Pastor's Corner https://www.mdchurch.us Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:33:48 -0500 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Ministry Position Opening: Director of Music https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/opening_2 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/opening_2#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/opening_2 August 26, 2021

Re: Ministry Employment Opportunity

To Whom It May Concern:

The Session of Missio Dei Church has opened the following position to qualified candidates:

Director of Music

Missio Dei Church is a theologically conservative, evangelical Presbyterian church (PCA) located in Manhattan, Illinois. Our church's mission is to be a church with passionate faith in Jesus Christ that sacrificially loves, serves those in need, and draws people into an ever-deepening relationship with God. 

Our Sunday worship services are currently attended by 75 to 125 people. We have always been a strong family-oriented church, and enjoy a variety of ages in the congregation. The majority of the congregation are young to middle-aged families. For more information about us, you can peruse our website: https://www.mdchurch.us

Our worship style is a blended mix of contemporary worship songs and timeless hymns set in a flexible and conversant yet reformed liturgy. A typical worship service arrangement could include 2 to 3 vocalists, acoustic guitar, keyboard, and percussion.  There’s a sense amongst the team and leadership that a new level of recruiting, onboarding and training is going to be required to move the ministry forward. Our worship ministry members are longing for leadership that has the vision and capacity to take them to the next level.

This part-time position is ideal for those individuals who are considering full-time vocational ministry. The position requires an individual to be musically gifted, able to lead and develop worship teams, do administrative and social media work, and be a theological thinker who can work out his/her reformed theology in real-life kind of ways. The individual should expect to be working closely with the lead pastor in the day-to-day duties: the exciting, mundane, and frustrating.

The Director of Music may be from another denominational background but must be a professing evangelical Christian and in general support of the reformed faith.

To apply, please forward a brief bio, resume, and references to paul@mdchurch.us.

For Christ, the Gospel, and His Church,

 

Paul Vroom

Lead Pastor/Teaching Elder

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August 26, 2021

Re: Ministry Employment Opportunity

To Whom It May Concern:

The Session of Missio Dei Church has opened the following position to qualified candidates:

Director of Music

Missio Dei Church is a theologically conservative, evangelical Presbyterian church (PCA) located in Manhattan, Illinois. Our church's mission is to be a church with passionate faith in Jesus Christ that sacrificially loves, serves those in need, and draws people into an ever-deepening relationship with God. 

Our Sunday worship services are currently attended by 75 to 125 people. We have always been a strong family-oriented church, and enjoy a variety of ages in the congregation. The majority of the congregation are young to middle-aged families. For more information about us, you can peruse our website: https://www.mdchurch.us

Our worship style is a blended mix of contemporary worship songs and timeless hymns set in a flexible and conversant yet reformed liturgy. A typical worship service arrangement could include 2 to 3 vocalists, acoustic guitar, keyboard, and percussion.  There’s a sense amongst the team and leadership that a new level of recruiting, onboarding and training is going to be required to move the ministry forward. Our worship ministry members are longing for leadership that has the vision and capacity to take them to the next level.

This part-time position is ideal for those individuals who are considering full-time vocational ministry. The position requires an individual to be musically gifted, able to lead and develop worship teams, do administrative and social media work, and be a theological thinker who can work out his/her reformed theology in real-life kind of ways. The individual should expect to be working closely with the lead pastor in the day-to-day duties: the exciting, mundane, and frustrating.

The Director of Music may be from another denominational background but must be a professing evangelical Christian and in general support of the reformed faith.

To apply, please forward a brief bio, resume, and references to paul@mdchurch.us.

For Christ, the Gospel, and His Church,

 

Paul Vroom

Lead Pastor/Teaching Elder

]]>
Session Update: April 19 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/session-update-april-19 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/session-update-april-19#comments Thu, 13 May 2021 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/session-update-april-19
On Monday, April 19, the Session met from 6:00-11 PM to deliberate on a wide variety of matters pertaining to our church. Here is a synopsis of what took place:

Time in the Word

We opened up our time by reading and meditating on Psalm 34.

Session’s Spiritual Development

As a Session, we are reading the book “Pray for the Flock: Ministering God's Grace Through Intercession.” The book is a challenge not merely to pray more but to think more biblically about prayer and about the God to whom we pray. All in all, we hope that we as a Session and as a church will be strengthened and energized by a renewed commitment to the constancy of prayer.

Music Ministry Update

At the May Session meeting, the Elders will have a statement for the church and the music ministry regarding what is an appropriate process for adding new music.

Report from Ad Interim Committee on Human Sexuality

One of the encouraging things about being a part of the Presbyterian Church in America is that we are connected to churches across American and even around the world. Back in 2019, the Chicago Metro Presbytery requested that a committee be created to “study the topic of human sexuality with particular attention to the issues of homosexuality, same-sex attraction, and transgenderism and prepare a report.” The committee published their report, which was to be given at General Assembly this June. At 62 pages, it is not terribly long. It is also written at a level that should be accessible to most laypeople who have some level of familiarity with the issues involved. The Session spent considerable time studying the report and commend it to you for your growth.

Shepherding Group Updates

Each Elder gave the Session an update regarding his Shepherding Group. After the updates, we spent extended time praying for the whole church family.

Children’s Ministry

The Session decided "While following recommended guidelines for social distancing, the Children’s Ministry will resume every week starting Sunday, May 9. For the time being, children will remain in worship on fifth Sundays to both ease the challenge of scheduling ministry partners during this unique time as well discipling our children while being 'in the pews.'"

