Pastors Note
Posted by Rick Aitken - 09/11/2009
The 8th Nov 2009 was the seventeenth anniversary of this church. It is amazing to remember back over the years that Dianne and I have pastured this church. The most impact in our recollections is the profound impact of Christ to bring rich benefit to hundreds of people over the years.
This church was founded on two significant principles:
* the grace of God for people
* being led by the Holy Spirit
There are many other things to understand that bring life and health to the church and community but these two stand out. What we started with will continue to be the two effective things that will sustain the heart and usefulness of this church into the future.
I want to share some of the key elements of the course ahead.
1. The new fire of the Spirit. There is a current flow of a fresh powerful effective anointing. The Holy Spirit calls this his fire. A fire that will energise us and put fresh life into us. A fire that will result in greater confidence, energy and drive. A fire that reminds us that we are in a good partnership with a good God. It will enliven us with abilities that are spiritual, not natural. We work using his energy, not just trying hard ourselves. It will stir a joy of life.
One of the important ways this will be evident is by simply bringing God into discussions, asking “Can I pray for you about this?” This is a significant key to bring the power of God to many people. That is not a new idea, but there is a fresh power in it from now!
This fire is an inner thing rather than some showy dramatic thing. Yet you will know it is working as you act in faith. It is rising in strength. Seek it. Expect it. Rely on it. Ask for more.
2. Equipping new workers for the Kingdom of Christ, expanding current ones, mentoring, raising spiritual sons and daughters with a like-hearted approach to life.
Everyone is valuable. Everyone has a value in Christ that gives them an identity to live by and also a useful purpose to achieve.
We want to build more team togetherness and awareness through the whole crew of what the Spirit is unwrapping for us to learn and do. We are planning monthly to bimonthly times to share the combined understanding of our direction and goals in detail.
3. New people in the wings. We believe that we will see many people interested to know how Christ can fit into their lives. We need to be well prepared for them, making it easy for them. Loving them, ministering to them as appropriate, follow-up support offered. We plan to run a new Enquirer’s course(s) for those interested in Christ. This is in the planning, dates being looked.
4. Christmas Events. We are looking at running a special Christmas evening celebration of the Sunday before Christmas Day (20th December), probably outside (weather appropriate) at the Culburra Community Centre grounds. More details to come.
Regards
Rick Aitken