Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH- Utica, NY (Oswega Session)- Iron County (Southfield Session) - Roger Adams, pastorFrom these facts two things are clear. We need more church planters.We are ready to move forward into new fields.Goals for 1995-2000By God's abundant grace the goals established in 1988 have been met.Where do we go from here?We believe that in order to multiply ministries extensively and effectivelyover the long term, the responsibility for the ministry must be pressed downas much as possible to its basic level - individuals, families and congregations.During the next six years we believe the emphases in Home Missions shouldbe on multiplying congregations, on evangelism and on strengthening newercongregations. One aspect of this would be to motivate, encourage and traincongregations who are willing to plant daughter churches in their area. Wehave identified 13 congregations who may have the potential to parent adaughter work. We are contemplating a "Daughtering Conference", maybein 1996, to bring together those who are willing to believe God for this kindof Kingdom growth.Our theme and proposed numerical goal is:"Helping Presbyteries Plant and Multiply Congregations8 New Mission Churches by 2000"comprised of at least:I new mission church in each Presbytery4 new mission churches which are daughter congregations1 Ethnic (cross-cultural) mission churchOf great importance is that we want to see God develop and deepen theheart for outreach, disciplemaking and church planting in a vast number oflay people and pastors across the denomination which will result incongregations being eager to do what Syracuse did with Oswego, whatOswego did with Fulton, what Second Indianapolis did with SouthsideIndianapolis, what Ottawa did with Smiths Falls, what Trinity did withAnchor and what West Lafayette did with Kokomo - develop and send outfrom themselves a daughter congregation in their own area.Evangelism ExplosionPersonal evangelism in every congregation is a key element to fulfillingthis vision. Therefore, the HMB continues to urge people to attendevangelism training opportunities.Scholarships for Evangelism Explosion continue to be available throughthe HMB. We urge all congregations to take advantage of this excellent tool.If you are interested, please contact your Presbytery HMB Representative forguidelines and an application form.H9