Cornerstone Wesleyan Church
September 29, 2013
Strengths
1. Momentum
In his book Experiencing God,
Henry Blackaby wrote that followers of Christ should discover where God is at
work and then join Him. It is evident that Cornerstone Wesleyan Church (CWC) is
such a place at this season. God's
Spirit is moving, resulting in transformed lives! The team is very aware that their job is
simply to address issues that bring frustration to a congregation that is
experiencing many changes brought on by the movement of God.
2. Prayer
Many expressed that the congregation was known for its prayer
meeting. Sixty people recently attended
a prayer service that focused on a severely injured attender. The altars are being used more frequently as
a place for meeting with God. Many are
discovering spiritual power and peace in doing so.
3. Pastor and Spouse
Pastor Rusty and Sally are perceived as a perfect fit for this
congregation. Rusty's messages are
anointed, practical, interesting and used by God for life change. His ability to move through the community,
connecting with people from all walks of life is greatly admired. He has a unique gifting from God to gather
people. Sally is loved and respected for
her willingness to take on the systems and structures so desperately needed in
a growing congregation. Keeping up with
the details brought on by a movement of God is almost impossible, yet with her
lovely smile, she bravely tackles the "stuff" every day.
4. Children/Men/Connection Groups
These three programs are particularly successful in reaching
people. The children's ministry is
growing rapidly and filling its newly renovated space. Young families are attracted to its vibrancy. Several men's groups are flourishing. Wives and mothers joyfully speak of transformed
husbands and sons! Connection groups
offer folks of all types and interests a place to belong. Fellowship is vital at CWC.
5. Big Events/Guest Flow
During the past year, several big events have been extremely
successful. This has raised the visibility
of the church and brought scores of guests through the doors of CWC. Many have returned. Assimilating new folk into the congregation
has become a major priority.
Concerns
1. Systems/Structure/Communication
It would be fair to say that almost all with whom we spoke
mentioned the lack of organization as the main thing that needs to be worked
on. The rapid growth and blessing of God
has strained the systems/structure/communications and those involved almost to
the breaking point.
2. Staff
Churches this size should have at least two full-time pastoral
staff members and a church secretary.
CWC is playing catch-up in this area.
Much of the lack of organization, communication, and structure can be
addressed by staffing the church properly for future growth. Since the appropriate staffing level may be
unattainable at present, some modification that addresses at minimum the need
for both clerical support and ministry support should be implemented.
3. Finances
The giving is below average for a church this size. In order to fund the ministry opportunities
that God is giving, emphasis must be given to scriptural teaching on the tithe.
Jesus speaks of giving more than any other topic, therefore we must study and
obey His teachings to be blessed by God.
4. Facilities
The ongoing projects and renovations have taken a toll on the
energy of the congregation. Rapid
completion of the many unfinished projects will free time and energy to invest
in people and systems.
5. Discipleship
Because of the large influx of new believers into CWC, it is easy
for spiritual growth and discipleship to fall through the cracks. This leaves spiritual babies adrift in their
new lives. One of the systems that must
be addressed is discipleship - moving individuals from spiritual new birth to
spiritual maturity.
Prescription
1. Systems/Structure/Communication
Upon adoption of this report, the Local Advisory Council (LAC) and
the ministry leadership team will immerse themselves in the eight systems
necessary for a healthy church. It is
imperative that these systems (the weekend system, evangelism system,
assimilation system, small group system, volunteer system, stewardship system
and leadership system) are implemented.
All leaders will read the book or complete an audio version of Nelson
Searcy's Healthy Systems, Healthy Church
by December 31, 2013.
Cloud-based PowerChurch software that brings all administrative
functions into one program will be subscribed to. An experienced consultant
will be obtained to expedite the process by November 1, 2013.
In order to educate the congregation regarding the Kaiser Model of
Church Governance, the district superintendent will offer a presentation during
the DTP town hall meeting on October 12, 2013.
This will enable the congregation to understand who is in charge and how
decisions are made.
Each quarter, a "church chat" will take place. Led by the pastor, this will be a time of
questions and answers. It is believed
that an informed congregation is a happy congregation. Financial reports will be posted regularly
and minutes from the LAC will be made available upon request.
