LBCBC has undertaken a process to create and implement 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. The assessment team gave us several recommendations. These are listed below together with a brief update describing our progress in implementing them.
Update on progress - September 2011
Recommendation #1
Adopt a vision to become a larger, growing church with an average attendance beyond 200 by 2014.
Over one year ago we unanimously adopted the 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. In preparation, our grounds and parking were improved, a new church sign has been erected, fire and safety procedures have been upgraded and implemented. To assist first time visitors, a team of ushers is in place and easy to read signs have been installed in the church. Coordinators have been appointed to ensure complete accessibility to everyone, and to uphold our child protection policies. In addition, this web-site was launched.
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 was asked to lead evangelistic outreach until a full-time pastor was engaged. The Christianity Explored and Discipleship Explored courses were implemented as our main outreach programme. A search committee was appointed in 2010 and recommended Les Bickell for the position of Pastor of Community Outreach. Les met with the Church Board and the Congregation in August 2011 and was unanimously accepted for the position at a congregational meeting held on August 23. Pastor Les began his ministry on September 06, 2011.
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.
Pastor Les has begun a young adult ministry in cooperation with Fairview Baptist Church in Lindsay, and the first event was scheduled for Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 at Fairview.
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, the Christianity Explored and Discipleship Explored courses have begun and Pastor Andrew and others have provided teaching and preaching on several Sunday mornings help train the congregation in Evangelism.
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 largher ministry by March 2010.
Pastor Andrew has been working with an experienced ”coach” from our denomination who supports him as he leads our congregation to achieve this vision. One additional change to the organizational structure of the church has been to appoint a Pastor of Congregational Care. His duties are structured so that Pastor Andrew can focus on leading the implementation of our vision.
