Jesus: His Church...

In previous articles I have highlighted the "First things" of our core values' statement: "Jesus - His Word, His Church, His Mission." We have thought a little about "Jesus" and "His Word." Now, we begin to turn to "His Church."

In my Moderator's Address given at the '05 national conference, I listed a number of things you of the FGBC have said about "us" as "His Church." I repeat your list below . . .


HIS CHURCH

* We really want to be a family.
* authentic, real relationships
* The local church is the crown jewel of the FGBC.
* The FGBC is you - your church.
* priesthood of all believers
* We're a family movement.
* need lots of good communication
* embrace grace
* relationship over organization
* celebrate smaller churches
* time together
* BNYC, youth ministry; CE Nat'l.
* People are of great value.
* safe environment
* strong relationally
* "backbone churches" - micropolitan
* Fun (we need to have more fun together)
* freedom to be authentic
* ethnic ministries
* "someone trained me - someone birthed me"
* stress on emerging leaders; young pastors!
* Focus Retreats
* service, volunteerism
* educational opportunities
* Herald renewal
* larger churches need to network
* diversity
* open to House Churches and other movements
* freedom to created new ministries, programs
* networking of leaders
* value safety, security, and wisdom
* need to celebrate one another much more

Yes, it's a fantastic list you have created. We really are a great Fellowship! And we really do love being "His Church"!