THE PLAN, ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD,
FOR
THE EAST CHESTNUT CHURCH OF CHRIST
October 10, 2013
3601 Chestnut Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana
(260) 426-5051
INDEX PAGE
MISSION STATEMENT
WE ARE STRIVING TO SERVE, LIVING TO LOVE, SEEKING TO SAVE
Text – serve; Joshua 24:15 love; John 13:34-35 save; Matthew 28:19-20 & Mark 16:1516
MISSION PURPOSE
The purpose of the East Chestnut Church of Christ is defined by the New Testament of
Scripture. We desire to make known the manifold wisdom of God as the Lord desires
(Ephesians 3:10). We desire to impact people that God can impact the Church. We will
seek to accomplish the aforementioned goal by “Striving to Serve, Living to Love,
Seeking to Save” as noted by the following text of scripture Matthew 20:28, Joshua
24:15, John 13:34-35, Matthew 28:19-20, and Mark 16:15-16.
The Plan Abbreviated ………………………………………………………. Page 1
Details of “The Plan”
Section 1 “Inventory” ………………………………………………………. Page 2
Section 2 “Direction” ………………………………………………………. Page 3
Section 3 “Urgency” ……………………………………………………….. Page 4
Section 4 “Measuring Accomplishment” ………………………………….. Page 5
Section 5 “Barriers” ……………………………………………...….…….. Page 6
Service Objectives
Service Objectives 1 & 2 ………………………………………………….. Page 7
Service Objectives 3 & 4 ………………………………………………….. Page 8
Service Objective 5 …………………………………………….……..…… Page 9
Notes ………………………………………………………………………. Page 9
THE PLAN, ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD,
FOR THE EAST CHESTNUT CHURCH OF CHRIST
Psalm 119:59-60
The plan for the East Chestnut Church of Christ is anchored in Biblical principle. For this
phase of our efforts do we launch out from Psalm 119:59-60. The Psalmist noted four
points that are matters that we should note as well as apply that we can be benefitted
accordingly. Inventory, direction, urgency, and doing are encouraged from his sharing in
the text. It seems appropriate that we consider the same to serve as the stimulus for what
we (the East Chestnut Church of Christ family) desire to accomplish. Please note that the
process begins with us on an individual basis. This is not to dismiss God in any way but it
is to suggest that although God has asked of us, we have the option regarding whether or
not we respond and if we do how we respond.
Saints should take a personal Inventory Psalm 119:59 a
* Let a man examine himself I Corinthians 11:28
* Not in man to direct his steps Jeremiah 10:23
* Prodigal son “came to himself” Luke 15:17
Direction must be God inspired / determined (accountability) Psalm 119:59 b
* Gospel - power unto salvation Romans 1:16
* Lamp to our feet Psalm 119:105
* Blessed if we follow the perfect law of liberty James 1:25
There must be some sense of urgency Psalm 119:60 a
* Now (today) is the day of salvation II Corinthians 6:2
* Work while we can John 9:4 (Night in this verse means death)
* Listen (Acts 2:37 a heard), Pricked (Acts 2:37 b), Obey (Acts 2:41)
The accomplishment is realized (measured / judged) in the doing Psalm 119:60 b
* Do the will of the Father Matthew 7:21
* Love for God.... Obedience.... I John 5:3
* Saved if we obey him Hebrews 5:8-9
The doers must be faithful II Timothy 2:2
The measure must include matters of faithfulness.
Otherwise how can there be measure?
It is vitally important that this plan for the East Chestnut Church of Christ be deeply
rooted in Biblical principles so that we are doing God’s will and not our own!
Understanding the aforementioned necessity is it then suggested that we move based on
the understanding that we gain from the Word of God (The Bible).
The four areas of concentration (noted as sections 1-4) herein suggested can serve as the
stimulus to accomplishing the solid conditions desired for the East Chestnut Church of
Christ.
SECTION 1
PERSONAL INVENTORY OF THE SAINTS THAT COMPOSE
THE EAST CHESTNUT CHURCH OF CHRIST
If we truly believe what we teach and or espouse from the Word of God (The Bible), it is
encouraged that each person that composes our church family give great consideration to
an individual evaluation. The Psalmist says: “I thought on my ways” (Psalms 119:59a).
We all need to take a note from this practice and put the principle to work in our lives.
Paul admonished that the members give consideration (think) about what they were about
to do (I Corinthians 11:28a). One scholar expressed it as follows regarding this text: Let
him ascertain by earnest consideration whether he is in a proper state of mind for
commemorating and proclaiming the Lord's death; whether he feels a suitable gratitude
for the sacrifice it commemorates, and is firmly resolved to observe the injunction of its
founders. Gospel Advocate Commentaries - New Testament Commentary – A
Commentary on the New Testament Epistles: First Corinthians. One’s state of mind
is significant in many areas of our lives. This is true relative to each member and our
being a part of the body of Christ in particular.
Jeremiah 10:23 encourages that man in and of himself alone is not the means to best
determine direction. It’s behind such a truth that this effort is strongly encouraged in light
of the God’s desire for us.
