Once a Year Whether We Need It Or Not

Another slice (or should we say “more slices”?) from the archive. I have a strange relationship with semi-annual business reports; they are a work of love, but also a work of panic. Much of the time the people who really need to hear them are not there at the meeting where they are presented. Once a year I am supposed to present a “pastor’s report” for the congregation (something like a short “state of the union address”). Some pastors report how many visits they have made, how many sermons they have preached, how many people they have baptized, and or how many programs they have started. I on the other hand usually talk about what is on my heart. These reports provide a perspective on both the history of the church and my philosophy of ministry. Inevitably I read all of my past reports before writing the new one. So I bundle them together for a blog entry just incase anyone loves this kind of thing as much as I do .

One last aside before the reports themselves: These are the notes from which I read and speak. This means that the actual reports as heard by the congregation are longer. So if you think you can skip the meeting and check the blog later...forget it!

2000 (my first report as a Senior Pastor)

Semi-Annual Report of the Pastor: David Eddy

Is it May again already? It seems only a month ago that I was writing my last semi-annual report, and yet when I consider all that has transpired in the last year, I am amazed that it all happened in a mere twelve months. Some highlights of the year as seen from the pastor’s pulpit and study:

1. Pastor Jackson retired in November. I have some big shoes to fill and have missed Donn as a close-by model, mentor, and pastor. Although being a Senior pastor is in some ways very similar to being an Associate, in many ways it is very different. Questions surface: Can I be the source of vision and leadership that our church needs? Will I be able to balance properly the many demands on my time? Will I ever get used to being called Pastor Eddy? As Les Hough once said, “There is a time for every apprentice to become a journeyman.” Please pray for me as I go through this process.

2. We have a new secretary, Mary Seick, who has been an invaluable asset in organizing the offices and many of the general functions of our church. We also have new computers and accessories which, along with an excellent secretary, have allowed me to devote the extra time that I need for the increased study load of preaching three services weekly.

3. This year we had a “leadership retreat” for the leadership positions of our church. At this meeting we discussed the mission and responsibilities of each group and how that group would specifically fulfill its mission in the upcoming year.

4. We have paired up the Elders and Deacons to make four groups for a more organized oversight of the church congregation. This provides a specific contact person for anyone who has a spiritual or financial need.

5. As noted in the trustee report, many projects have been accomplished (and many are still in the works). Our church has been greatly blessed with faithful giving, which has translated into improvements in our church buildings and grounds. Thank-you, trustees for providing the leadership in this area, and in getting so much done.

6. We have experienced an influx of visitors whom we would like to make regulars.

To do this we have come up with the following strategy:

• Welcome Packets (thank you Mary Seick)

• Welcome Letters

• Elder/Deacon responsibilities for follow-up

• Contacting AWANA/VBS/MCA families with programs and events of interest

• Picture Directory

We would appreciate help in the following areas:

• A friendly face Sunday morning

• Hospitality

• A church body that has a positive atmosphere that says: “welcome, we love you, and we are glad that you are here”

• Learn peoples names and use them (picture directory)

I might add that these things will do more than encourage visitors, they will encourage the body.

7. As of June 1st Carol and I will be moving into a new house and although this will not be a big change for the church, it will be a big change for us.

8. We are also looking forward to Jonathan Michael and his family sojourning at Manchester as he goes to seminary in Tacoma. Even though Jonathan will primarily be a student, I believe that the church will greatly benefit from his ministry while he is here with us.

It has been a good year and a full year. I have been encouraged, blessed, and stretched by the opportunity to minister here at Manchester as your pastor. I close with two quotes (how pastoral can you get?):

The first is to you as my congregation:

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

The second is to our Lord:

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

Respectfully Submitted,

David G. Eddy

2001

Semi Annual Report of the Pastor 2001

What an encouragement it is to be a pastor at Manchester Community Church. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the church for their many faceted support for Carol, the kids, and me as we minister among you. After a year and a half of facing the problems, pressures and pleasures of being senior pastor I have to admit that there is nowhere that I would rather be than shepherding among my family and friends here at Manchester.

