Why Have a Missions
Conference?
We All Want...
WORSHIP
GROW
SERVE
Easter 2015
Spring
2015
7236 Bonny Oaks Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-892-2173
www.silverdalebc.com
Why Do We Have an
IMPACT Missions
Conference?
STUDENT CAMP
JUNReEgister1on0lin-e 13
at silverdalestudents.com
Don’t miss out!
Let me ask it this way. What is the church’s
main business? Why is the church here? Any
organization, institution, or business justifies
its existence only as long as it carries out
the purpose for which it was founded. This is
certainly true in every area of life. A grocery
store justifies its existence if it continues to
make groceries available to people. Suppose
you walked into a grocery store and asked to
buy a dozen bananas but were told, “We’re
sorry, we don’t sell food here, but we’ve got a
book for you on how to plant a banana tree.”
That grocery store wouldn’t be in business very
long. Suppose you went into the registrar’s
office at a college or university and said, “I
would like to sign up for some courses. I would
like to get an education in this area.” And
they said, “We don’t have any courses, but if
you’d like a dozen bananas, we have plenty of
those.” It wouldn’t be long until that institution
would be out of existence.
Any organization, institution or business
justifies its existence only as long as it
accomplishes the purpose for which it is
intended. That is true also of the church of the
Lord Jesus Christ. What is the main purpose
of the church? Why is the church here? Well,
just before Jesus ascended up to heaven, he
gave one final command to his followers.
These were their marching orders until he
returned. And Jesus came and said to them,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to me. Go therefore and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I
have commanded you. And behold, I am with
you always” (Matt. 28:18-20).
Jesus is the King, and He wants His followers
to spread His kingdom to the ends of the
earth. That is called the gospel or the good
news. Man is lost and sinful and needs a
Savior. God sent His son to be that savior by
dying on the cross for their sins. Everyone who
surrenders to Jesus as Lord will be forgiven of
their sins, adopted by God and guaranteed
eternal life - meaningful life now and eternal
life for the future.
The business of the church is to spread the
gospel to the ends of the earth. So how are we
doing? Well, there are over 6.8 billion people
in the world, and the most liberal estimate
puts the world at about one-third Christian.
Let’s assume that all of those who claim to
be Christians are genuine followers of Christ.
That still leaves over 4.5 billion people in the
world today that are lost. They have no hope
of salvation when they die. Look at what the
Apostle Paul said these people will face when
they die. Here is the future of 4.5 billion people
according to 2 Thessalonians 1:9, They will
suffer the punishment of eternal destruction,
away from the presence of the Lord.
Now callously we say, “Well they should
receive the Lord,” but here’s the deal. Of those
4.5 billion lost people on this planet, 1.7 billion
of them live where there is little or no access
to the gospel. Just as the Apostle Paul put it in
Romans, “And how are they to believe in him
of whom they have never heard? And how are
they to hear without someone preaching? And
how are they to preach unless they are sent”
(Romans 10:14-15)? Those 1.7 billion people
have never heard the gospel. When we talk
about billions, most of us can’t comprehend it.
A billion is a large number. Let me put it this
way... A billion seconds ago, it was 1976. A
billion minutes ago, Jesus was still alive. That is
a lot of people. Jesus, our king, has established
the church to reach those people. It is the very
reason we exist as a church.
So, based on all these facts, we could say our
IMPACT Missions Conference is the most
important thing we do each year. If that is
the case, will you make it a priority? Will you
attend the Wednesday night kickoff March
11 at 6:30 PM to cheer and encourage our
missionaries? Will you attend a World Briefing
of one of our missionaries as they share on
Sunday morning, March 15? And will you pray,
give and go as God leads you to get involved
in missions? If we are going to be the church
we are called to be by Christ, then missions
has got to become our heartbeat. Ask God to
make it your heart.
I love you,
Pastor Tony
We All Want...
We all want different things in life – some want successful
careers, a thriving business, or to be recognized for their
talents, while others want wealth. Some of us want to
loved, some want to be known, and others just want to be
happy. The common thread connecting us all is that we
all want.
The interesting thing is that most of us will attain many
of the things we want. Yet, before much time has passed,
we’re wanting again – only something different this time.
This is why computer and cell phone companies have
such thriving businesses, and why we often see people
go from one relationship to another. We’re never really
satisfied. We’re only temporarily happy when we reach
our goals, then our focus shifts to acquiring something
else.
IS THIS A PROBLEM?
