Men's Meeting Summary
We had a profitable men's meeting last Saturday morning (Aug. 4). As always, it was an encouraging time of fellowship and discussion. Here is a nutshell version of what we talked about:
Life after Genesis -- We talked about which portion of Scripture to take up after Genesis. We want to study one of the New Testament gospels in the near future ... but we decided first to continue through at least portions of Exodus to continue the flow of the narrative. Even in our Old Testament studies we want to regularly bring out the gospel and other New Testament truth.
Baptism -- The next baptism service is scheduled for August 26 (Sunday after lunch) at the Frees' house.
Church Building Issues -- We made plans to install wooden stall doors in the ladies' bathroom ... and also to work on some plumbing issues.
Hospitality -- Families are encouraged to engage in hospitality fellowship on Sunday evenings and on other days.
Ladies' Meeting -- The ladies' fellowship meeting is scheduled for August 19.
Church Finances -- A brief financial report was given (copies of the printed financial summary are available on the bulletin board). We discussed use of the church's finances. Our lack of salaried staff and the absence of a large "brick and mortar" commitment leaves us regularly with a surplus. This is in spite of the fact that many families are giving substantial amounts directly to various ministries and missions. We agreed to explore the possibility of supporting as a body ministries that share the vision of our church. We also agreed the church should begin to financially encourage participation by our young people (and families) in ministry, mission, and spiritual learning opportunities. More to come on this ....
Family Finances -- Several men expressed an interest in putting together a teaching/discussion opportunity on the subject of family finances. This will probably consist of one or more Sunday afternoon or evening sessions. Mitch Allen is coordinating.
Additional Elders -- In the "be thinking about this" category ... we briefly discussed the possibility of adding to the eldership, given the recent doubling and tripling of the size of the church. In the event we decide to move in this direction, families should be considering whom they believe the Lord may be raising up in our assembly for this purpose. We believe it is not so much a question of electing or selecting men to be elders as of the body recognizing whom the Holy Spirit has already selected, gifted, and called for this work (Acts 20:28).
Role of Men, Women, Children -- We talked about scriptural gender roles, particularly as they relate to the meetings of the church. Our discussion showed a clear consensus on the scriptural principles involved and a basic agreement on the way these principles are being currently applied in our meetings. We are working on a brief document to explain, for both members and interested visitors, our beliefs and practices in this area. We also discussed how to keep the prayer and singing times of the meeting focused and profitable.
posted by Mark Frees @ 10:51 AM
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