It is imperative that the church understand the implications and dynamics of being the body of Christ. Church is not someplace we go or something we do,….it is what we are.  We are the church. Wherever we go, whatever we do; we are the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 the Apostle Paul uses our physical body as an analogy to explain the structure and functionality of the church. From these verses, we learn that every member is important (verses 12-13), every member is unique (verses 14-20), and every member is interconnected (verses 21-26). Jesus desires and deserves a healthy body where every member is actively involved and doing its’ part.

As I mentioned Sunday the Transition Team, which was formed back in November, 2020, has completed their assignment and developed a Master Action Plan for the 4 minimal factors identified in our Church Assessment last fall. We believe these initiatives will greatly enhance our church health and effectiveness.

• First Impressions – greeting people and welcoming guests / multiple interactions from the parking lot to their departure
• Assimilation – strategies & pathways to help people get connected and grow in obedient faith
• Holistic Life Groups – smaller relational groups that involve the heart, the head, and the hands
• Community Outreach – dismantling walls and building bridges in our community through witness and service

In conversations I have had with Jim Freitag, our new Lead Pastor, he has encouraged us to aggressively pursue First Impressions & Holistic Life Groups during these two months of transition. In order to do that,…we need volunteers!! People who are available, gifted, and passionate about leading and serving in these areas. So, I asked you to indicate on a Connection Card or email me your area and level of interest in these two areas. I have received some positive feedback, but we need many more participants.

Regarding the First Impressions initiative we need people to serve in the following ways on a rotational basis with some basic training to be provided. The numbers in parenthesis () are the number of volunteers needed per week to fully staff each area.

• Greeters in the lobby and the main entrances to the building/sanctuary (11)
• Staff the Information Desk to answer questions and assistance (2)
• Section Hosts in the sanctuary to interact with people and assist with seating (6)
• Hospitality Team to set up and oversee the coffee and pastries table (2)

Regarding the Holistic Life Groups Jim will be releasing a video on Monday, June 14th to highlight his vision and stimulate interest. At this point we are looking for individuals/couples who are interested in serving as group facilitators and host homes. Over the next two months there will be training opportunities provided so we can launch multiple groups in August/September. I want to challenge and encourage you to prayerfully consider stretching yourself to sign up and attend the training.

A simple formula to help you find or create a place of meaningful ministry is (N + G) x P = M. “N” stands for a need you sense or see in our church or community. “G” stands for a natural talent or spiritual gift you have been given by God. “P” stands for passion which compels or motivates you to act. “M” stands for ministry which occurs when all these ingredients come together. Keep in mind, there may be some old ministries that need to be resurrected & modified. Sometimes old things provide stability and can be repurposed. There may be some current ministries that need to be tweaked or retired. Sometimes in order to do more, we need to do less; and in order to be effective, we need to be focused. There may be some new ministries that need to be imagined & initiated. We have limited resources of time, space, & personnel so we want to employ what we have available strategically.

The bottom line is we need more participants and fewer spectators, more producers and fewer consumers, more contributors and less critics, more followers of Jesus and fewer fans of Jesus. Because,…..we are the body of Christ and He desires & deserves a healthy body!

Thank you for your faithfulness and witness as we seek to be a healthy body of Christ.

For His Glory, Pastor Greg