Clifton Park Baptist Church 8818 Piney Branch Road Silver Spring ...

Read the Bible for Life was advertised as the study of the summer and it more than exceeded our expectations.
It was chosen particularly for those who had enrolled and would continue to enroll in the
In-Depth Bible studies (reported above), and, it was a required study for those in The Great Commission
Groups. The book, published by LifeWay Christian Resources, was one of many efforts by publishers
to get believers back into the Bible. The author challenged us not only to read the Bible but
also to read it well. We are thankful that the author, Dr. George Guthrie, wrote the book well, which
made for a more enriching journey. It included teachings on how to read the Old Testament stories,
the books of the Law and Prophets and how to read the New Testament stories, the Letters and Revelation.
The companion DVD greatly enhanced the study experience as Guthrie gave us visual illustrations
of his teaching points. This study was offered in the summer of 2012 from June to August with
an all-time high enrollment of 77. The course has been moved to CPBC’s list of Classics, courses that
must be a part of one’s discipleship tract. READ THE BIBLE FOR LIFE!
The Spirit also led us to focus on our church/congregational health through an all-church study. Using
the book co-authored by LifeWay president and CEO, Dr. Thom Rainer and church growth strategist,
Dr. Ed Stetzer, entitled The Transformational Church, Pastor Lewis led us through a church examination
process. Participants spent two weeks on each of the seven elements that make for a transformational
church: missionary mentality, vibrant leadership, relational intentionality, prayerful dependence,
worship, community and mission. The first week involved teaching and understanding the element;
the second week involved applying the element and considering strategies to put the element
into play. This Winter/Spring 2012 study was held from January to May with an enrollment of 28.
Other Honorable Mentions
Our annual Christian Education Sunday was observed on June 10, 2012. The worship service included
all of our traditional elements — One hundred and fifty-nine certificates were awarded. Six graduates
were recognized. Sister Pat Dunnavant, as the 2011-2012 Excellence in Education Award recipient, was
honored for 16 years of service in teaching in The School of Discipleship and Sunday School.
In addition to these traditional elements, the Great Commission Groups (GCG’s), though always mentioned
in my annual reports, were formally introduced. The GCG’s are CPBC’s intentional effort of
fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, “As you are going, make disciples.” There
are 10 such groups ranging from two to four disciplees who sit under a discipler. Following a set plan,
the groups meet weekly for study and at other times for prayer and fellowship. Those disciplers who
have been pioneering this process at CPBC since January 2010 include Brothers Hampton Edwards and
Ed Jackson, Deacon Ross Johnson, Deaconesses Modupe Bada, Hyacinth Salmon and Diane Brockington,
Sisters Suzanne Womble, Poniesa Johnson and Elizabeth Olakanye, and Minister Henley.
Part of the Great Commission Groups’ study plan is for the disciplees to do a practicum so they can
begin to nurture persons in the word. A very successful effort at this was led by Bro. Hampton Edwards’
group who offered a Men’s Edition of FAITH Foundations on Wednesday evenings. Hampton,
along with his four disciplees, who served as Spiritual Coaches, taught the biblical foundation material
to 16 men over two semesters. Among these 16 men are certainly prospects for the next generation of
the GCG’s.
In our AWANA program the Lord allowed us to minister to 124 clubbers and students. We were especially
grateful for the presence of the parents who participated in the weekly opening exercises and
in our special programs. The 24 AWANA directors and leaders remained faithful and prayerful. We
ended the year with the goal of every clubber and student completing at least one book.
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