Ministry Evaluations

While reading through the reports, we realized that the task ahead of us is no minor task. Some ministries are doing thriving, some are needing some guidance, and some are potentially looking for new leadership. Because of this, the Session needed to assess which ministries are in healthy places and looking to grow/expand, which are in a place of maintenance or stagnancy, and which are in distress and needing immediate attention. On top of that, we are taking additional time to prayerfully consider the whys we do what we do before we consider the hows and whos. We have another meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 12 to specifically work through these subjects.

Our ultimate aim and goal is to have every ministry tuned to one thing and that is “to be a church with passionate faith in Jesus Christ that sacrificially loves, serves those in need, and draws people into an ever-deepening relationship with God.” This re-tuning will take time and effort from all who will be leading a ministry.

Our next Stated Session meeting will be on Wednesday, May 12 at 6 PM.

We closed our time in prayer for you and the church.

]]>
On Monday, April 19, the Session met from 6:00-11 PM to deliberate on a wide variety of matters pertaining to our church. Here is a synopsis of what took place:

Time in the Word

We opened up our time by reading and meditating on Psalm 34.

Session’s Spiritual Development

As a Session, we are reading the book “Pray for the Flock: Ministering God's Grace Through Intercession.” The book is a challenge not merely to pray more but to think more biblically about prayer and about the God to whom we pray. All in all, we hope that we as a Session and as a church will be strengthened and energized by a renewed commitment to the constancy of prayer.

Music Ministry Update

At the May Session meeting, the Elders will have a statement for the church and the music ministry regarding what is an appropriate process for adding new music.

Report from Ad Interim Committee on Human Sexuality

One of the encouraging things about being a part of the Presbyterian Church in America is that we are connected to churches across American and even around the world. Back in 2019, the Chicago Metro Presbytery requested that a committee be created to “study the topic of human sexuality with particular attention to the issues of homosexuality, same-sex attraction, and transgenderism and prepare a report.” The committee published their report, which was to be given at General Assembly this June. At 62 pages, it is not terribly long. It is also written at a level that should be accessible to most laypeople who have some level of familiarity with the issues involved. The Session spent considerable time studying the report and commend it to you for your growth.

Shepherding Group Updates

Each Elder gave the Session an update regarding his Shepherding Group. After the updates, we spent extended time praying for the whole church family.

Children’s Ministry

The Session decided "While following recommended guidelines for social distancing, the Children’s Ministry will resume every week starting Sunday, May 9. For the time being, children will remain in worship on fifth Sundays to both ease the challenge of scheduling ministry partners during this unique time as well discipling our children while being 'in the pews.'"

Ministry Evaluations

While reading through the reports, we realized that the task ahead of us is no minor task. Some ministries are doing thriving, some are needing some guidance, and some are potentially looking for new leadership. Because of this, the Session needed to assess which ministries are in healthy places and looking to grow/expand, which are in a place of maintenance or stagnancy, and which are in distress and needing immediate attention. On top of that, we are taking additional time to prayerfully consider the whys we do what we do before we consider the hows and whos. We have another meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 12 to specifically work through these subjects.

Our ultimate aim and goal is to have every ministry tuned to one thing and that is “to be a church with passionate faith in Jesus Christ that sacrificially loves, serves those in need, and draws people into an ever-deepening relationship with God.” This re-tuning will take time and effort from all who will be leading a ministry.

Our next Stated Session meeting will be on Wednesday, May 12 at 6 PM.

We closed our time in prayer for you and the church.

]]>
Session Update: May 12, 2021 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/session-update-may2021 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/session-update-may2021#comments Thu, 13 May 2021 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/session-update-may2021 On Wednesday, May 12, the Session met from 6:00-10:30 PM to deliberate on a wide variety of matters pertaining to our church. Here is a synopsis of what took place:

Time in the Word

We opened up our time by reading and meditating on Proverbs 4:20-27

Session’s Spiritual Development

As a Session, we are reading the book “Pray for the Flock: Ministering God's Grace Through Intercession.” The book is a challenge not merely to pray more but to think more biblically about prayer and about the God to whom we pray. All in all, we hope that we as a Session and as a church will be strengthened and energized by a renewed commitment to the constancy of prayer.

Music Ministry Update

The Elders approved "Song Selection Philosophy for MDC" which will help guide our song selection for our gathered worship. You can read it here.

Shepherding Matters

The Elders removed KK's name from the roll per her request. This erasure is an act of pastoral discipline (BCO 27-1a) without process. Please pray with us that K will choose to find and join another gospel-preaching, Bible-believing church as she is currently without the God-ordained oversight of elders.

Also, Matt Priebe has submitted his resignation as deacon due to the fact that he has moved to Downers Grove and has indicated that he is searching for another church that is more local for him. The Session accepted his resignation and dissolved the official relationship which exists between him and the church (BCO 24-7). Matt will continue to be a member in good standing until he transfers to another church more local to him.

Additionally, the Session continues to fulfill its duty by shepherding Christ’s church through working to build unity and exercising discipline.

Ministry Leadership

The Session approved a template that will be used to create "job descriptions" for each and every ministry leader. This will help the Ministry Leader to know what is expected of them as they lead people and direct the ministry. Next month we will have our first drafts presented.

