NEW LIFE!

I wanted to alert the members of the congregation to a strange phenomena (at least for Presbyterian churches).  In the first half of this year, we will have had 14 baptisms.  That’s very good for a church this size.  But the strange thing is that 8 of those baptisms have been adults.  That is practically unheard of in this denomination.  Three years ago, when the Executive Presbyter evaluated the churches of this presbytery, we had only 2 adult baptisms.  But those adult baptisms made us one of the top two churches in the Presbytery.  Eight adult baptisms is fantastic!

What does this figure mean?  It means that we are beginning to draw new people into the Family of God.  Normally when churches grow, it is only through transfer growth.  People who are already Christians move into the area and pick the church for its great programs or worship or preaching.  But when a church has to baptize its new members, it means that they have not previously been members of a Christian congregation.  In short, we are bringing people into the knowledge of Jesus’ saving love and grace.  All I can say is: “COOL!”

But our task is not ended there.  We are not called to make babies for Jesus; we are called to make disciples!  Now that we have received these new lives, we are instructed to take steps to help them grow in their faith so that they can use all the power for living that Jesus has to give them.  There are several parts to this task.  We need to:

Draw them into Fellowship.  New Christians need relationships in the body of Christ.  Sometimes, they will fall into these naturally.  But it is important that we are actively developing our relationships with these new believers so that they will be woven tightly into our fellowship.  Have you made friends with one of our new members?

Develop their Discipleship.  Not only do they need relationships, they need knowledge.  The church now has a series of discipleship classes with teachers drawn from the congregation.  These classes cover the basics of what we believe and how we live.  But individual members can help by sharing their faith journeys and talking about how Jesus has helped them in times of need.  Have you been telling anyone your story?

Manage their Ministry.  People who are part of a congregation usually want to do something to help.  All of our new members have their own set of skills and talents.  Talking with them will give us a sense of how they can contribute.  Then all we have to do is give them an opportunity.  Have you shared a job with someone who is new

For all this to happen, we have to be sensitive and open to involving our new members.  We must be open with our faith.  Even more, we have to be growing in our own faith.  Discipleship is a life long task.  Do you feel like you are growing in your knowledge? Your contribution?  Your fellowship?  As we all grow together, we will be in a position not only to greet new members but to make new disciples.  This is something we all have to do!

                               Faithfully,

                                            Rick