We must not be those who are “deaf to all reason” or “devoid of all good reason.” Any
number of our family has an opinion about any number of areas even as it relates to the
direction of the church. The best way to determine the way that we seek to go is to utilize
the truths of God’s word in determining what we even try to do. The “prodigal son”
moved from a place absent good reasoning. But when he “came to himself” (Luke 15:17)
he made the right decision. His personal inventory allowed him to arrive at the point of
good judgment that meant he would make better decisions. This effort asks the members
of the East Chestnut Church of Christ in consideration of God’s Word and it’s truths that
we make proper decisions.
This occasion seeks not to discourage in the least bit but to build the Saints up through
genuine self evaluation with a mind towards the things / desires of God.
God has gifted all of us (Matthew 25:14-15) that we can be great producers for the
Lord’s cause. Our talents must be used as God specifies. It is in light of such an emphasis
that we realize that we can grow in the area of our giftedness if we will just utilize
appropriately what He has already granted to each of us. As a matter of fact, a great truth
is noted as each of these persons that used the talents in a such a way to receive increase
where ultimately rewarded by the master as he would say to them “Well done, thou good
and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over
many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).
SECTION 2
OUR DIRECTION MUST BE GOD INSPIRED (DETERMINED)
Please allow, if you would, me to emphasize the importance that the East Chestnut
Church of Christ does what it does because of what God has shared with us through His
Word (The Bible).
The Psalmist says: “turned my feet unto thy testimonies” (Psalms 119:59b). This text
notes the change to a direction that is not about self but all about the “testimonies” or
instructions of God. He further states that “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy
commandments” (Psalms 119:60). The East Chestnut Church of Christ has to move in a
direction that is mandated by God. The only way that such a need can be realized is that
we give proper attention to God’s commandments.
Remember that we are earnestly trying to change our direction to best address the needs
of those that God has blessed us to serve. In whatever way servitude is realized must it be
so as a result of what God says. Anything else will find us doing what we do simply of
our own choosing. This is not a foreign approach that even amongst Saints have we did
what we really wanted to do ourselves as opposed to what the Father wanted us to do.
Consider if you would a term that we get from Hermeneutics and Homiletics course; the
term being eisegesis meaning to read a meaning into a text. This is how one can find
himself doing what they choose and then justifying what is done after having found a text
that after being twisted and or handled deceitfully seems to ok their effort. This, of
course, is very dangerous if souls are to be saved. Such a practice ultimately will mean
the loss of salvation.
Therefore we must move in a direction that we know to be rooted in The Word. Paul
would talk about the idea that it’s the Gospel that is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16).
Saints desire eternal salvation and the word is the means through which such a reality can
be realized.
The lamp analogy of Psalm 119:105 suggest that without the light is there loss of
direction. Absent the light, the proper path is not illuminated. How will we know where
we are going? An obvious suggestion from such a realization is that we must have a
lighted path to be able to know our way. The word of God is that light. Therefore what
we look to do must be directed by the word of God.
James said “But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth,
being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his
doing” (James 1:25). Both knowing and doing are vital in order that the Saint is on track
regarding what the Lord desires of us.
SECTION 3
THERE MUST BE SOME SENSE OF URGENCY
Urgency according to the Webster dictionary is defined as the quality or state of being
urgent : INSISTENCE. A second definition suggest a force or impulse that impels or
constrains: URGE.
This is a need being emphasized for those that compose our church family. A sense of
impulse or compulsion (an act of compelling : the state of being compelled) based on a
necessary requirement.
I pray God that this section will be received in the spirit intended. The point is not to find
fault nor point a finger at anyone. The reality is that what the church was intended to
accomplish by God is based on the labor (Matthew 9:37-38) of its components. The plan
to accomplish is rooted in the Word of God. The components utilized to accomplish the
work are the Saints, Hence the need for the laborers to be stimulated to a point of
urgency.
Another necessary point of emphasize for this section regarding urgency is that we are
not promised a time without limit. Paul in II Corinthians 6:2 would suggest to the