Our ultimate aim and goal are to have every ministry tuned to one thing and that is “to be a church with passionate faith in Jesus Christ that sacrificially loves, serves those in need, and draws people into an ever-deepening relationship with God.” This re-tuning will take time and effort from all who will be leading a ministry.

Our next Stated Session meeting will be on Thursday, June 17 at 6 PM.

We closed our time in prayer for you and the church.

]]>
On Wednesday, May 12, the Session met from 6:00-10:30 PM to deliberate on a wide variety of matters pertaining to our church. Here is a synopsis of what took place:

Time in the Word

We opened up our time by reading and meditating on Proverbs 4:20-27

Session’s Spiritual Development

As a Session, we are reading the book “Pray for the Flock: Ministering God's Grace Through Intercession.” The book is a challenge not merely to pray more but to think more biblically about prayer and about the God to whom we pray. All in all, we hope that we as a Session and as a church will be strengthened and energized by a renewed commitment to the constancy of prayer.

Music Ministry Update

The Elders approved "Song Selection Philosophy for MDC" which will help guide our song selection for our gathered worship. You can read it here.

Shepherding Matters

The Elders removed KK's name from the roll per her request. This erasure is an act of pastoral discipline (BCO 27-1a) without process. Please pray with us that K will choose to find and join another gospel-preaching, Bible-believing church as she is currently without the God-ordained oversight of elders.

Also, Matt Priebe has submitted his resignation as deacon due to the fact that he has moved to Downers Grove and has indicated that he is searching for another church that is more local for him. The Session accepted his resignation and dissolved the official relationship which exists between him and the church (BCO 24-7). Matt will continue to be a member in good standing until he transfers to another church more local to him.

Additionally, the Session continues to fulfill its duty by shepherding Christ’s church through working to build unity and exercising discipline.

Ministry Leadership

The Session approved a template that will be used to create "job descriptions" for each and every ministry leader. This will help the Ministry Leader to know what is expected of them as they lead people and direct the ministry. Next month we will have our first drafts presented.

Our ultimate aim and goal are to have every ministry tuned to one thing and that is “to be a church with passionate faith in Jesus Christ that sacrificially loves, serves those in need, and draws people into an ever-deepening relationship with God.” This re-tuning will take time and effort from all who will be leading a ministry.

Our next Stated Session meeting will be on Thursday, June 17 at 6 PM.

We closed our time in prayer for you and the church.

]]>
Creative Ways To Invite Your Neighbors To Easter Sunday https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/creative-ways-to-invite-your-neighbors-to-easter-sunday https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/creative-ways-to-invite-your-neighbors-to-easter-sunday#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/creative-ways-to-invite-your-neighbors-to-easter-sunday How can we be focusing special attention on exceptional hospitality and purposeful welcome? We want people to be able to find their home here and ultimately, to find their home in Jesus. Here are some ideas!

Pray for God’s help. Ok, so this doesn’t seem like the most creative way to invite your neighbors. But it’s definitely the place to start. Creativity flows from God. So does the power to incline your neighbors toward Christ and his church. So take some time with your family and friends, and ask the Father to help you with the idea and the energy to do it—along with lots of fun and expectation. This is how Jesus told his followers to roll out the red carpet to his kingdom (Luke 10:2-3). First, pray. Then invite.

Ask if they’re planning to go to church this year. One of the easiest places to start is by having a conversation. Even in a passing chat about the weather, ask if they’re planning on going to an Easter service this year. Many people are entertaining the thought already. And even if they’re not, going to church on Easter is still cultural enough to be an unoffensive topic. One of the most common hesitations potential visitors have is not knowing anyone at the church. Resolve some of it by offering to attend with them.

Make cookies and deliver them. Come on, who doesn’t like cookies?! Making Easter eggs is fun too, but they just don’t quite go down as well with a glass of milk. Your neighbors will not only enjoy it, they’ll be impressed that you took the time to make it and share it. If cooking isn’t your thing, there’s nothing wrong with buying some candy to share. Or you could also…

Take them some Spring flowers. Ok, so candy may not be everybody’s thing. Dropping off double-fudge bunny brownies to an elderly diabetic probably won’t hit the spot. But after a hard winter, Spring flowers can be a breath of fresh air. It could be really sweet to drop off a little bouquet of lilies, daisies, azaleas, daffodils, chrysanthemums, or tulips. Kiddos also do a great job of picking just about anything.

Host an Easter meal. Let’s be honest, most of us are inclined to respond to an invite when there’s free food involved. Have a meal ready to share together after the Easter service so that you can invite them to both church and lunch. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. And if they only come to one, it’s still a win.

Host a Good Friday meal. If you’re busy with extended family on Easter Sunday, then invite your neighbors to a Good Friday meal. It’s a great opportunity to share why Friday is, well, good. And it’s a great setup for then inviting them to the Easter service.

Share your family traditions. If you have special things you do as a family on Easter Sunday, invite a neighbor to join you for them. What a concrete picture of the spiritual reality: inviting them into the family of God. Show them what it means to have fun on Easter and why it’s worth celebrating. Who cares if it’s not Easter-ish (i.e. egg hunt, dressing in pastels, taking awkward family photos, etc.). Go to a movie, have a bbq, break out those board games. Yes, I said board games.

