Optimism

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I am eternally optimistic because of Psalms 24:1 "...the earth is the Lord's and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein." Since my optimism is based on my personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, then there is no reason for pessimism!!!

However, I am especially optimistic about the ministry at Calvary Cross-link for very specific reasons! Let me share a few with you...

1) God has removed all major obstacles for growth out of our way! The only thing we need now, is PEOPLE!!! We cannot get caught in the quagmire of thinking "if I only had _______, then I could grow my ministry!" This thinking will prevent you from greatness!!! As we reach people, teach people and minister to people, God will continue to provide the necessary tools for that ministry, I am confident!

2) New people are beginning to step up and serve in strategic areas around our church body! I'm thinking of specific people who have felt the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their lives to serve in much-needed capacities throughout this family. I can't help but think of Matthew 9:37-38 where Jesus pointed out the OPPORTUNITY (the Harvest) to His disciples, but followed it up by pointing out the DEFICIENCY (the lack of laborers). I think if Jesus had a word for Calvary Cross-link, it would be that the time of "wait and see" is over and it is time to "get to work!" I am optimistic about our ministry because I see people, all over our dear church, catching that concept every single week!

3) The Sunday School is coming together with great efficiency! Our small group Bible study plan is the reaching, teaching body of the church and our people are starting to catch that vision! We now have a class for every age group and these classes are being taught by capable and anointed men who feel a calling to that ministry! As individual classes grow by addition, then the church as a whole will grow by multiplication!!!

4) Opportunities abound! In the coming months, we will have many opportunities to become a better equipped, more motivated and therefore more effective church! There will be a Sunday School Workshop on January 30th for people who might be interested (now or in the future) in serving the church through our small groups. Also, we will be launching our Sunday School initiative: "We've made a spot for YOU!" campaign on Sunday February, 21st. Later on in the spring, there will be a block party for our neighborhood to join us on our campus for an exciting time of food, fun and games! This summer, we'll plan to host a city-wide 4th of July party complete with Fireworks display! This fall, we'll be having another Harvest Crusade, but this time it will be hosted by Calvary Baptist Church in Staunton. Many, many, many more opportunities exist and they will be designed to reach, teach and minister to people in our area!

5) Finally, it is clear to this preacher that the mighty "Wind of God" is at our backs! Many times, especially in church ministry, everything is a struggle! Every decision is met with opposition, every effort gets blindsided by challenges that distract from the purpose for which it was started. At this point, in our ministry, the direction we're headed and the efforts we're making are being super-naturally guarded by Almighty God!!! Just as a sailor loves to have a "tail wind", pushing them in the desired direction, so I rejoice in the "Wind of God" that is at our backs right now!

No question, there is reason for optimism! I cannot tell you how excited I am about 2010 and all it will hold! Take care and God bless.