PURPOSE DRIVEN PEOPLE

                              BUILD PURPOSE DRIVEN CHURCHES

For 42 days, over 125 members and friends of Blakely First UMC read a daily devotional, gathered in small groups to discuss it, and attended worship on Sundays to hear a sermon based on the campaign themes.  Along the way, we discovered and rediscovered God’s purpose for our lives!  We were made to Be Loved by God and to return His love; that’s worship!  We were made to Belong to God’s Family; that’s Fellowship!  We were made to Become like Jesus; that’s Discipleship!  We were made to Bless God and others; that’s Ministry!  And we were made to Be Sent; that’s Outreach!

In creating the human race, Christ has uniquely designed us to Worship God, to Fellowship with others, to Disciple others (and to be Discipled), to Minister to others using our S.H.A.P.E., and to Reach out to others and bring them into the Christian family.  But this is more than a strategy for living the Christian life; it is also a strategy for the life of the Christian Community.  Churches are meant to Worship, to Fellowship, to Disciple, to Minister, and to Reach Out.  And when we do these things, in balance, and in cooperation with each other, there is life and vitality in the Church of Jesus Christ.  In fact, some churches have organized their church government (polity) around these 5 purposes with only one committee, the Trustees and Staff Relations Committee.  It is meant to keep church life simple and streamlined.

So, what’s next?  Where do we go from here as individuals?  As a church family?  What’s our next step?  First, may I suggest that you continue a daily pattern of devotional reading.  I have resources that I can suggest to you upon request.  Just ask!  Second, please continue to meet with a small group of friends to study and discuss scripture.  I have suggested Kevin Watson’s “The Class Meeting” as a good resource for small group formation.  Let’s keep moving forward, not backward!

And now, a word of gratitude!  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Ladies at the Sunshine Shop.  The initial estimated cost of our campaign was $25 per person; however, the Ladies at the Sunshine Shop stepped forward and provided the funds, enabling us to provide all the campaign resources free.  Thank You!  We owe a big “Thank You” to those who opened their homes and hosted our groups.  At a time when visiting in homes is a rare thing, they set aside their comfort and opened their doors and their hearts to us.  Thank You!  We owe a big “Thank You” to the Leadership Team who helped dream and plan the whole campaign.  From a casual conversation with Bebi to text messages, from phone calls to emails, God was at work among us because the Campaign was planned and organized by the Leadership Team.  We are indebted to the Prayer Team, Susan & Pam, and those who participated in the two prayer vigils.  Without prayer, our efforts would have been fruitless.  I praise God for what He has done among us and I look for even better things to go!

                                                                                                                        Pastor Tucker