Church Strengthening Strengthening existing churches is one way to advance the Kingdom’s efforts of the ARP Church. Church Strengthening Coach
Wayne Frazier helps presbyteries and churches in a variety of ways. Each year, Wayne engages churches who have the support of their sessions to follow Christ, the King and Head of our Church, by prayer, Scripture, and faith to have a clearer focus on our God-given mission. Pinecrest ARP in Flat Rock, NC has been participating in Framing the Future of Your Church and Ministry (FFCM). In this issue, we have an interview with Norma Eckley, who is on the vision team at Pinecrest.
How did you decide to be part of the vision team for your church? I decided to become a member of the team because I was con- cerned for the future of our church. We are an older congregation in a retirement community, and we were losing members and not bringing in new members. I thought we were a dying church, and it was breaking my heart. With a declining membership, it was dif-
What is something that surprised you going through the FFCM process? Something that surprised me was its organization. The
direction He wanted for His church. We came to the conclusion that we needed to be willing to make changes if God was leading us in
How have you seen growth in your church through this process? Our pastor’s positive leadership was vital in promoting our vision.
Our entire church was challenged to be involved in the vision no matter their age. Now we are walking together and inviting others to join us to proclaim the gospel in our community. Church attendance is growing, and people want to be a part of the mission.
How have you seen growth as an individual through this process? I have personally grown spiritually and in my desire to serve. Pastor Rhett develops his sermon series and then our small groups discuss and expound on those same scriptures. I look forward to reading my Bible and spending time in prayer.
What is the most impactful thing you’ve done as a vision team? In the beginning, the program had a question about what we thought people in our community would say about our church. We started events to concentrate on outreach as one of our priorities. We are using a nearby park to schedule events. We had a lot of participation in Easter Egg hunt and Halloween Trick or Treating. People are sending comments and thank you notes. They now recognize who we are and where we are located. It is a joy to meet people at the park and greet them when they visit our church.
What would you say to another church who is wondering if they should engage the vitality/strengthen coach or go through the
FFCM process? I would tell others who are considering the FFCM process that it takes commitment and time. Prayer was essential throughout the process. The entire church was asked to pray and special times were set to come pray together. A renewed outlook and a greater desire to serve God and His Kingdom can be the outcome.
What is a prayer request for your church going forward? Pray for our pastor as he leads our church and its vision. Pray that God will send opportunities for witness and that we will be bold and courageous when given the opportunity to share the love of Jesus.
Anything else you’d like to share? We have also concentrated on becoming a welcoming church. We have volunteer greeters, and everyone is encouraged to come early to help greet those visiting. We have had success here as well. We will be revisiting our mission to examine and evaluate how we are doing and perhaps changing again! I would like to ensure others that it has been a positive experi- ence for Pinecrest.
Helping You Reach Your Community 14 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Outreach North America
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