2024 4th Quarter Pastoral Formation Teaching
THE JOURNEY TOWARDS THE FULFILLMENT OF OUR STRATEGIC VISION
South Australia / 16 Nov 2024
Responding to God's Call for Rapid Evangelisation & Doubling Our Numbers
Answering God’s call to rapidly evangelise, grow our numbers, and inject new joy and life into our mission is both a profound opportunity and a deep challenge. The call to double our numbers to 5,000 in five years is ambitious, but with the right vision, strategy, and reliance on God’s strength, it is achievable. Here’s how we can respond to this call and overcome the barriers that might hinder us:
During the retreat/workshop, the community was presented with what the strategic vision is, what the challenges in achieving this vision are and lastly how to keep ourselves fuelled and aflame.
From the reflection during the group presentation, we learned that some key challenges in achieving the strategic vision are as follows:
a) Resistance to Change or Complacency:
One of the key challenges in responding to the call for rapid evangelisation is the tendency toward complacency or resistance to change. People may be comfortable with the current pace or ways of doing things, and stepping into a new level of commitment and urgency can feel overwhelming or even disruptive.
How to Overcome This:
Vision Casting & Leadership: We should regularly share the vision of what God is calling us to with passion and clarity. Need to help everyone see the bigger picture and understand the urgency of reaching the lost. Evangelism isn't just a task; it's a life-giving mission that has eternal consequences.
Inspire and Mobilise the Core Team: A powerful and committed leadership team that embodies the vision will set the tone for the rest of the church or community. Start by mobilising key leaders who will ignite others with their enthusiasm and commitment.
Create a Culture of Outreach: Encourage everyone to take ownership of evangelism, not just the “evangelists” or the leaders. This could mean offering training, small group discussions, or even establishing evangelism teams that work in the community or with local outreach programs.
b) Lack of Deep Spiritual Renewal:
Another major challenge is the possibility of burnout or spiritual fatigue. As the drive for growth intensifies, the focus may shift to numbers and results, and the danger is that people might lose their first love and passion for God. Evangelism must flow from a deep personal relationship with Jesus, and when spiritual renewal falters, so can the passion for the work.
How to Overcome This:
Spiritual Disciplines & Revival: Ensure that there is an ongoing emphasis on prayer, worship, and personal encounters with God. We cannot give what we do not have, so we must stay spiritually nourished. Encourage daily Bible study, personal prayer time, and regular corporate prayer meetings.
Retreats & Renewal: Organise periodic spiritual retreats for the team to recharge spiritually. During these times, focus on deepening the relationship with God through worship, prayer, and teaching that refuels the passion for evangelism and service.
On the third talk, the community reflected on how to keep ourselves fuelled and Aflame to serve:
a) Cultivate a Heart of Prayer and Dependence on God:
The work of evangelisation can feel overwhelming, but God promises to be with us. When we rely on our own strength, we may burn out, but when we rest in God’s power and presence, we are continually renewed. Prayer should be at the core of our strategy.
Personal Prayer: Maintain a consistent time of prayer and devotion to keep your heart aligned with God’s will and purpose.
Corporate Prayer: Mobilise the church for prayer and intercession. Prayer meetings, where the vision for evangelism and growth is lifted up to God, will keep us focused on His power and provision.
b) Celebrate Small Wins and Encourage Each Other:
As you work toward the larger goal, make sure to celebrate the progress made—no matter how small. This helps maintain momentum and reminds everyone that the work is bearing fruit.
Testimonies & Stories: Regularly share testimonies of lives impacted, souls saved, and growth in the community. This will not only encourage but will fuel the faith of others to believe that greater things are possible.
Accountability: Keep each other accountable. Accountability groups or partnerships will help keep everyone focused and motivated.
c) Maintain a Clear, Compelling Vision:
The sense of purpose behind the mission must be clear, compelling, and ever-present in our hearts and minds. Reflect regularly on the Great Commission and the call to make disciples of all nations.
Vision Reminders: Regularly remind yourselves and your community about the significance of this call—people's lives are at stake. Every effort in evangelism matters to God.
Celebrate the Mission: Keep the sense of joy and urgency alive by celebrating the privilege of being part of God’s redemptive work.
d) Empower Others to Lead:
To achieve rapid growth, it’s essential to multiply leaders. Discipleship must go beyond just individual growth to the multiplication of leaders who can carry the vision and train others.
Leadership Development: Invest in training and mentoring new leaders. Equip them to lead small groups, serve in outreach ministries, and take on responsibilities that support the vision.
Delegate & Distribute Responsibility: Don’t carry the entire burden yourself—empower others to take initiative and help bear the load. This builds a team-oriented mindset and also frees you up to focus on broader strategy and vision.
Conclusion:
The call to evangelise and double in numbers in five years is both a high challenge and a divine opportunity. By overcoming complacency, staying spiritually renewed, depending on prayer, and continually reminding ourselves of the high purpose of our calling, we can stay fuelled and focused. Through leadership, passion, and persistence, we can work together to fulfil God’s vision and impact thousands with the gospel message of life and hope.
The community would like to sincerely thank the speakers Joel Tuazon, Nick Dangcalan and Bodyet Reyes for delivering the 3 talks respectively. Also thank you Gil Ninonuevo who led the Spirit filled Praise and Worship.
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