Elders Message

As we reflect on Christ’s ministry, we’re reminded that He didn’t begin with doctrine, rather, He began with relationship. He ate with tax collectors, walked dusty roads with fishermen, and showed compassion to those society had cast aside. His approach challenges us to reconsider how we share the gospel in our increasingly disconnected world.

We often think evangelism requires grand gestures or polished presentations, but Jesus taught otherwise. A cup of cold water given in His name, a listening ear offered to someone struggling, a meal shared with a lonely neighbor: these simple acts plant seeds that formal programs often can’t. When we hold the door for a stranger, check on an elderly church member, or help a colleague without expecting anything in return, we’re living testimonies of God’s love.

These small kindnesses break down walls. They demonstrate that our faith isn’t just about Sabbath attendance or doctrinal knowledge: it’s about embodying Christ’s character every day. People may forget what we say, but they remember how we made them feel. In a world hungry for genuine compassion, our consistent small acts can speak louder than any sermon.

Christ modeled friendship evangelism beautifully. He didn’t treat people as projects or statistics; He genuinely cared for them. Zacchaeus wasn’t a conversion target: he was someone worth dining with. The woman at the well wasn’t a case study: she was a person deserving of respect and truth. We need to remember this relational approach. True friendship cannot be manufactured as an evangelistic technique; people sense ulterior motives. Instead, we must develop authentic relationships where we genuinely care about others’ well being, listen to their stories, and walk alongside them through life’s challenges. When friendship is real, opportunities to share our faith arise naturally, and people are more receptive because they’ve experienced Christ’s love through us.

This means investing time without expecting immediate results. It means befriending people who may never step inside our churches. It means loving people simply because they’re loved by God, not because they might increase our membership numbers.

Our church is at a pivotal moment. The draft strategic plan that has been distributed represents our collective vision for fulfilling the Great Commission in these last days. However, this plan belongs to all of us, and your voice matters.

I encourage each member to prayerfully review the strategic plan. Your insights, concerns, and suggestions are valuable. Please share your comments so that together, we can chart a course that honors God and effectively reaches those He loves.

Let us move forward not just with strategy, but with hearts transformed by Christ’s compassion.

Andrew Bower