Look for a person of peace. In Luke 10:5-7 Jesus tells his followers not only to pray and invite, but to be on the lookout for persons of peace. These are people that God had prepared to respond positively when invited into his kingdom. Interesting enough, they would be the ones offering the hospitality to Jesus’ followers. Then they would be the ones to really reach their neighborhood. So instead of feeling overwhelmed at the thought of rounding up all your neighbors, who is one that keeps coming to mind, or keeps knocking on your door?

]]>
How can we be focusing special attention on exceptional hospitality and purposeful welcome? We want people to be able to find their home here and ultimately, to find their home in Jesus. Here are some ideas!

Pray for God’s help. Ok, so this doesn’t seem like the most creative way to invite your neighbors. But it’s definitely the place to start. Creativity flows from God. So does the power to incline your neighbors toward Christ and his church. So take some time with your family and friends, and ask the Father to help you with the idea and the energy to do it—along with lots of fun and expectation. This is how Jesus told his followers to roll out the red carpet to his kingdom (Luke 10:2-3). First, pray. Then invite.

Ask if they’re planning to go to church this year. One of the easiest places to start is by having a conversation. Even in a passing chat about the weather, ask if they’re planning on going to an Easter service this year. Many people are entertaining the thought already. And even if they’re not, going to church on Easter is still cultural enough to be an unoffensive topic. One of the most common hesitations potential visitors have is not knowing anyone at the church. Resolve some of it by offering to attend with them.

Make cookies and deliver them. Come on, who doesn’t like cookies?! Making Easter eggs is fun too, but they just don’t quite go down as well with a glass of milk. Your neighbors will not only enjoy it, they’ll be impressed that you took the time to make it and share it. If cooking isn’t your thing, there’s nothing wrong with buying some candy to share. Or you could also…

Take them some Spring flowers. Ok, so candy may not be everybody’s thing. Dropping off double-fudge bunny brownies to an elderly diabetic probably won’t hit the spot. But after a hard winter, Spring flowers can be a breath of fresh air. It could be really sweet to drop off a little bouquet of lilies, daisies, azaleas, daffodils, chrysanthemums, or tulips. Kiddos also do a great job of picking just about anything.

Host an Easter meal. Let’s be honest, most of us are inclined to respond to an invite when there’s free food involved. Have a meal ready to share together after the Easter service so that you can invite them to both church and lunch. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. And if they only come to one, it’s still a win.

Host a Good Friday meal. If you’re busy with extended family on Easter Sunday, then invite your neighbors to a Good Friday meal. It’s a great opportunity to share why Friday is, well, good. And it’s a great setup for then inviting them to the Easter service.

Share your family traditions. If you have special things you do as a family on Easter Sunday, invite a neighbor to join you for them. What a concrete picture of the spiritual reality: inviting them into the family of God. Show them what it means to have fun on Easter and why it’s worth celebrating. Who cares if it’s not Easter-ish (i.e. egg hunt, dressing in pastels, taking awkward family photos, etc.). Go to a movie, have a bbq, break out those board games. Yes, I said board games.

Look for a person of peace. In Luke 10:5-7 Jesus tells his followers not only to pray and invite, but to be on the lookout for persons of peace. These are people that God had prepared to respond positively when invited into his kingdom. Interesting enough, they would be the ones offering the hospitality to Jesus’ followers. Then they would be the ones to really reach their neighborhood. So instead of feeling overwhelmed at the thought of rounding up all your neighbors, who is one that keeps coming to mind, or keeps knocking on your door?

]]>
Children's Ministry Update https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/childrens-ministry-update https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/childrens-ministry-update#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0600 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/childrens-ministry-update Hooray! After almost a year, we’re excited to offer a modified Kids Crossing experience! For the months of March and April, nursery and one Kids Crossing class will be provided on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month (March 14/28, April 11/25). (Decisions regarding a schedule for May will be made once we are closer to that time.) We can’t wait to see the kiddos of MDC again! To help our volunteers plan accordingly, please plan to RSVP on the Realm.

Using Kids Crossing is up to parent discretion/comfort level. The church bags will continue to be available but we will discontinue providing snacks in the bags.

Here’s a few things that might be helpful to know as parents:

  • All volunteers will be required to wear masks.
  • We plan to do our best with social distancing upstairs, but masks are strongly encouraged for kids 3+.
  • Toys and surfaces will be sanitized with food-grade disinfectant after every service.
  • The nursery will now begin at the same time as the upstairs class- after the first set of songs/passing of the peace. This allows for everyone to enjoy singing together.
  • Volunteers will NOT be changing diapers or facilitating bathroom breaks. The youth helpers will be available to retrieve parents should either of these things need to be done. Parents are encouraged to regularly check in on a potty-training child. Older kids will naturally be able to use the bathroom on their own should they need it.
    Kids attending Kids Crossing upstairs will return to the service at 10:50 am to avoid congestion on the stairs.
  • As in the past, please encourage your older children to stay out of the nursery/upstairs classroom to reduce exposures/germs.
  • If your child has had any cough, fever, runny nose, diarrhea, etc in the last 24 hours, please keep them out of the classes or consider making use of the live Youtube stream at home.

Please contact Amanda or Molly with any questions or concerns that you may have. We can’t wait to pour into MDC’s covenant kids.

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Hooray! After almost a year, we’re excited to offer a modified Kids Crossing experience! For the months of March and April, nursery and one Kids Crossing class will be provided on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month (March 14/28, April 11/25). (Decisions regarding a schedule for May will be made once we are closer to that time.) We can’t wait to see the kiddos of MDC again! To help our volunteers plan accordingly, please plan to RSVP on the Realm.

