Grace Blog
What Is the Greater Things Initiative?
The Greater Things Initiative has grown out of the realization that God has led Grace Baptist Church to a place where we must we must important decisions about our future. The blessings of God in our church have created practical challenges and unprecedented opportunities for us. We have come to a point where we must either try to manage these blessings or else leverage them for greater kingdom advancement. God is stirring us up to attempt the latter with renewed energy, boldness and faith. Having been convinced that greater things are still to be done in and through Grace, this initiative was set in place to cast the vision of what God can do through a people radically devoted to him and sacrificially offering their lives for His cause.
There are three specific areas where we are seeking God for greater things: facilitating growth for greater church expansion, fueling planting for greater church multiplication, and fostering mission for greater church extension.
Facilitating Growth (Greater Church Expansion)
Over the past two years, we have experienced continued growth in our congregation. In November 2009, this growth led us to starting an additional morning worship service. Hoping to meet the existing space needs, this change not only contributed to more growth, but our morning worship attendance is growing at a faster rate than ever before with July 2010 seeing 50% growth over a year’s period of time. Though the current building has served us well, we are now in a position where it is necessary for us to consider space needs that would facilitate this growth and continue the expansion of our church here in Cape Coral and SW Florida. It is our desire to have a greater presence in the city while providing greater accessibility to the gospel for those our neighbors who have had little to no exposure of the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Fueling Planting (Greater Church Multiplication)
For the past two years while we have been experiencing numerical growth, we have also been laboring to see churches planted in SW Florida. By God’s grace, our first church plant will be launched in October. We have hopes and are making plans to see many more new churches started in the in the next several years. In order for this to come to pass, we need to fuel our focus on planting more gospel-centered churches. The Greater Things Initiative serves that purpose, and if God is pleased to own our efforts, we anticipate planting at least 3 more churches in the next five years.
Fostering Mission (Greater Church Extension)
Grace has a long history of sending and supporting missionaries from our church family. We have also sought to increase our missions giving for the extension of the gospel among the unreached peoples of the world. However, we are convinced that God is going to call out from among us more to be sent to the hard places to make Christ known. The Greater Things Initiative seeks to help foster this mission by providing more opportunities for short-term missionary labors and caring for the needs of our long-term missionaries as well. As we continue to pursue God’s heart for the peoples of the world, we are committed to working for the extension of the kingdom of God by gathering more worshippers who will treasure Jesus Christ.
Labels: Cape Coral, Church Planting, Grace Baptist Church, Greater Things Initiative, Missions | posted by TimBrister at 10:56 am | Categories: Church Planting, Greater Things, Missions |
Great Commission Task Force Report Highlights
Some of you will remember last month during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, a report was presented by the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force recommending several components that would affect the Southern Baptist Convention for the good of advancing the mission as a convention of cooperating churches. Below is a short video summarizing some of the highlights of the report and discussion that followed–a report that, as you will see, was affirmed by the majority of messengers in attendance.
GCR: Highlights From A Historic Day, June 15, 2010 from GCR on Vimeo.
Labels: Cape Coral, GCR, Grace Baptist Church, Great Commission Resurgence | posted by TimBrister at 10:03 pm | Categories: Missions, Videos |
For Perspective and Prayer
Operation Mobilisation is a missions agency doing great work around the world. If you are on Twitter, you can follow their updates at www.twitter.com/omusa. I recently came across their daily photo blog which gives you a glimpse of what is taking place around the world. I encourage you to check it out for two reasons: perspective and prayer. For perspective, because it is easy for us to view life in a myopic, tunnel-vision kind of way; for prayer, because God is doing so many things around the world that we are beckoned to join Him in.
Labels: Cape Coral, Grace Baptist Church, Missions, Operation Mobilisation, Photography, Prayer | posted by TimBrister at 7:51 am | Categories: Missions, Prayer |
Responding to the Crisis in Haiti
Since news broke Tuesday night about the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people from across the world have been watching what appears to be one of the most catastrophic natural disasters ever in the Western Hemisphere in the poorest of all countries in this region. For those of us in South Florida, it is particularly painful as tens of thousands of Haitians live in our neighborhoods. Haiti is closer to us than Louisville, Kentucky, and because of its proximity, we feel an increased sense of responsibility.
PRAY
How do we respond to something of this magnitude? Is there anything that we can do that will have a meaningful impact for the good of the Haitian people? The first and greatest thing we can do is pray to our Almighty, Sovereign Lord. This did not catch God off guard, nor is He so overwhelmed that He cannot display His power, love, and mercy in and through His people.
* Pray that God would give supernatural strength to those having to lift fragments of earth without any heavy machinery.
* Pray that God would provide doctors and nurses unusual skill without the tools and technology to preserve life and bring healing to those severely affected.
* Pray for the humanitarian workers who are dealing with huge logistical challenges to have effective and immediate success in bringing food, water, medical supplies, and life-saving support to the people. Pray especially for the newly orphaned, as 50% of the population in Port-au-Prince are children.
