ALAN'S BLOG

This Sunday you will hear some of them speak about their ideas for outreach. They are answering the question: "If I had no connections to a church, what would interest me in coming to this church?" I think that’s relevant because they fit the family demographic our churches are losing. They are also showing a desire to commit to our Bible study, taking time out of their busy week to grow and to learn. They are looking for good and wholesome friendships. They don’t bring a ‘church’ background like so many of us who have been in the church for years and years. And, most importantly, they want to see our church excited about the Lord and about our outreach.

As I mentioned Sunday, part of that overall plan of outreach is starting a Bible study at a local sandwich/coffee shop on Wednesday nights. This will begin the first Wednesday night in April. It’s actually more of a ‘life talk’ (relevant topics about living) and it will be my job to point out how God is involved in our lives. On Wednesday nights we already have classes for children. This will enable parents to have a built in ‘baby-sitting’ service through the church. Not only will we be teaching adults about God, their children will learn about God too!

I hope we’ll listen prayerfully and attentively as we hear from this small group. They have some great ideas and insights. They will explain what they see as our strengths and our weaknesses.

One of the things I am personally working on through these talks is a big day this summer for children and parents. We will have a ‘summer fun day’ for the kids. While the kids are having their special day there will be various classes for adults in the building. There will be four sections: Living the single life; Marriage Enrichment; Financial Freedom; Stress & Time Management.

I will be conducting classes in the Marriage Enrichment section. Barry Jones has been asked to help with the Singles. Cindy Watson is going to be doing a section on Time Management. I am currently looking for other teachers who can help with the Financial class (particularly debt issues) and other teachers for Stress Management. It will be like a mini-lectureship where people can choose various classes to attend.

I hope you are looking forward to our time together with Jason, Debra and Sarah giving us some of their insights. With our future planning and with God leading us, I believe great things will happen at New Hope. Please pray that we will do what Jesus commanded, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." There’s a reason this is called ‘The Great Commission’ and not ‘The Great Option!’ Jesus expects us to live by every command, not just the ones we like. Pray that God will bless our church in wonderful ways!