Why are we so chronically discontent? Pastor of
North Point Community Church, Andy Stanley, defines
discontentment as “the dissatisfaction that I have, with
what I have.” One essential piece of understanding our
continual discontentment is awareness. We’re actually
pretty satisfied when our focus is on what we do have.
Stanley says, “You are happy with what you have, until
you become aware of what you don’t have.” Marketing in
the United States bombards us with what we don’t have
in an effort to make us buy new things. Our iPhone5 is
amazing until we see that an iPhone 6 is available. Your
relationship with your spouse is great until you compare
it to the relationships you see on TV or social media
networks. Even my 16 month-old daughter is affected by
discontentment. She plays happily with a toy until she
notices her cousin holding a “better” toy; then she wants
that one and nothing else. Awareness is a key factor in
reigning in our discontentment.
Does this mean we have to quit watching movies, stop
looking at billboards, and stay home all day focusing only
on the things we have? No, of course not. But should we
think seriously about ways to guard our hearts (and our
eyes)? I think so. Maybe that means you unsubscribe to
a magazine or catalog that arrives in your mailbox every
month, alerting you to all the things you don’t have but
would love to own. Maybe it means unsubscribing from
emails your favorite store sends to alert you of a sale,
every single day. It could mean limiting your time on
social media, or even blocking certain notifications, if
you struggle with comparing your life to others. Many
times, it just means making a choice to deny yourself
of something simply because you realize that wanting
something does not mean you have to have it.
WHEN IS DISCONTENTMENT A GOOD THING?
When It Points Us to Christ
Discontentment can be a very positive force in our life
when it points us to Christ. When we’re seeking after
success or money or relationships, we will eventually
realize that none of those things truly fulfill us or make us
content. That’s because they were never meant to. Only
Christ is meant to fulfill us. He is the answer to every
desire we have. When we seek after Him, we find true
contentment. When we obey Him, He leads us to careers
and relationships that please Him and in turn satisfy us.
He can help us tame our discontentment and show us
better ways to use our time and money.
When It Leads Us to Action
Discontentment can also be a positive force when it
moves us to do something for someone else. When we
look at the world and we’re unsatisfied with what we see,
it can move us to do something. We can help people in
need. We can give away some of what we have to help
someone else. We can help a friend break an addiction.
We can spend time with a neighbor just so they aren’t
alone. In doing these things, we’ll find contentment.
Stanley affirms this principle, “The less I have, the more
content I am. The more I give my time and my extra to
others, the more content I become with what I have, and
the less disturbed I am about what I don’t have.” Not only
does helping others bless us, but it gives us perspective.
As we see what other people have or what they’re dealing
with, we realize just how much we have and how very
blessed we are. It leads us to contentment without
actually changing any of our circumstances. This principle
is biblical. “Command those who are rich in this present
world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,
which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who
richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they
will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for
the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that
is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
START NOW
In just a few days, more than 20 missionaries will be here
with us for our annual IMPACT Missions Conference. All
of these men, women, and children have given up a lot to
be fulltime missionaries. They gave up careers, houses,
possessions, comfort, being close to family and friends,
their culture, and their time. Yet as you talk with them,
you’ll see that they are more content now than they ever
were in the States. They are following Christ, and they’re
giving to others. Their focus is off their possessions and
their circumstances, and as a result, they are content. I
challenge you to use this missions conference as a chance
to shift your perspective too. Take time to see these
missionaries and the work they’re doing, and how you
can be involved in it. Figure out a way to use the extra
time, money, or possessions you have to bless these
missionaries and the people with whom they share the
gospel. Consider taking a trip to visit them or giving to
their ministry financially, but don’t let those be your only
options.
[
You can help in many other ways:
]
• Regularly send them care packages of supplies or items
they miss having access to
• Mail cards or email them monthly
• Use your skills to meet their needs (legal, financial
or medical advice; assistance with technology; graphic
design work to promote their ministry)
• Provide a car or place to stay when they come home for
a visit
The possibilities are endless!