Corinthian Saints that basically “today is the day of salvation.” Further encouragement
regarding the sense of urgency comes from John 9:4 as Jesus Christ would say “I must
work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can
work.” Night is coming for all men and since that is the reality of our plight must we then
be prepared before night’s arrival.
Additionally regarding this matter comes admonition based on Acts 2:37a, 37b, & 41.
Here we can note the listen / heard, pricked, and obey components. The aforementioned
come from the Day of Pentecost sermon and response by those present for the same.
Absolutely to I appeal to the members of our family to listen / hear this appeal that
prayerfully all will be pricked to the point of being obedient to what thus says the Lord.
This appeal is cognizant of the fact that the strength of results to this effort is contingent
on the response of our East Chestnut family. Ultimately as a result of Peter’s address to
the audience came 3,000 folk that obeyed God.
Finally is there the realization that eternal destinies will be impacted by our response or
lack thereof. Knowing the importance of such an appeal causes me to make a very
genuine appeal to all that are a part of this effort to respond appropriately. The more we
are consistently ready situates us that we do not have to find ourselves caught in an
undone condition. We can do this and I am positive of the same not based on anything in
and of ourselves necessarily but because of the strength gain from Christ Jesus
(Philippians 4:13).
Section 4
THE ACCOMPLISHMENT IS REALIZED (MEASURED / JUDGED) IN THE DOING
This section is going to suggest measure in different fashion than traditionally normal or
familiar in our lives. Areas we may want to model after like the business world, athletic
competition, or even the education environment. Normally in these areas the measure
often times comes down to a numbers situation. Consider that in the business world a
measure that will conclude success is acknowledged when dollars and cents are counted.
In athletic competition of any sort will the measure be the total number of wins and losses
when everything is said and done. Even in the educational environment, one measure is
test scores. The aforementioned of course being measured based on numbers.
It is noteworthy that the aforementioned way of thinking must differ with regard to our
measure of what we are trying to accomplish with the East Chestnut Church of Christ.
Consider what the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6 (ASV) “I planted, Apollos
watered; but God gave the increase.” This text allows us to know that God is the one that
gives the increase. Even in Acts 2:47 does the text read “praising God, and having favor
with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.”
What we would do well to note in light of these text is the fact that increase was realized
by God. This is not to suggest that we should just wait on the Lord to grant the increase!
The process indicates that there is something for us to do and that god then does what He
does when we do what we are supposed to do.
The significant point is that measure on our part would be best done through assessment
that seeks to understand if we are doing what the Lord has asked us! If we will plant and
water; God will give the increase. When we praise God and have favor with all the
people, God adds to the church (Acts 2:47). Oft times have we been able to suggest that
the Bible validates the truth that God moves on condition. Consider the following: Mark
16:15-16 encourages that we go, preach / teach, sinners believe, baptize, & God saves.
Just from this one passage can we note several conditions before God does His part!
Furthermore can we note from Matthew 9:37-38 that our part is really in the doing
component. Listen to the text as Jesus says – “Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest
indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,
that he send forth laborers into his harvest.” Our part is in the “labor.” God’s desire is that
there are laborers being mindful that the harvest is “plenteous.” As a matter of fact, the
text suggest that the harvest is greater in number than the laborers, Hence the reason for
the need of more laborers.
WE must do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21). Love of God suggests that we are
obedient to Him (I John 5:3). Even our eternal salvation is on condition of our obedience
(doing what one has been told to do) according to Hebrews 5:8-9. Bottom line, God’s
word suggests that God will do if we do what we have been told to do.
Section 5
BARRIERS TO THE PLAN
Vision Barriers – Only 5% understand strategy
People Barriers – Only 25% management have incentive linked to strategy
Management Barriers – 85% of team spend less than 1 hr. monthly discussing strategy
Resource Barrier – 60% of organizations don’t link budgets to strategy
1999 Fortune Magazine study found that “70% of CEO failures came not as a result of
poor strategy, but the inability to execute.”
Service objective ONE:
Identify the TALENTS & GIFTS of members and move
towards using them for God’s glory. (Matthew 25:14-30)