As you have listened to the other reports you probably noticed that there is a lot going on within the church ministry. There are many things to be excited about as a member (much more as a leader) of this church. Our church is growing, our budget is growing, our school is growing, our choir is growing, our youth programs are growing, our people are growing, and I praise the Lord. One of the challenges that we have as a church is how to face this growth, accommodate for it, and nurture it. Last year I spoke of our need for hospitality - the need remains and if anything has increased with our numbers. The words of Peter the apostle stand as a key (perhaps the key) to living as a community of faith in the last days: And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:8-10).

At the surface level we can (and should) appreciate and even enjoy where we are as a church. We should also however, beware of complacency and stagnation. Looking at where we are right now, it seems that as a church, we are on the threshold of something wonderful: being in a position to do great things for God. The question is, how to get out of the “threshold” and into the “great things.” I believe that there are four doors that we have to go through as a church body to truly benefit from and sustain our God-ward momentum. We have begun this process (as those in leadership positions have seen) and we will emphasize this process over the next twelve months. Here I raise the questions that we will be attempting to answer as church.

Vision: What are we here to do? Of all the things we could be doing, which should we be doing? If our ultimate vision is the glory, presence, and pleasure of Christ, what do we do to realize that vision and encourage one another to be moving in the same direction in the process.

Communication: Who does what? When, Why, and How? Who do you tell that you are doing what you are doing? If my right foot wants to walk to Port Orchard along Beach Drive, but my left foot prefers Mile Hill I have a problem. If there is no communication I have paralysis.

Growth: If our church grows by the growth of the individuals within the church, the growth question is: how do we grow as individuals? How do we achieve and encourage spiritual fruit? An orchard that has no tree (or even only a few trees) bearing fruit is an infertile orchard. An orchard in which every tree bears fruit (even if it is only a modest amount) is a fertile orchard.

An aside on growth: What about the numbers? Raw numbers are easier to measure, but harder to evaluate. To reuse the orchard metaphor: A thousand acre orchard filled with fruitless trees is worthless, a ten acre orchard filled with fruitful trees is precious, but a thousand acre orchard filled with fruitful trees is priceless.

Grace: How do we make sure that in all that we do we are receiving and releasing the grace of God? Paul used a phrase that should resonate within everything that a biblical church attempts to do: For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. This is the “Christ Factor” without which we are only so many people doing so many things for so many reasons. With it we are the power of God that transforms the world.

Respectfully submitted,

David G. Eddy

2002

Semi Annual Report of the Pastor 2002

I have a book in my library that has a picture of an old church building on its front cover. The building is beautiful and imposing, complete with gothic stone architecture, huge oak doors, stained glass windows, and a soaring spire. At the side of the building on a small sign the words are written “Old Church Hotel, Fully Licensed.” In contemplating this picture, one wonders what happened at this location. Did the body grow too big for the building, or did the building grow too big for the body? Either way, it is a reminder to us that churches are living organisms: they are born, they grow, they get sick, and sometimes they die. In this report I want to look at our church from a pastor’s point of view. How are we doing in the overall scope of things? In the body life of our congregation, are we thriving, or merely surviving?

Past

To begin with I would like to look at the past. Our church is now 88 years old, older than most (if not all) of those in this room. We are carrying on the work of those who have gone before us. Pastors, Elders, Sunday School teachers, home Bible study leaders, AWANA workers, and MCA school teachers have cared for the spiritual condition of the members of our church. Trustees, work party attenders, all those who have donated their time or donated their money have contributed to the physical condition of our buildings. Mothers and Fathers have raised their children in the “fear and admonition of the Lord,” some of whom are still here, others are contributing members of the churches they now attend. We now reap the benefits of their efforts and we have a lot to be thankful for.

Present

To determine the “health” of our church we must also look at the present. To gauge what is new and what is noteworthy and to consider whether these things are pleasing to the Lord.

David Clayton is new, as is Margaret Armstrong. Soon we will have a new baby Minshull, baby Drennen, Rashmi Franklin, and a newly adopted Mahan. It is a blessing to be in a church where children are considered a blessing instead of a cursing from the Lord. When little ones cry out in church I always thank God for them and the potential that they represent. Even when they are little Eddys.

