Something That you need to know about God is…
God wants to be know
the Bible is God’s revelation of himself to us
God has created us with a desire to be known
- by Him and others
How that happens is THROUGH the CHURCH
For the Christian Believer
As a church, we have a Purpose Statement
- We are a Mission, ON MISSION
To Help DISCONNECTED people find, follow and be like Jesus
- The key is the word “DISCONNECTED”
We live in one of the MOST DISCONNECTED times in human history
>>People with stronger social relationships were 50% more likely to survive over the 7.5-year follow-up compared to those with weaker ties.
- Not die from such causes as cancer or heart diseases
>>Social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 30% increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
>>36% of all Americans—including 61% of young adults and 51% of mothers with young children—feel “serious loneliness
Harvard Graduate School Study Stated:
“We need to return to an idea that was central to our founding and is at the heart of many great religious traditions: We have commitments to ourselves, but we also have vital commitments to each other, including to those who are vulnerable.” ~ Harvard Graduate School Of Education
None of this should surprise us…
Jesus once prayed…
John 13:35
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Here’s the Challenge:
Just “COMING TO CHURCH” isn’t enough
- That is not what it’s about at all
About 2 years ago, we prayed and asked God to show us how to be the church we needed to be
- How to CONNECTED THE DISCONNECTED
- How to help people find, follow and be like Jesus
God Answered with our New Vision
We are to be a church that:
CONNECTS ALL THAT WE CAN
CARES FOR ALL THAT WE’RE SENT
CULTIVATES ALL THAT WE HAVE
Connect > Care > Cultivate
- C3 Vision
Everything we do as a church follows that Pattern
This does not apply just to ministry
- Every important relationship in your life can follow this pattern
We find this in scripture in a verse many of us may know…
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
1: Connect:
…not neglecting to gather together…
Connecting with each of my kids
- Each one is different
- Takes specific focus and attention
Connection seems unimportant until it is too late
Jesus was a connector
- People who didn’t know him or who weren’t like him were drawn to him
- He saw the Individual
He did not strike out solo but instead connected himself to 12 disciples
- Let them know him
- He knew them
A connector adds value to those they are connecting with
- Serving them
- Making them feel known
We desire to be a church that Connects people to God and Others
- No one is off limits
- Making it as easy as possible
But we are all called as Christian believers to be CONNECTORS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
How to be a CONNECTOR?
- Think about others first
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Ask questions and truly listen
- Being Transparent/honest
How does that look for a church?
- Groups
- Growth Tracks
How does that look for your life?
- Specific time with the people that matter
- Dinner at the table
- Really listening
- Dating your spouse
- Calling a friend to check on them/praying for them
- Others over yourself
If you do not connect, you can’t do the next step which is…
2: Care:
…but encouraging each other…
Jesus really cared for people
- He would often get sidetracked
- Disciples would get frustrated
- they didn’t understand what was most important
Godly Care brings healing and hope
- Something powerful
- Driven by the Holy Spirit
How to be someone who cares
- Be available (Emotionally/Physically)
- Be willing to act
- Don’t have to be asked, but do what needs to be done
How does that look for our church?
- Care Ministry
- Outreach
- Blue Bags
- Financial resources
What should care look like in your life?
- Being a good friend
- meeting the emotional/physical needs of your family
- Putting others over yourself
- Available when they need you
Connecting tells you how to care
Caring gives you permission to…
3: Cultivate:
…consider one another in order to provoke love and good works…
Cultivation = Strategic growth
- Not accidental
Jesus cultivated on multiple levels
- Sending the disciples out
- Healing and saying “SIN NO MORE”
How to cultivate others
- Sharing knowledge and experience (Mentorship)
- Sharing Resources (Financial, influence)
- Giving healthy feedback (Correction)
- Investing in their life (Time)
How does this look as a church?
- Family Ministries
- Volunteering
- Groups/growth tracks
- Service Opportunities
How can you Cultivate Others in your life
- Leverage your own experiences (parents, leaders)
- Learn to correct in a healthy way
- Pointing out opportunities
- Helping them achieve their dreams
Connect > Care > Cultivate
- Always in that order
CONNECTING tells you how to care
CARING gives you permission to CULTIVATE
CULTIVATING help people reach their potential