Looking Back
Looking Back…Looking Ahead
True North is 2 years old today!
-Highlights Video
-Review
3 years ago-Bible study->group for church plant->launch in Sept.
Where we are now-
-see the difference-parade 06 vs. parade 08
-have grown and accomplished much.
-known in community
-real measure is spiritual growth
Recognize limitations-Terrible Twos
-frustrations-want to do more…be big.
-still very young. Lots of things to learn
-don’t want to grow too fast…allow time for God to gather people together and develop passions. Own experience.
As look ahead-first thing is to just keep moving-persevere.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Heb 12:1-2 NIV)
Takes times…allows God to work in us. People will grow, find place..church will grow to have great influence.
Two year old needs to know boundaries in order to succeed. What are our boundaries or guidelines?
A few stories to help get a grasp on what it will take to grow into full “adulthood” as a church.
-Phone call from church-what are you doing?
-they see life here!
1) Stay focused on God:
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
(Jos 1:8 NIV)
This is God’s church/community
2) Intentional about inviting/friendly environment
-Takes getting/staying connected
-Growing together…sharing life
-Doing work of the church together-serving God/others-growing in faith
-Brought home in conversation I had last week:
->everyone out for selves. Greed for people/organization
->people don’t like “church”-not always good reasons, but reminder that church is about directing people to God and more of a family than a business.
3) Intentional about finding people outside the church and inviting them
->Job for all of us. Myth about outreach. Ministry and being a friend are answers
->May also need to expand horizons about who we think belongs in the church.
->these guys?
->Not saying we all need to go after the hardcore metal rock fans. Find own area of influence->people with common interests.
->Do it with intention, though. Realize while making friends, that the greatest need they have is Jesus, and you may be the one needed to invite them to seek Him.
Summarize-celebrate past…realize we have time and room to grow-pray for Go to show you how you fit and for all of us to enjoy the adventure together.
Will take getting connected…creating a culture that is inviting and friendly. Pray for opportunities to get to know people-be a friend and find a way to invite them to know God.
Finally…the most important thing for us to remember in our continued growth and success is to keep our focus on Jesus.
Pray with me now for God’s guidance-God this is your church…this is your city.