e-news for 11/28/10

As we preached on prayer this past Sunday, I want to encourage you to move beyond five pound barbells and accelerate your life with God in prayer. At the end of this article, we’re attaching the prayer template that was tailored by a great prayer warrior for Forum. As a staff, we are hitting one of those elements every day, praying for kingdom advancement. Let me encourage you to do the same.

As we move into the Christmas season, we want to talk about “God’s Personal Best.” We saw in last week’s passage, (at the end of it Jesus talks about how God is the Giver of good gifts) that even we who are evil (Jesus’ words) know how to give good gifts. How much more so does our Holy and Good God know how to give us good gifts?

Speaking of good things from the Lord – in that I was preaching out at north campus Sunday – I want to thank God for the good things He did during the time we ministered there:

• 4 people gave their lives to the Lord and were baptized
• a great ministry to young adult women emerged
• one of the workers from the Hilton is making Forum her church home and coming to know the Lord
• worship leaders were developed
• our staff stretched and grew
• those who served with the set up, take down, and logistics did a phenomenal job
• as a leadership, we’ve been able to see some of our capacities

Since God is the Giver of good gifts, I’ve racked my brain to think of anything “bad” that arose from that missional effort and bottom line…I can’t. I believe that campus was borne out of prayer and I believe it is closing after a season of prayer. Is that weird? I don’t think so. I believe God has something even bigger and better in store for us as a ministry. The mission never changes – to intentionally connect people with Jesus. Our methods and seasons of strategy will change.

I have two requests for you as a congregation this week:

1. Pray. Pray for those who don’t know Jesus. Pray for us as a ministry to be highly effective. Pray for wisdom and insight as to how to best impact our region for Christ.
2. Because it’s year end, I want to encourage us all to finish the year strong in the Lord with faithful giving. God isn’t swayed by the economy nor should our faith be.
This Sunday we’ll gather around God’s word with two of the great marquee passages of the Bible connected to Jesus – specifically John 1:1-14 and Hebrews 1:1-4. Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday - Scott

Prayer Template

1. Forum Church - to remain true to our Lord as we seek to intentionally connect people to Jesus.
2. Ministers - to continually grow in their learning, and for the care they impart to Forum Christian Church. To continually nurture our congregations commitment to corporate worship and spiritual growth.
3. New People - that they will find a spiritual home at Forum.
4. Missionaries and Timothys - for the many who proclaim and witness for the gospel by teaching, preaching, and ministering in all parts of the world.
5. Elders - for God’s wisdom and understanding as they determine policy and provide direction for the church.
6. Senior Minister - Scott Sutherland: for God’s guidance as he leads the Forum church community.
7. Financial needs - that God’s people will continue to faithfully support His work at Forum.
8. Ministers and Staff - to be good stewards of time, talent, and energy as they manage the affairs of the church and administer policies and programs.
9. Deacons - that they will exercise their abilities with integrity as unto the Lord.
10. Forum Congregation - for effective Christian witness on our campus and in the Columbia community.
11. Life Groups - to grow in the knowledge, faith, discernment and personal relationships.
12. Youth Groups - that our ministers and assistants will give the youth God’s wisdom to navigate the challenges of their young years.
13. Campus House & MU Ministries - that students’ devotion to God’s kingdom will widen and deepen through this learning experience.
14. International Students - for a smooth adjustment to a new culture.
15. Worship Team - that their leading in worship will be an acceptable offering to God.
16. Campus facilities - that people who learn, play, work, and worship in it will care for it wisely and effectively.
17. Professionals - for doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, and others as they perform tangible acts of service for others and ultimately serve the Kingdom of God.
18. Individuals in business and government - that they will provide leadership that is just and compassionate.
19. Area Churches - that people in our city will find a spiritual home to worship and grow in their faith.
20. Family Life - that the relationship between husband and wife continue to be strong and supportive of each other and their children.