Ransom

Purpose: 

To provide a community in which 25ish-35ish year olds can meet and mature in Christ as they use their gifts to edify and encourage one another, in order to become a  thriving community of people whose common purpose of growing in Christ is increasingly realized.

Vision: 

To truly say in word and deed:  ‘To live is Christ’

Method: 

Initially, a large group gathering will be the primary aspect of this ministry.  This is to gather together, introduce to one another, and share vision with a group of people which transcends existing social groups.  The main task at first will be to use this time in: 1. worship equipping.  2.  Vision sharing, adapting, and adopting so that we all, in the variety of our gifts, learn to become a community in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  And with this vision, to integrate it within the larger NewSong community.  3.  Morale building, with the understanding that recent de-emphasis on this group, and recent changes in overall structure of the church may require morale to be built before involvement is expected. 4.  creative exploration of the reality of the Gospel and Christian life. 

Support: 

Mk. 10:35-45.  We, with Christ, come not to be served, but to serve others, and to give our lives as a ransom for many. 

1 Tim. 2:5-7.

Style:

Creative–seeking both ancient and modern (postmodern?) forms of worship and expression, with the goal being the faithful conveying of the truth of the Gospel.

The goal will be to look past, though include, verbal proclamation and seek to incorporate a variety of non-verbal styles in order to truly understand deeper truths of who we are and who we are supposed to be in Christ.

Plan:

Phase 1 – October thru December –

--Identify interest. 

--Build vision until shared. 

--Create method and approach for midweek gathering.

--Form balanced leadership team, and begin forming broader group of those involved.

--Integrate into wider vision of NewSong.

--Identify gifts/roles

--Create method to integrate regulars and new folk into community.

--Establish prayer as the foundation to all aspects, by word and by deed. 

Phase 2 – January to ?

--Pass on bulk of Midweek gathering role to capable leadership team – retaining involvement but trusting multiple leadership on a higher level will provide an expansion of what we do, say, emphasize, and understand.

--Begin the task of looking at how small groups/home churches can become integrated and/or formed within the Ransom structure.  Provide help to existing groups if needed, and provide context to develop new groups.

--Begin task of individual personal development, creating a context in which each and every person who is a part will first identify, then understand, then utilize their particular gift and part in the body.

--Identify and develop other aspects of this ministry which can be used to enhance community, evangelism, service, and maturation.  This can include various outings, weekend trips, participation in broader ministries/activities, etc.