The 3 Marks that I have chosen are listed below with the "Reason(s)" why they
chosen.
Mark Four: A Biblical Understanding of Conversion
Our church is in the heart of one of the poorest parts of the city of Louisville. The
people-dynamics that surround us in the community, evolve around poverty, drugs
and substance abuse, and gang violence. a With this in my trying to reach this
demographic can be intimidating and uncomfortable at times if you are not from
that area. Although our congregation is very diverse many of us do not live in that
immediate area. It almost feels as though me and a my family are missionaries
there. a Helping people to understand Biblical conversion must begin with a steady
flow of love and appreciation for the individual. a I feel as though as ministers and
lay Pastors we have to ensure that we have a strong and credible witness,
matched with lives of righteousness to teach and convey such an important
subject (conversion). I believe that everything begins and ends with leaders and
as leaders we must a be well read on a topic that is all about the evolution of the
Soul to salvation.
Mark Five: A Biblical Understanding of Evangelism
The entity of Evangelism is a foundational element of our ministry. a Even though
there is a strong need in the city to fulfill the call of the Evangelistic vision, a
strong Biblical understanding and revelation should take place. a In my personal
opinion to Evangelize a community takes a passion for souls, and to be honest,
many of us do not have this. I do not say this to put people down but to reveal a
critical area of concern that we as the Body of Christ needs to seek the Holy Spirit
about. a We must be empowered from on high in order to win souls for Christ. The
reality of the matter is with practice and good teaching we can prepare our
members to bring the spirit of Evangelism wherever they go as long as they have
the knowledge and know-how to get things done with the love of Christ.
Mark Eight: A Concern for Discipleship and Growth
I can truly admit that Church Growth is a concern of mine but it often taken for
granted in many congregations. I do realize that church is not all about putting
people in seats but seeing a ministry grow is very encouraging. a On the other
hand I have watched churches go from flourishing in growth and membership to
just getting by and that is heart breaking to be apart of. I have longed and desired
to know the secrets to church growth but I can bet that it has a lot to do with the
area of "discipleship." a When people are taught the word of God in a way that
causes them to enjoy their church and worship experience I think it is a benefit to
us all. Church is not all about numbers but it is also not supposed to be a check
the block task either. a Pastors really need leaders who also have a vision for
growth and discipleship in order to take some of the pressure off of them. I can
see how working together as a leadership team will make it easier to expand the
growth of the vision for increase and sustainment.
Mark Dever. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (3rd Edition). Vol. Third Edition.
9Marks. Wheaton: Crossway, 2013.
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