Editor’s
journey
10
resolutions for a local church
ST. LOUIS — Every New Year’s
Eve I promise myself I’m going to lose weight, get more exercise, spend
more time with the Lord and give more to missions. Some may find these kinds
of resolutions useless, but they tend to motivate me to re-examine my priorities
and set new goals for the coming year.
January 4-10 has been established
as the National Week of Prayer for the Assemblies of God. This is a time for
individuals to seek the Lord and receive His direction. It is also a time
for congregations to come together and ask the Lord what He would have them
accomplish as a church body.
Here are some resolutions a local
church may want to consider for 2004:
1. We will be known in the community
for our compassion and unity.
2. We will be more involved in
the community by having representatives attend school board and city council
meetings.
3. We will encourage
our pastor and his or her family — making sure financial
needs are met and ensuring enough time is taken for rest and reflection.
4. We will be a people-friendly
church and take intentional steps to make guests feel welcome.
5. We will provide training and
opportunities for personal evangelism so more people can find Christ this
year.
6. We will offer a discipleship
program for new converts and make every effort to nurture young believers.
7. We will emphasize Christian
education for the entire family, helping both children and adults develop
a love for God’s Word.
8. We will encourage parishioners
and new converts to seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
9. We will endeavor to give more
to missions.
10. We will value time at the altar
and cherish the times our congregation comes together for prayer and worship.
— Hal Donaldson
E-mail your comments to pe@ag.org.