The Dan Cagle Family is a new addition. It was about this time last year that we voted to call Dan to a position on our pastoral staff. As a seminary student, Dan has to divide his time between family, class, studies, work, and church. As one who has seen his ministry up close among us, I am very pleased with how things are working out.

We also have many new “newcomers.” Please remember that these people need to be loved, encouraged, included, and sometimes evangelized. Our welcome and friendliness is an incredibly important part of the life and health of our church.

Also new this year are our Leadership Meetings which are held on the first sunday afternoon of each month. These meetings are intended to create vision for our church as a whole and facilitate communication between the various ministries within our church. I would like to thank all those who have attended and encourage others to come. These are open meetings where we discuss issues that are crucial to our church. As an example, next month we are considering capital improvement projects and how to prioritize our church building expenditures (additions, bathrooms, carpets, chairs, lighting, new buildings, pavement, retention ponds, roofs, etc.).

In the works for this summer, is a special parenting class to reach the needs of young or not-so-young families that need help in strategic biblical parenting. This will take place on seven Thursdays sometime this summer.

I would also like to give an update on some of our major projects.

• Video Projector: Ready to purchase.

• New Building: Major (but not insurmountable) roadblock with county.

Water Retention

60/40 Rule

• Sanctuary Renovation: New fund.

I would be remiss in the consideration of the new and noteworthy at MCC if I did not mention the phenomenal growth and ministry of our Choir and Academy. I would like to specifically thank Claud and Doug for their leadership in these areas as well as everyone here who is involved in these programs.

Future

When I speak of the future, many will assume that more projects rooted in the past and building from the present will be the subject at hand. But, while “programs” and “projects” are important, they do not make or break a church. People make or break a church. Because of this, I would like to take a different tangent in considering our future.

Our future, what ever the specific form, is pointless if it does not come from (and result in) growth through grace and godliness.

A church can grow in several ways:

Grow Cold:

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:12

Grow Weary:

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 2Thessalonians 3:13

Grow Wanton:

They have begun to grow wanton against Christ. 1Timothy 5:11

Grow Worse and Worse:

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2Timothy 3:13

Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2Peter 3:18

For those who have read reports for their boards and bodies, are your goals (thus “our” goals) consistent with “growth through grace and godliness”? For all of us, are we availing ourselves to God’s grace to grow in godliness? Are we encouraging others to grow in the same direction? As a Pastor - with Dan and the other Elders, this is our job and our goal. As a Church we must fulfill the mandate of Paul in Philippians 3:

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13,14

We have not arrived, but I believe that we are striving in the right direction. If we continue doing this as a body we will thrive and not just survive.

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor David G. Eddy

2003

Pastor’s Report

Semi-Annual Business Meeting

5/13/03

This has been a great year of ministry at Manchester Community Church. I would like to take the time to thank each one of you for the time and energy that you put into our church. We have a wonderful opportunity each week to make a difference for Christ in our lives and the lives of those around us. There are many programs in a church like ours, we have heard the reports from many of them. There are many tasks that need to be done, some are seen by many, some are only known by God. But there is only one mandate toward which each program and task should be pointed: to make disciples. To bring sinners to the gracious salvation of Jesus Christ and then assist them to become conformed to His perfect image. This is no small task. Indeed, aside from Christ working in us, it is an impossible task.

So I stop to ask some questions: How am I doing in this task? How are we doing in this task? How are you doing in this task? This past year, our Sunday morning sermons have been from the book of John. My intention has been to make sure that the gospel message of salvation is a reoccurring topic as we move through this most “evangelistic” of the four gospels. Please pray with me that the Lord will use these messages to bring the lost into a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please feel free to bring family, friends, and acquaintances that need to know Christ. Although I cannot claim dazzling delivery or cutting edge intellectual sophistication, it is my goal to make every sermon worthy of the biblical passage at hand and faithful to the testimony of the cross.

As we work together to make disciples let’s remember that God has placed us all in the body for a reason. Each one of us should have the goal of doing what God has given us to do; to do it well and for His glory. If I may be so bold, let me ask, what are you doing that will make a difference for God’s kingdom? Can you tell the person sitting next to you? Are you excited about it? Or are you floundering, struggling to find your place of ministry? Putting in your time until something better comes along? The early church turned the world upside down because they knew it was the most important thing that they could possibly be doing. Please pray with me that the Lord will light a fire in the hearts of our people and change the world around us because of it.

