‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’
Zechariah 8:20
At significant moments in salvation history, God has called his people to seek him in prayer. I believe that this is such a time in the life of Calvary Church. God has blessed us greatly over the past several years. The Vision One process has given us focus and raised an awareness and desire for discipleship among many in the congregation. We were blessed with an extremely smooth dismissal to ECO which unified the congregation and raised expectations for the future. God continues to work through faithful staff, leaders, and partners in ministry. God has provided for us in every way.
Yet it would be less than honest not to admit that we face challenges. We face the challenges of living into the values and ethos of ECO. How do we become a different kind of church rather than simply operating under a new denominational label? How do we grow as a flourishing congregation that makes disciples of Jesus Christ? We face challenges in that we are an increasingly aging congregation. How do we address the ministry implications of that reality both now and in the future? What changes will that require? What opportunities does it bring? We, like all churches, face the challenges of ministry in a rapidly shifting culture.
In the midst of challenges, I believe that God has an exciting future for Calvary Church. This future will not be brought about by our own strivings and effort alone. We need the presence and power of God.
Through the months of July and August, the Elders of Calvary Church have called our congregation to a season of prayer focused upon:
1) thanking God for his faithfulness and favor in the past
2) recommitting ourselves to God’s call and purposes for Calvary Church
3) seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for our future
4) asking for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our own lives and in our life together, that God’s Kingdom would be advanced to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Groups have been gathering for this purpose on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30pm and Sundays from 9:15 to
9:45am. I invite you to join us—both in your personal prayers and, as you are able, in these corporate gatherings—to seek the Lord in prayer for the future of our congregation.
Grace and Peace,
Steve
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