This month our formal learning was designed to make us ask questions and rethink the way we intend to “do” church. It all started out with reading the book to the left. After much research on small group strategies we have landed on missional communities. Missional Communities embody all of the elements we would like to have our small groups to live out. They focus on discipleship, evangelism, accountability, ministry and mission and their greatest trait in my opinion they are based in the community not a church building. If you want more information on Missional Communities make sure to read McNeal’s book and check back on this blog for the type of missional community we plan on leading in Lowry.

The second part of our formal learning was focused on biblically defining these terms: Priest, Deacon, Elder, and Pastor. It is important to not only define these terms but to properly implement them. Our desire is that we would not only define these terms biblically but implement them as prescribed in the Word.

One of the biggest desires is that we start with healthy DNA in our church so that church has the greatest chance to survive and thrive. We are so thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and plan during this residency.