Big Picture of what we're doing...

The Big Picture at FBR

The Big Picture at FBR

Why we do what we do…

OUR ULTIMATE PURPOSE

FBR exist to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

This happens when God's people are:

Drawn into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ

Exhibit total devotion to Him

Experience heartfelt the delight in knowing and following the Lord Jesus. (, , )

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OUR FOUNDATION

Everything we do must be built upon the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Everything we do must be built upon the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ. (, )

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OUR PRINCIPLE GOAL

The principal goal of FBR is the for fill the great commission: .

The principal goal of FBR is to fulfill the great commission:

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. ( )

In order to for fill the great commission, we must pursue Discipleship Growth.

— 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

— 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Discipleship growth involves two primary aspects:

1. Gospel Growth – the Quantity aspect

"baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit"

This type of growth is an increase in influence and broadness.

It is fundamentally the process of evangelism and conversion.

2. Spiritual Growth – the quality aspect

"teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you"

This type of growth is an increase in intimacy and depth.

It is fundamentally the process of edification and sanctification.

Spiritual Growth Defined:

Spiritual growth happens when believers grow in their love for the Lord (heart) and understanding of God (head), and as they live righteously for Christ (hands) and faithfully contribute to the advancement of his kingdom (harvest).

So, genuine spiritual growth involves for areas of growth:

1. Heart Growth – What One IS

Heart growth is essentially Loving Devotion and Godly Character.

Heart growth involves an increase in ones:

Passion and love for the person of God

Commitment to the Lord ship of Jesus Christ over one's life

Conviction about the truth of the Bible and its claims of

Christ Righteous character (internal obedience)

Godly motives in pure thoughts

Excitement about the church and Christian ministry

(; ; ; ; ; ; ; Tim. 6:11-14)

2. Head Growth – What One KNOWS

Head growth is essentially Biblical Understanding.

Head growth involves an increase in ones:

Understanding of Christian doctrine

Knowledge of the Bible and its overall message

Adherence to a Christian worldview

Ability to discern truth from error

Knowledge of one's strengths, weaknesses, and giftedness for ministry

(; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; 2:1-3)

3. Hands Growth – What One DOES

Hands growth is essentially Righteous Living.

Hands growth involves an increase in ones:

Godly actions (external obedience)

Obedience to the commands of scripture

Practical demonstration of the fruit of the spirit

Consistency and depth of spiritual disciplines (Bible reading, prayer, worship, etc.)

Consistent participation in the local church (in attendance, giving, and fellowship)

(; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; )

4. Harvest Growth – what one PRODUCES. We have said that we are not fully disciples until we are making disciples.

Harvest growth is essentially Faithful Contribution to the Kingdom of God.

Harvest growth involves an increase in ones:

Engagement in Christian service and ministry

Development and use of spiritual gifts in ministry skills

Positive results for ministering to others (in prayer, counseling, encouragement, etc.)

Confident proclamation of the gospel with boldness

Genuine impact in the lives of unbelievers

(; ; ; ; ; ; )

Gospel Growth Defined:

Gospel growth happens when the message of Jesus Christ is spread through words and deeds to the hearts and minds of unbelievers.

We want to see gospel growth happen in two places:

1. NEAR in Roselawn/Demotte/family and friends

This type of growth happens when FBR impacts our immediate community. Example of this type of gospel growth ministry includes:

Local out reaches (Jasper County Fair/Touch of Dutch)

Service and compassion ministries

Evangelistic event in special services (like bonfires)

Relationship evangelism (neighbors and church family coming together for a neighborhood barbecues etc.)

2. FAR – with S.B.C., and other missionaries.

This type of growth happens when FBR makes an impact around the globe. Examples of this type of gospel growth ministry include:

Raising up and sending out missionaries from our congregation

Short-term mission trips

Providing financial support for Gods work with other missionaries

Praying for growth of the true church in every part of the world

Summarizing our goal:

So, in all that FBR does, it's strives to bring out life change within individuals so that they become growing disciples of Jesus Christ, both initially (Gospel Growth/conversion), and continuously (Spiritual Growth/sanctification). As we foster such growth, we achieve our purpose – to bring glory and honor to God!!!

Growth = the glorification and enjoyment of God.

OUR CORE VALUES

Worship of God is the most fundamental value at FBR.

Worship of God is the most fundamental value at FBR.

Worship is all of life.

Worship must be saturated in truth and proceed from a passionate heart.

Worship is the ultimate priority of every believer. It is a declaration of what is valued and cherished. At FBR, Jesus Christ is the center of such praise. One way the church worship is to join together in our Sunday Celebration that proclaims the greatness of God. But worship is far more than what takes place during our Sunday service. Rather, worship must permeate all that our church is and does. In the end, FBR is not about itself; it is about exalting Christ through a life of true and heartfelt worship. (, ; ; , )

Worship is expressed through FBR's four primary Core Values:

1. God's Word

All ministry is to be done "by the book."

The Bible must be the source of all doctrine and truth.

