{"id":6344,"date":"2021-12-28T10:17:27","date_gmt":"2021-12-28T15:17:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/?page_id=6344"},"modified":"2021-12-28T11:21:59","modified_gmt":"2021-12-28T16:21:59","slug":"christ-lutheran-2022-planning-steps","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/christ-lutheran-2022-planning-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Christ Lutheran 2022 Planning Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL<\/p>\n

CHRIST\u2019S PEOPLE PROCLAIMING CHRIST\u2019S LOVE<\/p>\n

Planning Process: What Will We Strive To Be In 2025?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Worship And Word<\/strong><\/p>\n

At Christ Lutheran Church our worship and study of the Word actively strengthens our faith in Christ, strengthen our relationships with one another in His family, and reaches into our community.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Oh come, let us sing to the\u00a0Lord;
\nlet us\u00a0make a joyful noise to\u00a0the rock of our salvation!
\nLet us\u00a0come into his presence with thanksgiving;
\nlet us\u00a0make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
\nFor the\u00a0Lord\u00a0is\u00a0a great God,
\nand a great King\u00a0above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3<\/p>\n

Members In Mission<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christ Lutheran Church is connecting with people where they are to share our source of joy.<\/p>\n

A new commandment\u00a0I give to you,\u00a0that you love one another:\u00a0just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. \u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John 13:34-35<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joyful In Community<\/strong><\/p>\n

At Christ Lutheran Church, we family throughout all generations by inviting friends to church and community activities that entertain, offer help, and build relationships.<\/p>\n

Acts 1:8<\/a>\u00a0But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Contents<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/p>\n

Three Mission Areas<\/p>\n

Worship and Word<\/p>\n

Members in Mission<\/p>\n

Joyful in Community<\/p>\n

Steps We Are Taking Right Now<\/p>\n

Appendix<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Reflecting on our Gifts<\/li>\n
  2. The Challenge of Growth<\/li>\n
  3. Where Are We Now?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Hello, Brothers and Sisters in Christ.\u00a0 The purpose of the \u201cPlan\u201d is to communicate the thinking, beliefs and understanding of our Planning Team on how we will trust and honor God in this place for the coming months, through December 2022.\u00a0 This is the product of the planning process started in August of 2020, facilitated by Pastor Walther of the Michigan District office.<\/p>\n

    To be clear, it is not our responsibility to make numerical benchmarks to judge our performance.\u00a0 It is our responsibility to seek God\u2019s guidance in using the resources we are blessed with and to define the steps we believe will please Him, and lead to growth.<\/p>\n

    1 Cor 3:5-7\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>What then is Apollos? What is Paul?\u00a0Servants through whom you believed,\u00a0as the Lord assigned to each.\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>I planted,\u00a0Apollos watered,\u00a0but God gave the growth.\u00a0 So\u00a0neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Then we work hard following His lead, trust that He will bless the result and vow to rejoice in the Lord throughout the process.\u00a0 \u00a0We call this being CHRIST\u2019S PEOPLE PROCLAIMING CHRIST\u2019S LOVE.<\/p>\n

    The Three Mission Areas were developed by a team effort (and lightly edited later).\u00a0 They represent the three focused areas that everything else belongs to:\u00a0 Worship And Word, Members In Mission, and Joyful In Community.\u00a0 Note that the school is part of the Members In Mission area as it is a mission of the church. The planning exercise was to describe the Church as we will be in 2025.\u00a0 It is aspirational as we have not achieved many of the descriptions<\/u>.\u00a0 The church we are today is described in Appendix C, Where Are We Now?<\/p>\n

    The Steps We Are Taking Right Now section describes the activities we believe are needed to take to be more like the church we want to be in 2025, than the church we were in 2020.\u00a0 One purpose of this is to align the Boards, Officers, and all members with a common purpose and understanding.<\/p>\n

    Finally, we must discuss growth. \u00a0It is our nature to seek to be bigger and better next year.\u00a0 It is tempting to set out step by step processes that will set targets for more members, more worshipers, more students and more of everything.\u00a0 But we are called to follow His lead, do the work necessary for growth and trust in His blessings.<\/p>\n

    These items need specific discussion:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Worship attendance<\/strong><\/span> \u2013 naturally, our desire is that worship attendance will increase over time.\u00a0 We will continue our divine worship format and teach all who are interested the history and significance of this service.<\/li>\n
    • School student population<\/strong><\/span> – likewise, our desire is to have larger class sizes, more children of members as students, and maintain a high standard of education centered squarely on Christ as our Savior.<\/li>\n
    • Bible study opportunities \u2013 we must continue and increase the faith building discipleship opportunities to members and friends of the congregation of all ages.<\/li>\n
    • Community Activities<\/strong><\/span> \u2013 we will intentionally host events that will draw the community to our property or facility and engage with those visitors in a way to create deep and long-lasting relationships.\u00a0 A demographic profile showed that in 2020, there were 7,800 unchurched adults living within two miles of our facility.<\/li>\n
    • Member care and support<\/strong><\/span> \u2013 we will continue to care and love one another as the family of God.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The three Mission areas of our church are inter-connected:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • As we intentionally draw the community here and create relationships, our desire is that the church will grow. Some of this growth may lead to more members with students in the school.<\/li>\n
      • As we communicate the unique value of Christian education at Christ Lutheran, our desire is that the school population will increase. This increase may lead to more families joining the church.<\/li>\n
      • As we provide Bible Study opportunities relevant to a variety of interest levels, faith will grow in members and friends of the congregation.<\/li>\n
      • As we care for one another, and for those in our community, we will show everyone we are Christians by our love.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Through this planning cycle, there will be an emphasis on community outreach.\u00a0 We have just finished more than eighteen months of serious health issues causing serious financial and social disruption.\u00a0 We do not know what the next eighteen months hold related to the pandemic, international issues, or other domestic issues.\u00a0 But we do know that we have been commanded to take the Gospel message of Good News through Jesus Christ to our neighbors and throughout the world.\u00a0 That is why we will GO.<\/p>\n

        Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.\u201d \u00a0Matthew 28:19-20<\/p>\n

        We are told to GO!\u00a0 We were not told to GO when it\u2019s easy.\u00a0 Or, to Go when it\u2019s safe.\u00a0 But simply to Go.\u00a0 We Go in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.\u00a0 We Go with the comfort that Jesus is with us ALWAYS.\u00a0 May His will be done.\u00a0 To God be the Glory!<\/p>\n

        Three Mission Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong>By 2025 We Will<\/strong><\/p>\n

        WORSHIP & WORD<\/strong><\/p>\n

        As Christ\u2019s body, at Christ Lutheran Church, through our regular and eager worship and study of God\u2019s Word, the Holy Spirit strengthens the faith of children, youth, and adults in their personal connection with Jesus and with one another in the family of faith, empowering us to use our gifts in service to Him and one another in our community.<\/em><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Average worship attendance and participation in study opportunities are increasing annually.<\/em><\/li>\n
        • Families are worshipping, learning, and fellowshipping with other families of the church and community.<\/em><\/li>\n
        • The ministry of Christ Lutheran School is valued within the congregation and the community.<\/em><\/li>\n
        • There are study opportunities provided for all ages (members and non-members) to grow in faith, in understanding of Lutheran doctrine, and in faithful living.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Steps Boards are taking right now through December 31, 2022<\/p>\n

          Worship And Word<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
          Step #<\/td>\nStep<\/td>\nResponsible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          1<\/td>\nLaw and Gospel worship and Bible Study<\/td>\nElders, Pastor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          2<\/td>\nContinue to evolve our online ministries<\/td>\nTech, Pastor, Prin, Elders<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          3<\/td>\nScheduling of students to participate in worship leadership such as doing scripture readings (need pastoral\/elder approval)<\/td>\nEd, Prin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          4<\/td>\nHave a Sunday School curriculum available for students available<\/td>\nEd, Prin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          5<\/td>\nDevelop discipleship Bible Study offerings to appeal to learners with varied interests and faith levels<\/td>\nEd, Elder, Pastor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          6<\/td>\nAdd full or part-time ministry support staff \u2013 Pastor, DCE, other as the Lord leads (PT budgeted beginning Q1 2022)<\/td>\nElders, Pastor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          7<\/td>\nConnect with members who have not returned due to Covid<\/td>\nElders<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          9<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          10<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

