|
Our Pastor's Vision for Second Baptist
PEOPLE IN VISION: Turning the World Right Side Up
THE VISION
To be a church where people will impact and
transform our present world into the Kingdom of God!
THE MISSION
Transforming the world through a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ.
Christ’s vision was the Great
Commission, which tells us as Christians to go forth and tell
the good news. With this at the heart of our purpose for
existence, we believe God’s vision for Second Baptist Church is
to be “a caring community” committed to providing an environment
where all, including children and young people, adults and
seniors can meet Christ and grow in their faith. Our love for
the “Lord” and for our “neighbors” is the driving force behind
our efforts to make disciples by meeting people where they are
and helping them grow towards maturity as followers of Christ.
Fulfillment of our purpose requires a balance of winning lost
souls for Christ, building believers in the faith and equipping
workers for ministry. This vision can happen by having an
environment and facility conducive to learning and worshipping.
We must have ministries that are Godly, informative,
inspirational and committed to meeting the needs of the people.
When the people see this genuine agape love, they will want to
be a part of it and share it with others. The following
document outlines the essential elements required in order to
see our vision become a reality.
Second Baptist Church seeks
to expand making room for more; larger sanctuary, additional
classrooms, and a larger fellowship hall.
·
Begin an expansion ministry to research and
evaluate the development options that will most effectively suit
the needs of our growing church family.
Second Baptist seeks to make
Jesus known to those who have, yet, discovered his love and plan
for their lives:
·
Attendance at Wednesday night and/or Wednesday
noonday bible study and Church Sunday School.
·
Through special events and outreach activities.
This requires a willingness to move out of the comfort zone of
the sanctuary.
·
Further developing the Saturday’s Prayer Warriors
Ministry; releasing teams into the community and starting a
prayer hotline.
·
Through friendship.
·
Developing a Christian Book Store
Second Baptist seeks to demonstrate God’s love to our community
through social action:
·
Prison Ministry: this would involve visiting
and/or conducting a service at a local prison facility.
·
Substance Abuse Ministry: there are many who face
the challenges of overcoming substance abuse. Currently, those
in the Chester community are forced to travel to Petersburg,
Hopewell and surrounding areas. The availability of a local
site to conduct meetings would provide greater opportunity to
witness to those who may be lost.
Second Baptist seeks to recognize, develop and release gifts and
ministry into the church and community.
·
Develop a Community Food and Clothing Program: to
open the doors of the church at least once a year to feed those
in need. Food could be catered and/or prepared by members.
Maintain a year round clothes closet for those in need.
·
Benevolence Ministry: to assist individuals and
families with severe financial situations. Provide clothing,
shelter and counseling.
·
Media Ministry: to reach the sick and shut-in and
those whose work schedules do not allow them to attend the 8:00
a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Service.
·
Ministry Training: to equip those who have been
chosen as ministry heads through extensive leadership training.
·
Better utilization of professional skills/services
of members for the edification of God’s body of believers, i.e.,
sponsoring seminars on various topics, including but not limited
to the following: home buying, debt management, healthy living.
·
Women’s Ministry: to bring together young single
parents, the single women and married, allowing them an
opportunity to fellowship with one another.
·
Men’s Ministry: to bring together young single
parents, the single men and married men, allowing them an
opportunity to fellowship with one another.
Second Baptist seeks to work
hard to reach out to children and youth through meaningful
programs.
·
Young Adult Ministry (19 and older): there is a
need to bring young adults into the body of Christ. Sponsor
programs and events geared towards ages 16-30. (Christian book
reader, youth community outreach, volunteer programs)
·
Youth Newsletter: to inform the youth of the
events in the church and community, acknowledge those for a job
well done, job advertisements, etc.
As Second Baptist seeks to
make our vision a reality, we must recognize that prayer is a
priority. Relying on the Operation of the Holy Spirit for
strength and direction is our mission. Sharing our faith in
Jesus Christ, working hard and raising our voices to advocate
Christian values in our community will save many souls.
In closing, we must
continually strive to deepen our own faith and commitment to
Jesus Christ and welcome others to join us in this joyful
experience. |
