Pastor John's Message . . .

What motivates a person to connect (or not connect)
with a particular church.  According to research conducted
by David Paap of Stephen Ministries in St. Louis there are
four primary longings people look to the church to fulfill:

SPIRITUALITY:  helping people experience Jesus and
his saving power in their lives;

COMMUNITY:  helping people experience Jesus in one
another, giving them the sense that they are connected to a "body" –
a loving community-as well as to the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

CARE: helping people experience Jesus in their pain and suffering-when many people are most
clearly in need of the gospel and most open to God's presence and the healing, saving power of Jesus; and

SERVICE: helping people experience meaning, purpose, and significance by participating in
Jesus' mission in the world and being involved in something that is not only bigger than themselves,
but also life-transforming and enduring.

How well a congregation meets these four needs is a significant indicator of its overall health and
ability to be in mission with Jesus.  The four needs can provide a blueprint for how a mission-minded
congregation can plan and structure its entire ministry.

Peace and Power in His Name

Pastor John