While I am already asking blunt questions, how is your personal Christian growth doing? If you were to plot your growth in Christ over the last five years, which way would the line slope? It is impossible for us to make disciples of others if we are not daily sitting at the feet of Christ ourselves. Are you in the Word? Are you in prayer? Are you having victory over sin in your life? Are we prepared to help others? Or are we looking for others to help us? It is my greatest desire to be a part of a church that is really growing spiritually. There is a spiritual inertia that is formed when a significant number within a group of Christians is serious about their walk, willing to sacrifice the passing pleasures of this world for the incomprehensible riches of the next.

To those who are actively participating in the work of Christ (and only you know who you are), I say don’t grow weary in well doing. For those who are not I say, get your focus on Christ, anything else is just so much wood hay and stubble. To all of us I quote: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

2004

Pastor’s Report

Semi-Annual Business Meeting

5/25/04

We are half way through what has been a remarkable year, full of high points and low points. Because you have already had a report on MCA, I will not go into all the details about my own involvement except to say that I think that this has been a growing experience for all those who have been a part of the “clean up” team. I am so thankful for each of the members of the school board who have spent countless hours in board meetings, and at school – filling the gap that was left after the departure of Doug Garland. Please keep praying for our school and it’s need for an administrator, the Lord has made it clear that this is an important ministry for our church. He has also made clear that it is essential for our school be run right. It seems that the greater a program’s potential to do good, the greater it’s potential to have trouble. I look forward to see what the Lord is up to and am convinced that, with or with out the school, our church will be stronger because of what we have gone through this year.

One thing that has made this whole process bearable is that, apart from the administration of our school, the church has been doing amazingly well. Consider the following outward indications of our church’s health:

- Attendance is up (there are 240 people in the new directory).

- Tithing is up (over $600 a month on average since the beginning of the year).

- The choir sounds awesome.

- Impact has found a good night on which to meet.

- The deacons are hard pressed to find needs for the abundance of their funds.

- We have added two new missionary families to our support list (one of whom grew up at MCC).

- The main meeting auditorium has had a face lift and we have a bid in on new speakers.

- We have new hymnals.

- We had the pleasure of seeing Adam and Kirsten Shelton married.

- Two Eddy children, along with three Angels and a Cambell were baptized this year.

- Many individuals in the church funded the purchase of a new (2003) 12 passenger van for the Eddy Jr. tribe.

- We are six months closer to the return of Christ and the Rapture of the church.

- After 2 + years, we are almost done with our series on the Gospel of John.

- In the last year, we have had 6 new babies born into the church including another little Eddy.

- Among these new additions, Don and Emily Hageman presented Bruce and Becky Hageman with their first grandchild (as well as a first nephew for various Hageman uncles).

Besides all of this, I have seen continuing (sometimes precipitous, sometimes gradual) spiritual growth in the lives of many who are a part of our church.

As you can see, between the school and the church, this year has been something of a roller coaster. Despite this (or perhaps because of this), it is imperative that we as a church body stay focused (isn’t it, after all, the great temptation when on a roller coaster to close your eyes and/or throw your hands up into the air, and/or scream?). In our lives individually – as well as corporately – I feel that we must remember some basic principles that, when followed, will make a church pleasing in God’s eyes:

- “The Church” consists of people, not programs.

- “The Church” grows one priceless, eternal soul at a time.

- “Church Growth” is measured by spiritual maturity, not by numbers.

- The Bible must always remain at the center of all that we do as a church.

- The only way to keep the Bible at the center of our Church life is to make it the center of our personal lives.

- Prayer is our greatest spiritual resource; it should be employed before, during, and after all that is done in the name of Christ.

- Christian love should season all that we do as a community of faith.

- The best way to raise a new generation of powerful believers is to have strong families, the best way to have strong families is to have strong marriages, the best way to have strong marriages is to have husbands who love their wives like Christ loves the church, and to have wives who love their husbands like the church loves Christ.

- The raising of Godly children begins in the home, not at MCA, VBS, AWANA, Sunday School, or Impact.

