In our church, we call our home groups ICU's (Intra-Congregational Units). Church isn't a place to attend... it's a network of relationships. It's a chance to be known, loved, cheered, taught, challenged, and launched. That stuff doesn't happen in our weekend services. It happens in face-to-face interactions. That's why this chart holds some of the most important numbers for our church, in my mind. The green line represents the percentage of our ICU vs. weekend service attendance (actual attendance figures). I look forward to the day that we have more people in cell groups than our weekend services, but for now, I celebrate that we're averaging about 60%. As great as my sermons are (*smile*), I'm not fooling myself. Nothing can compare the the power of getting involved in each others' lives on a practical and personal level.
On a fun note, you'll notice that in December that we actually achieved that 100%+ vision for the first time! Instead of having a big Christmas outreach program, I encouraged all of our ICU's to host a "Christmas Something." A party, a movie-night, serving with a community-organization... whatever. Each of our 25+ groups did something different. The stories that came out were so amazing and fun!
My hypothesis (I don't have years of experience to prove it yet) is that ICU's are a more comfortable environment to invite friends to join than the church service. That's my own story. I never would have come to the Coastlands. I was sleeping on my brother's couch when all these guys showed up for a small-group meeting. I was so annoyed... But obviously the story is progressing nicely. :)
Below are some stats from several different ministry-areas in our church:
"The Nation," as we affectionately call it, is our youth group. Included is Foundation 45 (for 4th & 5th graders), Jr. & Sr. High, and College (I'm not sure if they have a name for their group yet).
One of the great honors that we enjoy as a church family is having friends and "extended family" around the world. Our goal for these trips is not so much to do projects or events, but to grow friendships that will be mutually encouraging. Some thoughts (and pics) from a trip I got to be a part of last fall here, here, and here.
If you're a ministry leader, I highly encourage you to check out ctw.coastlands.org. You will be so encouraged, so helped, and so supported (if you decide to develop a relationship with Daniel and his team).
One of our missions-strategies is to host rising young leaders at our church for a one-year training program. We invest in them by allowing them to shadow our staff members in their assignments. Not only do they learn some ministry skills, but perhaps most importantly, they learn ministry-heart. Through the 20+ years we've been at this, we've seen hundreds of church leaders developed and released.
It was an honor to get to partner with a couple different churches over this previous year. These churches are both pastored by young guys that I've met through a Field Ministry Academy that Daniel has been hosting. As the Lord has continued to miraculously provide a home for our church family, it's felt especially near to my heart to help take care of other churchs' needs.
The Clowsers, Schaffers and Peixotos will continue serving on our Council. They each have one year left of a two year term of service.
And I asked the church to ratify Susan Valli and Don & Yolanda Miller as their representatives on the Council. I love our Council... It's really one of my favorite nights of the month (except date night). I feel believed in, supported, covered, and, yes, counciled (pun intended).Hope you enjoyed this year's report. I so look forward to the future that we'll share...
0 comments:
Post a Comment