          MEMBERS IN MISSION<\/strong><\/p>\n

          As Christ\u2019s body, Christ Lutheran Church is actively connecting with people so that we may share our source of hope and joy in the God of love and mercy through our words and action \u2013 with one another, within our community, and into our world.<\/em><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Encouragement to and equipping in sharing one\u2019s faith (lifestyle evangelism) is regularly provided.<\/em><\/li>\n
          • An increasing number of members are regularly inviting family, friends, and neighbors to worship and other activities and events.<\/em><\/li>\n
          • An increasing number of members are participating in community-based outreach activities.<\/em><\/li>\n
          • All communication from Christ Lutheran Church and School to the local community (newspaper, radio, electronic, social media, etc.) includes a message of hope and caring in the name of Jesus.<\/em><\/li>\n
          • We seek to have an increasing number of children and adults are being Baptized.<\/em><\/li>\n
          • Members are involved in addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of our local community, our nation, and our world.<\/em><\/li>\n
          • Christ Lutheran Church appropriately joins in opportunities to participate with other congregations and community agencies in caring for those in need.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Members In Mission<\/strong><\/p>\n

            Steps Boards are taking right now through December 31, 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
            Step #<\/td>\nStep<\/td>\nResponsible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            1<\/td>\nAssure regular updates via technology and other media (electronic sign) concerning CLS ministry<\/td>\nEd, PR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            2<\/td>\nBuild small group ministries for Families, Children, Youth, and other common interest groups with events to have fun and grow spiritually<\/td>\nFellow, Assim, Evan, Youth, All<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            3<\/td>\nDevelop events to promote relationships that are educational and\/or entertaining for members and friends<\/td>\nFellow, Assim, Evan, All<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            4<\/td>\nCollections for food pantry<\/td>\nAll<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            5<\/td>\nQuarterly family-oriented group events<\/td>\nFellow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            6<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            7<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            9<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            10<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

            \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>JOYFUL IN COMMUNITY<\/strong><\/p>\n

            As Christ\u2019s body, at Christ Lutheran Church, we are a caring and loving community, we family throughout all generations by inviting friends to church and community activities that offer hope and help, encourage and entertain, and build healthy relationships.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Each event at Christ Lutheran Church celebrates the unity we have as the family of God.<\/em><\/li>\n
            • Members are fostering caring relationships within the congregation.<\/em><\/li>\n
            • Members are praying publicly and privately for one another, for fellow believers in Christ, and for unbelievers.<\/em><\/li>\n
            • Christ Lutheran Church regularly encourages and provides opportunities for fellowship and community, both in person and via technology and other means.<\/em><\/li>\n
            • Christ Lutheran Church regularly provides training, tools, and opportunity to demonstrate care to those of all ages in need.<\/em><\/li>\n
            • Each member of Christ Lutheran Church is regularly challenged and encouraged to use their gifts in serving others.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Steps Boards are taking right now through December 31, 2022<\/p>\n

              \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Joyful In Community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              Step #<\/td>\nStep<\/td>\nResponsible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              1<\/td>\nInvite the friends, relatives, and the community to special events and to worship<\/td>\nEvan, All<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              2<\/td>\nDevelop methods of communication with members and friends to keep the church and School top of mind and integrated into their lives (Includes new Church Management software)<\/td>\nComm, PR, Tech<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              3<\/td>\nContinue and increase community support missions such as: Soup Kitchen, Benton Harbor Ministries, etc.<\/td>\nAt Large<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4<\/td>\nPine Ridge visiting and ministry<\/td>\nSchool, Evan, All<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              5<\/td>\nCreate a directory of hobbies and interests<\/td>\nAssim<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              6<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              7<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              9<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              10<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

