is “it” happening?
Dear Family of Faith,
As many of you know, Pastor Gary Stanton volunteers part-time for us at Faith because he is involved full-time in a real estate business that he owns. Recently he purchased a home for investment purposes in the Tacoma area. Gary soon received a “welcome to the community – please come to our church” postcard at the address of this property. It was even personalized to include his name!
Now as you look at the flyer, you can’t help but notice that the box next to the notation that reads, “Unpack the dog dish” is unchecked. No doubt about it … Fido wants his food!
But did you also notice that the box with the notation “Find a good church!” is also unchecked? So here’s a question: What makes for a good church that will attract others? More to the point: Is Faith a good church that will attract others?
In terms of being a good church, most of us would say that the place to begin is by being founded upon the rock solid truths of the Bible. I would certainly agree. And, praise the Lord … such is the case here at Faith. We maintain the highest commitment to the inerrant Word of God and our doctrinal statement is a strong reflection of our unwavering devotion to His Scriptures. However, there are many churches in our world today which have this same commitment and yet seem to be lacking. In fact, the percentage of “Bible believing” churches in America that are declining and/or closing is at an all-time high. So there must be something more to being a healthy church than simply having the truths of God’s Word at your fingertips. What is it that makes the difference?
Christian pastor & author, Craig Groeschel, has written a book that deals with this vital question. The title of his book is, It: How Churches And Leaders Can Get It And Keep It. Throughout the course of the summer the ministry staff at Faith is setting aside time, on Monday afternoons, to study this excellent book that details what it looks & feels like to be a church that has it happening. The deacons and I are also going through this study on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm and have invited anyone in our church who is interested to attend. Please join us is in “the Octagon” room of Building B if you would like to come. And even if you can’t make this particular study, I urge everyone at Faith to order a copy of the book online or purchase one at a Christian bookstore. What you will learn (along with us) is that it is a gift from God, who is the only source of it. I am convinced that our Lord holds it in his hands and is ready to give it to us. We must be ready to see it, seize it, and share it!
One of the ways I see that our Lord is bringing it about at Faith is through the emails I receive from people of all different ages who are both new to our church and established here. Allow me to share a few excerpts. I hope their words encourage you and help to set your perspective about what God is doing at Faith as much as they have helped me.
We are new at Faith and have thoroughly enjoyed the Sunday services. The music has been very uplifting and refreshing, and John’s sermons have been meaningful to us. Being new we are slowly learning people’s names. It is great to look forward to Sunday!
- Mike -
I am so glad Stephen invited me to join him for the worship service. I was so blessed by the awesome worship time, communion, the sending of the young people off to missions and the hearing of God’s Word! Loved it all!
- Kim -
Exciting things are happening at Faith and I will continue to pray with fervor that the Holy Spirit will sweep through our church with a fresh wind and a fresh fire, igniting the hearts of everyone to submit to God’s will and help lead the charge for the glory of God’s kingdom.
- Steve -
I just wanted to share how excited we are. My husband and I feel like Faith is on the brink of something great happening. We are glad to be a part of that. God wants to bring it! I pray that others will catch the vision … that God does His work in us individually so He can do a bigger work through us collectively! I’m doing a happy dance right now – you just can’t see it.
- Terri -
So does Faith have it ? In all honesty, I would say that the Holy Spirit is leading us in the direction of it… Especially as I read comments like the ones above. And of course, by now you are asking, “What is it ?” Truthfully, I really don’t know. At least not fully. But here’s what I do know. The Holy Spirit brings it to God’s children who have …
• Passion for His presence – Are anticipating God!
• A deep craving to reach the lost – Are lovingly helping others fully follow Jesus!
• Sincere integrity – Are seeking to live honestly and transparently!
• Spirit-filled faith – Are God-inspired visionaries spiritually!
• Down-to-earth humility – Are godly but not grand-standers!
• Brokenness – Are always desiring more grace for oneself & to share with others!
This summer I am personally leading the “it” study because I am seeking to lay some initial groundwork for a new message series that I will be starting on the first Sunday of October. That new series will focus on the ministry strategy of Faith and how we can have more of it as individuals, in our homes and in our church. Maybe I should rephrase that to read: How it can truly have more of a hold on us, our families & church.
As we move into summer, I need to be candid and frank with you about money issues at Faith. The “picture” is a real mix of good and bad. First the good news: Recently, in a short period, you donated a large amount of funds for our summer missionary outreach to Mexico, Morocco, Japan, and Native American children in South Dakota. Praise God! And thank you for giving so generously to these endeavors. But now the tougher news: Our General Fund giving is below what it genuinely has to be in order for us to meet support goals for our ongoing ministries, missionaries and ministers. So, right now, Faith needs all of our people to direct extra special attention to this reality and give with specific focus & faithfulness to our regular offering. If we all tithe to the General Fund, the stress will be eliminated. Please, your immediate aid is urgently requested. Thank you in advance for helping! May the Lord bless you. Luv ya …
Keepin’ at it,
John K. Nagle
Lead Pastor
