It is a joy to serve as the Director of Missions. My aim in this ministry is to connect with as much of the association and the area as I can in hopes of developing a vision. The following is a summary of where I am in this process toward vision.

TOWARDS VISION

The role of the church:

·        Motivate sinners to salvation

·        Mature the saved to servanthood

·        Mobilize servants among sinners

The role of the association is to support the process of the church via CARE

·        Concentrate

·        Affirm

·        Respond

·        Equip

Concentrate on the main thing: sharing Christ

What it isn't                  Evangelism isn't a program

What it is                      Evangelism is the pervading discipline in all we do for Christ.

Biblical Support            Matthew 28:18-20

Application                   Connections

1.      Connecting existing churches w/ opportunities

2.      Connecting church plants with community

3.      Balance church planting, revitalization and ministry.

Examples: Pre-revitalization, church start opportunities, Port Ministry, FBCH

Affirm the value of ministering in the Kingdom together

What it isn't                  The value of ministry isn't found in a secular success model

What it is                      The value of ministry is found in the presence of Christ.

Biblical Support            I Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 4:11-16

Application                   Win-Win

1.      Development of church that matches context

2.      Coordination of projects that bring out the giftedness in our churches.

3.      Provide opportunities to fellowship "en masse" and in small groups.

4.      Encourage the surrender of history.

5.      Emphasize the positives even in negative situations.

Examples: Intentional Interims, Support Groups, Planned Fellowship

Respond to the needs of church and community

What it isn't                  Meeting needs is not a "one size fits all" pursuit.

What it is                      Meeting needs recognizes the uniqueness of situations.

Biblical Support            Matthew 6:33

Application                   Accessibility

1.      Be in a position to resource the needs of churches.

2.      Catalogue the ministry resources in the association and provide to churches.

Examples: Community Links, Mission Options

Equip the equippers

What it isn't                  Equipping the equipper isn't the replacement of the equipping role                                              of the local church.

What it is                      Equipping the equipper is outfitting church leaders to better fulfill                                                the role of an equipper.

Biblical Support            Hebrews 13:20-21

Application                   Missional

1.      Understand the opportunities that the lost culture provides the church to interact now.

2.      Recognize trends that engage the church to position itself for the future.

Example: Intentional Equipping Conferences

My family and I thank you for your support. We look with great excitement to the years ahead.

In Christ,

Troy Varnum