It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11‑13

Realizing the Vision

Dear Family,

We are in an exciting time as a church. God has placed us strategically, blessed us with tremendous resources, faithfully raised up generations of people committed to serving Him and is bringing many who want to know Him and grow in His grace. The needs are overwhelming with the brokenness and hurt around us physically, relationally and spiritually. So great are the challenges in people’s lives that nothing short of “undiluted Christ” will do. So great is God’s calling on our lives that nothing short of “undiluted us” will do. How do we respond in practical, life giving ways that bring transformation-- “accepting all where they are; loving them to where Christ would have them”? Accordingly, the church needs to be a hospital where we all as sin sick people can grow in wholeness in a place of grace and liberty. This is the basis for the changes that we are making: recognizing how God has led this church, aware of the present needs and responding to His Spirit in uniquely manifesting His grace to all of us who so desperately need it.

Structural changes

Recognizing that our leadership structure has changed from a predominantly congregational vote/senior pastor led church to an elder led church, we need to ensure that our lines of communication, authority and responsibility reflect that reality. This is about stewardship--how we can all best be empowered to serve in our giftings and passions--we need a leadership structure that will best serve these goals, reflecting our present way of doing things. Ultimately any structure will work to the extent that trust is given--and earned--and this is the real nature of church leadership. I am grateful for the trust given and am ever so aware that our leadership needs to demonstrate that it has been well placed.

The Bethel Organization Chart shows how the elders, deacons and staff interrelate and serve together, as well as the changes that I suggested at our assembly meeting regarding moving the meetings to include the entire church as well as having a church council for more direct input and representation for major decisions.

Vision

Having worked through a large part of the church to formulate a “green book” which is the heart and vision of the church in an abstract way, the mandate is to put this into action a “blue book”--to realize and embody the vision into specific ministries that matter in the long run. This is the real and difficult work with which we are presently engaged. “Realizing Vision...” is a document that focuses the general vision into specific areas of affect. It is a transition from the vision to the practical (a “teal book”) and will enable me to align present ministries, initiate future ministries and evaluate them according to specific goals. What this document is: a “snapshot” of the progress now from goals to actions. An opportunity to see the progress and basis for now making the practical changes with ministry. What this document is not: a list of specific ministries, a finished product or marching orders. At the risk of causing some confusion, I wanted to include this to put you in the picture of where we are in the process of change and what it looks like.

We are all necessary in this process of being and becoming the people of God. Unless others can see and experience this, we have missed the purpose of our calling. And we have the opportunity to be the church that we want to be--together. Please talk to me, let me know your heart, concerns, questions, ideas and challenges. I thank you for the amazing and consistent grace that you have shown to me and my family. I really appreciate your goodwill, look forward to increasing in friendship and am excited to be part of the family here as we all serve Him.

— Bill Osgood