Using Kids Crossing is up to parent discretion/comfort level. The church bags will continue to be available but we will discontinue providing snacks in the bags.

Here’s a few things that might be helpful to know as parents:

  • All volunteers will be required to wear masks.
  • We plan to do our best with social distancing upstairs, but masks are strongly encouraged for kids 3+.
  • Toys and surfaces will be sanitized with food-grade disinfectant after every service.
  • The nursery will now begin at the same time as the upstairs class- after the first set of songs/passing of the peace. This allows for everyone to enjoy singing together.
  • Volunteers will NOT be changing diapers or facilitating bathroom breaks. The youth helpers will be available to retrieve parents should either of these things need to be done. Parents are encouraged to regularly check in on a potty-training child. Older kids will naturally be able to use the bathroom on their own should they need it.
    Kids attending Kids Crossing upstairs will return to the service at 10:50 am to avoid congestion on the stairs.
  • As in the past, please encourage your older children to stay out of the nursery/upstairs classroom to reduce exposures/germs.
  • If your child has had any cough, fever, runny nose, diarrhea, etc in the last 24 hours, please keep them out of the classes or consider making use of the live Youtube stream at home.

Please contact Amanda or Molly with any questions or concerns that you may have. We can’t wait to pour into MDC’s covenant kids.

]]>
Praying for Our Elders https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/praying-for-our-elders https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/praying-for-our-elders#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0600 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/praying-for-our-elders According to our Book of Church Order, an elder is called an overseer of the flock and household of God. This means that the elders are required to govern and rule over all the affairs of the church. “It belongs to the office of elder, both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge, that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein” (BCO 8-3).

According to the Apostle Paul, the elders are required to ensure the order of the church (Titus 1:5) and to guard the treasures of Christ (Titus 1:7). As a pastor, I have observed that most church members do not realize how important this overseeing function is. This overseeing work involves meeting frequently to deal with matters that require a great deal of biblical discernment and wisdom.

An elder is called to be a minister of the people of Christ. This calling requires our elders to minister comfort, counsel, and sometimes rebuke to individual members of the church. They are called to visit members in the hospital when they are sick. "They should set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care… They should pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock" (BCO 8- 3). Peter emphasized this calling to minister, saying “shepherd the flock... not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you to do... not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).

An elder is also a steward of the gospel and a teacher of the Word of God. Ruling elders must be sound theologians who can guard the trust of sound doctrine. Elders must be able to exhort and instruct the people in biblical truth.

These callings organize the main work of elders, and as you can see they are far more than any mere man can fulfill in his own strength. These items also help us to know how to pray for our serving elders. Let me encourage you specifically to pray for the following:

  1. A strong and growing personal relationship with Christ that will supply the zeal and stamina needed to fulfill so demanding a calling. It should be obvious that serving as an elder is physically exhausting. It is also spiritually consuming in such a way that it demands a close walk with the Lord. Pray that God would communicate this priority to our elders in a special way as they are consecrated for this office
  2. A combination of careful biblical discernment and supernatural wisdom. Elders must be men of the Word of God, training themselves to think and act biblically. Bear in mind that our ruling elders have not gone to seminary and have regular jobs that demand greatly from them. So pray for God to give them the ability and the motivation to continue to develop their biblical competency. Then pray for God to grant them wisdom. As your full-time pastor, I still find myself facing situations that require careful biblical consideration and a higher level of wisdom than I normally possess. For both biblical discernment and wisdom, the elders are in great need of prayer
  3. A Christ-like love for the flock of God and a joy in the service of so great a king as Jesus Christ. A man can only succeed as an elder if he develops a love for the people of God that comes from the greater love of Jesus. The Christian flock consists of sheep that bite. And kick. And refuse to yield to instruction and rebuke. So a Christ-like shepherd must love them and must communicate that love in all things. This love flows from prayer for the flock, but also from a joy in the service of so great a Master as the Savior Jesus Christ, who has loved us by dying for our sins. Pray for this love and joy to work together in the hearts of our elders.
  4. The elders and I are prime targets for spiritual attack, so pray for God to protect us from Satan and his devices. Pray that we would guard ourselves from temptation and the renewal of our vows would grant us a new zeal for personal holiness. Pray that we would realize how dire is our daily need of God’s Word and of private prayer.

I praise God for providing our church with our faithful elders. Let me also express my love for our elders and my humble appreciation for the outstanding service they render to Christ and Missio Dei Church. Few people beyond me and our elders’ families realize how great are the sacrifices our elders make for the well-being of this church. None but the elders themselves realize how dire is their need for your prayers, along with your loving support.

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According to our Book of Church Order, an elder is called an overseer of the flock and household of God. This means that the elders are required to govern and rule over all the affairs of the church. “It belongs to the office of elder, both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge, that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein” (BCO 8-3).

According to the Apostle Paul, the elders are required to ensure the order of the church (Titus 1:5) and to guard the treasures of Christ (Titus 1:7). As a pastor, I have observed that most church members do not realize how important this overseeing function is. This overseeing work involves meeting frequently to deal with matters that require a great deal of biblical discernment and wisdom.

An elder is called to be a minister of the people of Christ. This calling requires our elders to minister comfort, counsel, and sometimes rebuke to individual members of the church. They are called to visit members in the hospital when they are sick. "They should set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care… They should pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock" (BCO 8- 3). Peter emphasized this calling to minister, saying “shepherd the flock... not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you to do... not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).

