Hi everybody! I am Dr. Fred Childs, the Senior Pastor here at Gracepoint in Granite City, Illinois. If you are located near us and are not a member of another church in our fellowship we would like to invite you visit us and become a part of our excitement about Jesus.
This church was founded in 1916 and as a church it has a long and stable history. My wife Monica and I were elected to serve here on May 28, 2006, and although we have been in the leadership of this church for only a short time we are tasked with transitioning it to become an effective force as a 21st Century church. This process is underway.
At this moment we are beginning to transition to an agenda of intentional priorities in order to accomplish that end. Our agenda will be designed to drive our vision in order to fulfill our mission. The following is a preview of things either being implemented or soon to be implemented to accomplish the next stages of growth preparation.
We will intentionally modify our agenda and establish curriculum in the following areas on an ongoing basis:
We will be a praying church therefore we will have opportunities for prayer on a regular basis. This will include teaching and mentoring on effective praying.
Leadership development. If we do not develop leaders we will not have leaders in the future. We will have regular and ongoing opportunities for leadership development. This includes both Biblical and practical business leadership practices. Our future church leaders will be qualified and selected from this core group.
Doctrine. We believe that sound and Biblical doctrine is an absolute essential. To propagate that we will have quarterly seminars for all teachers, musicians, ministers, singers, leaders, ministers, and including a general invitation for all members.
Open Bible Study. For those who enjoy diving deep into the rich and infallible Word of God we will have frequent opportunities to sit and discuss its many hidden treasures. This will provide us opportunities for personal growth and promote effective study techniques. The format will be an open Bible and open discussion for the sake of . . . as opposed to formal lessons taught from a lectern.
Small Groups. We will offer a variety of small groups. Most will be to promote the establishing of Biblical relationships an involvement as we reach out to others. Others will be for special groups, topics, needs, and purposes. Discipleship is a responsibility for the whole church, and small groups are the best means of becoming disciples.
Adequate ministry time for the Word and works of the Holy Ghost. We will find time in our regularly scheduled services to allow the Word to be delivered in an effective manner, and for the works of the Holy Ghost to be manifested as signs follow them that believe.
Visioneering. Where does God want us to go, where are we going, and how will we get there? These and other topics will be openly discussed and prayed over in sessions designed to expand our thinking and promote effective strategic planning.
Board. Although not a board ran church we are a church where I as the Senior Pastor have chosen to work with a small group of Christian men to oversee the business of the church. All major business decisions are prayed over, discussed, and implemented in a Godly manner.
Ministry Development. Anyone desiring a place in ministry or who feels the call to ministry will be encouraged to attend regularly scheduled ministry development classes.
Connections. We are developing and soon to implement an effective connections ministry. The purpose of this ministry is to connect every guest and member to the appropriate classes and opportunities as applicable unto them.
Special topics such as marriage, family, parenting, finances, and so forth. We will offer courses through a variety of media and teaching sources to develop our constituency in identified areas of need.
At this time we are making moves to enhance our Music and Sunday school ministries, including increased involvement in the same.
So Gracepoint is not sitting still. We are in the process of good change . . . and it is intentional.
Blessings!
Filed under: Gracepoint Church Granite City
