Lynwood Baptist looks at expanding its ministry

You may be wondering why a church has an article in a business magazine. I believe it's important for the business community to understand what the business of the church is all about. I recently shared with our church the Greater Things Vision from John 14:12-17. Jesus said in verse 12, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father." Yes, he said we will do even greater things than he did, but he is not referring to quality. No one can do anything better than what Jesus did. He is referring to scope and quantity. We have the availability of travel, technology, financial resources, communication, etc., but most of all, we have the presence and power of God's spirit. Jesus was limited by time and space, but God is not. I believe God has revealed three "greater things" he wants our church to pursue over the next several years.

First is a Maturity Center. The focus of this center is equipping Christians to grow deeper in their walk with Christ and experience true spiritual transformation. This will be a center where Christians can learn how to study the Bible, how to pray, and other disciplines of the Christian faith. It will also be a center where they can study books of the Bible and doctrines of our faith. We will have a variety of resources available and a structured teaching plan. We also have the potential of using this center to allow bivocational pastors and others in ministry to develop their education and skills.

Second is a Mobilization Center. We will train individuals how to begin Bible studies in our community primarily through relationships but also for those who have little or no understanding about God and spiritual matters. These Bible studies may be taught at home, work or school. If you have any interest in attending one of these Bible studies, please call our church office at 334-4600.

Third is a Ministry Center. After reading Matthew 25:31-46, God has made it clear to me Lynwood is in a position to do more to help hurting people. I believe God wants us to build a ministry center on our church campus. These buildings would include but not be limited to, a men's residence for men in transition from recovery or homelessness. We need a women's shelter for the same reasons but also for abused women and their children. We need an emergency shelter for abused or neglected children who cannot live with their parents. There will be specific spiritual instruction and greater accountability which will help provide a holistic approach in the lives of these individuals.

All these ministries will evolve over time, but we must begin the work now. Yes, it is overwhelming and a lot of work. Someone may say, "You can't do all that." We can't, but God can because he owns the business!

Mark Anderson is the pastor at Lynwood Baptist Church.