Monday, July 21, 2008

OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH GREEN VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

That's right! After months of prayer, discussion, and planning, we are entering into a partnership with Green Valley Baptist Church.
Listen to last weekend's vision message here

Why?
To make an even greater difference in Las Vegas for the Kingdom of God. Satan wants churches to compete with each other, God wants churches to complete each other. The Elders and staff of both fellowships believe God is leading us into this partnership.

What will it look like?
We will still have our same leaders, same place of worship, same style of worship, but the two fellowships (NCC & Green Valley) will synergize human and financial resources in order to reach more people for Christ.

When do we begin this partnership?
In October, we begin a six month intense phase of working together in view of a permanent joining of the two fellowships in April of next year. During the initial six month period, either can withdraw respectfully. At the end of the six months (April), the two fellowships will become one church meeting at two locations expressing different styles of worship but one vision to reach more people for Christ.
What does becoming one with Green Valley mean practically for me?
It does not mean that you have to go somewhere else to worship. It does not mean that your church is going to radically change. It does not mean you have to become a baptist. It does mean that we become an answer to Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-23 (NCV) "I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me. I have given these people the glory that you gave me so that they can be one, just as you and I are one. 23 I will be in them and you will be in me so that they will be completely one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you loved them just as much as you loved me.

This really is the bottom line, "then the world will know". Pastor Rob of Green Valley & I want more and more people to know God's saving love is available to them. We feel we are better at making that message known together.

Got questions or comments? Post them here. I will respond and others can see the dialogue.

8 comments:

Tyler Byrd said...

WOW, thats exciting news! I just wanted to say, I love and miss everyone! I´ll see you soon. Chao!

Michelle W said...

This is exciting! I know that as we join together we will be stronger and we will rock this city for Christ!

Anonymous said...

About five weeks ago, we all prayed, "Father in Heaven, make us one." That prayer is squarely in His will, so He will answer with a big "Yes!"

I'm enthusiastic about the partnership with GVBC, because unity brings strength. A strong church (local and universal) will tear down the gates of hell and set many free.

If anyone reads this comment, take a minute and look up Ecclesiastes 4:9-11.

How good and pleasant it is when brother live together in unity. Psalm 133:1

Sambi Katano said...

It's exciting to see God's people doing things God's way. I am totally looking forward to being involved with an even more expanded team of people to spread the kingdom of God here on this earth.

Claude DeMenezes said...

It's so exiting to be a part of God moving in such a powerful way through His Body in Lasvegas! May many come to know the Saving Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus!!!! This truly is many months of answered prayer. May God continue to knock down the walls that separate his people and bring us together as one body with many gifts to further his Kingdom here on earth.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Pastor Chris! The message about partnering with GVBC was so uplifting! Sometimes I feel like I see the world through rosy colored glasses & get discouraged at the thought that the world/people will never really reach their full potential. I have always felt that it is so stupid to have division in the churches over preferences when the basic fundamental truths are the same (in many circumstances). I find myself getting so mad a people & the fact that they can't see past the little things to the big picture. I have such a passion for unity that I am prouder than ever to belong to NCC, what a brave step to be "different". I'm excited at the thought of being a part of this venture. If you need me just hollar : )

It was nice to see everyone, see you soon!
Ingrid

Anonymous said...

Just a Paul clarified the importance of the seven churches pulling together we need to go forward on a venture which will only make our service to Christ more effective. God never promised us a "comfort zone" but a much greater reward as we encourage one another and work together as his disciples. Let's enter this new opportunity with excitement, enthusiasm and trust in our Lord.

Kimberly said...

I will be praying for you, and watching! I love it and think its brave bold and just wow!