Annual Meeting of the Corporation...

In 40 minutes the Elders Board and Council will hold the annual meeting of the Corporation of New Life Christian Ministries, Inc.  It's a legal "formality" on the one hand, it's an important time of reviewing the year and anticipating a new one on the other.  It's good to stop and see what God has done, what He has empowered us to do, and also what we have failed to do to advance His Kingdom.  That's what annual meetings of a local group of followers of Jesus should be, and what they are at New Life.  One of the greatest joys for me as the founding pastor of New Life is that we have a structure that is designed to enhance MINISTRY, not maintenance.  I frankly  don't care if New Life exists as a local body of Jesus if all that means is that we "maintain" what we've always maintained.  A local church exists to expand God's universal Kingdom, to work together with other local congregations to see God's realm grow bigger with each passing year.  The gains at New Life have been modest this past year--but there have been gains.  Lives baptized in obedience to Jesus.  Missionaries supported to the glory of God.  Worship celebrated to God's pleasure.  Fellowship shared to deepen the bonds of love in Jesus.  This is why the church exists!  Some think that one day, when New Life has a building or buildings at 127 Knoch Road we will "really" be a church.  Praise God that we are already a church!  A building will be just one more "tool" God uses to lead others into His Kingdom, and for that reason, I look forward to the day when 127 Knoch Road is our "mission outpost" or "embassy of God's Kingdom" in our community.  Until then, by God's grace and the Spirit's power we will continue to advance His Kingdom at South Butler Primary Center, in our homes, schools, workplaces and in the world.  After all, our "corporation" is a world-wide conglomerate, with billions of constitutents, and thousands added each day--to God's eternal glory!