Q7. How are we equipping our members for ministry and outreach?

As we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ we are compelled to respond. We realize that everything we own really belongs to Him; every talent we have can be used in fulfilling His plan for the world. Our growing Christian maturity creates a desire for responsible stewardship of our time, talents and resources in a way that transforms our community and brings hope, healing and justice into the world.

Members have the opportunity to discover and claim the gifts God has given them. Some of us are called to teach, some to preach, some to finance the kingdom of God. Our lives are blessed abundantly when we use our gifts in His name. We equip our members for ministry and outreach by helping them discover and use their talents.

Within the context of "Gifts" classes people discover their natural talents, spiritual gifts, personality, values and passions for ministry. Prayer is important in helping everyone grasp and employ these gifts in the building of God's kingdom. Ministry guides walk with each individual as they search for the best ministry for their God-given gifts. Future classes are also being developed to help people learn and grow in their spiritual gifts.

We equip our members to minister to one another. Some of the needs inside our church community include gifts of teaching, childcare, youth mentoring, hospitality, music, healing and support. Leaders are needed for small groups, Bible studies, prayer ministries, fellowship groups and support networks. We need help with media, technology, meals and facilities. All of these needs require time commitments and giftedness.

Calvary’s Connecting Point is available to guide people in finding service opportunities from many different aspects as well as connections to ministries. Additionally, members are encouraged to discover new opportunities to use their talents. Resources and support are provided for new ministries that are approved by the executive staff.

We equip our members for a successful ministry experience. Volunteers are provided clear ministry descriptions, training and ongoing support. Importance is placed on making sure that all members clearly understand what they are being asked to do, know how to do it and have a person to turn to if they need assistance.

We equip our members for outreach. We serve in various communities through our programs and through our members. We use our gifts to meet the human needs of families and individuals who are vulnerable, lonely, and in need of our support. We share the good news of the gospel with those who do not know Christ. We reach out and serve more effectively through partnerships with others who share our vision. We teach and equip our children and youth to serve by providing them opportunities for direct service.

We see the opportunity for members to influence public policy and encourage and support their active participation in solving the metro housing crisis and transforming neighborhoods. We support other churches in need and are seeking ways to understand the needs of immigrants and refugees in our local community so that we can better mentor and serve them.

We equip our members for global missions. Some members use their time and talents for long term missionary assignments. We coach others for short-term projects. More of us stay behind and support and sustain them with our prayers, monies, and communication. But we all learn from them and their experiences and develop new interests in global service.

We are learning how to involve more of our members through mission partnerships. Our children learn about the culture and lifestyles of other children across the world and engage in projects to support them. Photos and email connect them. Mission partners are welcomed at Calvary and given open forums to meet and educate our members and share the message of God working around the world.

Youth are equipped and sent on mission projects in the USA, Ecuador and Mexico. In the future, we envision more and more families serving and using their talents together. We plan to host missionary families on our staff to bring global issues and opportunities into our church and equip more members for global service.

Giving is vital to ministry and outreach. A major sign of Christian maturity is a financial response. Today many people feel squeezed by costs of living and conflicting priorities...between giving God our very best and also giving our families the very best. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ we begin to recognize that 100% of our assets belong to God. We experience a spiritual breakthrough when we feel blessed to live on 80-90%.

Calvary members gave over a million dollars to missions and outreach last year. They also responded generously to crisis and emergencies in our local community and throughout the country. There were also designated gifts for special outreach ministries and endowment gifts for missions and special funds.

The lesson of the lonely widow who gave all she had with a thankful heart is a difficult message for those new to the faith to grasp. As we bring more and more new believers to Calvary we need to help them understand that giving not only helps those in need but also pours out abundant blessings upon the giver. We also need to continually remind our members that God expects us to give regularly and sacrificially to support the work in His kingdom.

 

Strategic Imperative #7: Increase awareness of gift discovery and ministry and outreach opportunities. Increase giving units and sacrificial giving.

next, Strategic Assessment - Question 8 and Answer

Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley
7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley Minnesota 55427 [see map]
Telephone: 763.545.5659 | Fax: 763.545.6953

Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m.; 8:45 a.m.; 10:00 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.;
Thursday Worship: 6:30 p.m.

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