BE the Church -- GSLC in 2007
Spreading the Love of Jesus Christ locally, regionally, and globally

In order to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ we must learn how to be the church in both our words and our actions.   Here are just a few words from Jesus that shape us in this quest:

 ...I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18) 

...I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--I lay my life down for the sheep (John 10:14--15)

...I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart form me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Jesus makes a promise to his people that he will build the church here upon the earth.  He will ensure its growth and longevity.  Jesus will not only build the church but he will also shepherd the church and provide it leadership.  As Jesus builds the church he asks us to stay connected with him so that our lives will bear fruit which brings glory to the Father in heaven.  To be the church means to live out our lives under the grace and leadership of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus prepared to leave this earth he asked his followers to do two things which became the primary focus/job of the church.  We know that we are called to

       "Be witnesses of the Gospel" -- spreading the news of Jesus

       "Make disciples of all people" -- learning to live as followers of Jesus

In order to be witnesses of the Gospel we have developed a three-fold plan for sharing the gospel in our local, regional, and global areas.  This three fold plan is built on these words of Jesus and the evangelist St. Paul.

...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.      (Acts 1:8)

...Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
(Colossians 4:2--6)

Step #1 -- Sharing the Gospel

...Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 5:42) 
 

v      Compiling a list of new residents to the community so that we can invite to church and share the Gospel      

v      Coordinating "servant evangelism" projects throughout the year such as Oktoberfest, Summer Bowling, Operations Christmas Wrap, etc. 

v      Contacting individuals who visit on Sunday morning and inviting to new member class   

v      Sharing the Gospel via the our Internet homepage and in small group settings   

v      Providing personal evangelism training twice a year

 Step #2 -- Serving the Community

...You are the salt of the earth...and the light of the world...therefore let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13--16) 

v      Building a Habitat for Humanity House -- March 10th 2007 kickoff date 

v      Serving the Homeless in our community through the ministry of the Old Firehouse Shelter

v      Providing support and resources to individuals who are trying to break free from addiction

v      Contributing financially to support the ministries of the Caring Center of Gardendale and the North Jefferson Women's Center 

v      Potentially developing an after school tutoring program for the North Jefferson Area

Step #3 -- Supporting our Missionary Partners 

...In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who has began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  
 

• Camp Restore and Shepherd's Heart www.camprestore.org
• Crossroads Lutheran Church -- www.onthecrossroad.com 
• Faith Life Ministries -- www.faithlifeministires.net  
• LCMS World Relief and Human Care -- www.worldrelief.lcms.org
• LCMS World-Missions -- www.lcmsworldmissions.org 
• Samaritan's Purse -- www.samaritanspurse.org 
• African Training Institute -- Kintatle Presbryterian, Uganda