- Mankind looks on outward appearances, but God looks on the heart.

- At the end of the day, it is not whether I am pleased with what has happened, or that you are pleased with what has happened, but that God is pleased by what has happened.

So despite this year’s ups and downs, we can see that God is still at work. May He (at the end of the day) be pleased. May He receive all of the glory for it.

Respectfully submitted,

David G. Eddy

Pastor

Soli Deo Gloria

2005

Pastor’s Report for the 2005 Semi-Annual Business Meeting

This is the sixth year for me to give a semi-annual pastor’s report, and I find it hard to believe just how quickly the time flies by us! What a strange and wonderful thing it is to be about the Lord’s business. It has been such a pleasure to shepherd Christ’s flock another year at Manchester Community Church. Once again, I am both awed and inspired by the hand of the Lord working in His church and through His people.

Why do I feel so blessed? Why should you join with me in thanking our God for His unmitigated goodness? Let me recount some of the highlights of the year from my own personal (pastoral) perspective:

Eric Blossey

Last year I wrote in my semi-annual report:

Please keep praying for our school and it’s need for an administrator, the Lord has made it clear that this is an important ministry for our church. He has also made clear that it is essential for our school be run right. It seems that the greater a program’s potential to do good, the greater it’s potential to have trouble. I look forward to see what the Lord is up to and am convinced that, with or with out the school, our church will be stronger because of what we have gone through this year.

What we needed was “the right man” to lead an essential part of our overall church ministry. Eric Blossey is that man. And our church is stronger because he has taken up the challenge of leading our school. We owe him our thanks (and our continuing prayers).

Tony Sanchz

Tony Sanchz has done a great job as Missions Chairman since taking over the position last year. He brings energy and enthusiasm to the job and the church has already greatly benefited from his ideas and leadership. Now would be a wonderful time for anyone who has (or would like to have) an interest in missions to get involved.

The Deacons

This year there was an extreme need for a reliable vehicle for one of the families in the church. Our deacons had the privilege of meeting this need. For me, this situation was a perfect picture of the Body of Christ in action. The generosity of God’s people, the wisdom of appointed leadership, special help at just the right time (thanks to Rusty), and an act of faith to spend more than the deacons have ever spent on any single project. Way to go guys (Gary, Joe, Don, Jim, and Mitch)! I’m blessed again every time I think about it.

Marta Faith

Numero ocho. Our newest lady. God’s wee sweet arrow for the Eddy family’s well stocked quiver. As I sit typing these words with one hand, so as to better use the other in pinning Marta, a squirmy (and upset) congregant, to my shoulder, I am well aware that many other churches would never countenance this extravagance of children. Thank you for putting up with (and loving) all ten of us. It is wonderful to be in a church where children are seen as a true blessing rather than a troublesome inconvenience (even though it is DIFFICULT to capitalize words with only one hand).

Max Dill

Just last month, Carol’s grandfather went to be with the Lord! This is no mere euphemism for death, but a proclamation of God’s grace and the power of persistent prayer.

Much, much more could be said. Frank has been putting our financial ducks into order as our new treasurer (or, perhaps, herding our financial cats into roughly the same direction would be a more apt metaphor). Don and Jan Jackson are back (with grandkids!). We will sorely miss Jim and Bonnie Riffenburg. The church’s generosity has been proven again and again with special needs at the school and a mid-year financial gift for the Cagle family. All of this on top of steady growth: numerically, financially, and spiritually. I hope you appreciate, as I do, what a tremendous blessing it is to be a part of this, your church.

Besides reminiscing on times past, I would like to take this opportunity to think about the year to come. How can we as a body prepare to be better, more effective servants of the Lord? At previous semi-annual business meetings I have written to encourage hospitality, friendliness, personal Bible study, and stronger families (to name just a representative few). I take this moment to remind you of these themes because they are all tremendously important. But this year we are beginning a study of the book of Acts on Sunday mornings and so I draw today’s “word of encouragement” from what we will be studying in depth through the upcoming year: The Witness of the Believer. There are three areas in which “witness” should play a part in the daily life of the Christian:

1. Have You Witnessed Christ in Yourself?

The greatest danger of the Christian walk is not apostasy, but stagnation. When was the last time that you met with the Lord? When was the last time He confronted you about your life choices? When was the last time you did something for God or man and realized that what had been accomplished was not you but Christ in you?

