New Vision
LBCBC has undertaken a process to create and carry out a new vision for the church. The process commenced in February 2010 with an assessment by a team from our denomination, the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada. Listed below are the recommendations of the assessment team and brief updates on their progress.
Update on progress (April 2012)
Recommendation #1
Adopt a vision to become a larger, growing church with an average attendance beyond 200 by 2014.
In 2010 we unanimously adopted a vision to become a larger, growing church of over 200 by 2014 and have continued to work and pray to that end.
Recommendation #2
Launch a second worship service no sooner than August and no later than September 2010. In preparation, launch an attractive website, review the property for a few simple improvements, and organize the teams needed.
In October 2010 we launched two identical Sunday morning worship services. We improved our grounds and parking areas, erected a new church sign, upgraded fire and safety procedures . We appointed a team of ushers and installed easy to read signs inside the church. We also appointed Coordinators to ensure complete accessibility for everyone, and to uphold our child protection policies. At the same time, we launched our website.
Recommendation #3
Hire an effective evangelist as a full-time Outreach Pastor to evangelize, train others, and organize outreach programs — as soon as possible in 2010. Until then, identify a champion in the church to bring in and to organize outreach events.
Malcolm Stuart led evangelistic outreach until a full-time pastor was appointed. We implemented the Christianity Explored and Discipleship Explored courses as our main outreach programme. In September 2011 we called a Pastor of Community Outreach who had a very effective ministry during the time he was here. The Board will announce plans to call a new Community Outreach pastor in the coming weeks.
Recommendation #4
Within three months of the Outreach Pastor’s arrival, link up with other churches that have effective ministries reaching young adults in their twenties and learn from them.
A young adult ministry in cooperation with Fairview Baptist Church in Lindsay began in September 2011. Since that time a number of young adults have joined our church.
Recommendation #5
Have Pastor Andrew bring in equipping resources to conduct short regular training courses in evangelism and leadership — beginning by April 2010.
To enhance our evangelism and outreach, we implemented the Christianity Explored and Discipleship Explored courses and Pastor Andrew and others have provided teaching and preaching on several Sunday mornings help train the congregation in Evangelism. ”Evangelism Moments” were incorporated into the morning services and we have begun training sessions during the week.
Recommendation #6
Hire an experienced coach arranged by FEB Central Ministries to support Pastor Andrew in leading the church through these recommendations and to review future changes needed to the organizational structure of the church to support a larger ministry by March 2010.
Pastor Andrew is working with an experienced ”coach” from our denomination. The coach provides support as changes are made. One change to the organizational structure of the church has been to appoint a Pastor of Congregational Care. His duties help free Pastor Andrew to focus his leadership on reaching our goal.
