Keeping Things in Perspective

Just read Hebrews 1 and was struck with how absurd it is to live for this life only. In verses 11 and 12 we are told that this world "will wear out like old clothing." "They (the foundations) will fade away like old clothing." God "will roll it up like a worn out coat."

One day this world as we know it will be thrown away and God will make the new heaven and new earth and we who know him will experience life as He intended it. What a pity it is for those who have traded the life which is coming for this present life, which is only a shadow of things to come and will one day fade away - wear out like an old coat. 

Let us who believe give our lives away to help others find and follow Christ. 
Craig

God's Grace Is Enough

We are traveling back home today from Kentucky to our home and we look forward to seeing everyone in our church family. This has been an emotionally challenging week and today has probably been the most difficult - letting go. 
My family has expressed on numerous occasions how grateful they are for your constant prayer support. God literally granted each of us His peace that is beyond comprehension. My cousin, Dan Walker, said it best, "No one has taken mom and dad's life from them. Mom and Dad gave it away for their family and friends a long time ago." Through their life, I, and many many others, saw what a family could be. Through their death I had the privilege of telling others what made them so special. My aunt and Uncle will live on not just in my memories but in my character and in the lives of my children, grandchildren, and their children.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Pray specifically the Lord will deliver us from the evil one - we are not ignorant of his schemes. 
Thanks again for your love and support.
Craig

Why Do We Have a Men's Ministry and Not Women's

I was recently asked the question, why does Lifeway have a men's ministry and not a women's ministry?  Here's the long and the short of it.

First I want to say that I understand women have unique needs that cannot be addressed in a mix setting.  I also want to say I look forward to the day when God empowers us to address this important need.  But the question remains, why not today?

The best way I know how to answer the question is to tell you how we start any ministry.  What criteria do we use to determine when to start any ministry or if we ever start it?  We use three questions:

1. The test of mission: Is this new opportunity in keeping with our mission of giving up our lives to help others find and follow Christ?  That's all we do at Lifeway.  That's all we will ever do.  That is the purpose of the church.  We who are believers make up the church and as you know, if you've been around for any time at all, our mission is not just a slogan, but our driving passion, and the grid through which we filter all opportunities.

2. The test of timing: The test of timing goes beyond the mission statement and looks at stewardship.  Even if a ministry passes the first test we put it through a more rigorus test, which is timing.  We can do many good things that fit with in our mission, but timing helps us manager our resources.  It doesn't matter if a ministry is 100% vounteer requiring no financing at all; it will still consume our most precious resource - our people.

3. The test of leadership: Everything rises and falls on leadership.  We are looking for leaders who do two things: they embody the mission of Lifeway in their personal life, and two, they are leading.  There are those who say they are leaders, but the real test is, is anyone following.  I've come to the conclusion that a person who says they are leading but has no one following is mistaken.  In the words of John Maxwell, "a person who says they are leading, but has not one following is just taking a walk."

Every ministry must pass all three.  In God's perfect timing we will have many more ministries to help people on their journey to find and follow Christ.  Today as a new church we have obvious limitations, which demands judicious use.  I, as well as the other pastors, trustees, and all who give wise counsel appreciate your prayers that God will make us trully wise.

I hope this helps.
Craig

Ministry Position Opening

We are looking for a part time worker who is highly motivated to have a ministry impact.  This is a paid position that requires about eight hours a week.  Schedule has some flexibility, however, Monday is a must for about half of the time.

Position: Financial Administrator

Requirements:

• Experienced with QuickBooks Pro
• Able to work Monday (preferably in the morning)
• Spiritually gifted in organization and attentive to details

Basis Responsibilities:

• Pay Bills
• Make deposits
• Payroll
• Run reports
• Check book reconciliation
• Data entry
• Quarterly giving statements

 If interested please email Debbie Walker