              Ed \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Education<\/p>\n

              Elders \u2013\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Elders<\/p>\n

              Prop \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Properties<\/p>\n

              Stew \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Stewardship<\/p>\n

              Youth \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Youth<\/p>\n

              Assim \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Assimilation<\/p>\n

              Fellow \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Fellowship<\/p>\n

              Evan \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Evangelism<\/p>\n

              PR \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Board of Public Relations<\/p>\n

              Pastor –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pastor Measel<\/p>\n

              Prin – \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Principal Webb<\/p>\n

              Tech – \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Technology Team<\/p>\n

              Comm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Special committee for this task<\/p>\n

              At large – \u00a0\u00a0 Groups like LWML, PTL, Men\u2019s NetWork<\/p>\n

              REFLECTING ON OUR GIFTS\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Appendix A<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Identify Our Assets<\/strong><\/p>\n

              1 Corinthians 12:4-7.\u00a0 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.\u00a0 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.\u00a0 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.\u00a0 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. <\/em><\/p>\n

              God gives gifts to his church.\u00a0 Those gifts can take many forms. \u00a0They can be talents, abilities, or they can be physical (such as buildings, land, etc.)\u00a0 What often happens is that we fail to see all that God gives us in order to do the work He would have us do. \u00a0Assets are defined as useful or valuable qualities.\u00a0 Luther Snow, in The Power of Asset Mapping:\u00a0 How<\/em> Your Congregation Can Act on Its Gifts<\/em>, provides some guidance to recognize the assets in a congregation.\u00a0 Discuss the questions and write down your responses to the items that follow:<\/p>\n

              Physical Assets<\/strong> \u2013 What are physical resources that Christ Lutheran Church has?<\/p>\n

              Facilities (barrier free)<\/p>\n

              14 acres of land<\/p>\n

              Location (lakeshore)<\/p>\n

              Organ \/ instruments<\/p>\n

              Sanctuary<\/p>\n

              Safe building<\/p>\n

              Signage<\/p>\n

              Technology<\/p>\n

              Bells (outside)<\/p>\n

              Bibles<\/p>\n

              Office and equipment<\/p>\n

              Stage<\/p>\n

              Mailboxes<\/p>\n

              Adequate parking<\/p>\n

              Close to highway \/ accessibility<\/p>\n

              Individual Assets<\/strong> \u2013 What are some talents that are available in Christ Lutheran Church?<\/p>\n

              Musical<\/p>\n

              Technical<\/p>\n

              Financial<\/p>\n

              Accounting<\/p>\n

              Generous<\/p>\n

              Realtors<\/p>\n

              Compassionate<\/p>\n

              Fixer-uppers<\/p>\n

              Teachers<\/p>\n

              Helpers<\/p>\n

              Volunteers<\/p>\n

              Health care \/ medical<\/p>\n

              Trustworthy staff<\/p>\n

              Technology<\/p>\n

              Bakers<\/p>\n

              Cooks for funerals<\/p>\n

              Ladies group<\/p>\n

              Men\u2019s Network<\/p>\n

              Lay leaders<\/p>\n

              Educators<\/p>\n

              Caregivers<\/p>\n

              CLS Angels (sanitize building \/ deliver food)<\/p>\n

              ** \u201dI can\u2019t think of anything that I would need help with that I couldn\u2019t find someone here at Christ Lutheran to ask\u201d **<\/p>\n

              Associated Assets<\/strong> \u2013 List some of the businesses, institutions and organizations in the community.<\/p>\n

              \u201cFlour Shop\u201d (Minister of pastries)<\/p>\n

              Public schools<\/p>\n

              Metal shop<\/p>\n

              Soup kitchen<\/p>\n

              Lakeshore \/ beaches<\/p>\n

              Winery<\/p>\n

              Brewery<\/p>\n

              Whirlpool<\/p>\n

              Cook Nuclear Power Plant<\/p>\n

              Lakeland Hospital<\/p>\n

              Leco<\/p>\n

              Realtors<\/p>\n

              Lake Michigan College<\/p>\n

              Hotels<\/p>\n

              Senior PGA Championship<\/p>\n

              Krasl Art Fair<\/p>\n

              Library<\/p>\n

              Parks<\/p>\n

              Music Club \/ groups<\/p>\n

              Community Players<\/p>\n

              Pine Ridge<\/p>\n

              Lincoln Township<\/p>\n

              Law enforcement<\/p>\n

              Health department<\/p>\n

              Financial Assets<\/strong> \u2013 What are some of the resources that Christ Lutheran Church has?\u00a0 What resources exist that have not been tapped?<\/p>\n