* Pray that God would strengthen His church in Haiti with unwavering hope and undying love to show and share the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who are suffering great loss, unbearable pain, and inexpressible grief at this time.
GIVE
Not only can you pray, but you can give to organizations that are already organized and on the ground providing humanitarian aid and performing search and rescue. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has a strong record of disaster relief, and there are three ways you can give to support the relief work in Haiti. Both the Baptist Global Response (the disaster relief of the International Mission Board) the North American Mission Board (NAMB) disaster relief channel 100% of the gifts to the relief work on the field (overhead is covered through other denominational funding). This Sunday, we will be receiving a special offering where all proceeds will go to the disaster relief work through these denominational agencies. As you may know, the Florida Baptist Convention has had a 15-year partnership with Haiti and has several indigenous directors of mission on the field working with the Haitian churches. This long-standing relationship with Haiti has networked Florida Baptists with Haitian churches and the communities in ways many if not most other organizations have not cultivated.
Outside the SBC, there are several other excellent non-profit organizations that I encourage you to consider supporting. They are:
* World Vision [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Compassion International [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Samaritan’s Purse [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Water Missions International [Give | Website]
* Food for the Hungry [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Convoy of Hope [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Red Cross [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Salvation Army [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
GO
The pastors have been actively considering the possibility of taking a team to Haiti. At this point, we are awaiting field assessments and assignments, including confirmed collaboration with indigenous personnel. As you may have heard, the only airport in Haiti is severely limited (and currently shut down), so we would likely be flying into Santo Domingo. There we have Haitian contacts and field personnel who may be able to assist in interpreting, travel, and serving as well. Please pray for us as we seek the possibility of going in the very near future. Several other pastors and churches have expressed interest in joining us, for which we are grateful.
Lastly, take some time to learn about Haiti and stay informed on the developments. Look at the photo galleries. By a t-shirt. If you’re like me, you might be asking, “Why was I not concerned about Haiti before 50,000 have perished?” May God help us to fight apathy and refuse to close our hearts to those who are in need (1 John 3:16-18). Please be prepared this Sunday to give generously and sacrificially to provide help and hope for those experiencing suffering and loss.
* Photo Source: Associated Press
Labels: Disaster Relief, Earthquake, Haiti, Help Haiti, Hope for Haiti | posted by TimBrister at 11:04 am | Categories: Missions, Prayer |
This Week: Praying for the Nation of Portugal
The nation we are praying for this week is the Portugal. While there are only 9 million people in Portugal, over 190 million people speak Portuguese worldwide. This is a country overwhelmingly Roman Catholic with many pioneering challenges. Among the non-Catholic population, the largest groups include Jehovah Witness and Mormons, and the increasingly secular society is finding any expression of the Christian faith irrelevant while at the same time 90% of them consult with spiritist mediums, witches, and New Age philosophies. Of the 316 counties that make up Portugal, 69 of them have no evangelical congregation or witness (over 800,000 people), so this is a great call to prayer! As God continues to build the church and make a name for Himself, let us pray that the gospel will go forth with clarity and conviction that there would be many Portuguese gathered around the throne worshipping Jesus!
For more information about Portugal, check out Operation World (for prayer points) and The Joshua Project (for people group information).
Labels: Joshua Project, Operation World, Portugal, Prayer | posted by TimBrister at 8:29 pm | Categories: Missions, Prayer |
This Week: Praying for the Republic of Philippines
The nation we are praying for this week is the Philippines. This is a country comprised of 7,250 islands and a population over 97 million people, the majority of whom are Roman Catholic. About half the population live below the poverty line, and the average family lives off 4% of the average income of an American citizen. The capital city of Manilla has a population of over 13 million people with 5,000 Filipino’s migrating to the squalid slums of the city every day. Religiously speaking, while most of the Filipino claims Christianity as their “religion,” among the Roman Catholics (80% of population), people are more influence by animism and witchcraft than the teachings of Jesus. And among the charismatics, people are more influenced by superstition than the Scriptures, holding to salvation by works rather than by grace.
Nevertheless, God is raising up His church there, even among the 13 Muslim people groups who have yet to be reached, the gospel is going out. While there is ample opportunity to hear of Christ in the Philippines, let us pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ will take root deep into the hearts of the people and flourish in their land, bringing glory and honor to our Savior Jesus Christ!
For more information about the Philippines, be sure to visit Operation World (prayer points) and The Joshua Project (for people group info).
Labels: Missions, Operation World, Philippines, Prayer for the Nations | posted by TimBrister at 8:02 pm | Categories: Missions, Prayer |
Ten Great Commission Questions
Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, recently wrote an article personalizing a “Great Commission Resurgence” by asking ten tough questions. I want to post these questions for our reflection as we seek to be a Great Commission church–one that is a church planting church made up of disciple-making disciples. Check them out.
