15 by 2010
By the end of the year 2010, relying on the Lord’s strength, we aim to complete the following fifteen new initiatives:
PRAYER
Initiative #1
To more fully establish prayer as the foundation for all the ministry we undertake by the following means:
1a An annual week of prayer emphasis for the church.
1b. An annual Consistory day of prayer (together, or as Elders and Diaconate)
1c. Three paid prayer days annually mandated for all program staff (full and part-time)
1d. At least ten regular, open, publicized prayer times throughout the church
Initiative #2
To address on-going Sunday logistical concerns
2a. Parking and space problems
2b. Recruit and train a “Sunday Morning Manager” who can have oversight over the mechanics of our worship services (sound, set-up, screen operator, van, etc.).
2c. Consider if this Manager would also have organizational oversight over things like nursery, ushers, etc.
BIBLICAL TEACHING (Bible-Based)
Initiative #3
To more clearly define our doctrinal beliefs and convictions.
3a. Draft and adopt a basic evangelical statement of faith. This basic evangelical statement of faith would be the doctrinal basis for church membership; that is, we would expect church members to be in agreement with the statement of faith. The statement would also be a useful tool in advertising and explaining succinctly what our church believes.
3b. Draft and adopt a more extensive statement of faith to complement the Reformed confessions to which we already subscribe (Heidelberg, Belgic, Dort). This more in-depth statement of faith would serve as a guide for official church teaching. We would also expect teachers, church officers, and program staff to be in broad agreement with this more extensive statement of faith.
3c. Before purchasing new Bibles for the multi-purpose room (many of the Bibles need to be replaced) consider if we will still use the NIV or possibly another translation.
3d. Develop a congregation-wide plan for memorizing Scripture.
Initiative #4
To develop a strategic plan for global missions.
4a. Set goals for incremental increases in our missions budget.
4b. Consider adopting an unreached people group.
4c. More carefully lay out our missions strategy. What are our priorities? Church planting? Medical missions? Radio broadcasting? How can we be more focused in our priorities?
4d. Develop a series of questions to help evaluate requests we receive for mission support.
4e. Highlight a mission’s emphasis week to run concurrently with our prayer emphasis week.
4f. Make available at least one short term mission trip a year for URC families and adults.
Initiative #5
To develop a strategic plan for local evangelism which will faithfully and scripturally proclaim God’s message using God-honoring methods.
5a. Research and consider what sort of outreach “program” (e.g. Alpha, Christianity Explored) could be used effectively at URC.
5b. Recruit, train, and develop the “evangelists” among us more effectively.
5c. Give our website an overhaul.
Initiative #6
To launch a new growth group ministry by the fall of 2005, with increasing participation through to 2010.
Initiative #7
To divide the congregation into “elder districts” or something of the same idea with a different name. These districts would be shepherded by the greater elder board. Shepherding responsibilities would include:
7a. Yearly visitation
7b. Being available throughout the year for spiritual guidance, prayer, and assistance. This function would make the “elder of the month” responsibility obsolete.
7c. “Checking up” on those who are not making faithful use of the means of grace and/or are not regularly attending worship services at URC.
Initiative #8
Commission the diaconate to set in motion the following goals:
8a. A visitation program for calling on visitors to our Sunday services.
8b. A lay calling ministry, using the gifts of the congregation to call on the sick, the hospitalized, the shut-in, and the chronically ill.
8c. The presence of at least 5 equipped lay counselors who can help lead the way in ministering to those struggling with addiction, depression, grief, and marital difficulties. Consider using materials, speakers, and seminars from the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (ccef.org).
Initiative #9
Appoint a task force to examine the subject of racial reconciliation and diversity at and through URC. Have the task force submit a written report with recommendations.
MERCY MINISTRY and SOCIAL ACTION (Mercy-Ministering)
Initiative #10
To commission the diaconate to accomplish the following ministry goals:
a. Provide more opportunities for our congregation to show mercy to the poor and needy in the Lansing area.
b. Explore ways to be more integrated and involved in the Lansing Christian Services network of care.
DISCIPLESHIP (Pilgrim People)
Initiative #11
To develop a comprehensive set of goals and objectives in our ministry to children pre-school through twelfth grade.
Initiative #12
To expand our adult education opportunities.
12a. Increase the number of adult classes available and develop a more strategic approach to adult education.
12b. Encourage, equip, and fund the URC Institute to broaden its ministry scope.
12c. Expand the selection at our book table and increase the funding for it.
Initiative #13
To improve and reproduce our campus ministry by 2007 in the following ways:
13a. To better integrate college students into the life of our church, through fellowship, mentoring, and service to and from the body.
13b. Begin a new ministry on another mid-Michigan college campus and/or establish a new partnership with an overseas ministry campus.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES
Initiative # 14
To complete an initial restructuring process by the end of 2005, which includes:
14a. The re-establishment and/or redefinition of the administrative committee. The AC would, among other things, handle policy, personnel, and review procedures.
14b. Re-worked consistory meetings.
14c. A written statement, drawn from the Bible and RCA polity, clarifying the qualifications and responsibilities of the elder board, the diaconate, and the consistory.
14d. A new and/or improved process of selecting church officers.
Initiative # 15
To hire or fully support or make full-time the following staff positions.
15a. Hire another Pastor (in addition to Kevin, not in replacement!). Begin the process by fall 2006, hoping for an additional Pastor by January 1, 2008.
15b. Fully fund a full-time Associate Campus Director position starting in 2006.
15c. Make one or both of the new youth and children’s positions full-time by 2007.