2. Have Others Witnessed Christ in You?

We are epistles written, not with ink, but by the Spirit of the Living God. How clearly is the gospel written on our hearts? When we proclaim Christ do our lives back up our words? Or, are we afraid to proclaim Christ because we know they don’t?

3. Do We Witness Christ to Others?

When was the last time you told an unbeliever about the need for a personal relationship with Christ? The seed that fell on good soil produced some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some a hundred-fold. Every day we pass by multitudes of white fields…has the Lord of the Harvest opened our eyes to the harvest?

I would like to have at least seven events this year that are specifically targeted at our unbelieving neighbors. Will you help in this emphasis? Dare we twiddle our spiritual thumbs while the world is rushing headlong in its mad dash towards an eternity in hell?

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says:

“In an acceptable time I have heard you,

And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

- 2 Corinthians 5:21-6:2

Respectfully submitted,

David G. Eddy

Soli Deo Gloria

2006

Pastor’s Report for the 2006 Semi-Annual Business Meeting

First, let me begin my report by saying that I do not know if I will ever get used to the way that the Lord works in our lives! I wish that I did, because it would make my job as pastor (and our job as a church) much, much easier. It is good to remember that God is dependable but not necessarily predictable.

A part of my mind recognizes that God’s thoughts are well above our thoughts and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55); that God’s “foolishness” will always far surpass man’s greatest “wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1). As Paul puts it in Romans 11:33: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” Because this exclamation is true, our best plan is to recognize that God exists beyond our feeble desires to box Him into a corner, and not get worked up in our attempts to know and understand everything. We truly need to “be still and know that He is God.”

And yet, another part of me glories in the struggle of searching for the unsearchable. Realizing that God’s wisdom and knowledge are both infinitely deep and immeasurably rich makes the process of knowing Him worthwhile. The joy of the Christian walk is not found in plumbing the depths of God and His ways, but in knowing that they are immeasurable. Although it is impossible to completely understand God’s vastness, I am comforted that we can find complete rest in it. So, though I wish that I knew all of the answers to the questions that come up in church life, I can find contentment that my job is not to know the answers, but to strive to know and serve the One who does. “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;/Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).

Why do I begin my report with this somewhat philosophical thought? Because it is natural when we encounter change and uncertainty to want to know all the facts and to have all the answers. We, all to often, bring our great ideas and wonderful plans to the table for discussion and assume that God must already completely agree with us. My report this year is going to be a little different, because I believe that our church is at a critical point in its development; and in a real sense, the choice is ours whether we will follow God’s agenda for our church or our own. Here are some of the decisions we have to face:

-Do we continue to have a private school?

-Do we want to have a Hispanic ministry in our church?

-Do we need an Assistant Pastor immediately?

-If so, who? If not, when?

-Who do we replace the Dalton family with as supported missionaries?

-How do the Elders, the Executive Board, and the Congregation relate to each other in the nominating and electing of new leadership?

-If we need money for MCA from whom do we take it?

-Does the recent budget shortfalls indicate a trend that we need to do something about, or is it just a seasonal blip?

-Do we allow electric drums in our services for special music type performances?

I do not have all the answers to these questions, nor should I (although I have some opinions). We must decide these things as a body, and we must do it right, if we want God to bless us. Before we answer these questions, I believe that we need to be reminded of some principles that we will need if we are going to truly pursue God’s plan for our church:

1) We must be biblical. If God’s word speaks clearly on a subject, we must follow it. It is more important than our opinions, our traditions, our constitution, or even the laws of our nation.

2 Timothy 3:16, 17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

2) We must be loving. If we do not exhibit the love of Christ in all that we do, we are no more than a social club meeting for our own convenience to fulfill our own agenda.