An elder is also a steward of the gospel and a teacher of the Word of God. Ruling elders must be sound theologians who can guard the trust of sound doctrine. Elders must be able to exhort and instruct the people in biblical truth.

These callings organize the main work of elders, and as you can see they are far more than any mere man can fulfill in his own strength. These items also help us to know how to pray for our serving elders. Let me encourage you specifically to pray for the following:

  1. A strong and growing personal relationship with Christ that will supply the zeal and stamina needed to fulfill so demanding a calling. It should be obvious that serving as an elder is physically exhausting. It is also spiritually consuming in such a way that it demands a close walk with the Lord. Pray that God would communicate this priority to our elders in a special way as they are consecrated for this office
  2. A combination of careful biblical discernment and supernatural wisdom. Elders must be men of the Word of God, training themselves to think and act biblically. Bear in mind that our ruling elders have not gone to seminary and have regular jobs that demand greatly from them. So pray for God to give them the ability and the motivation to continue to develop their biblical competency. Then pray for God to grant them wisdom. As your full-time pastor, I still find myself facing situations that require careful biblical consideration and a higher level of wisdom than I normally possess. For both biblical discernment and wisdom, the elders are in great need of prayer
  3. A Christ-like love for the flock of God and a joy in the service of so great a king as Jesus Christ. A man can only succeed as an elder if he develops a love for the people of God that comes from the greater love of Jesus. The Christian flock consists of sheep that bite. And kick. And refuse to yield to instruction and rebuke. So a Christ-like shepherd must love them and must communicate that love in all things. This love flows from prayer for the flock, but also from a joy in the service of so great a Master as the Savior Jesus Christ, who has loved us by dying for our sins. Pray for this love and joy to work together in the hearts of our elders.
  4. The elders and I are prime targets for spiritual attack, so pray for God to protect us from Satan and his devices. Pray that we would guard ourselves from temptation and the renewal of our vows would grant us a new zeal for personal holiness. Pray that we would realize how dire is our daily need of God’s Word and of private prayer.

I praise God for providing our church with our faithful elders. Let me also express my love for our elders and my humble appreciation for the outstanding service they render to Christ and Missio Dei Church. Few people beyond me and our elders’ families realize how great are the sacrifices our elders make for the well-being of this church. None but the elders themselves realize how dire is their need for your prayers, along with your loving support.

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Shepherding Groups https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/shepherding-groups https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/shepherding-groups#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2021 11:00:00 -0600 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/shepherding-groups “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;” (1 Peter 5:1–2)

“It belongs to the office of elder, both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge, that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein. They must exercise government and discipline, and take oversight not only of the spiritual interests of the particular church, but also the Church generally when called thereunto... All those duties which private Christians are bound to discharge by the law of love are especially incumbent upon them by divine vocation, and are to be discharged as official duties. They should pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock.” (PCA Book of Church Order 8-3)

Scripture and the Book of Church Order charge the Elders of Missio Dei Church "to watch diligently over the flock." This is a daunting task, but it is for your good, the good of the whole church, and for God's glory.

Which sheep are we called to particularly shepherd? Those among us. Which sheep do we protect? Those among us. The words “among you” are there for a reason. The Bible shows shepherding with proximity and presence and commitment as absolutely necessary. A good shepherd can’t watch, protect, and speak to his sheep from some far-off field or those who are not committed to particular care.

Because of this we have created Shepherding Groups to seek to know and care for you and have you know us. Your elders want to know you better. We want to know your names, your challenges, and your hopes and we want you to know our voice because we are among you.

If you are a member of our church, you will find in the Realm our recently revised Shepherding Groups list. Each member of our church is assigned to the particular care of a particular elder (there is also a deacon in each group as well). If there are matters of personal, relational, marital, spiritual, financial care, we want to encourage you to speak to your elder who is assigned to you.

Here is a word of encouragement: Get to know your pastor and elders. Don’t wait for them to call on you or initiate a conversation. Hopefully, your elder will be reaching out to you soon, but that doesn’t always happen in the timeframe that you may need it. Don’t wait until tragedy strikes or for a feeling of isolation to set in to get to know your elders. Pursue fellowship with those who are charged to keep watch over your souls.

May God grant each of us that deep and hope-filled gospel community and care with our church family, for His glory and your perseverance to the end.

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“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;” (1 Peter 5:1–2)

“It belongs to the office of elder, both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge, that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein. They must exercise government and discipline, and take oversight not only of the spiritual interests of the particular church, but also the Church generally when called thereunto... All those duties which private Christians are bound to discharge by the law of love are especially incumbent upon them by divine vocation, and are to be discharged as official duties. They should pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock.” (PCA Book of Church Order 8-3)

Scripture and the Book of Church Order charge the Elders of Missio Dei Church "to watch diligently over the flock." This is a daunting task, but it is for your good, the good of the whole church, and for God's glory.

Which sheep are we called to particularly shepherd? Those among us. Which sheep do we protect? Those among us. The words “among you” are there for a reason. The Bible shows shepherding with proximity and presence and commitment as absolutely necessary. A good shepherd can’t watch, protect, and speak to his sheep from some far-off field or those who are not committed to particular care.

Because of this we have created Shepherding Groups to seek to know and care for you and have you know us. Your elders want to know you better. We want to know your names, your challenges, and your hopes and we want you to know our voice because we are among you.

