Ministries
Successful worship requires preparation, planning and capable leadership. Ryan Woods, our worship minister, coordinates our worship activities in such a way as to enable each member to participate enthusiastically, while gaining deeper understanding of the God we serve. Lamar Black, our pulpit minister, develops and presents lessons that both inform us and motivate us to greater holiness and service in God’s Kingdom. Behind the scenes, others are providing technical support, nursery oversight, and Children’s Church coordination.
Prayer MinistriesPrayer is practiced, modeled and learned throughout the various activities of the congregation. There are frequent periods and opportunities for the sharing of prayer requests from the entire congregational membership. This includes publication of many requests in the weekly congregational bulletin, but also extends to regular times of intercession practiced by the congregation’s leadership team. Prayer needs are handled with whatever degree of confidentiality is expected by those making the request.
Bible SchoolIt is impossible to learn to know God unless one learns about God first. The Bible school provides an environment for nurturing our understanding of God and His expectations of us. Classes are provided for all ages, from cradle to grave, and facilitate an ever-deepening understanding of spiritual truths by the participants. Teachers are selected carefully and are expected to improve at their craft. All members are encouraged to take advantage of this important discipline – that of digging deeply into God’s will for each of us.
These “love feasts” are held monthly following our Sun AM service (usually on the 3rd Sunday of each month).
Movie NightsPeriodically we come together for times of fellowship, entertainment and fresh popcorn!
Small GroupsOccasionally we will break into small groups, meeting at member’s homes for a period of 6-8 weeks. These sessions provide opportunity for members to discuss matters of spiritual import that apply directly to our lives.
Youth/Student MinistriesSpecial activities for our student group are planned by the congregation. This includes visiting in homes of members, but also trips to regional and national conferences and events throughout the year. A particular highlight is our annual trip to Gatlinberg, Tennessee during February for “WinterFest” - a spiritually-purposed gathering of students from across the country.
Special EventsOther activities are planned throughout the year, including Men’s Breakfasts, Women’s Luncheons, holiday gatherings and spontaneous “crash” events (where we end up at a member’s home together). These occasions always include lively conversation, warm laughter, and good food!
Ivory Coast Mission Support
Despite great struggle and national political turmoil, Isaac and Nina Gnohou maintain a vibrant evangelistic ministry for the Lord in Ivory Coast, Africa. As a well-trained teacher and evangelist, Isaac travels throughout the country, spreading the Gospel and baptizing many souls. He works to maintain several local congregations in a superhuman effort to encourage and strengthen a nation desperately in need of God’s saving grace.
New Zealand Mission Support
In a very different part of the world, Elijah and Kristin Peters labor in a post-modern society in New Zealand. They and their family have become ingrained into the lives and fabric of their church and community. Elijah provides materials and training for other missionaries throughout the region, as they interact with a humanistic society that does not promote or recognize a role for God. Nonetheless many have been convicted of His loving grace, extended through the efforts of this mission and this remarkable family.
School of the Good Samaritan Student Support (Honduras, Central America)
We help support students attend this marvelous school in an impoverished nation. This educational opportunity for them is truly life-changing and reaps dividends for them personally (as they gain education and life experience), as well as providing great community benefit.
Local/Regional OutreachMission Possible
Each summer, we reach out to our local community and provide home repairs for those unable to afford or accomplish those things on their own. These repairs are provided at no expense to the homeowner. Meanwhile, we camp out on the church grounds and invite the community to join in our effort.
Mini-Missions
In addition to the major focus placed on Mission Possible, we coordinate other community outreach activities also. These include car washes, community give-aways and holiday events such as Trunk-or-Treating.
Praise-in-the-Park
During the warmer weather season, we will occasionally meet in a local park for our Sunday worship service, providing a reminder to ourselves and others that God is not confined to a building or physical space.
Shults-Lewis Children’s Home (Valparaiso, Indiana)
We help support this long-standing children’s home, which provides structure and a fresh start for troubled youth in a Christian setting.
Acute Benevolence Needs
This ongoing ministry exercises genuine compassion and affection toward those who are suffering hardship, grieving loss, and experiencing sickness. Its goal is to relieve the burden of suffering and provide aid to those who require assistance.
Missionaries
Isaac and Nina Gnohou
Ivory Coast |
Elijah and Kristin Peters
New Zealand |