1. Do I read and study my Bible daily so I can know what the Word says about a Great Commission lifestyle?
2. Do I pray each day that God will lead me to a Great Commission lifestyle?
3. Do I need to reconcile with someone so that God can truly use me in the fulfillment of the Great Commission?
4. Am I willing to change my lifestyle materially so I might give more and be less dependent on the things of the world?
5. Do I really show concern for the poor and hurting in this world and in my community?
6. Would my family testify honestly that I lead a Great Commission lifestyle with them?
7. Do I have a gentle and loving spirit that reflects the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life?
8. Do I major on minors?
9. Do I see the speck in others’ eyes without seeing the plank in mine?
10. Does my life reflect genuine joy?
I suppose we all could give reasons as to why we are not Great Commission Christians as we should be, but behind all of that is a conviction to take the gospel and mission of our Savior sincerely, seriously, and personally. I think these questions help us do that.
Labels: Great Commission, Great Commission Resurgence, Thom Rainer | posted by TimBrister at 5:52 am | Categories: Community, Evangelism, Missions |
Tears of the Saints
Lord, move me.
Move us.
To your heart.
For the nations.
Labels: Missions, Prayer, Tears of the Saints | posted by TimBrister at 6:52 am | Categories: Missions |
This Week: Praying for the Nation of Peru
The nation we are praying for this week is Peru. Located on the western coast of South America, Peru holds a population of approximately 30 million people, 40% of whom live in extreme poverty. At the close of the 20th century, Peru experienced 15 years of guerrilla war where over 30,000 of their people were killed, including 750 Christian leaders who were martyred for their stand for Christ. However, during this time, the churches in Peru have seen wonderful growth, especially among the Highland peoples of the Quechua tribes. Yet there is still a great need in Peru as it considered that 25% of Peruvians are “Christo-pagans” adding witchcraft and animism to Christianity.
Let us pray that the gospel will go to the slums of Lima where 60% of its population live and little gospel work being done. Let us pray for the gospel to run among the 714,000 young people in colleges where the least number of evangelical believers are numbered. And let us pray for doctrinal clarity and theological training among the pastors to teach the whole counsel of the Word of God!
For more information about Peru, visit Operation World (general info and prayer points) and The Joshua Project (people groups of Peru).
Labels: Peru, Prayer for the Nations | posted by TimBrister at 1:11 pm | Categories: Missions, Prayer |
Short-Term Missions Blog Series via Desiring God
The Desiring God blog recently completed a short blog series on short-term missions. In light of upcoming mission opportunities, these posts would be particularly helpful for those preparing to go overseas as part of a short-term missions team. Here they are:
Rethinking Short-Term Missions
The Effect of Short-Term Missions on Poverty
We Need Them at Least as Much as They Need Us
Teaching as a Short-Term Missions Strategy
The Importance of Doing Missions as Servants
Labels: Bill Walsh, Desiring God, Short-term Missions | posted by TimBrister at 8:46 am | Categories: Missions, Resources |
Tears of the Saints
Let us pray.
Let us weep.
Let us give.
Let us go.
Because we have
a Savior of the nations,
a gloriously guaranteed mission,
and presence of Christ, power of the Spirit, and promises from the Father!
Tears of the Saints from Acts1v8 on Vimeo.
Labels: Great Commission, World Missions | posted by TimBrister at 10:08 am | Categories: Missions |
What To Do With Your Extra Bibles
If you are like me, you probably have some extra Bibles around your house that you no longer read. Some may have been given to you as a gift; others may have been replaced with newer copies or different translations. In any case, unlike most places in the world, there is no shortage of Bibles in America. Statistics reveal that the average American Christian has 9 Bibles where many third world pastors are fortunate to have 9 pages of one Bible at a time. So what can we do with these extra Bibles?
Tim Challies recently encouraged Christians to check out a program by Christian Resources International which sends your Bible(s) to bless pastors in other parts of the world. They write:
“Just enter your name, address, and denomination in the form below, and then we’ll send you—free—all the mailing materials you need to send a Bible to a specific pastor, Christian worker, church member, or seeker overseas. We’ll send you the recipient’s name and address, so you can pray for the recipient by name.”
You can go to the post office (if you’re in the U.S., at least) and send that envelope anywhere in the world for only $12. And, because ”the mailing materials bear CRI’s return address, you need not worry that you’ll be personally contacted by anyone overseas.”
Perhaps the greatest gift you could give a fellow Christian around the world is their own copy of God’s Word. Take a moment and check out this program!
Labels: Bare Your Bookshelf, Bibles, Christian Resources International | posted by TimBrister at 1:14 pm | Categories: Missions, Resources, Scripture |
Baptist Press on Central Asia Summit
This past Thursday, Baptist Press published an article summarizing the Central Asia Summit that several from our church participated. The article is entitled, “C. Asia doesn’t need ‘business as unsual‘” by Adam Miller. Sunday night, the team will be sharing with the Grace family about their experience at the summit and what they learned. Be looking for future emphasis, information, and opportunities to serve in the region of Central Asia, much of which we will make communicate on our international missions page.
Labels: Central Asia, Missions | posted by TimBrister at 9:09 pm | Categories: Missions |
