Annual Report 2012 – compressed - York St Church of Christ

Over the past 12 months we have seen some pretty exciting milestones reached. Of course, it is always excitingto see some of the tangibles such as attendance, building projects and various activities. What I think the eldersare really excited about however, (and I know I am) is the level of focus shown to discipleship and evangelism.There are always those moments when we feel like thewind has dropped and our sails hang seemingly withoutpurpose. We think of those in our congregation who havepassed away. We think of those who have movedinterstate and so forth. Yet, what continues to amaze usare the stories of individual lives touched by a living God atwork in our community.Tim Clark has continued to speak biblical truths into ourto become Christ-like in every walk of life and purpose, inmature and biblically relevant way.Blake has had atremendous focuson ensuringChristiandiscipleship is at thefront of our minds.My personal take onof this but I do know there are many troubled minds as weall go through this sometimes strange world together. Yet, Itruly believe Jesus wants us to claim spiritual victory in himright minds as we claim his forgiveness and victory overbrokenness.Areas in which we are also excited are Pastoral Care andMissions. The elders have spent many weeks discussingand organizing programs and policies to make sure we areable to sustain our congregation in a caring and organizedPastoral care is very good. We take note that Heather isquite at home to visit and call on those in need, as well asphone elders who have not attended church for sometimedue to being awayI’m constantly reminded that York Street Church is not just here tobe ‘good’ and to enjoy fellowship. We are called to bear witness to thetruth of the gospel and to speak this truth into both our own lives andthrough God’s grace, the lives of all we rub shoulders with.on extended leave!This is very excitingbecause we needboth an organizedapproach and acaring &understandingenjoy fellowship. We are called to bear witness to thetruth of the gospel and to speak this truth into both ourshoulders with. We are called to bear fruit to stand formercy, justice and a relationship with a risen Lord.We are not a holy club and while I believe York Street is aholy sanctuary where we can find refuge from darkness,our primary focus is on those we know, those we find andAs an eldership we are excited by the number ofspontaneous baptisms we saw earlier this year. We areexcited by the responses we have seen to prayer andworship evenings. We are excited by the number of folkthat come to share their lives after services and requestprayer and support for the struggles they are goingthrough. We are excited by the healing service we heldwhere we believe God truly touched individuals and healedthem.One story of Jesus that captures my heart is the story ofthe man, possessed by demons, which Jesus healed. AtRecently we have put together a Missions Policy that webelieve tailors a biblical approach to us at York Street andone which will take us well into the future, even if (Godwilling) we double in size.A final note and this is one of evaluation. We all endeavor toget an accurate evaluation of how healthy we are as aChurch. To do this is very subjective we know however,there are means to approach this as well as anyorganization. One means is to spend time with otherChurch leaders which some of us did earlier this year. TimClark, of course spent some time with these leaders in theUSA. Three elders spent some time in Sydney reviewingwhat was seen and how we best adopt these ideas locally.In addition, the elders have discussed and agreed on aprocess of evaluation for our Senior Minister. We believethis approach is essential for the health of our church butultimately I return to my earlier comment we must beabout discipleship and evangelism. Regardless of theprograms and vision we must remain in Him and look tomeaning.Tim VealChair of Elders7