As we begin the new church year (2021-2022), we are always reminded of the changing of season. Summer will turn to fall; leaves will change colors; school resumes, and football season starts. Transition is a necessary part of life. The Reyes Family transitioned to Ohio, and the Wright Family has transitioned here to Michigan this month as or State Youth and Discipleship Directors. We are thankful to have Pastor Ernie, Michele, Claire, and Lucas here on the Campground with us. They are doing a great job.
I am excited for the 2021-2022 church year in the Michigan Church of God. Our theme for this year is “Formation.” Noah Webster defined formation as “the manner in which a thing is formed.” In the church Jesus has given us the mission (we called it the Great Commission) of making disciples (Matthew 28:19 NAS). Church, we are tasked with the job of forming lives. In salvation lives are transformed; God does this through Jesus’ work on the cross. As churches we are to form lives. How do we do this? First of all, teach believers to be baptized in water in obedience to the command of our Lord; water baptism is a significant act of obedience in a believer’s life. Second, teach believers the beauty of righteousness, consecration, and sanctification. Third, stress the importance of the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts2:4); Spirit baptism gives a believer power for service and is the gateway into the Spirit-filled life. Finally, we need a systematic program for training believers in the Word of God. This must include how to live, how to build families, identifying a person’s giftedness, clarifying the call of God on an individual’s life, and placing people in service and ministry for the kingdom.
As pastors and leaders we aren’t building our kingdom. We are building/forming lives; when we form lives on the Word of God, the Kingdom will be built, the church will be healthy, and the body of Christ will grow. Our task may be tough at times, but through the power of the Holy Spirit and the strength of Christ, we can! God bless you as you make disciples and form lives!