A Time to Invest

Nov 27, 2022    Ritchie Johnson

Fireside Chat

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Slides:


4 Observations from the parable of the talent:

We are slavesWe only need be faithful in a few thingsThe faithful may be put in charge of many thingsGod does not need us


Our mission: Rescipleship = discipleship in the context of relationship.


Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."


Our vision (practice of mission) at The Chapel:

WordWorshipWithnessWitness


Acts 2:42-47

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they [began] selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.


We want to see discipleship happen from the inside out.


Some “inside” discipleship goals over the next 5 years:

Small groupsMinimum 50% participation of Sunday attendanceIncorporating the ministry of the Holy SpiritGroups participating with missional opportunitiesLeadership and process for biblical guidance (pastoral counseling)A deliberate, biblical approach to biblical manhood/womanhood/gender/sexualityBuilding renovations/updates/maintenanceSchool of Ministry (to be continued…)


From the inside out: We believe God wants us to be a “sending” church.


Clip from “Are We There Yet” 9:28-11:17 (from April 22, 2018)


From Ritchie's “Are We There Yet” notes:

Are We There Yet

Intro: from an acorn to oak tree

Vision – missionaries, ministries, church plants



The sacrifices of a sending church:

LeadersMoneyReputationRelationships


How do we think the Lord wants us to send?

School of ministry (2025)Assist in…Sending short and long-term missionaries 6 since 2017Praying for 10 more by 2027Creating and participating in local ministriesAutonomous church plantsPraying for 2 by 2027PreK (2024)


Zechariah 4:6(b)

'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts.