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. c 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 c my family are
missionaries there. c Helping people to understand Biblical conversion must begin
with a steady flow of love and appreciation for the individual. c 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). c I believe that everything begins and ends
with leaders and as leaders we must c 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. c 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. c 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. c 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. c 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." c 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. c 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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