The Bible is the primary means by which we learn truth about God and discern his will for our lives. Therefore, the authority of God's word should be unapologetically proclaimed as the Bible is taught, studied, and applied in large group, care group, and individual settings. (, ; ; ; ; )

2. Prayer

Prayer is personal communication with God.

Prayer is the means by which we express our delight in God and our dependence upon him.

Prayer is fundamentally an active worship that uses words and song to express our joy and thankfulness to God. It's also an important way that believers declare their need for Christ and find access to His grace. Worshiping churches and worshiping people regularly and earnestly practice the joyful discipline of prayer. (; , ; , )

3. Fellowship

Fellowship begins when people experience a true sense of belonging and connectedness.

The church community must be spiritually intentional. Only when this happens does the church experience true fellowship.

Christians are called to experience the power of authentic, life – changing fellowship. This happens as believers in the church gather to focus on Christ and minister to one another. By loving, serving, encouraging, exhorting and praying for one another, the church strives to be a community hallmarked by Spirit–driven acceptance, concern, friendship, unity, and growth. (, ; ; ; ; ; )

4. Mission

The mission of the church is to expand God's kingdom.

We must work to build the church both here in Roselawn and around the world.

Whether we are partnering with missionaries in foreign countries, or sharing Christ with our neighbors and friends, we desire all people to experience the saving power of the cross of Christ. By engaging the community and the world with God's truth through acts of compassion and witness, the church must express an unwavering boldness to proclaim the gospel to a sick and dying world that is desperate for Jesus. (; ; ; ; ; ; ; , ; )

Summarizing our core values

FBR's Core Values are the fundamental things we believe the church must be built upon if we are going to accomplish our goal of complete growth (Spiritual Growth and Gospel Growth). By striving to exalt the Lord as we value God's word, earnest prayer, and intentional fellowship, and strategic mission, we hope to see FBR accomplish great growth and bring much glory to God.

Our ministry strategy

Despite our busy schedules, there are three broad categories of church involvement in which God expects every Christian to regularly participate. These three categories summarize how all believers should be living out their faith, and each is essential for a person to experience "healthy Christianity".

To magnify the worth of God by EXALTING His name, EQUIPPING the Saints and EXTENDING Christ's kingdom

1. EXALTING His name. Corporate and private where ship

Because worship is the ultimate priority of every believer, corporate worship service and individual times of devotion with the Lord must be a vital part of every Christians life. FBR's Sunday celebration service provides an opportunity for our church to come together and exalt God through passionate hymns and spiritual songs, heartfelt prayers, and to grow through the preaching of His word. What we believe these Sunday gatherings are essential for our people, it is equally important that everyone in our church regularly exalt the Lord through private times of study, meditation and prayer.

2. EQUIPPING the Saints: Care Group Fellowship

Healthy Christians regularly experience genuine Christian fellowship. At FBR, this "horizontal" Christianity usually happens as believers are connected with the Care Group. Through this ministry, it is our hope that every person will regularly experience the meaningful Christian fellowship we all need. This requires a commitment to integrate one's life with the other members, encouraging one another by the Word, serving one another practically, giving generously to one another, showing hospitality to one another, confessing our sins to one another, exhorting one another towards godliness, guarding the integrity of the churches witness, and most importantly, celebrating the grace of God at work in our lives. Our Care Groups are designed to focus our efforts of care and fellowship on a particular group of people in the church.

3. EXTENDING Christ's kingdom.

says that we will be the witnesses for Jesus Christ. Our calling as individuals and as a church is to bear witness to the salvation of Jesus Christ and to the certainty of His return in judgment at the end of the age. We represent a kingdom that is not of this world, calling people to turn away from their sin and come and receive eternal life in Christ by faith. We do not exist only to worship God in private or to love our fellow church members – we are called to the mission of sharing the gospel with our neighbors, our coworkers, our family, our friends, the towns of Roselawn/Demotte, and the greater region of Northwest Indiana. Practically, this means that we will pursue consistent relationships with unbelievers for the purpose of loving them and sharing the gospel with them. We will seek to encourage and equip one another through regular reminders and teaching about our evangelistic task.

OUR MOTIVATION

The motivation for all we do are the two Great Commandments:

The motivation for all we do are the two great commandments:

() which include loving God supremely and loving others as yourself.

Everything we do most ultimately be an expression of godly love.

The Big Picture of FBR – Summarized

FDR exist to glorify God by making fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who worship and exalt Him in all things. We strive to fill this purpose as we: devote ourselves to the preaching, study, and application of God's word; seek the Lord in earnest prayer; experience the power of authentic, life-changing fellowship; and engage our culture and the world with the gospel of Christ.

Our Purpose: to glorify God and enjoy him forever

Our Foundation: Jesus Christ the Lord

Our Goal: The Great Commission (Discipleship Growth)

Spiritual Growth

Gospel Growth

Our Core Values: Worship is our ultimate priority. Worship happens as we experience:

God's word

Prayer

Fellowship

Mission

Our Ministry Strategy: There are three key areas of involvement for every person:

Exalt – Corporate and Private Worship

Equip – CareGroup Fellowship

Equip – CareGroup fellowship

Extend-

Extend- Evangelizing the Lost

Evangelizing the lost

Our Motivation: The Great Commission

Love for God

Love for One Another

The Big Picture of our Care Groups

Understanding the Ministry Strategy and Structure

OUR ESSENTIAL TOOL

The care group ministry uses one essential tool to bring about genuine growth: Christian fellowship

The Care Group ministry uses one essential tool to bring about genuine growth: Christian Fellowship

Christian fellowship is summarized in

— 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

This passage teaches us that:

Christian fellowship is intentional.

