May
23rd we conducted our annual “church health” survey. 29 out of 30 participants returned their
questionnaires! The most successful survey in 5 years! The results are in, and your elders had
reviewed them for implementation. This
coming Sunday morning at our mid-year business meeting we will also address
urgent needs for improving quality of our church life.
Here
I would only briefly repeat what you’ve read already last week. We are blessed with many improvements and
advancements. Committed core of those
who serve in our church feel their task is a positive challenge that stretches
their faith. Our church tries to help
those in need. We pray for our friends,
colleagues and relatives who do not yet know Jesus Christ, that they will come
to faith. We try to deepen our
relationships with people who do not yet know Jesus Christ. People have experienced God using their
personal work for building and strengthening the church. When someone in our
church does a good job, we tell them, and encourage. The spirituality
level is quite high.
However,
there are three areas where we need to grow more. I invite you to consider
prayerfully following urgent needs, expressed by people:
·
There is lack of holistic groups where we could share with trust, and
which would be relevant, and provide support.
·
In our church it not possible to talk with other people about personal
problems.
·
Our leaders show very little concern for the personal problems of
members.
·
We cannot rely on our friends in church.
·
There are people in our church with bitterness toward others
Obviously our leaders are not known well by our people, as members do
not see leaders as spiritual examples, and do not think that leaders enjoy
their tasks of serving. Even though evangelistic zeal is up, we find that when
new
people come to church
events, we do not approach them openly and lovingly, and it is hard for new
believers to find friends in our church quickly.
Remember,
the 3 DNA strands of being a Christian are: Love God, Love people, Make
Disciples.