2. Staff
A part time assistant to the pastor with gifts that are
complimentary to the lead pastor will be hired to give attention to systems,
organization, recruiting and leadership development. Additionally, the church
will obtain a volunteer or part-time secretary who will focus on clerical
details. These individuals will be
selected, hired and report to the lead pastor.
Both individuals will be in place by January 1, 2014.
The pastor and newly-hired assistant to the pastor will lead the
church in implementing a ministry team that meets at least once a month for
prayer, planning, goal-setting and accountability. All ministry leaders will be recruited and
trained by April 15, 2014.
Once leadership for the ministries is in place, a ministry fair
will be held so that people can sign-up to serve in areas of expertise and
interest. This ministry fair will be
held by May 1, 2014.
The pastor will continue his coaching relationship with David
Cook. CWC shall pay for this service.
3. Finance
The pastor will lead the church in a study of the book The Treasure Principle by Randy
Alcorn. Small group lessons, Sunday
School classes, and sermons will all focus on this important biblical
teaching. There is a reason that the
Jesus talks more about money than any other subject. We must understand God's plan for
giving. This study will take place by February 28, 2014.
In addition, the Financial
Peace course by Dave Ramsey will be offered to the church constituents and
the greater Heuvelton area. Attention
will be given to money management and debt reduction. The course will be completed by summer of 2014.
4. Facilities
CWC shall continue to maximize its current facility until it is no
longer feasible to do so. Some adaptions
to the schedule of Sunday services and spaces will be necessary. Children will need to spend the entire hour
in children's classes and overflow cafe space will need to be utilized. Only time will tell how long it will be until
the facility is 75% full on a regular basis.
When that occurs, the congregation will seek an alternative site
off-campus for their a.m. service.
Meanwhile, attention will be given to completing with excellence
the projects that are now underway in the building. Once the cafe/overflow space is complete and
the sanctuary carpet installed, the biggest part of the renovation will be
completed. CWC is to be commended for
paying cash for the egress, AC, chairs, etc.
In order, however, to quickly finish the renovations, the LAC and pastor
should consider borrowing up to $20,000.
The front of the sanctuary is really cluttered and does not make a
great impression when you first walk into the room. Exploration and study should take place to
reconfigure the platform.
5.
Discipleship
It
is imperative that CWC implement a Next Steps process to assist those that are
new in Christ in moving toward maturity. A discipleship team will be formed to
design and implement a clear and concise plan for intentional discipleship at
CWC. The plan will include a definition of discipleship and the characteristics
of a fully devoted follower of Jesus, as well as clearly identifying which
connections or classes meet particular steps of discipleship. Immediate attention should be given to
launching a 6-12 week New Believers Class to be offered a minimum of twice in
the coming year, beginning no later than January
2014.
Additional
classes to be implemented will include baptism and membership. Other discipleship
classes will be determined by the needs within the congregation.
Classes/workshops to be considered would be premarital counseling and spiritual
gift discovery.
Given
the needs of the surrounding area, the pastor's experience with recovery
ministries, and the presence of professionals with expertise in counseling, CWC
needs to launch a recovery ministry such as Celebrate Recovery or another
similar ministry by fall 2014.
THE CONGREGATION WILL VOTE BY OCTOBER 13, 2013 ON THE
PRESCRIPTIONS (THIS INCLUDES REGULAR ATTENDERS THAT MIGHT NOT BE MEMBERS). IF
ACCEPTED, THE DISTRICT WILL DO ALL THAT IT CAN TO HELP THE CONGREGATION FULFILL
THE PRESCRIPTIONS. IF THE VOTE IS
NEGATIVE THE DISTRICT WILL NO LONGER ENCOURAGE THE CONGREGATION TO IMPLEMENT
THE PRESCRIPTIONS SINCE THE CONGREGATION WILL HAVE REVEALED ITS DESIRE NOT TO
DO SO.
Team Members:
Rev. Paul James
Rev. Steve O’Dell
Rev. Juanita Brooks
Rev. David Norman
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