I am very excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in 2013. From a church standpoint, I believe that Foothills Community Church will see the the most increase that we've ever seen. Now when I say increase I'm not just talking about numerical increase. I do think we will see a huge numerical increase, but what I'm even more excited about is the spiritual increase we will see.
I mentioned in my message yesterday the conversation that I had with a man that told me that he had heard that Foothills was a great church to go to to be saved, but if you wanted to grow that you would need to find another church. Wow, that hurt. It broke my heart, because it simply is not true. By far Foothills puts more time, energy and money into growing believers than we do to reach unbelievers.
While it is true that Foothills does see many people saved each year, and it's no secret that I have a huge heart for the unchurched, it still doesn't change the fact that we are just as committed to the second half of our mission statement as we are to the first half. (Our mission statement is to Help People Find and Follow Jesus)
That said, let's talk about 2013. I have challenged every person that attends Foothills to take another step spiritually. No matter if you have been a believer for a day or several decades, take another step. So often believers stop growing and become content with a flat line spiritual life.
The writer of Hebrews tells us that we have a responsibility to grow spiritually: Hebrews 5:12-14 NLT: 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word.[a] You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Here is our commitment. From the stage on Sunday mornings, I will do everything within my power to help you grow. We will offer you opportunities to serve and attend a Find and Follow Group, but every single person must be willing to take full responsibility for their own spiritual growth. Every believer needs personal Bible study, a regular prayer time, should be connecting with a church, should be giving of their finances to support the Lord's mission, healthy relationships, and be living out God's mission for your life.
I have to tell you, that I have been so encouraged by the excitement level of our people to take these steps.
Here are a couple of things of note:
* We will be starting a brand new message series through the gospel of John. This is going to be great. We are going to take our time and really drill down into scripture. At this point I am estimating that we will be in John for at least 6-8 months.
* Don't forget our first Get In The Game of 2013. It will be held at each of our campuses. If you have not signed-up, do it today. In 2012 almost 400 people went through the class. We are praying that over 500 people will go through the class and become members in 2013.
* We are praying about our 4th campus. I met with a group of people last week that want to be a part of that. This could be huge. Stay tuned for more details.
* Our Toccoa campus set an all-time high attendance record yesterday!!
* Our Find and Follow groups kicked-off last night. We have lots of people involved in groups this semester.
* I am so thankful for all of our volunteers at Foothills. Last year over 700 people served in one of our ministries. Let's see about adding a couple hundred more. If you haven't served, and would like to, let us know.
* If you have missed the messages from the last two Sundays I would encourage you to watch them. You will understand who we are and where we believe the Lord is leading us in 2013.
