Thank you for your continued support of and prayers for the Ministry of Christ Community Church. The past 14 months has been a challenging time for the entire country, as well as churches everywhere. Future plans for graduations, weddings, funerals, schools and churches faced weekly changes. All of us have been in a state of flux and uncertainty. These past 14 months have placed the church in a unique and peculiar battle. The Bible tells us that the church of Jesus Christ will continually be in a battle against the forces of evil until Christ’s return. There can surely be no doubt: this has been warfare. [Matthew 16:18]
Winston Churchill said, “I have found in experience of war, that plans are useless, but planning is invaluable.”
General Eisenhower said, “No battle was ever won according to plan, but no battle was ever won without one.”
“Those who victorious plan effectively and change decidedly. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War
“If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan-but never the goal.” Laura Annabelle
“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed at some indefinite time in the future.” General George S. Patton
“Being yielded to God’s authority keeps us pliable and open-minded to a possible change of plans.” Beth Moore
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Jesus has foretold that “the gates of hell will not prevail.” Our church mission has not changed! Our mission still remains: “to Grow Followers of Jesus through Worship, Community and Service.” A building is just one of the tools we use to further that mission.
Report on Capital Stewardship Campaign:
3 years ago this May, we began our “A TIME TO BUILD” Capital Stewardship Campaign in order to fund and build a new facility on our Thurston-Dermont property, and remain debt free. The goal was to raise $2.5 million dollars with the first $300,000 committed to missions. Short of the $2.5 million dollar goal, we had $634,000 committed over a 3-year period of time. This campaign ended 4/30/21. During the 36 months of this campaign, COVID came upon us just past the midpoint and life took a new course, physically and financially, for many of us. As of the end of April, 2021, we have received Campaign donations of $410,632.00
As promised, in spite of the shortage of contributions, we have been able to fulfill our pledge to our missions and have completed improvements to the Center Street facility. The Fellowship Hall and Kitchen, Family bathroom and Nursery have all been updated and upgraded to meet required standards.
Simply put, our plan looks to have failed. However, consider this: John Maxwell said, “Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions do not change; they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same, and they are scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.”
Formation of Church Board
I have no plans for retiring and will continue to minister as long as the Lord allows. Kurt Hoffman has become our Executive Pastor and one of the pastoral teachers of the church. All staff responsibilities and supervisory guidance now falls under Kurt’s direction. I have commissioned him to form a leadership team that will pay a significant role in revising our plan for growth. This team will be introduced to congregation in the next few weeks. They have been meeting since the first of the year, reviewing and discussing plans for the future.
The Evolving Plan
The whole scenario of the last 18 months has led us to re-think the plans for the future, but not our vision. Much has changed since we began our stewardship program in 2018. For instance, in the latter part of 2019, the hospital, which owned the 2 parking lots we had been using, as well as most of the land around our church, offered us the opportunity of purchasing those lots adjacent to our church property. It was an answer to prayer and an offer too good to pass. In addition, we learned that the property directly across from the front entrance to the church was going to be home to a 50-unit Elderly Care Center, scheduled to begin construction in the coming year. What an opportunity for ministry at our very own front door!
When our search for a Worship Leader led us to the talents and leadership ability of Cathy Mullins, we felt the Lord had His Hand in her hiring. What we did not know at the time of her hiring was that she had a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and was proficient in organizing Choirs and conducting training programs. In addition to her duties as Worship Leader and Choir Director, she has grown the children’s ministry to near 70 elementary and preschool children, who meet in the Fellowship Hall during adult worship. This important ministry is happening within our walls!
What does this mean?
I cannot fully answer that but I do know this: We have an opportunity to enlarge our footprint on Center Street with the addition of an Educational and Activities building. Our present facility is strategically located in the center of Daviess County. We are leaning towards expanding our ministry right here on Center Street.
We cannot lose our faith and imagination as a church. Our vision and mission have not changed. We are not going to be depressed or distracted by the way things are. We are going to move forward and we are not going to allow what is – to keep us from praying and living for what ought be…and for what one day will be.
I welcome your feedback and insight. If you attend any of the weekend services, feel free to place your comments in the offering plates or suggetions box located by the front entrance of the church. If you prefer to mail, our address is:
Christ Community Church
1220 Center Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
Thank you! God bless you !! May we be Christ to our community!!!
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:35
Pastor Myke Templeton