Reedy's Mission and Prayer
Background
In February 2022, the Leadership Team and Staff met for a planning day. One of the outcomes was go through a new vision process.
Process
The process of establishing a new vision included:
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May 2022 – Informed the church of the vision process;
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July 2022– Asked the church to pray for God to reveal His vision;
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September 2022 – Surveyed the church on some key areas;
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October 2022 – Vision Team commenced.
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November 2022 – Updated the Church at AGM on the Vision Progress;
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January 2023 – Draft Vision presented to the Leadership Team.
Throughout this process, the church was asked to keep on praying for God’s vision which occurred at the Wednesday night Prayer Group, at some Life Groups, and several Sunday Services. The Leadership Team was also updated on the progress.
Vision Team Discussions
The Vision Team consisted of Karyn Butcher, Robbie Townsend, Paul Voigt, Karen Deacon, Lucinda Cancelleri, Bill Horne, and David Moyes. A couple of others were invited but due to other commitments were unable to be a part of the group. Each member of the team contributed well to the discussions, giving their inputs and ideas. There was also good unity within the group.
The Team met on six occasions.
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We studied the Church Survey (2022) and National Church Life Survey (2021) and highlighted key areas that needed attention.
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We read and discussed various scripture passages.
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We read various articles and watched some video clips.
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We discussed what various RCBC members passed onto to us for consideration.
Statistics, finances, programs, and perhaps facilities are often involved in vision planning. While these are important, the Vision Team felt led to focus primarily on spiritual growth.
According to research, apathy has filled western churches, while governments are making laws that will provide challenges to churches and Christian institutions. The National Church Life Survey (2021) has again indicated that Reedy’s attenders are less incline to share the gospel with others even though a McCrindle survey indicates that Aussies are interested in spirituality more than we realise. Since Covid-19 average attendance of church goers have fallen, volunteerism is down, and much transition of attendees between churches.
Believing that the greatest Commandments and the Great Commission by our Lord Jesus hasn’t changed, and in light of the surveys and what’s happening within our society, the Vision Team believe that our church prioritise seeking and asking God to revive our love for Him, people and disciple making. Like what the Sons of Korah wrote in Psalm 85:6, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6 ESV). The Vision Team believes that through a God sent revival, the fruit will be a) resilient faith when societal pressure occur; b) greater boldness to share faith with others; c) more enthusiasm to serve our Lord; d) deeper trust in Him in many aspects of our lives.
To summarise what we believe God is calling Reedy to be are two statements:
Our Mission:
Loving God, Loving People, Making disciples
Our Prayer:
To experience a God sent revival within our church and a spiritual awakening in our communities
Key Words
Our Mission: Our – this is us, its who we are called to be and do. Mission - A mission statement defines the organization’s business. A vision statement details where the organization aspires to go.
Loving: Loving God, Loving People - Matthew 22:37,39. Loving is also in its continual tense, meaning we must keep on loving…
Making Disciples – Matthew 28:18-20
Our Prayer – we see prayer as an act of faith, depending on God’s power to cause the supernatural to intervene.
God sent – Acknowledges that it is God who revives, breathes new life into us (Ezekiel 37:1-10)
revival – revive means making alive, keeping alive.
within our church – recognises our need as a church to be humble, seeking, growing (2 Chronicles 7:14).
spiritual awakening – Biblically, a spiritual awakening is not a waking from spiritual sleep but a resurrection from spiritual death. One who is awakened by the Holy Spirit is recreated into a completely new person (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3).
Our communities – reaching the lost in our communities (to those we work, socialise, and live with).
Strategies
While it is important to emphasise that people are responsible for their own spiritual growth, the church needs to assist and provide resources, groups, and events to help our members grow. The Vision Team suggest the following strategies.
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Prayer
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Prayers groups committed to seek the Lord for breakthroughs that leads to revival.
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Life Groups committed together to seek the Lord for revival within their group and the wider church.
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Church Service Prayers include seeking God to revive our love for God, people and disciple making.
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Prayer Ministry Weekends, perhaps with gifted pray-ers, for those seeking breakthrough.
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Spiritual Guided Weekend Retreats
2. Intentional Discipleship for
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Families – encourage parents that they are responsible for discipling their children. Church to provide ideas and resources for discipling of children.
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Leaders – church to equip leaders spiritually. Leaders model hunger for God. Leaders disciple others in smaller groups.
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Those desiring deeper bible knowledge – provide Bible courses.
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Men – small groups of men meeting together regular to study the bible and what God is saying to them.
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Women – small groups of women meeting together regular to study the bible and what God is saying to them.
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Children/Youth – Provide opportunities to make disciples.
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Provide pathways to help people grow as disciples.
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Newcomers – communicating to them what our church’s direction is about, what to expect, and how they can be involved.
3. Worship
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Weekly Services – teaching on our mission, testimonies from those experiencing revival, prayers for revival.
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Special Times of Worship – Provide group times of worship and prayer (mid-week)