Pastor’s Note:
It is great to see progress being made on the
building's exterior painting and
renovation project. I know
that it has taken a long time to get us to this point, but the
finished project will be well worth the wait.
Again, I want to thank each of you for your part in making this a
reality.
Not nearly as long ago, the leadership of Bigelow
set out to do a constitutional review.
Although it may have seemed as though nothing was going on, in
reality, much study, prayer, and discussion was happening behind
the scenes. And, as with the painting and renovation project, I believe
the finished product will be well worth the wait.
As a result of the years we have put into talking
about this, I believe what we value as a church has become much
clearer. Recently, I
ordered a book titled, Nine Marks
of a Healthy Church. The
title caught my attention, as it captures what the leadership of Bigelow
desires for our church. We
want to be a healthy church from God’s perspective.
The book highlights nine things that a healthy church values.
(I will make a copy of a condensed version of this available once
I receive them from the publisher.)
They are as follows:
- Expositional
Preaching
- Biblical
Theology
- A
Biblical Understanding Of The Good News
- A
Biblical Understanding Of Conversion
- A
Biblical Understanding Of Evangelism
- A
Biblical Understanding Of Church Membership
- Biblical
Church Discipline
- A
Concern For Promoting Christian Discipleship And Growth
- Biblical
Church Leadership
There are other things we
value as a church, but these are at the core of what we are about.
These are the things you have heard me preach and teach about,
some with more clarity than others.
As a result, a good constitution and doctrinal statement will
help facilitate each of these core values.
We look forward to presenting our findings and work to the
officers at our May meeting. And,
with their blessing, we look forward to putting our work in your hands
for your consideration. After
your review for several months, we hope to be ready to vote on the
proposed changes at our Annual Business Meeting in December,
2004.
With the above changes, we will put into place
curriculum materials that will help us grow a healthy church.
We will be able to help one another grow, and become better
prepared to minister to our community.
As you know, I have been talking about putting a “segmented,
sequential disciplemaking plan” into effect for over 8 years.
We seem close to realizing this.
So, please continue to pray for the leadership,
as we fine tune our action plan for growth.
Again, I want to express to you my great privilege
in serving as the pastor of Bigelow Church.
I have had the privilege of growing among you all.
The seventeen years of preaching, teaching, and interacting with
you have helped me be a better pastor, teacher, and communicator.
And, I look forward to where the Lord is leading us.
And, thank you for your prayers for and support of the ministry
of Bigelow.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank
