The Future of LBC Youth
I’ve always been drawn to the power of potential of what could be under God, and I’m looking forward to what 2018 will bring as we continue to move forward in Lake Baldwin Youth. It is an honor to come alongside young people, see them be continually impacted by the Gospel, and help show them what it looks like to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. My heart is for this youth ministry at LBC to flourish and be a place where young people find "life in all its’ fullness" (John 10:10).
by Mark McKinney, Youth Director
“Everything we do is about enabling, equipping and empowering young people to become Sons and Daughters of God by grace and live increasingly devoted to Him for the rest of their lives. The unbelievable privilege is that in Youth Ministry, we get to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of young people.”
I’ve always been drawn to the power of potential of what could be under God, and I’m looking forward to what 2018 will bring as we continue to move forward in Lake Baldwin Youth. It is an honor to come alongside young people, see them be continually impacted by the Gospel, and help show them what it looks like to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. My heart is for this youth ministry at LBC to flourish and be a place where young people find "life in all its’ fullness" (John 10:10).
As a team, we’ve spent the last few months learning, evaluating our current realities, and praying about our direction for the future. We are excited about our vision for LBC Youth this year and are eager to pursue this with passionate hearts for fulfilling the great commission.
“LBC Youth— Establishing young people as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, empowered to impact the world.”
There are three main areas of strategic focus for us that—in complete dependence upon God—I believe will bring us into an increasingly God-honoring future in 2018 and beyond!
1. Healthy and high-impact Youth Volunteer Leadership Team
When a team of fully devoted disciples are serious about serving, giving their very best, using their spiritual gifts, and growing in personal leadership, we are in the best place for great gospel ministry. Developing, investing and empowering a team of leaders really matters. The team gathers every Sunday before Youth for prayer and planning, and we hold an additional monthly meeting to invest in leadership development and work through strategy for the future.
2. Engaging, relevant and life-changing ministry
This year the team will continue to focus on re-creating and investing in our Sunday night gathering, working to make that an increasingly engaging, relevant and deeply life-changing space. Our heart is to help young people establish a relationship with God through excellent and relevant Bible study, worship, prayer, and hanging out. The Youth Alpha series we’re currently in is really great, helping us engage with some of the basics of what it means to be a Christ-follower. I’m excited to see what God might do through this series.
We’ve been working on short- and long-term strategic plans that include Summer Camp, an increased number of social events, and evangelistic opportunities. My hope is to eventually establish separate middle and high schools ministries, although that’s way down the line! Getting creative with our meeting space has been a challenge, and we continue to pray for a venue that meets all our needs.
3. Hearts of young people
Our objective is to ignite, equip and empower young people in faith through high-impact discipleship and evangelism. It has been very encouraging to see many new young people coming on Sunday nights and engaging with small groups.
Discipleship is a relational process that takes place over a long period of time, so this year our team is driven to engage deeply in relational discipleship. The aim is to empower young people to walk in all the ways God has called them to. That’s why we take meeting with young people seriously, discipling and encouraging them in their faith journey.
“But as for you… Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Of course, none of this is possible without the mighty hand of God and the phenomenal power of the Holy Spirit moving through LBC Youth. I’m always reminded how utterly dependent on God we are if we hope to see the lost come home and those who are part of the Kingdom live fully for God. Would you join us in praying for God to do a mighty work in middle and high school students? Under the One who is still changing lives, I’m excited to see what God has for us in 2018.
The Future of SPLASH Kids
We say at Lake Baldwin Church that we want to be characterized by hearts that beat for the good news of the gospel to transform the lost, the found, the city, and the world. If that’s where we’re headed as a church, why not start there? Why not begin providing opportunities for our littlest hearts to engage with the transforming power of the gospel for the lost, found, city and world?
by Heather Shiflett, SPLASH Kids Director
“Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are. And as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many… let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.”
Small beginnings. At this writing there’s a “small beginning” sleeping on my lap... a precious and precocious little 3-year-old ready in his waking hours to take the world by storm. One of the wonderful privileges of parenting a 3-year-old alongside a 17-year-old is perspective. Perspective that brings comfort and hope on difficult days, reminding me that he’ll grow up all too quickly. Perspective that brings wisdom, reminding me not to waste this time with him. Perspective that knows the truth observed by William Bradford, a small candle has the potential to light a thousand. Perspective that whispers “start with the end in mind.”
God has used that phrase, “start with the end in mind,” not only in my parenting, but also as I’ve contemplated how to begin leading SPLASH and asking where He wants to take our children.
A volunteer helps a child pack a backpack at the 2017 SPLASHserves event
To start with the end in mind, one must ask, “What is the end goal?” What does the Lord want to accomplish with our children and youth? What does He want the hallmarks of Lake Baldwin Church children to be? When one of our sons or daughters leaves home for college, for what will they be known?
We say at Lake Baldwin Church that we want to be characterized by hearts that beat for the good news of the gospel to transform the lost, the found, the city, and the world. If that’s where we’re headed as a church, why not start there? Why not begin providing opportunities for our littlest hearts to engage with the transforming power of the gospel for the lost, found, city and world?
After five months of prayer, I believe God is leading SPLASH to align with these four aspects of our vision statement. Throughout 2018, we will introduce four serving events: Serving Our Neighbor, Serving the Found, Serving the City and Serving the World.
Serving Our Neighbor
In the fall we intend to host a bridge-building event open to the community called a Science Lyceum where families can explore and observe the world of BUBBLES! Did you know you can observe the color a bubble turns right before it pops? Bubbles not only delight children, but present an opportunity to engage families who might not be ready to explore a church setting.
“Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16
Serving the Found
In May we will host our first transitional class for kids graduating from SPLASH Kids and moving into the Youth Group and Worship Service called ANCHOR. Over a Friday evening and Saturday morning, we will celebrate the closing of one chapter and the beginning of a new. Incoming 6th graders will be introduced to our Youth Director, Mark McKinney, and learn in a developmentally appropriate manner some of the special components experienced in a Worship Service, like the sacraments.
“We have this hope as an anchor for our lives.” —Hebrews 6:19
Serving the City
Building on our Secret Agent theme from last year, SPLASH Kids will continue investing in our host school by packing backpacks of school supplies this July for the 50-70 homeless families whose children attend Glenridge Middle School. It is our hope through this project to begin instilling an "outward face" in LBC children.
“But when you give to those in need, give in complete secrecy.” —Matthew 6:3,4
Serving the World
On New Year's Eve we began introducing SPLASH Kids to LBC-supported missionaries! During the initial introductory phase we are learning about four families: the Jean-Rejouis family in France, the Bolings in Mexico, the Meyers in England and the K family in East Asia. After introductions have been made we will begin FaceTime/Skype interviews during SPLASH to increase familiarity with these families and their work. Later, we will culminate our year with Serving the World, a service day that will directly support our missionary families and their work overseas. Our hope is to build familiarity with global missions in a way that makes going on a trip as a teenager/adult a completely natural next step for LBC children.
The Jean-Rejouis family, serving in Toulouse, France
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.” —Romans 1:16
If you’ve read this far, I hope you are excited about the plans God has in store for SPLASH. I know I am! 1 Samuel 12:16 says, “Now then, stand still, and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.” Next Sunday look into the eyes of a child and ask yourself, “Is he/she the ‘small candle that will light a thousand?’” Let’s kindle those little flames together. They are after all our future.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
Ready to get involved? Learn more about serving in SPLASH Kids!
The Future of Global Missions
The Global Missions Team of Lake Baldwin Church has a clear mission: to partner with the global church to bring the gospel to the nations.
by Mike Tilley, on behalf of the Global Missions Team
LBC member, Brita Zuelkhe, on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua
Imagine a remote village in Nicaragua with no Wi-Fi, no Starbucks, and no access to the village except by river boat. Imagine that same village teeming with children and adults in need of medical and dental supplies and services. Several members of Lake Baldwin Church will partner with Team Nicaragua April 7-15 to serve the wonderful people of this remote village.
LBC member, Angela Robinson, on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua
In a world of turmoil it’s encouraging to know that people are willing to sacrifice their time, talent, and treasure to bring gospel hope and to make a difference.
The Global Missions Team of Lake Baldwin Church has a clear mission: to partner with the global church to bring the gospel to the nations.
While the challenges are daunting, the opportunities have grown because we live in a globally connected world with ease of travel, ease of communication, and fewer language barriers.
Thanks to trusted relationships with people around the world, our church has formed partnerships with missionaries serving in East Asia, Mexico, and throughout Europe. Beyond that, LBC members are connected to ministry efforts in Nicaragua, Japan, Africa, and the Middle East. We designate a portion of our budget for missions support, and we are currently supporting missionaries in La Paz, Mexico; London (working with the Bangladeshi community); Toulouse, France; and a remote people group in East Asia.
What can we look forward to in 2018?
LBC sent a team to La Paz, Mexico in July 2017
- The medical mission to Nicaragua April 7-15, led by Brita Zuehlke, Angela Robinson, and Chris Kendall.
- Encouragement of LBC members preparing to serve in Bangkok, Thailand and Senegal, West Africa.
- Serving a Europe-wide retreat for pastors and families October 29-November 2 as part of International Christian Community.
- A return trip to the church-planting effort in La Paz, Mexico (2018 or 2019) which has just secured a full-time Mexican pastor to lead the work—an answer to prayer.
- Laying the foundation for work with international students right here in Orlando, led by LBC member and Jesus Film staff worker Don Dearing.
Why are we so hopeful as we take these steps? The first missionary, the Apostle Paul, spoke to skeptics in Athens and told them an astounding truth:
“And [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.”
This truth can be seen vividly in today’s Europe, for example, where refugees and immigrants have come from Africa and the Middle East. These immigrants are “seeking God” in places like Athens, Geneva, Prague, Frankfurt, and other cities.
Whatever it takes, our dream is to work alongside front-line missionaries and pastors to plant thriving, gospel-centered churches among the nations.
The Future of Serving Our City
In Jeremiah 29, God tells the Israelites who are in exile in Babylon to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, though it was not their true home. On this side of God’s renewal of all things, we too live in a world that is not truly home. Yet the calling on the Christian is to likewise seek the peace and prosperity of the environments in which God has placed us, for his glory.
by Joe White
In Jeremiah 29, God tells the Israelites who are in exile in Babylon to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, though it was not their true home. On this side of God’s renewal of all things, we too live in a world that is not truly home. Yet the calling on the Christian is to likewise seek the peace and prosperity of the environments in which God has placed us, for his glory.
Here’s how we at Lake Baldwin Church take this to heart: we want to be the kind of church that, were we to disappear tomorrow, would be missed by our city. We want LBC to be known as a church that cares deeply about Orlando.
But how do we do that? What are some of the ways that we can express our heart for the city in 2018?
LBC Member Jack McGill, Founder and board member of Elevate Orlando pictured with students at the annual Elevate Orlando Vision Breakfast.
One way is to continue to highlight and champion our partner organizations, such as Elevate Orlando, Jobs Partnerships, 306 Foundation, and Grace Medical Home. (Learn more about our partners HERE.) As a growing local church, we don’t have the expertise and experience that these organizations have, but we do have the opportunity (such a cool one at that) to partner up and support what God is doing through them. Many at LBC already offer time, money, and volunteer support to these agencies. Through increased Sunday morning exposure, and identifying a “champion” in the congregation for each organization, we anticipate even greater support and connection in 2018.
LBC Member Lori Crocker, teaching a cake decorating class for students in the Toolbox4Life program. T4L is a life skills class offered by 306 Foundation, an organization led by LBC Members John and Jane Hursh.
Another avenue for seeking the peace of our city is through our Community Group ministry. While we love offering church-wide service opportunities throughout the year (more on that in a bit) we believe that there is something uniquely powerful about people in a community group brainstorming and praying about how God might use their group to care for the community.
These “grass roots” efforts began springing up in 2017— I’m reminded of one group in particular. After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, this community group, filled with people all across the spectrum in their faith journeys, decided to rally together to help pack meals through Feeding Children Everywhere. Inspired by stories like this, other Community Group leaders have requested that we highlight serving opportunities for them throughout the year. As a result, in 2018 all our group leaders will receive monthly updates featuring a variety of opportunities to care for our city together as a group.
LBC Member John Hursh, founder of 306 Foundation, pictured with a student of the Toolbox4Life construction program.
In addition to community group initiatives, we have a goal of offering 2-4 church-wide opportunities this year. Last summer, our SPLASH Kids program hosted a service day to donate and pack backpacks filled with school supplies for homeless and displaced kids enrolled at Glenridge Middle School. It was an opportunity for the whole church to come together and be the hands and feet of Christ in our community. (Check out the video below.) More opportunities like that are in store for 2018!
But there’s one more aspect to caring for our city that I would be remiss to leave out. In a very real sense, God has been bringing the city to us.
The needs are not only out there, but in here. Because of this, we’re grateful for a growing Deacon team that offers assistance through the deacons' fund to care for those God brings our way.
As 2018 is already underway, would you join me in praying for, and engaging in, the mission that God has for us? Ours is a mission to be a church not just for ourselves, but for our city. To God be the glory.
Want to get involved?
Habitat for Humanity work day
Saturday, February 24th, 9:00-noon
This opportunity is limited to 10 volunteers from LBC, so email David Runnels today to sign up! Volunteers must be age 16 and older.
The Future of Community Groups
As we head into 2018, I’m excited about the future development of our groups ministry at LBC. Our vision is to create environments where we Encounter Christ Together, Share Our Lives with One Another, and Love Our City Well.
by Joe White, LBC Assistant Pastor
As we look back, 2017 was a BIG year for community groups at LBC. Here are a few things worth highlighting:
- New Community Groups! Brand new leaders have stepped up, opened up their homes to believers and seekers alike, and provided atmospheres where people can grow in their faith. A couple of the new groups I’m excited about are the “Family Community Groups”, also known as the “beauty in the chaos” groups, as parents bring their kids along with them! We’ve found this to be a rich relationship building time for the adults and the children. In addition, the kids get the rich experience of witnessing their parents study the Bible, a formative memory we hope will stick with them into adulthood.
- Community Groups Serving! Multiple community groups this year have participated in grassroots service opportunities. We love it when groups take the initiative to put action behind our vision to bring the good news of the gospel to our city.
- Community Group Leader Training! As we do every year, in September we had two Community Group Leader Huddles for leadership training and alignment. These huddles were an exciting opportunity to put our heads together as leaders and better equip ourselves for the future.
As we head into 2018, I’m excited about the future development of our groups ministry at LBC. Our vision is to create environments where we Encounter Christ Together, Share Our Lives with One Another, and Love Our City Well.
In addition to starting several new groups this coming year, we plan to implement our vision through a community group wide roll out of our “Discover Grace” class as a video series. Our hope is that through this series, more and more folks in our church will come to experience the power of the means of grace in their growth process.
If you’re reading this right now and you’re not yet in a community group, let me take this opportunity to encourage you to connect with one. This is the best way to find family in LBC, and grow alongside brothers and sisters in Christ.
As Scot Shiflett remarked last year, “Our community group is why we stuck at LBC.”
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit the online group directory:
The Future of Assimilation
Do you remember the first time you walked through the doors of a church? Did it feel awkward? Did you know anybody? Did you feel welcomed?
by TJ Sellers
Do you remember the first time you walked through the doors of a church? Did it feel awkward? Did you know anybody? Did you feel welcomed?
Many people at Lake Baldwin Church (including myself) would say that the hospitality, warmth and friendship that our church body demonstrates to first time visitors is a key reason they came back for a second visit. This generates a positive buzz within our congregation about having a welcoming environment, and can leave us thinking that we have that box checked. However, the reality is we probably never hear the negative feedback from the people who slip through the cracks and never experience the connectedness that many of us cherish.
There is no doubt that LBC already has a welcoming environment that most people experience, but as the Lord continues to add to our number, maintaining this culture becomes increasingly challenging.
As we anticipate an even greater number of new faces visiting LBC in 2018, we are trusting God to grow our capacity to help each person connect into healthy relationships that will help them thrive spiritually.
To do this, we will be building on the already well-established assimilation plan that includes elements such as Sunday worship, welcome lunches, membership classes, community groups, and service. We believe that each of these are key steps to helping individuals become fully connected into the LBC community.
In 2018, a new Connect Team will form to focus on helping new attendees (and long-time attendees who are on the fringes) assimilate into the life of the church. The formal team will be small, but impact will be widespread as we aim to mobilize our entire congregation to participate in helping those around you connect into community, discipleship and service. The team will be responsible for refining and communicating the assimilation strategy to the congregation, managing our existing greeting team, expanding our “welcome” efforts to after the service, and developing a plan for following up with our guests.
Despite the growth of our staff team in 2017, the increase in attendance at LBC is outpacing the ability of our staff to follow-up with all new attendees. Similar to broad-based giving, we want our entire congregation to participate in our effort to help newcomers flourish at LBC.
What part could you play?
Often times, welcoming someone is as simple as extending an invitation to lunch after church, your next community group meeting or just introducing them to another member at LBC. When it comes to assimilation, many hands make light work.
Do you have a heart for helping people feel welcomed and find their place at LBC? Contact TJ Sellers for information about the new Connect Team.
Telling God's Story
Recently I was talking with someone who was new to Orlando, and I invited him to Lake Baldwin Church. He appreciated the invitation, but said, “I can’t come, I’m not a Christian.” I quickly replied, “You can come to our church even if you are not a Christian. We always have people come to our church who are simply exploring the faith.”
by Mike Tilley, LBC Senior Pastor
Recently I was talking with someone who was new to Orlando, and I invited him to Lake Baldwin Church. He appreciated the invitation, but said,
“I can’t come, I’m not a Christian.”
I quickly replied, “You can come to our church even if you are not a Christian. We always have people come to our church who are simply exploring the faith.” Since then, my new friend has been attending the church, where he can meet people and explore the gospel at his own pace.
The message of Christianity is such good news that we want to be a place where people can be welcome in our church community even if they are simply seekers or even skeptics.
In fact, we would love for the people of Lake Baldwin Church to help spiritually interested people get past religious stereotypes so that they can hear the simple, core message of the gospel. The New Testament gives some great advice for how believers can relate to people who do not yet have a personal faith:
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
As you can see, a little humility and respect can go a long way!
What might this look like practically? Most of us who are believes are not evangelists, but ordinary people with a faith story. Here are four things we all can do:
- Friendships: I find it fascinating that Jesus was known as a “friend of sinners.” He went to their dinner parties, he served those who felt excluded from religion, and he showed tenderness toward people with a non-religious life. We can be friends without agenda, friends who aren’t lifestyle referees, friends who simply care and enjoy common interests. Once you get to know some people, your heart will begin to care, and you’ll want to do the next thing, which is to pray for them.
- Faithful prayer: Most of us came to faith because God worked in our hearts, and not because someone pressured us. Some of our friends and family members might not feel a need for God at all, but we can simply place them in God’s hands. As you pray for people, God might work in their life and give them some spiritual interest. Once that spiritual interest bubbles up, you’ll want to be able to invite them to check out Christianity.
- Forums: Many honest people are willing to learn and check out the faith if they are invited to a forum that is non-pressure and respectful of their process. In fact, we’ve learned that our Sunday worship service is a great place for that! It’s relaxed and the message is accessible without being watered down. We have other forums too, such as Youth Alpha, Christianity Explored, Beer With Dead Guys, Financial Peace University, and other special events. Once someone gains a positive exposure to the gospel, they will need a friend to help them begin a relationship with Christ.
- Framework: By framework, we simply mean a clear outline of the gospel. I like to be able to ask people, “If you wanted to become a Christian, would you know how?” The ball is still in their court, but at least they would be informed. If someone were to ask you how to become a Christian, would you have a simple way of explaining the gospel? Over the years I’ve used a variety of outlines, but my favorite is the booklet, Would You Like to Know God Personally? It’s clear, succinct, and easy to share with someone.
Isn’t it great to know that you don’t have to be an evangelist or a salesperson to share your faith? In fact, God is often more likely to use the ordinary person who simply has a caring heart for people. And, if you experience a little fear as you take the next step, that’s okay. God has given his Spirit to be with us.
The Future of Worship: 3 Reasons to Sing
Even when you don’t feel like it, sing. Even when it’s hard, sing. Even when you don’t know if you really believe these things, sing, because singing will help stir the affections of your heart and confirm to you and those around you that these things we hold to are true.
by Joel Pollard, LBC Director of Worship
In 2017, we saw God bless our congregation in a myriad of ways, but I’m specifically thankful for his continued provision for our worship services. We continue to have more musicians than I know what do with and we’ve seen and heard how greatly we’ve been blessed. I’m thrilled to be able to continue to lead and serve with so many wonderful people. As a way to incrementally move the needle on the quality of our worship, I was able to purchase a new keyboard and new drums this year. I believe you’ll notice, even if you aren’t a musician, the improvement in sound from these purchases.
Looking ahead in 2018, my biggest goal is to see our congregation engage even more in congregational singing. I hope to one day look out and see everyone singing! Now, I know some people might ask why I make such a big deal out of singing and I have a couple of answers to that question.
First, singing is important because God himself is a singer.
As his image bearers, we are to reflect his character back to him. In Zephaniah 3, the Lord is described as loving his people so much that he sings loudly over them. If singing is important to God and a way that God himself expresses his love and delight for us, then perhaps we should take note and sing back to him.
Some might say “Well I don’t sing because I’m not a good singer.” I know it may be uncomfortable, but I invite you to consider the way the Bible talks about worship. The Bible says in a lot of places to sing, but it never says you have to be a skilled musician or that only the talented people should participate. But it does say in a lot of places to make a joyful noise. One of my favorite memories about this from growing up was hearing a certain man in church sing. He was a former Marine and the local high school wrestling coach. You get the image. Not the guy you’d picture loving to sing. But there he was, every Sunday, singing his heart out. And whether that sound is musically beautiful or not, God loves it.
Second, singing does something to the human heart that few other actions can do.
I think part of our God-given design is to connect our hearts and minds through singing. It’s why every culture on earth has some form of music. It’s why countless numbers of people go to concerts, listen to music throughout their workday, or use music as a way to mourn or grieve, as well as celebrate. Through singing God’s truth, we connect what's in our heads with our hearts, and so we are able to more wholly believe it.
A great illustration for this is in the movie Elf. At the end of the movie, after Buddy the elf and his dad help Santa fix his sleigh, there’s a group of people who break out into caroling. But Buddy’s dad doesn’t sing, even though he just saw Santa with his own eyes. He doesn’t connect his head with his heart until he starts singing.
Finally, singing in a congregational setting isn't only about you.
When we gather to sing together, one of the things we’re doing by singing is saying to everyone around us that we truly believe these things, even enough to put our self-consciousness aside and sing. It’s one of the unique things about Christian worship, this singing we do together.
When a person who doesn’t know God is in our midst and sees a bunch of people wholeheartedly singing together about our faith, he’s bound to ask questions. But if we stand around and don’t sing, what questions will that same unbeliever ask?
For that matter, what about the believer who is struggling or grieving? Just as Moses needed help from his friends to hold his arms up, we hold up and support one another by affirming that God's promises are true and trustworthy.
Even when you don’t feel like it, sing. Even when it’s hard, sing. Even when you don’t know if you really believe these things, sing, because singing will help stir the affections of your heart and confirm to you and those around you that these things we hold to are true.
Let’s make 2018 a year of singing. Because God is good and kind. Because he’s king. Because singing changes us from the inside out. And because singing about what we believe might be the means God uses to draw that person sitting next to you to himself.
Want to get involved? If you have musical or A/V gifts to contribute to the worship at LBC we'd love to hear from you! Contact Joel Pollard.
Back Story: Winter 2017
Looking back. Looking ahead.
They say that “hindsight is 20/20” . . . that you can see the past with much more clarity than the present. We see in these verses from Philippians that Paul is indeed looking back, remembering the church at Philippi with joy and giving thanks to God, not just for the Philippians themselves but for the gospel progress that their “partnership” is producing. This kind of hindsight is good for the church. As 2017 draws to a close it is especially poignant to reflect on the past year in the life of the church—to celebrate milestones, to remember the many people who work together week after week to bring LBC to life, to tell our story to one another all over again, and to give thanks to God every step of the way because we know that every good thing comes from Him.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Looking back. Looking ahead.
They say that “hindsight is 20/20” . . . that you can see the past with much more clarity than the present. We see in these verses from Philippians that Paul is indeed looking back, remembering the church at Philippi with joy and giving thanks to God, not just for the Philippians themselves but for the gospel progress that their “partnership” is producing. This kind of hindsight is good for the church. As 2017 draws to a close it is especially poignant to reflect on the past year in the life of the church—to celebrate milestones, to remember the many people who work together week after week to bring LBC to life, to tell our story to one another all over again, and to give thanks to God every step of the way because we know that every good thing comes from Him.
But of course Paul, although he was writing from a Roman prison, was never one to stay “stuck” in the past. Though his future must have looked bleak from that prison cell he writes with great hope: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…”
We’re glad to report that the future of Lake Baldwin Church is far from bleak—in fact we’re very excited about sustaining and growing our existing ministries in 2018 while highlighting a few focused initiatives. In this issue of BackStory we will look back (as the name suggests) but we will also look ahead to the future, resting in the hopeful promise that God will continue the great work that He has begun in our own hearts, in our church, in our community, and throughout the world.
Giving Legs to the Vision: Part 2
What are our next steps in the coming year?
By "next steps" we mean the initiatives, events, and priorities that will give tangible expression to our vision in the real world.
What are our next steps in the coming year?
By "next steps" we mean the initiatives, events, and priorities that will give tangible expression to our vision in the real world. While resources (see Part 1) can be described as “critical mass,” these next steps can be described as our “critical path.”
While we identify fresh initiatives and strategies each year, we also retain “core strategies” that remain on the front burner. These are worship, SPLASH Kids, youth, and small groups. Our staff and volunteer leaders provide passionate focus to these vital areas in the life of our church. Our hope is that our congregation will find joy and fruitfulness as they use their gifts and talents in these areas.
Here are some fresh initiatives for the coming year:
engage every small group with the vision:
With an adult population of roughly 200, we have around 120 people involved in small groups. Thanks to the care and work of our small group leaders, these groups have already become a place to experience community, spiritual growth, care, and service.
A listening tour of small groups last November revealed a high degree of passion for the vision of the church, but limited engagement in the vision. We need a way to make the vision more hands-on for people who feel limited by access, time, or just the busyness of life. We need engagement through better communication and a simplifying of time commitments.
Based on ways we have already seen God work in our groups, our hope is to help people identify their spiritual gifts and passions. Some have gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, leadership, administration, global missions, or evangelism. For example, one small group became engaged in the vision of global missions when two group members went to Nicaragua for a medical mission. Several groups got involved by praying and giving supplies, as well as just cheering for those who went. This trip became known and supported church-wide, giving life to our vision for global missions.
Other groups have experienced growth through outreach, especially by initiating with new people at church. Still others have found great teaching content, contributing to the heart transformation and discipleship of their members.
Just as a trellis and vine work together to achieve organic growth, we envision similar "grass roots" engagement as more and more individuals are equipped and given opportunity to use their gifts.
Improve assimilation Process:
Our church-wide assessment last November revealed "leaks" in our assimilation funnel. While a good number of visitors are making LBC their church home, others are not being effectively enfolded into our community. Since there are other good churches in Orlando, it’s to be expected that not all visitors will put down roots at LBC. At the same time, we want to help all who visit our church to feel included and connected relationally. While good worship services and a quality environment for children are keys to effective assimilation, it will take a broader plan to grow the church in our mobile culture.
This year we’ll clarify and strengthen our approach to assimilation while continuing the effective efforts that are already in place. One thing in our favor has always been the “hosting environment” on Sunday mornings, so keep reaching out to those guests!
TEACH AND DEVELOP INDIVIDUALS:
A “cohort” is a group of people learning together, for a defined period of time, with a mutually agreed commitment to participate. For years, Lake Baldwin Church has had a commitment to educating the Christian heart and mind, coupled with service in the real world, but today’s mobile culture makes consistent spiritual education a challenge. Cohorts present a versatile alternative to “Sunday school” which works for some, but not for others.
Learning cohorts will expand our venues for quality teaching. The participants can customize the meeting schedule, perhaps opting for breakfasts, coffee after work, or even Sunday before church. Cohorts also meet for a set period of time, established at the outset—as short as 5 weeks or as long as a year. This flexibility allows participants to remain in their weekly small group and makes the commitment more feasible for people with busy schedules.
For example, one current cohort is meeting twice a month for eight months to gain an overview of systematic theology. Other examples of cohorts include: Membership Class (Friday night & Saturday morning); Discipleship Intensive Group, or DIG (Wednesday nights for eight months); Financial Peace University (a nine-week, focused class); and the Future Project (twice monthly for a year). Most learning cohorts include interactive learning and home study.
A renewed focus on cohorts will allow LBC to customize learning, mentoring, and discipleship for individuals in every stage of the spiritual journey.
Equip people for personal outreach:
We’ve learned that many people at LBC have relationships with non-churched people. That said, some have expressed a need to be equipped to engage people more deeply as God opens doors to spiritual conversations. One member of our church has identified a need to equip people in three areas:
- How to build relationships with people who are non-churched.
- How to respond when a conversation turns to spiritual things.
- How to invite people to church.
While not all of us have the spiritual gift of evangelism, we’ve learned that we all are part of a team that can help spiritual seekers come to faith.
Expand outreach in Baldwin Park:
Although our vision extends beyond Baldwin Park, we do see our nearby community as an important part of our mission. At present, 30% of our congregation lives in Baldwin Park, while 70% come from around the city. We’ve learned a lot over the years about natural ways of relating to the 10,000 people moving in to this part of the city. We’ve seen fruit through relationships, parties, community events, and media communication. In March, Baldwin Park Living, our community magazine will feature an article about Lake Baldwin Church on the occasion of our 10th anniversary!
Our most fruitful community events have been Kids Camp, the Baldwin Park Easter Egg Hunt, and the Winter Spark Christmas Parade. We are so grateful for the many people who have served at these events, meeting the public and relating in warm, tactful ways. Untapped opportunities on the horizon are the new apartments under construction in Baldwin Park, better connections with new move-ins, and taking the long-term view with trusting, common-ground relationships. It might surprise us to realize that people are more receptive than we think if we “conduct ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders.” (Colossians 4:5)
STRENGTHEN Women’s Connection and Development:
Last April, LBC's first women’s retreat exceeded our expectations in both attendance and lasting fruit. We anticipate a future retreat (probably in the Fall—stay tuned!) to capitalize on this success. We also value the three women’s bible studies that are offered, as well as informal mentoring throughout the church. We want to continue to create an environment where women can grow, flourish, and use their gifts. We value the inclusion of women in ministry planning, leadership of events, and in the leadership development process of the church.
ENGAGE BROADLY in serving the city:
We already have many people at the grass roots of our church making a difference in the city. These people and organizations are listed on the new landing page on our web site, serving the city. Going forward, our hope is that this heart for the city will become embedded in the culture of our church.
The most natural way for this to happen would be through small groups. Led by individuals with mercy gifts, our groups can be informed of needs and decide together how they would like to engage. For example, one small group had several people serve at Orlando Children’s Church because of the vision of one person in the group. Other groups have simply worked together to offer care for an individual, or to devote a work day to home landscaping.
As these stories are told church-wide, others will be inspired to “offer a cup of cold water” to those in need. The deacons will continue to create opportunities and to update the landing page on the web site, so that groups can easily plug in and meet real needs.
BUILD GLOBAL MISSIONS Momentum:
Our first Global Missions Festival drew 75 people and provided a weekend of vision and exposure to what God is doing through LBC members and our international partners. This part of our vision will further come to life when we identify someone in each small group with a passion for global missions. While not all will have the chance to go on a mission trip, everyone can pray and cheer for those who do, personalizing our connection to God’s heart for the nations.
ENGAGE College STUDENTS and twentY-SOMETHINGS:
We have already experienced the heart and influence of both singles and marrieds in this age group. Several individuals and small groups have expressed a desire to give some focus to this opportunity in our church, and this vision will be given an additional boost when Joe White comes on board. This is a divine opportunity for our future, given the new apartments in our area and nearby college campuses.
speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of … Christ. From him the whole body … grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
—Ephesians 4:15-16, NIV, emphasis added
We believe that God will continue working in and through Lake Baldwin Church as we each grow personally, and as we work together to build each other up in love. Our hope is that everyone in the church will capture our shared vision for the coming year and take part in the kingdom work we have been called to do as the body of Christ.
Small groups are important hubs for communication, education, service, and community, so if you aren't plugged into a group, we encourage you to visit the small group page and learn more!
Need help getting connected? Email hello@lakebaldwinchurch.com
Giving Legs to the Vision: Part 1
What is our vision? What are our values? What will it take to pursue the vision?
A good ministry plan charts the course for the church, creating a compelling and feasible vision for the future. It is rooted in current reality, but not stuck in it. It is the fruit of a prayerful and collaborative process. (To learn more about this process, read this.) A good ministry plan remains flexible, in order to take advantage of fortuitous, Spirit-given opportunities or unforeseen setbacks. The plan gives legs to the vision and life to shared core values.
What is our vision?
Transformed by the grace of Christ, and compelled by his love, our vision is to be a flourishing community marked by love for God and for our neighbor. Depending on prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, we desire to radiate the good news of God’s grace in such a way that people are redeemed by the gospel, grow in the context of healthy relationships, serve the poor and needy around us, and partner with the global church to bring the gospel to the nations.
What are our values?
Values define the culture of a church, and provide guard rails as we chart the course for the future. While vision serves to describe a desirable future, values express who we want to be as we move toward the future. Over ten years, we have seen these five core values come to life in our community:
Rich, God-centered worship; dependence on God in prayer; persistence and resourcefulness in the face of obstacles.
A place to know and be known, where I can bring my real self into relationship with others.
Though we are more sinful than we ever imagined, we are more loved than we ever dared dream. The Christian life is lived out of freedom and love for God, not compulsion. The riches of grace are in the “drinking water” of all we do.
Helping each person take their next step toward spiritual maturity; making disciples; developing leaders.
We don’t exist only for ourselves, but for a needy world. We engage culture, we pursue the lost sheep, we are for the city, we create space for people to belong before they believe, and we have a hosting environment for guests.
What will it take to pursue the vision?
Just as a commercial airliner needs fuel to get to its destination, a church needs resources to move into the future. Sometimes we refer to these resources as “capacity” or “critical mass.” What resources do we need to fuel the pursuit of our vision?
Prayer:
Our most vital resource is the power of God. Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, our efforts are in vain. Our dreams are beyond human power to achieve: hearts that are brought to saving faith; believers inspired to love Jesus and serve him; worship services and events where we experience the quiet presence of God. So we mobilize prayer through our weekly prayer alert, our church-wide monthly prayer gathering, in small groups, and in the August Prayer Initiative.
Healthy volunteer culture:
All churches, whether they have a building or not, depend on a base of inspired, dependable volunteers. Since 80% of our church serves monthly, we believe that we have a sustainable volunteer system. That said, our deacons will review our volunteer culture and search for ways to care for our volunteers, make our system even more effective, and engage others to serve as reinforcements.
Broad-based giving:
Our progress the last two years has been substantial, and we have finished both years in the black. We are working toward a continued broadening of participation in giving, because giving is an indication of spiritual health and vital to our future.
Leadership development:
We are at the stage where we need to expand the numbers of elders, deacons, and small group leaders. Behind the scenes, our hope is to create venues for both men and women to receive development in theology, leadership, and mission. This growing base of leaders is vital to our shepherding, our care, and our discipleship of our congregation.
Technology and communication:
We have made great strides over the years, but the world of technology continues to improve. Our office team is migrating our church database to a new platform called Planning Center Online. This platform will integrate all of our systems such as SPLASH check-in, online church directory, management of groups and teams, and giving. Timely, engaging communication is also vital in our increasingly mobile culture. It is like oxygen to the body of Christ. The past year has seen across-the-board improvement in our use of the web site, weekly update, Instagram, Facebook, and other forms of internal and external communication. Our hope and request is that all members stay abreast of our progress even while on the go, especially by reading the weekly update each Friday. The sermons follow a careful plan to build into the lives of our congregation over time, and the podcast will help you stay current if you’re on the road.
On-boarding of Joe White:
Our new assistant pastor will enhance our capacity to grow the church, with a focus on (but not limited to) young adults and the millennial generation. A capital fund has been established to make sure we don’t fall behind financially when Joe comes on board. We look forward to helping Joe, Tiffany, and their three kids get established in our community and ready to serve on the team. Joe’s start date will be June 19.
Hire new youth director:
As Fritz and Barbie Schalmo transition to their next chapter of ministry, we will be trusting God for the right person to lead our youth ministry in the future. The search process is beginning now, and we hope to have a new person in place by the summer.
Office makeover:
LBC actually does own valued property in Baldwin Park—our office/condo at the corner of Lake Baldwin Lane and Chatfield Place. This “ministry hub” gets near-constant use by small groups, leadership meetings, youth group, events, and vital admin work. After nine years of first rental then ownership, we are ready to enhance the appeal and usefulness of this facility with fresh paint, sturdy furniture, lodging for visitors, and technology/printer upgrades. If you’d like to take on a piece of this project, send a note to: hello@lakebaldwinchurch.com.
There's more! Stay tuned for part 2: Next Steps