Message from the Director of Missions

 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: Matt 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 Cor 12:12-31; Eph 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: Matt 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:Heb 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