Senior Pastor 2004 Annual Report

2004 has been a year of contrasts. We have experienced the thrill of moving into our new worship center, but have only begun to realize the weight of responsibility that is ours. We must steward such a resource by taking advantage of every God-given opportunity that comes our way. This past year we have also experienced the loss of some faithful warriors for the gospel, but have also seen the gospel reaching, calling and changing people for the glory of Christ. So, we head into a new year with a renewed commitment to our purpose and a deeper understanding of our dependency upon God to help us carry out the vision for this ministry. We forge ahead, determined to live out our core values with a plan to minister to our people in this church. His people in His church, and to our world.

Here are some of the areas that I am going to be emphasizing this coming year:

1. The importance of the local church to the spiritual life of every believer.
2. The importance of the unity of the church.
3. The absolute necessity to be a consistent witness for the gospel.

Our study in I Corinthians will be addressing these and, as a means of pursuing these emphases, the elders are going to be organizing themselves in such a way that some of them will be taking on a more practical role in shepherding parts of the congregation so that the church can be more effective in encouraging each member to follow hard after Christ. We will also be improving and developing tools of communication so that the congregation can have more opportunities to stay informed of things that we trust will only encourage and enhance our practical unity. We will also be focusing upon our joyful responsibility to be a witness of the gospel in every situation we can imagine.

One of the highlights of this year will be our opportunity to host a conference for pastors, church leaders and church members called the "9 Marks of a Healthy Church." This conference (Oct. 27-29, 2005) is an event that I am asking each member of this church to attend. Please mark your calendars now for this wondrously important opportunity to learn, grow and serve the body of Christ.

On a personal note, Cathi and I have just celebrated 15 years of ministry with you. I am hoping that God will be please to grant me 20 more. There is so much to do. Do I dare say it? Here goes - We need to be thinking about starting another location (then another, and another and another....)

For the church, for the world, for the Glory of God!

Robert Johnson II
Senior Pastor