1 John 3:10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

1 Peter 3:8, 9 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

3) We must be growing. Not numerically (although it’s nice when that happens), but spiritually. When King David stopped going out to war to fight the Lord’s battles, he laid himself open to temptation, and the sin that would forever mar his spiritual record.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

4) We must be about the work of evangelism. The task of the church is to make disciples (which involves growing in Christ), but discipleship begins with salvation. Christ came to seek and to save the lost. We must have the heart of Christ in this, or we will not be achieving the full goal God has for His church.

2 Corinthians 5:21-6:2 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

5) We must be orderly. God’s business is too important to be done in a slip-shod manner.

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Part of this orderliness is to know the direction God wants us to go as a church and follow it in a focused and timely manner. As we face several decisions tonight, I believe that it would be good to assess some of the activities that will (or would) practically increase our ability to move forward positively as a church, activities that will take effort now, but will be a substantial help to our church in the future. I also believe that considering these will help us as we assess the current issues and attempt to make God-pleasing decisions.

Foundational Activities That We Are Now Doing

These can always be improved, but I would say we are at least “adequate” in the following areas:

1) Bible Study and Application

2) Prayer

3) Worship

4) Fellowship

5) Maintaining our Facilities (almost adequate)

Foundational Activities That We Are Not Adequately Doing

We may be doing some of these a little, but I would say that we are “inadequate” in the following areas:

1) A Functioning CE Board

2) Specific Leadership Training (for those already in leadership positions)

3) General Leadership Training (for those who should be in leadership positions–esp. men)

4) Evangelism Training

5) Worldview Training

6) Tapping the Potential of Homeschooling Families*

(* a note: from 2006 Picture Directory based on next year’s plans: Public Schooled: 4 Families/

Private Schooled: 1 Family/Home Schooled: 14 Families/Mixed: 3 Families)

7) Time to Finish My ThM Degree

One of the trends that I have seen is the tendency for our leadership (in which I include myself) to spend more time putting out fires than building a foundation for the future of our church. This is not a criticism, it is just one of those things that naturally happens when you don’t actively keep it from happening. It is also what happens when those not in leadership are more ready to shout “Fire!” than to ask “How can I help?” We are all partly to blame and therefore can all be a part of the solution.

We are at a point where several critical decisions have to be made one way or another. If we do not follow the guidelines that we know are good and right in making them, there will be (to use a phrase that the world has badly misused) hell to pay. Brothers and sisters, we owe hell nothing and heaven everything. I am convinced that together we can make the right decisions, if we look to God and not to ourselves for our direction.

As I finish my report I have one last scripture passage for your consideration. It is Psalm 32:8, 9 which says:

8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will guide you with My eye.

9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule,

Which have no understanding,

Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,

The faithful beast of burden does what the master says but does not care to understand why. The faithful servant leaps to do his masters desire with the slightest look because he understands what will be wanted next. How does the servant know? He has been taught the ways of the master by years of thoughtful obedience. God’s word admonishes us to be more like the servant and less like the beast. It is true that we will never fully understand God because He is too great for our finite minds, but what a glory it is to learn from Him and what a privilege to struggle and grow to be more like Christ our Lord.

Respectfully Submitted,

David G. Eddy

2007

Pastor’s Report for the 2007 Semi-Annual Business Meeting

It has been a privilege to serve another year as the pastor of Manchester Community Church. It has been an even greater privilege to serve (to use Paul’s phrase) as a “fellow-laborer” together with you in the work of the Lord. This may seem like a strange distinction, but it is, I believe, a necessary one. I am honored that the members of this church called me to be a pastor and (more or less) look to me for leadership, listen to me when I preach, and come to me when they need encouragement. To study God’s word, to proclaim God’s message, to pray for God’s people, and to spend time with you in the home, at the hospital, or at church, is not just a privilege, but the joy of my life.

Honestly, being a pastor is often a very difficult job; but I am convinced that it is the best job in the world. What makes my own job as pastor so wonderful is that we as a church have a wonderful ministry. I hear weekly from those who are blessed by our church, either as a member/regular attendee or as a guest. What an encouragement it is to see newer fruit planted and older fruit come to maturity, laboring in the Lord’s vineyard. By far, the greatest number of the things that make this church great are not what “I” do as a pastor but what “we” do as the Body of Christ. It is this idea, of us working together, that I want to use as a backdrop for my report this year. I want to look at where we are today as a church in order to see how we can grow as a body to be more like Christ. With this in mind, there are a few topics that I have grouped my report around for easier presentation. They are: Ministries, Youth, Changes, People, and Places.

