First Church of the Nazarene

Pastors Note:

 The fiscal church year is half over.  I have some good news to give to you at the half way point of the fiscal church year.  On average we are discipling 116 on a regular basis every week.   That means we are discipling 8 more than the same time last year.  We are averaging 131 worshipping with us every week.  That is 9 more worshipping with us now than the same time last year.  To date you have given generously for all purposes to accomplish the mission of the church to the tune of $132,000.  This is $16,000 more now than the same time last year.    This all sounds great and it really is!  However, our work is far from over.  

 

As we go into December, let our missional strategy scriptures remind us why we celebrate Christmas, why Jesus came in the first place. 

Luke 10:2 (NLT) ² “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.

John 12:24-26 (NLT)  ²⁴ I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. ²⁵ Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.  ²⁶ Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

 

From these scriptures the board developed our missional strategy objective for this church year. I share it here again with you: 

Objective:

To continually practice the missional essentials at such unprecedented levels, we have to place our faith completely in God, because we are obeying his call to send and be sent wherever, (Loudon, Farragut, Cuba, Harriman, Tellico Village) with whatever, ($, people, time, talent, training) and whenever, (Now and as His plan unfolds) Christ directs this church.  

 

We have already met together with the Loudon Church to collaborate on planting a Hispanic church in Loudon.  One couple has already agreed to go and be a part of the team to help plant this church in Loudon.   There are others who have already approached me about planting another church and some are even getting training later this winter to learn skills to plant a church.   

 

December is the month we celebrate the coming of Jesus the Messiah, who came to make disciples, to redeem the world, and to restore relationship with his lost children.    We have a good start, let us press forward with our celebration so forcefully that it is not just a December celebration but a lifestyle of sending and being sent to accomplish the purpose for which our Savior came in the first place. 

Pastor David.