Christian fellowship is purposeful.

Christian fellowship helps to accomplish spiritual growth.

Christian fellowship helps to accomplish gospel growth.

Christian fellowship is sometimes painful and difficult.

Christian fellowship must not be neglected.

Christian fellowship prepares us for future judgment.

Christian fellowship is essential to persevere in the Christian life.

In summary, Christian Fellowship is not:

Friendly conversation

Warm, human interactions

Group socials

Church potlucks

Something that happens by accident

Experienced by unbelievers

Christian fellowship is:

A uniquely Christian, relational experience.

Sharing with one another what we share in Christ.

"Doing life together"

Therefore, Christian fellowship is not about socialization, but transformation.

This transformation should be both edifying and evangelistic (Spiritual Growth and Gospel Growth).

Such growth should impact the individual, the corporate church body, the immediate community, and the world.

In our Care Groups, social activities create a context for fellowship, but they are A place to begin, not a place to remain.

Fellowship is not about relaxing together, but relating to one another on a spiritual basis.

Fellowship is not about relaxing together, but relating to one another on a spiritual basis.

The following summarizes how the Care Group Ministry fits within the greater ministry philosophy of FBR:

Care Groups > Fellowship > Growth > Glorification and Enjoyment of God

How does fellowship happen?

Christian fellowship happens when believers live out the "one another's" of Scripture with each other.

OUR METHODS OF MINISTRY

The Care Group ministry employees to primary methods of ministry to encourage genuine fellowship:

The care group ministry employees to primary methods of ministry to encourage genuine fellowship: mutual ministry and multiplication ministry

Mutual Ministry and Multiplication Ministry

Mutual Ministry Defined:

Mutual ministry is the responsibility that all believers have two constantly love, serve, challenge and encourage one another to be growing disciples of Jesus Christ.

Mutual ministry is the special way that Christians build one another up in the faith through "life on life" inner action, and the means by which they display Christ's love to one another and practical, tangible ways. In sum, mutual Ministry is the practical outworking of the one another's of scripture (love one another, pray for one another, encourage one another, serve one another, teach one another, etc.). The picture of mutual Ministry is found below:

Some examples of care group mutual Ministry include:

Studying God's word together

Sharing with one another what God has been teaching you through his word

Earnestly up holding one another in prayer

Establishing accountability partners

Practicing a time of accountability in Care Group or individual settings

Using the Bible to counsel and encourage each other through difficult times

Writing and encouraging card to someone

Using one special skills (knowledge of computers, mechanics, medicine) to serve one another

Helping one another in practical ways during times of need (taking people to the airport, visiting sick group members, taking them to doctors appointments, supporting individuals on mission trips, etc.)

Attending church together and then discussing the message with the intent of holding one another accountable to the mornings exhortation

Supporting one another financially in times of personal need

Participating in social gatherings that enable relationships to be built and strengthened

Mutual ministry is the primary method of ministry by which Care Groups accomplish Spiritual Growth (growth of intimacy and growth of depth).

Multiplication Ministry Defined:

Multiplication ministry is the responsibility that all believers have to use their abilities and opportunities to advance the kingdom of God.

Multiplication ministry happens when believers "multiply" themselves as they build the kingdom of God and engage the world with the gospel of Christ. Multiplication ministry primarily involves task of evangelism, service, and the development and the creation of new ministries. Because of the creation of the new ministries always requires new leadership, the establishment of new ministry leaders can also be viewed as a component of multiplication ministry. Multiplication ministry is pictured below:

Some examples of care group multiplication ministry include:

Community service ministries (serving at a women's shelter, tutoring programs, etc.)

Social activities that build relationships with the secular community (open houses, small group out reaches, athletic out reaches, special social gatherings, etc.)

Evangelistic opportunities that engage the world with the gospel of Christ (relational evangelism, jail ministries, fair ministries, etc.)

Multiplying or planting new Care Groups

Training leaders in your Care Group to develop them to become leaders themselves.

Multiplication ministry is the primary ministry method by which care groups accomplish Gospel Growth (growth of influence and growth of broadness).

OUR METHODS OF MINISTRY SUMMARIZED

Mutual Ministry: An expression of the one another's that enriches the Christian community.

Mutual Ministry: an expression of the one another's that enriches the Christian community.

Multiplication Ministry: An expression of the one another's that expands the Christian community.

Mutual Ministry and Multiplication Ministry: The means by which we bring about Spiritual Growth and Gospel Growth within the Care Group ministry.

MAY GOD BLESS AS WE SEEK TO HONOR HIM AND BUILD UP THE BODY OF CHRIST IN ALL THAT IS SAID AND DONE!!!