If you are a member of our church, you will find in the Realm our recently revised Shepherding Groups list. Each member of our church is assigned to the particular care of a particular elder (there is also a deacon in each group as well). If there are matters of personal, relational, marital, spiritual, financial care, we want to encourage you to speak to your elder who is assigned to you.

Here is a word of encouragement: Get to know your pastor and elders. Don’t wait for them to call on you or initiate a conversation. Hopefully, your elder will be reaching out to you soon, but that doesn’t always happen in the timeframe that you may need it. Don’t wait until tragedy strikes or for a feeling of isolation to set in to get to know your elders. Pursue fellowship with those who are charged to keep watch over your souls.

May God grant each of us that deep and hope-filled gospel community and care with our church family, for His glory and your perseverance to the end.

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COVID-19 Update: Sunday, December 27 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/covid-19-update-sunday-december-27 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/covid-19-update-sunday-december-27#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0600 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/covid-19-update-sunday-december-27 Announcements

Congregational Meeting

Next week Sunday, January 3, we will be having a brief congregational meeting for the purposes of electing new officers (Al Kasper for the office of Deacon and Caleb Hamstra for the office of Elder) and all matters pertaining thereto; and a financial update of the church.

Please put this date on your calendars now and planning on joining us for this important and exciting meeting.

New Sermon Series

Next week we will be starting a three-week mini-series on the topic of Shame. It’s part of our everyday experience. We all know what it’s like to feel shame, the feeling that we don’t measure up; that there’s something wrong and deficient in us that needs to be hidden. We will be looking at what the Bible has to say about shame.

End of the Year Giving

The Session and Deacons encourage you to invest with us by ending the 2020 year well and to give generously and anticipate what God is planning on doing in and through us in 2021. https://onrealm.org/MissioDChurch/-/give/now or in the Realm Connect app! You can also see other options at https://www.mdchurch.us/giving! Gifts made on December 31 by 11:59 PM will appear on your 2020 giving statement.

DOWNLOAD ORDER OF WORSHIP

Order of Worship

December 27, 2020

Call to Worship: Psalm 100

Leader:

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Family:

Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Leader:

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Family:

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100, ESV)

Songs of Adoration

Sing the first song on the YouTube or Spotify playlist: Jesus Paid it All

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXC0pMFA89vVKgOAU89d-Lg1lhKBuIzme

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7h6JSLYgumXWw35J95XXh0

Confession of Sin

Father,

You invite us to dwell with You and to gaze on Your beauty.

Yet we often look for comfort and security in other places,

gazing distractedly at things that are neither beautiful nor life-giving.

Father, have mercy on us.

 

Jesus,

You invite us to come to You and learn from You,

taking Your yoke upon us and finding rest.

Yet we often look for rest elsewhere,

working for the success or approval that we already have obtained in You.

Jesus, have mercy on us.

 

Holy Spirit,

You invite us to walk in step with You,

sowing seeds to please You and reaping eternal life.

Yet we often choose the path that seems right in our own eyes,

sowing seeds to please ourselves.

Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5, ESV)

Passing the Peace

When we meet on Sundays, we’ve always had a time of greeting one another after singing. Many churches call this time “passing the peace.” In some church traditions, one person will say to another, “The peace of Christ be with you” to which the other person responds, “And also with you.”

While potentially unfamiliar for some, we felt that “passing the peace” during greeting times at home could be a powerful act in this age marked by very little external peace. In Isaiah 9, Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace. He wants His kingdom to be marked by this very peace! We want to “pass” to one another this peace that only Jesus can give, especially at a time like this.

It might feel a bit cheesy, but we encourage you to actually pray the peace of God over each other during our times. We encourage you to look into each other’s eyes as you say, “The peace of Christ be with you!” and have others respond with, “And also with you.” Be open-hearted to Jesus, asking Him to fill you with His peace.

Prayers for Christ’s Church and the World

Spend a few moments taking prayer requests. Pray with and for each other, our community, our church, our missionaries (Ambrose and Camiola Families), our nation, and the world.

Sermon

“Seasons” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

Watch our teaching video on our church’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMH1wOLwfQUI6Xydt0HQP_Q/

Or specifically this link: https://youtu.be/WCpQxiD5biM 

Songs of Response

Sing the last two songs on the YouTube or Spotify playlist:  Heart of Worship and Glorious Day

Giving of Your Offerings

If you are a part of our church family, one of the ways that we worship is through the faithful giving of our tithes and our offerings. Here are flexible ways you can contribute during this time: https://www.mdchurch.us/giving

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Announcements

Congregational Meeting

Next week Sunday, January 3, we will be having a brief congregational meeting for the purposes of electing new officers (Al Kasper for the office of Deacon and Caleb Hamstra for the office of Elder) and all matters pertaining thereto; and a financial update of the church.

Please put this date on your calendars now and planning on joining us for this important and exciting meeting.

New Sermon Series

Next week we will be starting a three-week mini-series on the topic of Shame. It’s part of our everyday experience. We all know what it’s like to feel shame, the feeling that we don’t measure up; that there’s something wrong and deficient in us that needs to be hidden. We will be looking at what the Bible has to say about shame.

End of the Year Giving

The Session and Deacons encourage you to invest with us by ending the 2020 year well and to give generously and anticipate what God is planning on doing in and through us in 2021. https://onrealm.org/MissioDChurch/-/give/now or in the Realm Connect app! You can also see other options at https://www.mdchurch.us/giving! Gifts made on December 31 by 11:59 PM will appear on your 2020 giving statement.

