Tell us about a way you’ve reached out into your community.
We have continued to engage in our community in the same ways as in the past. We have specific community events such as Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk-or-Treat, Community bonfires, and youth camp. We started a women’s retreat that was successful in bringing regular worshippers and other’s together for prayer and worship. It was such a positive experience they are planning a bigger one this year.
What event from the past year most excited you?
The most exciting event of last year has not truly started yet. A group of 12 of us have gone through Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-Centered program to help people experience freedom from their hurts, habits, and hang-ups. We did not gain new members through this, but we have grown deeper and more aware leaders. We look to start this ministry for the community and other churches in August.
What new thing did you try in mission or ministry?
Our Celebrate Recovery taught us the long difficult path to healing. Though we read of miraculous instantaneous healings in scripture, most lasting healing takes time, presence, intention, support and love.
What challenge did your church face?
We have been challenged in relating and governing our relationship with the Community Center. We are still learning the absolute need for effective leadership, deep moral character, and humility in doing ministry. Having only one or two of these qualities is insufficient.
How has your church partnered with another church for ministry and mission?
We are happy to have partnered with Church of the Master, Karen Baptist Fellowship and Iglesia Bautista Lynhurst for a Good Friday Service. We also enjoy serving with Drexel Garden Christian Church in putting on Ignite, a bible study at the Lynhurst 7th and 8th grade center. Also we continue to partner with Iglesia Bautista Lynhurst in worship, events, and ministry.
How has the Executive Minister and/or ABCGI staff been of assistance to your church this past year?
I appreciate meeting with Jay. I enjoy our discussions, I appreciate his recommendation for books, especially leadership oriented ones. I greatly value his prayers and emails.