Growing Christs Church Deep

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Growing Christs Church Deep Wide

• A presentation to
• Presbyterian Communicators Network
• Stronghold Meeting, August 2008
• Oregon, Illinois
• Susan E. Lindsey

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Matthew 2818-20

• All authority in heaven and on earth has
  been given to me. Go, therefore, and make
  disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
  name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
  Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
  have commanded you. And remember, I am with you
  always, to the end of the age.

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What is Deep and Wide?

• Growing Christs Church Deep and Wide is a
  church-wide commitment to growth in four areas.
• The Deep and Wide recommendation was endorsed by
  the 218th General Assembly in June 2008.
• Deep and Wide responds to calls from
  congregations seeking an emphasis on numerical
  and spiritual growth.

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Deep and Wide

• Declares church-wide commitment to transform
  PC(USA) during 2009-2010 biennium.
• Encourages synods, presbyteries, sessions, and
  all agencies, entities and networks of PC(USA) to
  commit to foster growth in four areas.
• Encourages GAC to support the whole churchs
  commitment to fostering growth of Christs
  church.
• Invites the whole church to commit prayers,
  gifts, resources and time to discern Gods call
  to foster the growth of Christs church.

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Four areas for growth

• Evangelism Share the good news of Jesus Christ.
  Invite people to join in the churchs worship and
  fellowship. Baptize children and adults.
• Discipleship Rediscover scripture, including
  daily reading and study. Nurture relationships
  with Jesus Christ in the context of reformed
  heritage.
• Servanthood Stand alongside the wider community
  to promote the well-being and love of neighbors.
  Embrace stewardship in all of life.
• Diversity Welcome everyone. Learn from others.
  Reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of
  Gods people in the world.

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Who will help the church grow?

• All of us!
• General Assembly Council
• Synods
• Presbyteries
• Congregations / sessions
• Agencies entities
• Networks
• Individuals

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How can the church grow?

• Build relationships
• Pray for growth
• Start junior church
• Hold Friday date nights
• Give birthday kits
• Invite people by phone
• Convert non-traditional spaces into churches
• Feed the hungry
• Host concerts

• Provide safe, supportive environment for teens
  young adults
• Hire multi-cultural staff, leaders
• Provide services in other languages
• Sponsor trips (beaches, parks)
• Develop after-school programs
• Sponsor youth ministries for at-risk or troubled
  youth
• Be imaginative take risks!

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PC(USA) leaders weigh in

• This commitment builds on the many initiatives
  that are already under way in so many places
  and calls on all parts of the church to start new
  congregations and transform existing ones to
  nurture immigrant, racial ethnic and
  multicultural fellowships and congregations to
  reach out through mission and to deepen
  discipleship.
• July 15 letter signed by
• Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow,
• Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons and
• GAC Executive Director Linda Bryant Valentine

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Our charge

• we must grow up in every way into him who is
  the head, into Christ.
• Ephesians 415b

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For more information

• http//deepandwide.ning.com
• http//www.pc-biz.org/Explorer.aspx?id1561
• http//deepandwide.ning.com/video/video/show?id21
  32587Video346

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A call to action

• Commit to growing Christ's church deep and wide.
• Share the things that are working in your
  churches and presbyteries.
• Participate in discussions on http//deepandwide.n
  ing.com
• Let the GAC know where and how we can help you.

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• Questions?
• Comments?
• Ideas?
• Discussion?
• Thanks!