In spite of his circumstances, the Apostle Paul learned
the secret of contentment. He said, “For I have learned in
whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
There is hope for us too. When we focus on Christ and on
helping others, God will show us how to spend our time,
money and affection, and He will ensure that our hearts
find true contentment.
by Heather Kuhn
Sneak
Peek
into
Life
at
Silverdale
News about Upcoming Events
PRESCHOOL MINISTRY
Small Groups: Sundays @ 9:30 & 11 AM
Cubbies & Puggles: Wednesdays @ 6:15 PM
MOPS: Mondays @ 9:30 AM (March 9 & 23, April 6 &
20, May 4)
Baby D: Saturday, March 21 @ 11 AM (Must Register)
VBS Interest Meeting: Sunday, March 22 @ 4:30 PM
VBS Volunteer Training: Sunday, May 3 @ 4:30 PM
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
ADDY
Ddaughter
dance
April 17, 7-9 PM
Upper Gym
Tickets: $20
per couple
dads & daughters
of all ages!
silverdalebc.com
Small Groups: Sundays @ 9:30 AM
Kids Quest: Saturdays @ 6 PM & Sundays @ 11 AM
AWANA: Wednesdays @ 6:15 PM
IMPACT for Kids: March 14 & 15 during services
AWANA Grand Prix: Saturday, March 21 @ 10 AM
VBS Interest Meeting: Sunday, March 22 @ 4:30 PM
Volunteer Spring Cleaning Day: Wednesday, April 1
@ 9 AM
“We Believe” Meeting: Sunday, April 12 @ 11 AM
AWANA Late Night: Friday, May 1, 7-11 PM
VBS Volunteer Training: Sunday, May 3 @ 4:30 PM
VBS Decision Counseling Training: Sunday, May 17
@ 4 PM
AWANA Recognition & Awards: Wednesday, May 20
4th-5th Grade Six Flags Trip: Thursday, May 28
STUDENT MINISTRY
Middle School Exit 7: Wednesdays @ 6:15 PM
High School Exit 7: Wednesdays @ 7:15 PM
No Exit 7: March 11 & April 1
D-Groups: Sundays @ 9:30 AM (except April 5)
After School Hours: Wednesdays @ 3:15 PM
Senior Trip to Disney: March 20-23
Golf Tournament Sponsor Deadline: April 6
Golf Tournament Player Deadline: April 12
Golf Tournament: April 18
Graduate Recognition: May 17
COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Small Group: Sundays @ 9:30 AM
The Bridge Service & Small Groups: Sundays @ 6 PM
MEN’S MINISTRY
Daddy Daughter Dance: Friday, April 17 @ 7 PM
The Man Cave: March 14, April 4 & May 2 @ 8 AM
Single Parent Oil Change Clinic: Saturday, April 25
Fishers of Men: Saturdays @ 8 AM
Iron Men: Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM
The Refuge: Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Priscilla Shirer Simulcast: Saturday, April 25 @ 9 AM
WOW Meeting: March 2, April 6 & May 4 @ 5 PM
ADULT MINISTRY
Small Groups: Sundays @ 8, 9:30 & 11 AM (except
April 5) and various times throughout the week
Singles Coffeehouse: March 21, April 18 & May 16
NEW MEMBERS
Membership 101: Saturday, April 18 @ 9 AM, or
Wednesdays, April 8-22 @ 6:30 PM
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY
Primetimers: March 12, April 14 & May 12 @ 11 AM
Senior Adult Choir: Tuesdays @ 1:30 PM
Trip to Tracy City: Thursday, March 26
Trip to Social Circle: Thursday, April 30
Trip to Crossville: Thursday, May 14
Game Night: Thursday, May 28
MISSIONS MINISTRY
IMPACT Missions Conference: March 11-15
COUNSELING MINISTRY
Stressed to Blessed: Sundays @ 9:30 AM, March 1-22
Women’s Specialty Group: Mondays @ 11 AM
Moms Embracing Hope: Mondays @ 9:30 AM
Open Door Prayer Hour: 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 9 AM
Family Raising Family: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
@ 6:30 PM
Marriage Matters Ministry: Sundays @ 11 AM &
Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM
New Days: Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM
Band of Brothers: Email bandofbrothers@silverdalebc.
com for info
Men’s Addiction Group: Email mensaddictiongroup@
silverdalebc.com for info
CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS
The Fount: March 19 & May 14 @ 6:33 PM
Office Closed: April 3 & May 25
Worship Services: Sundays @ 8:15, 9:30 & 11 AM,
Saturdays @ 6 PM, Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM (except
April 1)
For details about any of these, please contact the church office, the
minister in charge of a specific ministry, or refer to the church website:
www.silverdalebc.com.
7236 Bonny Oaks Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-892-2173
www.silverdalebc.com
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Celebrate Easter
at Silverdale
April 4 & 5
Saturday @ 6 PM
Sunday @ 9 & 11 AM (Sanctuary & Creekside)