Dave's Desk
March 2025
​
Dear Church Family,
As we embark on Discipleship Month this March, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our Bible Studies and ministry groups. It fills me with immense pride to see our community flourishing in faith and unity. We have over 50 members actively participating in study groups, deepening their understanding of God's Word, and an additional 50+ members involved in various ministry groups, and teaching at various age levels. Each of you serve with love and dedication.
Your devotion and enthusiasm are truly inspiring, and I am grateful for each one of you who contributes to the growth and strength of our church family. As we continue this journey together, let us remember the words of Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV):
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Thank you for your faithfulness and for being a vital part of our mission to grow as disciples of Christ. Together, let us strive to build a stronger, more vibrant community of believers.
In Christ's love,
Dave
​
Author/Teacher Ken Braddy of Lifeway ministries wrote an article about Discipleship. I want to pass a summation of the article on to you. Here is what Discipleship is all about.
In a recent Lifeway survey, 1,000 pastors revealed the issues most concerning to them about their churches. Underlying many of these challenges is the issue of discipleship. Could discipleship be both a foundational issue and the solution that solves some of the current needs churches face today? If yes, what would a disciple-making process look like?
Step 1: Large Group Gathering
The first step in the discipleship plan emphasizes the importance of large group gatherings for worship. Drawing inspiration from the book of Acts, these gatherings have been a central aspect of Christian practice since the early church. Acts 1:15 and Acts 2:41 describe large groups of believers coming together for worship and teaching. In modern churches, the weekly worship service serves as a foundational experience where the congregation can participate in collective worship, receive spiritual teaching, and be encouraged by their leaders.
These gatherings provide an opportunity for everyone, both members and visitors, to connect with the church community, experience the presence of God, and hear His Word. It is essential for the church to create an inviting and spiritually enriching environment that fosters a sense of belonging and draws people closer to God.
Step 2: Fellowship
Moving from large group settings to smaller, more intimate gatherings is crucial for deeper connections and relational growth. Fellowship groups, such as Sunday School classes or small groups, provide a space where individuals can share their lives, pray together, and support one another. Research has shown that people involved in small groups tend to be more engaged in their faith—they pray more, serve more, give more, and form stronger relationships both within and outside the church.
These small group settings allow for personal interaction and discipleship in a way that large gatherings cannot. Leaders of these groups play a key role in guiding their members to learn and obey God's Word, invite others to join, form meaningful relationships, and serve both within and outside the church. By fostering a sense of community and accountability, these groups help individuals grow in their faith and stay connected to the church.
Step 3: Discipleship
While fellowship groups provide foundational discipleship, more in-depth study and accountability can be achieved through Discipleship Groups (D-Groups). These smaller groups, typically consisting of two to four same-gender individuals, meet regularly to delve deeper into the Bible, pray together, and hold each other accountable for living out their faith. D-Groups offer a more intensive discipleship experience, encouraging participants to grow in their knowledge of God's Word and their commitment to following Jesus.
Robby Gallaty, in his book "Growing Up," emphasizes that discipleship requires more than just listening to sermons. It involves intentional, relational disciple-making that happens in close-knit groups. These D-Groups provide a supportive environment where members can challenge and encourage each other in their spiritual growth, ensuring that they do not stall out in their discipleship journey.
Step 4: Ministry
The fourth step in the discipleship plan involves moving people into ministry teams where they can actively serve the church and the community. Serving on a ministry team allows individuals to use their gifts and talents to meet the needs of others, both within the church and beyond its walls. This step is crucial for translating discipleship into action, as it helps believers live out their faith through acts of service.
Ministry teams can take various forms, such as worship teams, security teams, or project-based groups that serve specific community needs. Encouraging church members to join these teams and celebrating their service in the church helps reinforce the value of serving others as an integral part of discipleship. It also provides practical opportunities for individuals to grow in their faith and develop leadership skills.
Step 5: Missions
The final step in the discipleship pathway focuses on missions, both local and global. Engaging in missions helps address many of the top concerns of pastors, such as developing leaders, fostering relationships with the unchurched, and challenging people to live in obedience to Christ. By participating in missions, church members can put their faith into action, share the gospel, and serve those in need.
Missions teams provide training and development opportunities, encourage intentional outreach, and create experiences that challenge individuals to step out in faith. Whether serving in their local community or traveling to other parts of the world, mission trips offer powerful opportunities for spiritual growth and discipleship. Reminding church members of the importance of missions and encouraging them to participate helps build a culture of outward-focused discipleship.
​
​
October 2024
​
THE MESSY CHURCH
There I was, covered in shaving cream. Imagine this: It’s your first big event as a freshman in the high school French club, and you’re both excited and a bit nervous. The upperclassmen have been hyping up the initiation night for weeks, and you can’t wait to see what it’s all about.
Walking into the French Club initiation night as a freshman, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The room was buzzing with chatter, and the upperclassmen were already gathered, holding cans of shaving cream with mischievous grins. Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and the club president announced it was time for the initiation ritual. My heart raced as I realized what was coming. The upperclassmen surrounded us freshmen, and before I knew it, I was covered head to toe in shaving cream. The cool, foamy texture was everywhere—my hair, my face, even my clothes. Despite the initial shock, I couldn’t help but laugh along with everyone else.
By the end of the evening, even the upperclassman and the French teacher were covered with shaving cream.
The initiation, though messy, was a fun and memorable way to break the ice and bond with my new club-mates. It was a night I wouldn’t forget, marking the beginning of my journey in the French Club with a lot of laughter and a little bit of shaving cream.
Sometimes in the church we are afraid to get messy like that.
There is actually a movement in churches around the country to interactive and intergenerational worship experience that combines faith, food, fellowship, with plain, old, simple, messy down-to-earth fun. It’s called the Messy Church movement.
