As we at Circle Church began our ministry with the Zion Evangelical Free Church, I don’t see how things could have gone better—for the first month! It seemed to be that kind of romance where neither group saw the other’s faults. From my files, I have included a letter that was sent out by Al Nestor, the consulting pastor, at the beginning of October, 1968. This letter demonstrates the feeling that everyone had.
It has been exactly one month since I accepted the responsibility as pastor of Zion Church. A church with forty-eight years of experience had nearly died. Attendance had never been lower. Three pastors had decided to decline invitation to this pulpit within the year. In one month things have changed.
Let me illustrate with comments from three men.
One board member had been praying for his dying church for years. He feels God has now answered his prayers. He is open to the various changes being made at Zion and in his exuberance even made the comparison of these innovations with those brought about by Martin Luther!
A second man had attended for two years to encourage the people since the first sentiment was expressed favoring closing Zion Church. He now reminds the people that other urban churches are carefully observing what is happening here.
A third man led his first Bible discussion group. He probably had never been asked before. After a thorough study and assistance from the library, he did a tremendous job. He is an integral part of God’s plan for Zion.
As pastor, I am trying to seek purpose in every activity. This church will be a group effort involving every interested person. God, through His Spirit, is developing each individual, as we work together. That is part of the reason that the average attendance has more than doubled in one month.
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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.