Ministries

You have heard many reports tonight. There are many opportunities in which to be involved in the life of our church. If you are here tonight (which I assume means you are interested in our church) you should be involved in some of them. Make sure that your ministries of service are in balance with those of being served. God did not save us to pickle us and put us on a shelf to look at us. Instead, we were saved for good works Paul tells us, “…we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Youth

I have heard some say that we are an “aging church.” I would like to give you some statistics from history by way of our church directories:

In the 2007 directory there are:

79 “families”

241 “faces”

24 families have kids/80 are kids (or 30% of the families 33% of the people)

In 2001:

75 “families”

220 “faces”

28 families have kids/86 are kids (or 37% of the families 39% of the people)

In 1994:

59 “families”

210 “faces”

27 families have kids/97 are kids (or 45% of the families and 46% of the people)

Though we have fewer children involved in our ministry today than 13 years ago (as a raw number as well as a percent), they still make up a third of our church. To me, this tells us two things: first, we do not need to despair (we have and will have many kids for years to come); and second, we need to make sure that we continue to have a family friendly church that respects, nourishes, and encourages our young people and their parents.

Changes

As always, there are many changes to be considered for our church. Some changes will be implemented, some will be thoughtfully rejected. We have on the agenda some changes to consider tonight. When we change things we need to keep in mind that change is always hard and that with the perfect balance of change, half the church will say we have changed too much, while the other half will say we did not change enough. Or, (more realistically?) everybody will say we change too much in some areas, but not enough in others. When we consider change we need to remember not to change just for change’s sake, nor to keep the status quo just for comfort’s sake. All change should be made if and only if it betters the spiritual growth of our church as a body.

People

In the midst of everything else we need to remember that we are a body of people, not a calendar of programs. God works in and through people to accomplish His ends. Jesus said that man was not made for the Sabbath but the Sabbath for man and the same could be said about programs in the church. We are here for people. As you come to church (or go from church) remember it’s people that matter most to God. What kind of people?: hurt people, stressed people, sick people, angry people, sad people, happy people, overly enthusiastic people, discouraged people, joyous people, victorious people, defeated people, emotionally numb people, emotionally sensitive people, kind people, giving people, taking people, loud people, quiet people–but all of them people: made in God’s image, marred by sin and rebellion, destined for an eternity with or apart from God. To love God without loving people is like trying to clap with just one hand.

Places

So where do people change? Where does ministry take place? You know the answer: it is wherever Christ is, which means wherever the Christian is. How then can we use the places Christians find themselves to touch people?

In the Church: Our facilities need to be maintained, or better: lovingly cared for as an expression of our love for God and His people. There are two main ways that this can happen: large investments of time or large investments of money. Either way, it requires sacrifice. When at church, try to greet visitors and “newer” people. Seek out those who need encouragement. Love one another.

In the Home: Be a family if you have a family. As a nation, our families are far too segmented and fractured. How can we raise our children to love God, or love our spouse as Christ loves the church (or vise versa) if we do not spend significant time together? Turn off the TV, unplug the computer and enjoy one another. Also, we need to be practicing hospitality as a way of being kindly affectionate to one another (If you don’t believe me, look up Romans 12:10-13).

In the World: We are to be in the world but not of the world. We are not to be conformed to this world, but instead we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we might prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). When we are changed, we can see the world transformed too. The world desperately needs hope. God uses us to show the world true hope in Jesus Christ.

As I conclude I want to mention that this has been a very tough, stressful year for me, personally. Many people don’t think pastors have bad days, much less bad weeks, or bad years, even though somewhere in the back of their mind they recognize pastors are people too. Yet, this has also been a year of much growth as I learn to rely on God’s strength, and not my own. We don’t have to be perfect people (or a perfect church) but we do need to be available to let the Lord lead us as He sees best. I look forward to another year of the Lord working among us as we work together for His glory.

Respectfully Submitted,

David G. Eddy

2008 ....coming soon to an AWANA room near you.... (but will probably receive its own blog)