Welcome to MESSY CHURCH,
No one should be surprised that the church is made up of sinners — it’s one of the admissions that opens the membership door in the first place: we are not perfect and never will be in this life. At its best, the church in this age consists of sinners who are sincerely but imperfectly following Christ. And inevitably, the church also has people who are not truly following Christ.
Even the earliest churches in the New Testament were this way. People were proud of their gifts (1 Corinthians 12:21), unloving, unwilling to associate with other races (Galatians 2:11–12), some were involved with lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6:1), some were getting drunk during communion (1 Corinthians 11:21), some were living in sexual immorality and even sleeping with their own family members (1 Corinthians 5:1)! Paul actually told one church their meetings did more harm than good (1 Corinthians 11:17) — that’s amazing.
Paul was not derailed by any of these things. And he certainly didn’t give up on the church. He said these differences are necessary to prove who is genuine in their faith (1 Corinthians 11:19). The mess was in line with what the apostles expected, and it should be with us, too.
So, why do I love the inconvenient, messy, and sometimes painful local expression of Christ’s body? Loving the local church, despite its messiness and challenges, speaks volumes about the depth of our faith and our commitment to love the community. At church we encounter real people with real problems. Our imperfections and struggles create opportunities for deep, meaningful relationships and support. We grow through adversity. Patience and pain often spur personal and spiritual growth. It’s in the messiness that you learn patience, forgiveness, and true love. These experiences refine your character and strengthen your faith. Seeing the church navigate its challenges reminds you of God’s grace. The fact that imperfect people can come together, worship, and serve is a testament to the power of God’s love and forgiveness. Finally, being part of a local church allows you to be part of something bigger than yourself. Despite the mess, there’s a shared mission to spread the Gospel, help the needy, and support each other. This sense of purpose can be deeply fulfilling. Embracing the local church in all its imperfections means you see beyond the surface and appreciate the profound beauty of a community striving together in faith. It’s a testament to the transformative power of grace and love.
September 2024
​NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY
As we approach the fall season, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for a very special event on our church calendar: National Back to Church Sunday. This year, it will be held on September 15th, and I want to personally invite each of you to join us for this wonderful occasion.
National Back to Church Sunday is a time when we extend a warm welcome to everyone in our community, especially those who may have been away from church for a while or are seeking a place to belong. It’s an opportunity for us to come together, reconnect, and share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with one another.
Why is this day important?
Reconnecting: Life can get busy, and sometimes we drift away from our church family. This day is a perfect chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It’s a reminder that no matter how long we’ve been apart, we are always welcome in God’s house.
Community: Our church is more than just a building; it’s a community of believers who support and uplift each other. National Back to Church Sunday is a celebration of this community and a reminder of the strength we find in fellowship.
Invitation: This is also a great time to invite friends, neighbors, and family members who might be looking for a church home. Let’s extend our hospitality and show them the warmth and love that our church embodies.
How You Can Help
Pray: Pray for those who will be attending, that they may feel the presence of God and the love of our church community.
Invite: Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors. A personal invitation can make all the difference.
Participate: Join us on the day and be a part of the welcoming team. Your smile and friendly greeting can make someone’s day.
Let’s make this National Back to Church Sunday a memorable and impactful day for everyone.
I look forward to seeing you all there and celebrating the joy of being together in God’s presence.
Blessings,
Joining a Ministry Team: A Path to Service and Growth
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the various aspects of our church’s ministry. Our goal as a church is to “know Christ and to make Him known” to others. Joining a ministry team is a great way to help your church fulfill our mission and vision by “being a voice of hope in our church, community and world." Imagine yourself giving input and participating in one of our vital ministry teams. Whether your passion lies in worship, evangelism, children’s and youth ministry, discipleship, or fellowship, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful impact.
Worship Ministry: If you have a heart for music and leading others in praise, the worship ministry is a perfect fit. This team is responsible for creating an atmosphere of worship during services, using music and other forms of art to help the congregation connect with God. Whether you sing, play an instrument, or have skills in computers, audio visuals or sound and lighting, your talents can enhance the worship experience.
Evangelism/Outreach Ministry: For those passionate about sharing Jesus, the evangelism ministry offers opportunities to reach out to the community and beyond. This team focuses on spreading the message of Christ through publicity, outreach programs, events, and personal interactions. It’s a chance to make a difference in people’s lives by introducing them to the hope and love found in Jesus.
Children’s and Youth Discipleship Ministry: If you love working with kids and teenagers, the children’s and youth ministry is a rewarding place to serve. This team provides a safe and nurturing environment where young people can learn about God, grow in their faith, and build positive relationships. From teaching classes to organizing youth events, there are many ways to contribute to the spiritual development of the next generation.
Discipleship Ministry: The discipleship ministry is dedicated to helping individuals grow deeper in their faith through Bible studies, small groups, and mentoring relationships. This team supports the spiritual growth of the congregation by providing resources and guidance for personal and communal study of God’s Word. If you have a passion for teaching and mentoring, this is a great way to invest in others’ spiritual journeys.
Fellowship Ministry: Building a strong, supportive community is the focus of the fellowship ministry. This team organizes events and activities that bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. Whether it’s planning social gatherings, or providing food for various church events, the fellowship ministry plays a crucial role in creating a loving and connected church family.
Finally, joining a ministry team is more than just volunteering; it’s an opportunity to serve God and others, grow in your faith, and build meaningful relationships. No matter where your interests lie, there’s a place for you to contribute and make a difference. Consider where your passions and gifts align and take the step to join a ministry team today. Your involvement can have a lasting impact on your life and the lives of those you serve.