An agreement would be necessary to ensure a smooth transition as Circle Church worked toward providing tactical support to Zion Evangelical Free Church. A contractual agreement was drawn up and sailed through the approval process of both congregations. The agreement contained only five essential points, as follows:
1. A short explanation of the “Circle Approach” emphasized its genesis stemming from dissatisfaction with the organized church which we found not facing the issues of the day, a church not supplying relevant answers, a church not elating to modern man living in an ever-changing and technologically complex world, a church that was basically ingrown.
The agreement then went on to state, “The ‘Circle Approach’ says that members should not be involved in endless programs, but rather in the ministry of the church in their respective worlds. They should gather for worship, prayer, and discussion in order to build and strengthen each other in the faith, so they may better share that aith in their individual daily lives.
2. SERVICES TO BE RENDERED. “For a period of one year commencing on September 1, 1968, and continuing through and including August 31, 1969, Circle shall furnish Zion the services of a full-time consulting minister, a part-time minister of music, and a pulpit minister for each Sunday morning service.
The consulting minister, under the direction and guidance of Circle staff, shall work directly with the Zion congregation. In this capacity he shall analyze Zion’s needs and potential in order that a church ministry based on the ‘Circle Approach’ will be developed an implemented in Zion’s congregational and community ministry.
The minister of music, also under the direction and guidance of Circle staff, shall develop and implement a church music program which will complement the work of the consulting minister.
The obligation for Circle to provide a pulpit minister for Sunday morning services will generally be fulfilled by the consulting minister assigned to Zion by Circle. However, it is understood that Circle will use its entire pastoral staff as well as laymen from both congregations to fulfill this part of its obligations.”
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
