Recently the elders and I have discussed the need to marshal our forces to meet the challenge of increasing secular influence on Christians. It is a difficult matter to place before God’s brethren a program of work that properly and scripturally merges what we are and do as a church with what we are and do as individuals, but we think we have hit upon some ideas that will help.
The following specific suggestions are being considered for the church and we want to place them before the saints for their input and ideas. These matters will be considered in two articles, with the first covering collective activities and the second dealing with those areas of activity that cross over into the work and functions of saints as individuals and families.
One point: The following is written as though the program is already in process, but NONE of these are set in concrete, and both activities and times are subject to change or alteration.
Objective: To provide a consistent learning experience for all ages, with the ultimate objective of raising the level of Bible understanding and spiritual maturity of all. We are preparing the Bible Station Outlines, produced by Freda and Cathie Sprinkle, for use in the Bible Station.
The Bible Station is not a place for recreation, even though it should be fun. It is not a place for dawdling or wasting time, even though BS-Outlines may engage Bible Station users for lengthy sessions. It is not a place for loitering or just "hanging out," as those who are using the BS-Outlines are trying to concentrate to complete their studies (unless, of course, you are "hanging out" with friends who are diligently involved in Bible Station activities, too). It depends on two basic principles of learning:
The Bible Station, located on the first floor of the educational area of the church building, is open for all interested Christians and their children and/or invitees at the following times:
Objective: To establish a framework in which the particular needs of single young adult Christians are channeled into scriptural interests, hopefully providing a base of acquaintance and understanding that will (1) lead to deeper personal involvement, and (2) outreach to other single adults who are also seeking partners and/or relationships with common spiritual interests.
Open to all single young adults aged 20 to 30-something. Activities for the twice-monthly Sunday night gatherings in homes of members and their families include in-depth discussions of spiritual issues confronting singles, learning contemporary spiritual songs and Bible studies. Although this gathering is provided for and is considered a work of the Mountain View church, because of location within members’ homes there may be individual provisions that are not under the oversight of the Mountain View elders, coincident with the private-home gatherings. Gatherings will be attended by one or more of the elders, on a rotating basis, and/or by the local preacher(s) or designated deacons.
Project/activity ideas that originate in this group are channeled to the 20/30 Group for discussion, development and action.
Objective: To establish a framework in which the particular needs of merging-adult Christians are channeled into scriptural interests and activities, hopefully providing a base of spiritual growth that will equip them for congregational leadership and acceptance of responsibilities now being shouldered by older saints.
Made up of young adults, both couples and singles, in their twenties and thirties. Quarterly activities include devotional studies, singing and projects that benefit the Mountain View church.
The group meets in the large class/workroom on the first floor.
Objective: To encourage greater spiritual strength in one another, by providing a venue for sharing information about one another, those who may be sick in the congregation, and prayer.
This group meets on every Tuesday OR Thursday, from 12:00 to 12:45 PM (strictly enforced), in The Bible Station room.
Question for discussion: Would it be appropriate to allow individuals to bring a sack lunch for this meeting, or would it be more appropriate to plan for the sessions to be held in a private home(s)? If in private homes, there would be no functional oversight by the Mountain View eldership, but the question arises about whether the elders have oversight in an gathering that is, even incidentally, social and/or recreational. This brings up the potential for incorrectly and unscripturally crossing the line between what is collective in its nature and what is individual; in any case, regardless of the decisions made, any "social" aspects of this matter would remain strictly within the province of the individuals. We do not intend and will not have fellowship in turning our meeting facility into a so-called "fellowship hall."
Objective: To encourage better congregational singing by learning greater dependence on one another and to expand our repertoire of known and used spiritual songs.
This group meets on the last Tuesday evening of each month, from 7:00-8:00 PM, to work on songs (both "vintage" and contemporary) that will be learned, practiced and sung during the "last Wednesday night of the month" singing sessions and eventually merged into our regular worship assemblies.
If you enjoy singing (or want to learn), please join us for these very important planning and practice sessions.
Objective: To give an outlet for examining spiritual questions that may not be appropriate for larger-scale meetings or classes, and to give the preacher a clearer picture of the needs of those to whom he regularly addresses himself.
Members and visitors are invited to an informal meeting with the local preacher on the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 PM. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the Mountain View church or to explore spiritual questions in an informal group setting.
The group meets in the large class/workroom on the first floor.
(continued next week)