Our records indicate that a segment of our church family does not provide any financial support through this church. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is a segment that provides generously and faithfully through this work. My goal has always been to challenge every person in our church family to participate financially regardless of one’s income bracket. Financial stewardship isn’t for the few; it is for the many – all of the church family participating financially in the work. There is an incredible joy to be learned in faithful and obedient giving to the Lord through the local church. 

As I look toward 2010, there are many great and wonderful opportunities. They can only be realized through the faithful, obedient, and generous support of the Memorial family. This Sunday, you’ll be challenged to go and pray over the next two weeks about your role in financial stewardship at Memorial. Am I doing what I am supposed to be doing? Can I do more? Am I to do more? Where do I begin? These are all questions that we should ask ourselves.

80% of those who attended the service stayed for lunch. Another 40% (of those who attended worship) turned in their interest cards from the placemats after lunch. We had a good attendance at both campuses for the Town Hall Meetings. I'm proud of this church family! While the plan makes sense to most people; it is a clear and concise directive for doing the basics well. This plan was never created to sit on a shelf or to be framed on the wall. It was developed for action. Plans don’t become reality without action. These are the days for action at Memorial Baptist Church. When I reference the church, that’s exactly what I mean. It’s not a plan for a few, but a plan for the whole. We need the body engaged in ministry. We need everyone at every station. We need each one doing their part contributing to the whole. 

So where do we go now? What are the go forward steps? We begin this week organizing to meet with the individuals who have expressed interest in one of the eleven specific actions items briefly discussed Sunday. My goal is to have completed the initial meeting process with all eleven groups within the next 90 days. The goal is to both give direction and collaborate on the most effective means to accomplish each of the 11 action items and to get started towards reaching the goal. We will work in conjunction with the Leadership Development Committee in undergirding existing structure and in some cases creating additional structure to engage the stated objectives. 

You will remember that 80% of the plan is focused on doing the basics well while 20% of the plan is focused on creative and new ministry ventures. I’m both convinced and committed to leading this church to doing the essentials well. We must give people something worth their involvement. I am excited about what the future holds for Memorial Baptist Church.

Today is Veterans Day. It is a time to recognize our men and women who have served faithfully in our military protecting the causes and interests of our nation. They have sacrificed in many ways including putting their life on hold in order that others can live and thrive in this protected freedom. I am both thankful and proud of our veterans. We owe them much gratitude and respect!

Ministry Goals for 2010-2012 

1. Effective Evangelism and Discipleship – “To encourage, equip, and engage in the sharing of the gospel and the discipleship of believers.” 
2. Effective Ministry – “To create, implement, and maintain meaningful ministry for engaging the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental well being of our community.” 
3. Effective Involvement – “To increase the overall ministry participation on both campuses.” 
4. Effective Structure – “To develop, implement, and maintain appropriate organizational structures for effective ministry.” 
5. Effective Facilities – “To develop and implement a strategy for best use and future development of campus physical plants.” 

You will hear much about the word effective over the weekend due to a new evaluation strategy proposal. Our goal is to establish expectations by incorporating at least one of five evaluation tools for everything we do as a church family. It allows us an opportunity to honesty critique programs, ministry, and ongoing concerns. The implementation of an evaluation process will afford us the opportunity to move from good to great in our efforts and ministry. 

On this graphic, you’ll notice a C, G, and S in the upper left hand corner. These icons represent the three components to our proposed Mission Statement. All of our activities, programs, ministry, and efforts will be labeled with an icon for either Connect, Grow, or Serve. This will help us to make sure that what we do as a church family falls within the focus of our Mission Statement. It will help us continually keep our mission before us. It will help us to make sure our ministry is balanced. 

Why these five goals? These five goals represent doing the basics well. While we leave much room for creativity in ministry, we must do the basics well. We can always attract a crowd, but we must offer substance and value to keep the crowd. We must offer depth, relevance, and meaning.Can’t wait for Sunday!

“Living the Gospel to transform our community”

As you read through this statement there are two significant parts creating the whole. “Living the Gospel” sets the direction for a congregation not only to be a people of words, but a people of action. Those outside the church are watching those who claim to be a part of the church. Our cultural context calls for Christians who will live the gospel – in transparency, authenticity, and in relevance. People need to see that the stuff we talk about is real. They need to know that real life change is possible. 

“To transform our community” is the second part of this statement. Our vision is to make a difference in both our local and extended communities. As we live a dynamic and real faith, our goal is to work in transforming our community for Christ. We desire to see the population of the Greater Baytown area in a real and authentic relationship with Christ while serving Him.

This is our vision - to live for Him and to make a difference where He's planted us. 

 “Connecting with God and people through authentic community, growing in understanding and personal application of biblical principles for life, and serving people by meeting needs through one’s unique ability”

While that’s a mouthful and perhaps most will not place this entire statement to memory, Here’s the shorter more concise version: 

 “Connect, Grow, and Serve” 

That’s it! It takes just three words to describe our mission. How easy is that? Our mission as Memorial Baptist Church is to Connect, Grow, and Serve. This is what Memorial is about.

Thought I’d share this with you. I know my posts have been somewhat “video heavy” the past couple of weeks, but Mike Harvey sent this to me (and a couple of others) and I thought it good to pass along. This was the first time I’d seen this video. Be sure and watch the whole thing through. You might be tempted to cut it off early, but don’t. You’ll miss the best part – trust me on this.  Merry Christmas!

A quick tally of decision cards indicated 33 decisions for Christ (salvations) and 41 rededications. What a great night! Thank you, Lord! Continue to pray for Judgement House and for night two this evening. Pray for strength and health for the cast, crew, and volunteers. Pray also for the several hundred people that will walk through the progressive drama tonight. 

Can’t wait for tonight!