5 year plan- Desiring to be a Healthier Southside Church
2021-2025
2021-2025
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. – Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT)
Before Covid-19, measuring a church's spiritual health often looked like numbers- typically focused on the Sunday morning attendance and financial giving throughout the year. These numbers tell a story, but they don’t paint a full picture. During this past year (2020) where attendance in particular has been hindered, we have had a chance to rethink the measuring tools used to assess the overall health of a church.
We have put together a 5 year plan/goal. Our hope is that within the next 5 years we (the church) will be able to see these measures of spiritual growth become a part of the fabric of who we are at Southside. As Pastors, we acknowledge the deep level of faith and maturity currently shown by many at Southside, but we also know that God is continually calling us to growth in our spiritual maturity.
For the past few years here at Southside, we have used Psalm 1 as a picture of what a healthy believer and therefore church body looks like. One that is rooted firmly to and in God. One that is growing and maturing in faith. One that is fruitful/purposeful in all seasons (reaching out).
Disclaimer- By no means is this 5 year plan an all-encompassing list of what God can do through His Church. We must be led by the Holy Spirit. However, we feel (through prayer, Scripture and discernment) the following are good indicators of what a healthy church can look like. This plan has been presented and approved by the Southside Church Board, and we felt it was important to share this with the wider church family for the purpose of transparence and unity.
In 5 years (or less) it will be great to see…
Additional Goals:
Southside Church is, and has been for many years, a generous church and we have no doubt we will continue to be generous as God calls us to be generous and faithful in our giving. However over the next few years we can look at the possibilities of bringing in rental groups that could enhance and compliment the ministry and mission of the church, and in doing so help alleviate some of the building’s costs. This would mean that more of our tithes and offerings can go towards ministries rather than the building. Any rental group would have to be a right fit for us as a church.
To be the church, it takes the church. Please contact us if you have any questions or thoughts regarding this plan. Also, please let us know which area(s) you would like to be involved in. Together, with the power of the Spirit living in us, we can see this happen.
Blessings,
Pastors Jonny and Jen Blake
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. – Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT)
Before Covid-19, measuring a church's spiritual health often looked like numbers- typically focused on the Sunday morning attendance and financial giving throughout the year. These numbers tell a story, but they don’t paint a full picture. During this past year (2020) where attendance in particular has been hindered, we have had a chance to rethink the measuring tools used to assess the overall health of a church.
We have put together a 5 year plan/goal. Our hope is that within the next 5 years we (the church) will be able to see these measures of spiritual growth become a part of the fabric of who we are at Southside. As Pastors, we acknowledge the deep level of faith and maturity currently shown by many at Southside, but we also know that God is continually calling us to growth in our spiritual maturity.
For the past few years here at Southside, we have used Psalm 1 as a picture of what a healthy believer and therefore church body looks like. One that is rooted firmly to and in God. One that is growing and maturing in faith. One that is fruitful/purposeful in all seasons (reaching out).
Disclaimer- By no means is this 5 year plan an all-encompassing list of what God can do through His Church. We must be led by the Holy Spirit. However, we feel (through prayer, Scripture and discernment) the following are good indicators of what a healthy church can look like. This plan has been presented and approved by the Southside Church Board, and we felt it was important to share this with the wider church family for the purpose of transparence and unity.
In 5 years (or less) it will be great to see…
- 75% of those who call Southside Nazarene Church their church to be involved outside of attending a Sunday morning worship service.
- ‘making Christlike disciples’ a habit.
- a sending church. Commissioning Missionaries, starting church plants, and new ministry startups.
- an investment in our kids and youth with weekly clubs/activities, hopefully with a staff Family Life Pastor.
- a place to belong with The Atrium fully functional.
- a development of leaders and a leadership team.
- a partnership with another congregation for a period of time.
- a church fully functioning in God’s will.
Additional Goals:
- an online presence with live streaming and virtual connect groups.
- sustainability- plan for building and for finances.
Southside Church is, and has been for many years, a generous church and we have no doubt we will continue to be generous as God calls us to be generous and faithful in our giving. However over the next few years we can look at the possibilities of bringing in rental groups that could enhance and compliment the ministry and mission of the church, and in doing so help alleviate some of the building’s costs. This would mean that more of our tithes and offerings can go towards ministries rather than the building. Any rental group would have to be a right fit for us as a church.
To be the church, it takes the church. Please contact us if you have any questions or thoughts regarding this plan. Also, please let us know which area(s) you would like to be involved in. Together, with the power of the Spirit living in us, we can see this happen.
Blessings,
Pastors Jonny and Jen Blake