Scripture References: Hebrews 3:12-14; Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (Implied for Elders)
Intro: Welcome to Radiant! It's great seeing you after last week's announcements. Family Sundays like today give us a glimpse into church life, leadership updates, and where we're headed together. Leadership is God's gift, requiring sacrifice and enabling ministry to happen. Today we celebrate additions and look forward.
Key Points:
- Leadership Updates & Introduction:
- Eldership Role: Briefly define elders/pastors as mature spiritual leaders responsible for vision, values, prayer, governance, teaching, guarding doctrine, and shepherding (1 Tim 3).
- New Elders Presented: Formally presenting Steve Whitmer & Eric Riley as elder candidates after a period of testing, feedback, and affirmation. (Includes brief testimonies from Steve & Eric emphasizing God's faithfulness, the call to serve, and the desire to see Jesus glorified).
- Ministry Highlights & Celebrations (Past 6-8 Months):
- Staff Growth: Welcomed new staff enhancing capacity (Jr High, Finance, Ops, Admin). Celebrating Steve & Becky Whitmer's contribution. Staff is hitting its stride.
- Radiant Kids: Added many volunteers, improved structure, successful VBS, upcoming Mom/Son Jedi Academy. Kids are connecting with Jesus!
- Youth/Young Adults: Consistent gatherings, impactful series, Beach Camp prep, YA serving locally (Rescue Mission, prayer walks).
- Packs (Men's/Women's): Record participation/leaders. Deepening relationships, confession, breakthrough, community care evident. Celebrate new leaders stepping up. Looking forward to Spring Packs & Women's Retreat.
- Heritage (Foster/Adopt): Growing ministry (21 families, 30 kids), successful family outings, Empowered to Connect training (TBRI), new Encouragement Partners launched. Other churches wanting to partner.
- Church Plant (Tulare): Core team strong, new people connecting through outreach (Jubilee, Motel Ministry), seeing lives impacted (Vince/Ashley, Johnny/Kiana). Upcoming 20-day prayer focus.
- Building & Finance Updates:
- Finance: Giving strong (97% of budget). Focus on building infrastructure for future growth and multiplication.
- Building Plans: Renovations planned to maximize current Visalia space (sanctuary, foyer/patio, playground, classrooms, Amigo Row offices). Seeking bids, future capital campaign anticipated.
- Vision Forward:
- Upcoming Prayer Series: Recognizing the need for deeper communion, launching a 7-week series on Prayer (March/April), accompanied by 40 days of prayer/fasting (Feb 29 - Apr 9).
- Joy Series: Following Easter, focusing on the "serious business of heaven" - Joy.
- Parenting Conference: Hosting David & Kelly Pritchard (trained counselors, experienced parents) for practical wisdom.
- Alpha Marriage Course: Running again post-Easter with updated materials.
Conclusion: God is faithfully working at Radiant – growing leaders, strengthening ministries, impacting communities (Visalia/Tulare), and preparing us for the future. This requires all of us participating, praying, serving, and giving together as family.
Call to Action: Celebrate God's faithfulness! Engage where God is calling you: sign up to serve, join a pack, attend upcoming events (Parenting, Marriage Course, Prayer Nights). Provide feedback on elder candidates. Pray for leaders, ministries, the Tulare plant, and building plans. Most importantly, engage the upcomi
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