Getting to know all members of our congregation.

Helping identify the talents and gifts of members. Being actively involved in
enlisting, training, equipping and empowering individuals to work with him in building
up our own congregation and in developing outreach.

Ascertaining the potential capacity of our total resources.

Being engaged in and approachable by all members of the congregation, participating
in fellowship activities, our ministries, and supporting the body.
Service objective TWO: Unifying our approach to STUDYING GOD’S WORD and
striving to be transformed by the Word. (Romans 12:2)

Being the primary expositor of God’s Word to the congregation.
Preaching from the
pulpit on a minimum of 3 weeks each month. (Alternate weeks will be done by the
associate ministers, guest preachers, or men in the congregation).

Assessing current curriculums and connections between classes and other activities.

Understanding our programs and events and how they currently function.

Leading us in reorganizing (and eliminating or adding to) our programming and or
ministries in order to be most effective.

Integrating class, home study and topics of preaching. Helping set the standard for
active engagement with material both in and out of class.

Teaching classes (adult, teen, new convert, etc.) as rotation schedule advocates.

Organizing prayer meetings (S.H.O.P), service opportunities (youth & congregation)
etc.

Helping congregation (lovingly) hold each other accountable.
Service objective THREE:
Build a FELLOWSHIP that encourages the many types
and ages of people that comprise our congregation: young, seasoned, married,
single, teen, etc. (Acts 2:42-47)

Creating materials for and encouraging family devotionals on topics of study in
classes, sermons, and activities.

Creating opportunities for fathers and husbands to be encouraged to be the leaders
God has designed them to be and creating opportunities for men to be more honest
about their burdens and to share them with each other, teaching our men how to
encourage each other (via Iron Sharpens Iron Class & Fellowship).

Supporting and encouraging women’s ministries (D.I.V.A.S.) and fellowship
opportunities.

Initiating opportunities that include and involve our singles in fellowship and service.

Helping involve youth and teens in events as well as in congregational and family
oriented events.
Service objective FOUR: Build an effective OUTREACH (inclusive of evangelism).

Working with the congregation to involve everyone in reaching our community for
Christ.
The aforementioned can be realized through our example of involvement in the
community and advocating that the congregation does the same (i.e. Police Chaplain,
volunteering in schools [Real Men Read, Learn United Classroom Buddy, etc.],
positive community interactions, etc.).

Personally ministering to other members of the congregation by making hospital
visits, home visits, attend activities members are involved in, officiating / attending
funerals, weddings, jail visitation, hosting Sunday fellowship meals, etc.

The charge was given by God for disciples to go into the world (Matthew 28:19-20,
Mark 16:15-16) for the purpose of saving souls and keeping souls saved. Therefore,
members of our East Chestnut congregation should be encouraged to the
aforementioned directive.
Service objective FIVE: Encouragement of GOD’S DIRECTION for the church.
The minister can set the example by:

Setting things in order Titus 1:5

Ordaining Elders, Deacons, and Associate Ministers

Developing, establishing, additional teachers/staff on condition of Biblical standards
II Timothy 2:2
NOTES: ________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________