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We were blessed
two weeks ago to have Mr. Joseph Miller of Discovering Life Ministries
spend several days studying our church and community in order
to help us better understand and pursue God's direction for Evangel.
As Proverbs says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel . . ."
(15:22). We believe it prudent to seek advice from someone who
can view our situation from the larger perspective he brings as
a professional consultant. Joe is currently working with over
100 churches similar to ours in faith and practice. He presented
a summary of his conclusions at our summer quarterly meeting,
7/25, including a number of recommendations regarding our ministry,
facilities, and finances. Copies of his 50-page written report
are available through the church office, and it will be posted
on the Evangel web site very soon for anyone who wishes to review
it. Some of his advice can be acted on immediately, while some
will take time to process. Our Deacon Board, Adult Discipleship
Committee, and Building Committee are considering possible actions
and proposals to bring to the church body in the near future based
on the advice we have received.
It has also been encouraging to see many Evangel people, led by Margo Hall and Carla Strome, preparing and involved in the Marketplace 29 A.D. Vacation Bible School program this week, 8/1-5. We've anticipated this special week for several months. A visible outreach event, open to our community, is underway. Keep your eyes open; it may show up on the Channel 5/10, 6 or 11 p.m. news this week. I'm serious.
Thinking about the planning mode we have been in these days has repeatedly reminded me of another one of Solomon's insights quoted at the heading of this column. A man credited with numerous ambitious projects himself (see 1 Kings 5-7 and Ecclesiastes 2), he knew what planning was all about. But he was aware that more than wise planning was required to accomplish such feats. The Lord's strength and blessing is what ultimately determines our success.
We have more planning ahead of us at Evangel. There is much we will have to process as a church family, which is going to take will, work, time, and prayer on our part. I pray that our entire church body will be on board as we enter this time. However, it is also important that we realize that the most we can do, strategic as our part is, really just sets the stage - "prepares the horse" - for what ultimately we depend upon God to accomplish through us by his strength.
-- Steve Wilson, Pastor