Pastor’s Corner November 2007

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

What’s Next for Redeemer?

Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

The dedication of Redeemer’s new sanctuary is certainly one of the greatest evidences of God’s faithfulness to our church. The Dedication Celebration weekend was both a culmination in a long series of blessings and a commissioning for the next season of ministry at Redeemer.

The formal dedication litanies have been done and the sanctuary has been set apart for the glory of God. Now, it is time to embark together into an exciting new season of Redeemer’s life and ministry.

The Church of Christ should be dedicated to four broad activities- worship, instruction, fellowship, and evangelism. As a church body, we have the opportunity to see each of these areas improved and expanded. I’ll mention a few ways each of these areas can be addressed now at this time.

In the area of worship, our new sanctuary has greatly assisted in the offering we bring to the Lord. Please be patient as we continue to “tweak” the acoustics, to preserve the choral and congregational singing, yet improve the audibility of those speaking. Lord willing, this sanctuary will serve many generations after us, so taking a little time to get it right now, makes great sense. We have had several new visitors every week. We need to continue to greet these folks with openness and warmth. The Welcome Team provides mechanisms to be sure we identify and welcome new comers, but the task of hospitality is for every member to live out. I think we are a welcoming and friendly church, but then I’m biased. Each family should prayerfully consider how it can practice hospitality toward those God sends our way.

In the area of instruction, there are two areas for you to pray about and participate in, as the Lord leads. First, we are asking the Lord to give us the wisdom and resources to begin our high school next year. We have a solid committee working to develop the high school and the school community is working to raise funds to complete 6 to 7 High School/Adult size classrooms in the lower level of the sanctuary. Please pray and support this effort to expand Westminster Christian Academy. The manifold, long-term impact of our Christian school ministry can hardly be underestimated. Second we envision that the new space will incubate a theological institute. It will be called “The Institute for Reformation” and will focus on training lay people and full time ministry workers in the focus areas of bible, theology, and Christian ministry. This ministry will reach out across denominational lines, while maintaining our specific doctrinal standards. In this way, it will be a catalyst for Reformation in the Kansas City area. There will be much more information to come on this exciting ministry.

In the area of fellowship, I encourage each family to commit to participating in their home fellowship group. Very bluntly, if you are only coming to worship service on Sunday morning, you are missing out! As our church grows our small group ministry will continue to be crucial in cultivating a close community. Home Fellowship Groups are an essential vehicle to knit us together and to assimilate newcomers. We’ll need new leaders, faithful participation and ongoing prayer support for this ministry. At some point in the future, by God’s grace, we’ll be able to plant a daughter church. Home Fellowship Groups will help us identify where we should plant and even who might be willing to participate.

In the area of evangelism, we must think of word and deed when it comes to sharing the message of God’s redeeming love through Christ. We should share Christ with everyone we come in contact with, both by what we say and what we do. Preferably, by what we do first, then, once we have gained trust and credibility by what we say. As a church, we will continue to expand our missionary efforts by going ourselves and helping others to go. There is a wonderful Missions Conference being planned for January. It is my fervent prayer that we pay the debt on our sanctuary off completely in 5-7 years and then commit 50% of our general budget to various missionary efforts. To whom much has been given, much is expected. My brothers and sisters, we have been given much.

I will do my best, as your pastor, to keep us moving toward various ministry goals, for the glory of God. This is such an exciting time in the life of Redeemer with so many wonderful opportunities before us. My family and I have loved our journey with all of you and look forward to these exciting upcoming chapters.

Do you think it is time for a modern Reformation? I do.

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich