Bring 'em in

There are several connotations to "bring 'em in". It has, for us, both spiritual and logistical aspects that we should consider as we move into the future.

 

The Great Commission calls the Church to join Jesus in His work of seeking and saving the lost. In other words, bringing them into the kingdom of God and making them part of His family. Therefore, it is important to us that we maintain a focus on God's greater work of building the kingdom (Value 1). Our call is not simply to grow RLC. It is to proclaim the good news of salvation to all people, regardless of whether or not they become members of Rivercliff. Of course, we do desire that people come to RLC, and so "bring 'em in" has connotations for our physical location, too.

 

More and more the work of kingdom-building, bringing people into the Church, requires a commitment to those who are outside the church. It is important to us that we open our doors to the community in order to demonstrate our commitment to being part of the community (Value 2). For some who use our facilities we will have only the opportunity to show hospitality. But for others, their use of our facilities will give us the opportunity to generate a relationship that allows us to share the Gospel with them. It is important to us that we make the best of opportunities share with all who come to RLC the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Value 2).

 

We also desire that more and more people would become part of our family here at Rivercliff. So, "bring 'em in" has also to do with those who visit us and wish to become members. It is important to us that we establish strong and lasting relationships with those who may become part of our family (Value 4). Every family has a personality, a history, and traditions that are important to the family. Receiving a new member to the family requires love and commitment to making the new family feel welcome and important.

 

Build 'em up

The work God has given us to do is not only to join Jesus in seeking and saving the lost, but also to build up those already in the Church. God accomplishes that building up through His Word and Sacraments. Therefore, it is important to us that every member of RLC be actively connected to the Word of God in worship and in Bible Study (Value 3).

 

Regular worship attendance and reception of the Lord's Supper is vitally important to the spiritual health of every Christian. Unfortunately, competing interests and demands on our lives often lead to a reduced frequency of worship or disconnection from the fellowship of brothers and sisters at RLC. It is important to us that no one's absence goes unnoticed - not only by the pastor(s) and Elders, but also by others in the congregation (Value 6). For that to happen, we will need to build up also our relationships with each other.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

 

God has given us His Word to build us up in His gift of faith. Regular devotion and study habits are foundational to "building 'em up" in God's Word. It is important to us that we continue to have as many Bible Study opportunities as possible (Value 3). However, there is a growing reality for many of our members that must be considered - the traditional way of doing a Bible Study by, for example, coming to church at 7:00 on Wednesday evening, is not always an option. Therefore, it is important to us that we find new and creative ways to engage the people of God in the study of God's Word, including use of electronic media (Value 3).

 

Send 'em out

Finally, the work of the Church does not happen only within the boundaries of the church property. God's work will, more and more, take us beyond the traditional boundaries of the church (both physically and figuratively). It is important to us that we continue to heed God's call to "go" in the many different opportunities He has provided (Value 5).

 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)