              Generous individuals<\/p>\n

              Memorial funds<\/p>\n

              Accountants donate gifts<\/p>\n

              Facilities<\/p>\n

              Church Extension Fund<\/p>\n

              Thrivent<\/p>\n

              Public grants<\/p>\n

              Community foundations<\/p>\n

              District grants<\/p>\n

              Collective Assets<\/strong> \u2013 What things does Chris Lutheran Church do well?\u00a0 Those things combine physical, individual and financial assets.\u00a0 They become assets of the congregation.<\/p>\n

              CLS Nationally Accredited<\/p>\n

              Christ-centered focus<\/p>\n

              Worship<\/p>\n

              Harmonious relationships<\/p>\n

              Effective well-rounded education of children through school and across generations in the church<\/p>\n

              Care of facilities<\/p>\n

              Cooperate with \u201cneighbors\u201d<\/p>\n

              Clean up Silver Beach<\/p>\n

              Soup Kitchen<\/p>\n

              Reputation in the community<\/p>\n

              Do rather than talk (active faith vs. passive faith)<\/p>\n

              ** How to connect those not connected by family or time (assimilation)?<\/em><\/p>\n

              The Challenge of Growth in Faith and in Fellowship\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Appendix B<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \u00a0<\/strong>We are Created to Grow in Faith and Fellowship<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \u00a0<\/strong>God is the source of all growth<\/strong><\/p>\n

              1 Cor 3:5-7\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>What then is Apollos? What is Paul?\u00a0Servants through whom you believed,\u00a0as the Lord assigned to each.\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>I planted,\u00a0Apollos watered,\u00a0but God gave the growth.\u00a0 So\u00a0neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

              John 15:5\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>I am the vine;\u00a0you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that\u00a0bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.<\/p>\n

              2 Cor 9:10\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>He who supplies\u00a0seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and\u00a0increase the harvest of your righteousness.<\/p>\n

              Growth can be painful<\/strong><\/p>\n

              John 15:2<\/sup><\/strong>Every branch in me that does not bear fruit\u00a0he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,\u00a0that it may bear more fruit.<\/p>\n

              Growth facilitates more growth<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Matt 25:29\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.<\/p>\n

              Growth is necessary<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Matt 25:27\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.<\/p>\n

              Growth is a mindset<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Prov 16:3<\/sup><\/strong>Commit your work to the\u00a0Lord, \u00a0and your plans will be established.<\/p>\n

              Matt 9:28-29 \u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them,\u00a0\u201cDo you believe that I am able to do this?\u201d\u00a0They said to him, \u201cYes, Lord.\u201d\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>Then he touched their eyes, saying,\u00a0\u201cAccording to your faith be it done to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

              Growth is a mandate<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Gen 1:28\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>And God blessed them. And God said to them,\u00a0\u201cBe fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

              Hindrances to Growth in Faith and in Fellowship<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Accepting the Status Quo, mediocrity mindset<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Gen 30:31b\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong> Jacob said, \u201cYou shall not give me anything. If you will do this for me, I will again pasture your flock and keep it<\/p>\n

              Lack of knowledge (Confidence)<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Prov 4:7-8\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
              \nand whatever you get, get\u00a0insight.
              \n\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
              \nshe will\u00a0honor you\u00a0if you embrace her.<\/p>\n

              Inadequate work ethic<\/strong><\/p>\n

              2 Thes 3: 10\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>For even when we were with you, we would give you this command:\u00a0If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.<\/p>\n

              Lack of a strategy or a system<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Luke 14:28\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not\u00a0first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?<\/p>\n

