Directions...

By Pastor Kevin Van Wyk
I hate not knowing where I am going. On some occasions Steph knows where we are headed and, though I trust she will tell me when to turn, I question her at every turn. (So, I could go into a whole thing about trusting your spouse here, but that was not the plan.) More often than not, I just tell my phone to give me directions and listen carefully as all kinds of other discussion goes on in the car. (At this point I could take another route and talk about listening to Jesus over the directions of the world, but that was not really my intent either.) My point is that we need direction in life, otherwise we end up in the wrong place. 

As Christians, our goal or destination is to become like Jesus. We must pursue his character, his wisdom, his kindness, his courage, and his calling. You won’t arrive and become fully like Him, but we must keep heading in that direction. It is so easy for us to be taken off course. We pull over for gas and then linger at Buffalo Wild Wings for hours (like watching tv because we feel emotionally exhausted from our day and choose to “take a break” from processing the emotions). Or maybe we choose to take an easier road, enjoying the scenery and comforts of 4-star hotels (like ignoring the conviction of the Holy Spirit and continuing on the easier path of keeping an old friendship that isn’t healthy). Are we really abiding in Christ? (John 15)

I want to help you live like Jesus! I am excited that we are taking steps to be more effective in how we develop and deploy Christ-like leaders.

1. The Equipping Adults Team and the youth and children teams are evaluating and seeking new ways to develop believers. 
   1. They’ve brought you RightNow Media, which provides great videos for children to learn about the Bible, youth videos that address relevant topics, parenting videos with great advice, marriage videos that may save your relationship, discipleship and leadership videos that will benefit everyone, and much more. Just search a topic!
   2. They have started two new Sunday School classes and plan to have a four-week class after Easter on marriage. Couples, you must make time for this one!
   3. They are also exploring D-groups. Groups of 2-4 people who simply ask two questions: What has God been saying to you? And What does he want you to do? 
2. The Outreach Team is seeking creative ways to engage our community.
3. The Consistory recently approved the creation of a Hospitality Team with Bridget Lammers leading. They are seeking to mobilize the congregation to offer a great 1st impression for visitors with an incredibly welcoming experience of fellowship with other attenders and to connect them with others to grow and serve so that they can’t wait to come back.
4. The Consistory also approved the creation of a Foster Family Support Team to mobilize the congregation to encourage and help foster families and children thrive. Benita Ter Beest is leading this effort.

While we are sorting through the precise path, we do know the destination: developed and deployed Christ-like leaders. 

So, are you headed in the same direction? What are you doing to grow your faith? What would be beneficial? Are you getting practical experience in leading? 
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You will not arrive at the destination by accident. You must make intentional choices that will take you in the right direction. The choice is yours.