Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Vision, Conclusion

This is the fourth and final part of our vision document. It deals with outreach and relationships with other churches and ministries. As such, it contains some of the most important aspects of how we're going to build a church for people who don't know how to do church.



Benevolence

Under the deacons, there will be several benevolence ministries to assist both the people within the congregation and to be used as outreach programs. Food pantries, clothing distribution, and other basics will be brought online as funds and volunteers become available. Practical help ministries such as vehicle or home repair, lawn care, or other physical needs should also be built.

Outreach Programs

Although conventional, invitation-based outreach ministries will be included, they will not be the primary focus. Individual witnessing, concerts, comedy, and especially off-campus initiatives will be a greater focus than special services.

An eye towards practical outreach programs, like Adopt-A-Mom, Fishing Lessons (Job Training), and multichurch effort is essential to the success of the Gospel in the coming difficult times.

Possible outreach programs will be explained in a separate document and can be started based upon the availability of leaders, funding, and facilities. Participation in outreach programs will be open to members of any congregation who wish to use their talents, skills, and gifts.

Relationship to Other Ministries

The unity of Body is paramount to the mission of the church to build the Kingdom. To   that end, relationships will be developed with both like-minded ministries and those who take different approaches. We will be an example of brotherhood, reconciliation, and love between the diverse members of the Body of Christ.

Media Ministries

Multiple approaches to media are essential to the communication of the Gospel and to the growth of a ministry in this modern era. To that end, the church will create and/or support multiple media ministries aimed at underserved communities. These may include:

Ø  Internet Radio: Due to the success of Holy Fire Radio to draw listeners, we will re-launch the station under a new name with a new team. The music will be Christian hard rock, metal, and punk to include independent, local, and regional bands of sufficient quality. DJ's will be recruited and trained as will a station manager to oversee the operations. Syndicated programs will be sought including Full Armor of God program (Bro Scotland Kuba) and others of similar style. We will encourage like minded ministries to be involved in the station as an outreach. This cannot be a single congregation effort but needs to be an example of unity for the rest of the church.
Ø  Podcasts: Jesus' Outsider will continue to broadcast and may increase to 5 days a week based upon availability of host. Other leaders and gifted people in the church will also be encouraged to do them with training if required.
Ø  Video: In addition to the services of the church, we will produce promotional videos for internet distribution as a means to draw people to Jesus and to the ministry. This may include a web-based television program produced internally.
Ø  Outside media ministries: we will offer financial assistance, encouragement, and our expertise to other ministries using the same channels to reach their mission field.

Media ministries are under the supervision of the elders and will be a combined effort of the Worship/Creative Arts and Outreach ministries.

In addition to the main targets of our outreach efforts, we will be a home for the artistic, talented, and media savvy to give them a positive outlet for their gifts. They will be encouraged to strive for excellence in their craft. The church as a whole needs their gifts as much as the more "conventional" gifts usually recognized.

Concert Ministry

The church will host and whenever possible host Christian concerts and other events that are in line with the overall vision of the ministry. To that end, we will work with local and national promoters to bring in acts that will enhance the outreach ministries of the church. We will also partner with other local ministries for joint sponsorship of events.

Besides concerts, other programs and conferences will be considered based upon the needs of the congregation, local community, and the neighborhood in which the Lord plants the church. The can include but will not be limited to men’s or women’s conferences, youth events, comedians, and dramatic performances or films. Each event will be considered by the elders after review by the outreach ministry department.

Summary

Overall, the church will be a character and nature that will set it apart from most mainstream congregations. Creativity, transparency, and openness will be encouraged. The Gospel message will not be compromised nor will we turn a blind eye to sin, but we will not judge someone because of the nature of their sin and indiscretion.

Leaders will be built and encouraged to develop their gifts. Opportunities will be found for those with a call on their lives to find mentoring, training, and to use those gifts.

The atmosphere will be open, warm, and welcoming. There will be no dress code other than to encourage modesty but style will never be an issue. Leaders will dress casually in their own personal style for all services unless special occasions dictate otherwise.

The full intent of this new church is to honor Jesus and follow His example of reaching out to sinners often ignored by the mainstream church and communicate His Gospel in a language and manner that they will understand and accept. This church will exist to preach the Good News of Jesus to the unchurched in some of the most overlooked and difficult to reach groups of people.

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