Strategy
“Time and the world do not stand still; change is the law of life. Those who look only to the past or present will miss the future” = JFK
A recent survey on church growth stated that ‘Churches who are clear about why they exist and what they are doing are the ones progressing’ – intentionality is the answer
John Stott a great theologian wrote this in his book living church.
‘I have a dream of a……’
- Biblical church which is loyal to the revelation of God through the bible.
- Worshiping church whose people come together to meet God.
- Caring church whose numbers are drawn and accepted from all social and racial backgrounds.
- Serving church which has identified Christ’s servant attitude and His call to follow.
- Expectant church keeping the flame of Christian hope burning in a dark world.
So many times we declare the future is great and the church is believing for great things. Well! as a church we are not just saying that, but we are setting out a strategy to build towards this. Our target for the year 2012 is that we believe we will be a church of 300 people and that is just the start of our seeing the gospel effective in this place. This has very clear implications for the building, staff, home groups etc, etc. So with that as our next target, under God the strategy is as follows.
Mission statement of Emmanuel is ‘Building a strong local church reflecting the glory of God through its people and activities to the city of Lichfield and beyond’ and we now are a church that is committed to the following.
Gathering
Growing
Going
We believe that God is a God of rhythm and we are seeking to create a rhythm for your life and for this church. In our going we are seeking to gather, and through our gathering we are seeking to grow - and so the rhythm can be interchangeable and very fluid and now is the pattern of life for us from this moment onwards. We desire that every living thing that enters the doors of Emmanuel will flourish and we want to create an environment in which we can all flourish in every way. Our friendships, faith and lives.
So let us all recognise that not only are we saved to make our peace with God, but we are part of God’s Kingdom Project and need to find our contribution to that project.
Steve Speight
Emmanuel Christian Centre
Netherstowe
Lichfield
Staffs
WS13 6TS
01543 254596
www.emmanuellichfield.com