Lost Sheep Ministry

This week�s ministry spotlight focuses on our Lost Sheep ministry. Jay Keopf leads this effort; one that is becoming increasingly critical since our church family is growing in number. The function of this ministry is to restore those who have left the fellowship of the church and to prevent current members from falling away. In a congregation as large as ours, it is important that we work hard to make sure everyone is plugged in and connected once they become members. The larger we grow, the larger that challenge grows. Here is how Jay envisions this congregation in a few years: (Years from now) �When looking at the numbers of new members versus the number of members who have left the congregation, the previous number will far exceed the former. The number of those who have left will consist only of those who have moved away. That sounds very simplified, but ultimately if that can happen, that means the work of all the ministries is succeeding.� That is a wonderful goal, and as we strive to reach it, this ministry will be invaluable.
Many of us may not know that this ministry is more about learning how to interact with and encourage each other than it is about making calls and visits to members we haven�t seen lately. As Jay puts it, �Restoring lost Christians is certainly a necessary part of the work, but if we can do the first job (interacting and encouraging) than the second job (making calls and visits) won�t be necessary.� Jay mentioned how encouraging it is to look over during worship and see someone with us regularly who had been away for a period of time; all of us can understand how exciting that is. When asked what difference this ministry has made in his life, Jay stated, �I have realized how difficult it is to be truly aware of the state of the congregation. With a congregation the size of ours, involved in so much and many times headed in different directions, it is increasingly difficult to identify who is absent because of a problem or need.�

Help Wanted
Volunteers are always welcome, but there is a major area in which Jay asks for all of us to help. Filling out attendance cards is very important. Checking the attendance cards is our first indicator if someone is not present or is in need of help. While this sounds like a trivial matter, it is difficult to tell if someone was present and just did not fill out an attendance card or if someone was absent and needs some help. Also, there will be a �Calling and Caring� Workshop held in our building this year. The workshop will equip us with the tools we need to effectively communicate with and encourage everyone in the congregation. Be a part of this vital ministry!

• Opportunities to Serve -Feb 19, 2006
• Have You Seen Us? -Oct 30, 2005
• Calling and Caring -Aug 28, 2005
• What Can I Do to Encourage an Unfaithful Child to Follow Christ? -Feb 11, 2001
• Child Sacrifices -Oct 17, 1999