are we growing personally from the programs and accomplishments? Is our faith stronger? Does our faith make a difference in our daily lives? is our faith influencing decisions in our everyday lives? Do we as a Church represent Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior the best way that we are able? 

Missionally as a church are we reaching out to the community around us? Are we taking the message of God’s love to others? We are all called to share what God has given to us with someone who is less fortunate than we are. Do we reach out when someone is in need? Do we talk about our faith with others? Do we see ourselves as the disciples that God has called us to be? 

I believe it is a great time to set a goal for the coming year to grow in each of these areas in our own lives. How is it that God wants me to grow this year and where is it that he wants me to be at the end of this year? 2015 can be a great year and it starts with the goals that we set for ourselves. May God bless each one of you and us as a Church. May this be the best year of our lives, so far. May we challenge each other this year to grow together and individually, and may we become the disciples that Jesus Christ wants us to be. 

In Christ,
Rev. Stephen W. Barch