If you have been in worship over the past several weeks you are probably getting tired of hearing me talk about “connection points” and small groups. Well for the sake of those of you who have perhaps been on vacation, been really busy, or perhaps have just been playing for a few weeks, months or years, let me fill you in a bit.
In the past seven years I have had the privilege of serving as pastor, we have seen many people come to First Baptist. Many of those have joined and have become very active in the life of the ministries of the church. Other have not joined but have become involved. Others joined or did not join and found the back door just as easily as they found the front door. That has troubled me for a while now. How do we do a better job of making people feel welcome and get them plugged in when they come to our church? I have really been concerned that we have become complacent and comfortable and at times flat lazy in doing ministry. IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE!
I am convinced that for us to continue to grow we must find ways for us to connect on a smaller level. I love the concept of small groups (LIFE groups). They are groups of 8-10 who meet on a regular basis to fellowship, eat, disciple, and do ministry together. IF there are over 350 in worship on a Sunday morning it is easy for someone to fall through the cracks, but if they are involved in a group of 8-10 they will be missed. Hopefully someone in the group will notice and contact them.
I also am in the process of developing a visitors luncheon every other month following morning worship where we can invite all our guests from the previous two months to enjoy a meal and have an informative question and answer time with the pastor and staff about the ministries of the church. (Some of you who have been here a while might want to join us for this)!!
What I am getting at is this: If we are going to continue to be effective in ministering to our community we cannot be comfortable. We must continue to seek new ways of doing ministry and connecting with people. We must grow smaller as we get bigger!
On a completely different note, the summer is in full swing! Things are going great. We just finished up a fantastic Vacation Bible School week (way to go Dorothy and your helpers!!!). On July 4th we have 46 youth heading to Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment on Lake Travis in Austin for youth camp, and later this month we have 62 heading to pre-teen camp at Latham Springs. Please continue to pray for God to do mighty things among our students this summer!
This past month Shelly and I have been in Grandview for 12 years. It has been a wonderful time and it has been amazing to see God work among His people. I look forward to what he has in store for us in the days to come. Let’s all put on our seat belts and get ready for the ride! Be praying for your staff and for one another as we get about HIS business!
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