DOWNLOAD ORDER OF WORSHIP

Order of Worship

December 27, 2020

Call to Worship: Psalm 100

Leader:

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Family:

Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Leader:

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Family:

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100, ESV)

Songs of Adoration

Sing the first song on the YouTube or Spotify playlist: Jesus Paid it All

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXC0pMFA89vVKgOAU89d-Lg1lhKBuIzme

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7h6JSLYgumXWw35J95XXh0

Confession of Sin

Father,

You invite us to dwell with You and to gaze on Your beauty.

Yet we often look for comfort and security in other places,

gazing distractedly at things that are neither beautiful nor life-giving.

Father, have mercy on us.

 

Jesus,

You invite us to come to You and learn from You,

taking Your yoke upon us and finding rest.

Yet we often look for rest elsewhere,

working for the success or approval that we already have obtained in You.

Jesus, have mercy on us.

 

Holy Spirit,

You invite us to walk in step with You,

sowing seeds to please You and reaping eternal life.

Yet we often choose the path that seems right in our own eyes,

sowing seeds to please ourselves.

Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5, ESV)

Passing the Peace

When we meet on Sundays, we’ve always had a time of greeting one another after singing. Many churches call this time “passing the peace.” In some church traditions, one person will say to another, “The peace of Christ be with you” to which the other person responds, “And also with you.”

While potentially unfamiliar for some, we felt that “passing the peace” during greeting times at home could be a powerful act in this age marked by very little external peace. In Isaiah 9, Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace. He wants His kingdom to be marked by this very peace! We want to “pass” to one another this peace that only Jesus can give, especially at a time like this.

It might feel a bit cheesy, but we encourage you to actually pray the peace of God over each other during our times. We encourage you to look into each other’s eyes as you say, “The peace of Christ be with you!” and have others respond with, “And also with you.” Be open-hearted to Jesus, asking Him to fill you with His peace.

Prayers for Christ’s Church and the World

Spend a few moments taking prayer requests. Pray with and for each other, our community, our church, our missionaries (Ambrose and Camiola Families), our nation, and the world.

Sermon

“Seasons” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

Watch our teaching video on our church’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMH1wOLwfQUI6Xydt0HQP_Q/

Or specifically this link: https://youtu.be/WCpQxiD5biM 

Songs of Response

Sing the last two songs on the YouTube or Spotify playlist:  Heart of Worship and Glorious Day

Giving of Your Offerings

If you are a part of our church family, one of the ways that we worship is through the faithful giving of our tithes and our offerings. Here are flexible ways you can contribute during this time: https://www.mdchurch.us/giving

]]>
Sunday, December 6: A Green Light https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/update-green-light https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/update-green-light#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2020 12:30:43 -0600 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/update-green-light After taking a brief, one-week pause on in-person worship, the Session of Missio Dei Church has decided that we will be cautiously be gathering in-person this upcoming Sunday, December 6.

With the increases of COVID-19 transmission that we are seeing in our region and with our local high schools returning to blended learning, the Session wants to encourage all those who attend in-person gathered worship to exercise extreme care. We do not want any of our church family, those who we love, nor our community and workplaces to contract the virus.

Just as a reminder, since our return to in-person worship on Sunday, July 5 we have not mandated, but highly encouraged attenders to wear a face mask. We now ask, out of care for your brothers and sisters and considering the rise in cases, that when you come to worship and you are when up and around in the building (using the restroom, passing the peace, etc.) that you wear a mask out of an overabundance of caution and care.

As always, for those who are not yet comfortable worshiping in person, our service will be live-streamed here on our Facebook page at 9:30 AM or on YouTube. Individuals with health concerns and families with very young children might also want to consider this option (as nursery care will not be provided at church).

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After taking a brief, one-week pause on in-person worship, the Session of Missio Dei Church has decided that we will be cautiously be gathering in-person this upcoming Sunday, December 6.

With the increases of COVID-19 transmission that we are seeing in our region and with our local high schools returning to blended learning, the Session wants to encourage all those who attend in-person gathered worship to exercise extreme care. We do not want any of our church family, those who we love, nor our community and workplaces to contract the virus.

Just as a reminder, since our return to in-person worship on Sunday, July 5 we have not mandated, but highly encouraged attenders to wear a face mask. We now ask, out of care for your brothers and sisters and considering the rise in cases, that when you come to worship and you are when up and around in the building (using the restroom, passing the peace, etc.) that you wear a mask out of an overabundance of caution and care.

As always, for those who are not yet comfortable worshiping in person, our service will be live-streamed here on our Facebook page at 9:30 AM or on YouTube. Individuals with health concerns and families with very young children might also want to consider this option (as nursery care will not be provided at church).

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Upcoming Mini-Series on Shame https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/upcoming-mini-series-on-shame https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/upcoming-mini-series-on-shame#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0600 https://www.mdchurch.us/blog/post/upcoming-mini-series-on-shame Pastor Paul is doing some reading for our next mini-series on shame which will start on Sunday, January 3. He is reading the book The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves. You can check out the book for yourself!

Week-00A-Quote

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Pastor Paul is doing some reading for our next mini-series on shame which will start on Sunday, January 3. He is reading the book The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves. You can check out the book for yourself!

Week-00A-Quote

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