2006 Annual Ministry Report
Dear Fifth Church Family:
Each year the consistory is required to
present an annual report to the South Grand Rapids Classis. This report then
goes to the Synod of the Great Lakes as well as the General Synod. This "Consistorial Report"
gives an accounting of our church's membership, giving,
programs, growth or decline, etc. In particular, there is a
section in this report called "The Life And Spiritual Health Of The Congregation." I, along with
the staff, prepare responses and submit them to the consistory
for their input and affirmation. The answers that were given are important for the congregation as well as the consistory
and staff. The
following information was submitted...
2006 Annual
Consistorial Report
Part III
A. The Life and Spiritual
Health of the Congregation
These
questions ask for deeper reflection as a consistory and build
on the quantitative questions regarding discipleship,
leadership, and mission in Part II.
1. How have our commitments to
discipleship, leadership, and mission contributed to our
congregational health and vitality?
-
YOUTH - small groups, Bible studies, mission
trips, service trip in spring, summer camps, monthly games and
fellowship.
-
ADULTS - three Sunday school classes, small
groups, Bible study, outreach and evangelism.
-
SENIORS - education, Bible studies, missional
activities, fellowship.
-
WORSHIP - biblically based, focus on service
and missional mindset.
-
FELLOWSHIP - special breakfasts, small groups,
community sing-alongs.
2. What other commitments and processes
have helped us to become more vital this year?
- Being more involved in hospitality,
follow-up visiting, education classes specifically designed
around the visitor to make new connections.
- Prayer - which was the lowest stave of our
NCD report.
- Emphasis on service projects from youth and
adults: trips to Chicago as well as hosting Interfaith
Hospitality Network.
- Learning what it means to be a missional
congregation.
3. What two or three specific goals
might we set this year to help us more intentionally live out
the call to discipleship, leadership, and mission?
- Continuation of training and
- Empowering Ministry Teams
4. At the present moment, what are two
or three concerns of our church?
- With Jim Zinger leaving staff, we are in a
time of transition and change - we have two people on staff
who have both graduated from Western Theological Seminary in
2006 and we are in the process of discernment regarding
their roles.
- Beginning the process of a Pastoral Search
Team.
- We are also in the process of praying and
working on planting a church.
- Additionally, we are looking to remodel
existing facilities.
This has been a time of change and transition
in the life of Fifth Church. As we continue to celebrate and
give thanks to God for all that is good, and all that "binds
us together" as a 'Gospel Community,' we continue to be
faithful in carrying out the ministries that will strengthen
our walks with Jesus Christ as disciples, so that we will as
servants lead others to become disciples, too. The apostle
Paul, never at a loss for words, encourages congregations
throughout the world and all eras to Rejoice in the Lord
always...Do not worry about anything, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus (Philippians 4). May those words of praise and hope
instill within us a confidence to run the race that God has
set before us that God's kingdom will grow, that we will make
disciples of people from all over, and that we - as a
community - can take delight in the words of our Master
well done, good and faithful servant.
Bruce Mulder
Pastor for Congregational Ministries
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