              Lack of counsel or bad counsel<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Prov 11:14\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>Where there is\u00a0no guidance, a people falls,
              \nbut in an abundance of counselors there is safety.<\/p>\n

              Unwillingness to face pain<\/strong><\/p>\n

              John 15:2<\/sup><\/strong>Every branch in me that does not bear fruit\u00a0he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,\u00a0that it may bear more fruit.<\/p>\n

              Fear<\/strong><\/p>\n

              2 Tim 1:7\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>for God gave us\u00a0a spirit not of fear but\u00a0of power and love and self-control.<\/p>\n

              Purpose of growth in Faith and in Fellowship<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Bring Glory to God<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Is 35:1-22<\/sup><\/strong>The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;
              \nthe desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;
              \nit shall blossom abundantly
              \nand rejoice with joy and singing.
              \nThe glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
              \nthe majesty of\u00a0Carmel and\u00a0Sharon.
              \nThey shall see the glory of the\u00a0Lord,
              \nthe majesty of our God.<\/p>\n

              Meet needs<\/strong><\/p>\n

              2 Cor 8: 13-14\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness\u00a0your abundance at the present time should supply\u00a0their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.<\/p>\n

              To sustain the Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Col 1:24-26\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>Now\u00a0I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh\u00a0I am filling up\u00a0what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions\u00a0for the sake of his body, that is, the church,\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>of which I became a minister according to\u00a0the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.<\/p>\n

              Where are we now?\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Appendix C<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Here are the collective thoughts of members who attended our planning session on Oct 1, 2020.\u00a0 Think of this as a \u201cwhere are we as a church right now\u201d statement.<\/p>\n

              What kind of church is Christ Lutheran Church?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Traditional<\/p>\n

              Christ-centered<\/p>\n

              Bible teaching<\/p>\n

              Caring<\/p>\n

              Prayerful<\/p>\n

              Proclaim Law\/Gospel<\/p>\n

              High Liturgical (chant)<\/p>\n

              Established<\/p>\n

              Old average age<\/p>\n

              A school with a church<\/p>\n

              Law followed by Gospel<\/p>\n

              Faith-building<\/p>\n

              Wonderful God-fearing people<\/p>\n

              Mission minded (local and foreign)<\/p>\n

              Great music ministry<\/p>\n

              Faithful<\/p>\n

              Confessional<\/p>\n

              Scriptural<\/p>\n

              Comfortable with who we are and how we do things<\/p>\n

              What kind of people does Christ Lutheran Church attract?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Desiring truth of God\u2019s Word<\/p>\n

              Traditional Lutherans<\/p>\n

              Working class<\/p>\n

              Families desiring school<\/p>\n

              Already believers<\/p>\n

              Desiring consistency in teaching<\/p>\n

              Deeply rooted believers<\/p>\n

              What kind of people may not be comfortable at Christ Lutheran Church?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Those who want the Word to bend to their lifestyle<\/p>\n

              Young families who aren\u2019t connected to the school<\/p>\n

              Those desiring contemporary style<\/p>\n

              Those who did not grow up Lutheran, especially liturgical style of worship<\/p>\n

              Those young in the faith<\/p>\n

              What is Christ Lutheran Church\u2019s perceived purpose?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Proclaiming the Gospel<\/p>\n

              School (reason location began)<\/p>\n

              Remain LCMS<\/p>\n

              For some worship (and that\u2019s it)<\/p>\n

              For some activities \u2013 school and such (but not necessarily worship)<\/p>\n

              Provide Christian care throughout life\u2019s journey<\/p>\n

              20 years ago: discipleship and outreach identified as twin purposes<\/em><\/p>\n

              How is the balance between outreach and nurture at Christ Lutheran Church?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              20% to 30% outreach \/ 80 to 70% nurture (including school impact)<\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL CHRIST\u2019S PEOPLE PROCLAIMING CHRIST\u2019S LOVE Planning Process: What Will We Strive To Be In 2025? Worship And […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6344"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6344"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6344\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6351,"href":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6344\/revisions\/6351"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christ-luth.org\/church\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}