2010: A Year of Growth!
So many times we hear the term “church plant” and disregard it as anything other than another way of saying “new church”. But taking a look at the name itself reveals the nature of what it should be… something that grows!
Mark 4:26-32 (NIV) …
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”
Using this parable of “planting”, a seed (in this case, a church) is to be placed in good soil (consisting of a God-given vision, planning, finances, people, beneficial surroundings)! If the soil conditions are met, then all it takes is a little rain (guidance from the Holy Spirit) and “off we grow!” Pretty simple really, but keep in mind that the soil requires a little bit of “tilling”.
Needless to say, we’ve come a long way from when we first launched in late September of 2009. However, 2010 is a critical year in our growth (in spirit and in size) and we believe we can further the vision if we simply follow Him and the ways He’s laid out for us!
So how are we going to grow as a church?
5 things to expect in 2010 for TLC:
1. Growing closer & stronger - Slowly but surely, our Bible studies and home groups are emerging and our people are beginning to get plugged in and maturing their faith in Christ. As more opportunities of fellowship and instruction arise, the more effective we’ll be in our community in reaching the “un-churched”. This is the natural way of growing a church: making disciples, and if done properly, they draw in more potential disciples.
Evangelism isn’t just about having tent revivals, VBS, and online podcasts, but more so the mere act of imparting spiritual growth from one to another! A visibly authentic relationship with the Lord is the best way to witness!
2. Praise & worship team to develop an identity – Greg Dampier, TLC’s Music & Worship Arts Pastor, will be making the transition to South Carolina from Nashville this spring along with his talented wife Rachel! He has an awesome vision for what the worship team will be like! He’s taken the proper steps in finding the right “pieces of a puzzle” all the while being given a professional attitude in his approach.
The high standards he places on himself and the musicians come from the Most High! Simply put: God wants our best! I have little doubt that this will become an area we’ll be proud of!
3. Building ministerial bridges – Part of our ministry vision is to work with other church bodies in Hartsville for the greater good of the Gospel and community. As a “non-denominational church” we have to approach outreach in much the same way. No walls should separate the work that can be done when pastors and congregations join hands in lifting a helping hand!
There are several organizations we will be joining with (and some we have assisted already!) that we are excited in being some small part of building Hartsville up the right way (through faith)!
4. A more visible presence in the city of Hartsville – Outside of Sunday morning, if one were to drive around downtown they’d never know “The Living Church” is located here. One of the things we will be looking to move forward on is an auxiliary office and additional classroom space in a building local to the Center Theater (where we hold our services at).
No telling on how soon this might happen, but it will be a true blessing to have a public day-to-day “home” for the church.
5. Leaders that are dedicated to serving God – Ministry isn’t the easy gig most might make it out to be! A lot of responsibilities come with it, none of which are more important than being held accountable (to 1. Our Heavenly Father and 2. Brothers/sisters in Christ). I take pride in knowing that I’m “open”, “accessible”, and “approachable” with our members. I don’t hide a whole lot! (for better or worse, it’s just my nature) My recent bout with cancer is evident of this, as I coveted prayers from the congregation. I never cared for some pastors that I’ve come across in the past who are called to shepherd their flock, yet treat the sheep as burdens or spies (of course, they’d never say that). Thus far, our TLC folks treat me (and each other) like family! That’s how it should be!
I also rejoice in knowing that I followed God when He called me back to Hartsville. Obedience to His will is a character trait all of us should possess! Quite honestly, I never saw myself returning to my hometown in this capacity, yet here I am! (Lord sent me!)
While being the Lead Pastor of this “new, hip church” is an honor, I am not in this for the glory (certainly not!), respect (yeah right!), much less the money! (please!) Neither are any other members of our pastoral staff! I can easily say our church’s leadership is as humble and dedicated as I’ve ever come across (and it’s only going to get better!).
There’s plenty in 2010 that still doesn’t look so hot (economy anyone?), but things are going to be looking pretty nice for The Living Church!
(I’m stoked about it, can you tell?!)
