Pastor Matt's Blogosphere

The Henderson (Jerusalem) Priority

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

In the coming months, EBC is going to experience some exciting things. First, all of our normal school year activities will get back in full swing. Second, the Faith Promise Conference (more details on the back) will be held in September. Third, The Jerusalem Priority will occur in October. What a wonderful time it will be here at EBC!
To give you a quick idea of what The Jerusalem Priority is, a few excerpts from the Leader book from Bogard Press have been included below.

The Jerusalem Priority is an outreach emphasis program. The curriculum is designed to assist churches in reaching their communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The materials are provided for churches to use during a four-week campaign each year. The target month is October, but the curriculum is undated and can be used anytime. The focus will be on evangelism and outreach for four consecutive Sundays during the selected month. The curriculum includes sermon outlines and Bible lessons for the teachers and students. Promotional materials include bulletin covers and inserts, doorknob hangers, invitation cards, postcards, publicity posters, and vinyl banners. Other items include a daily devotional book, a salvation tract, and an evangelistic survey.
Church members will have the opportunity to invite friends, acquaintances, and family to attend worship services and Bible study. Many will have the privilege of sharing their faith with friends and family during the process.
The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is essential. Psalm 127:1, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Prayer will be the most important part of the process. Pray that souls will be saved, people will be baptized, and new Christians will be discipled.

I believe it is important for EBC to reach the surrounding community. While God has blessed us in Great Commission Giving, He will also bless us in Great Commission Work here in Henderson (our Jerusalem).
Therefore, in the coming days, a Jerusalem Priority Outreach Committee consisting of staff members and key leaders in the church will be formed. Furthermore, other members will be enlisted to help with the community outreach events during the fall months.
While this is a big step for EBC, it should not scare us, for we are just doing what the Lord Jesus Christ commanded us to do.
For more information concerning this program you can go to www.thejerusalempriority.com.