elders
A year ago the elders were spending significant time and prayer on the upcoming return from Calvin College to our home , asking the Lord to continue His work in making Calvary a more merciful and gracious church as we were obedient in following Him in the journey into Grace Beyond . As we progress on the journey , we are hearing from the Lord that the building is only the beginning and that Grace Beyond will continue as we look for ways the Lord will use us to open new doors in the community and beyond , to love and care for those He sends to us , and to reflect His power , love , and mercy . Our prayer is that we as His church will continue to be obedient as He unfolds His plan .
Prayer for and with congregants continues to be one of our greatest joys and calling . Throughout the year we have witnessed God miraculously heal physically , emotionally , and spiritually as we have obeyed James 5:13-16 . God has restored relationships through the working of the Holy Spirit in response to prayers offered in faith . Bitter hearts have been softened , and we rejoiced when , during prayer sessions , we have witnessed people come to Christ and receive the gift of salvation . We have learned time and time again that persistence in prayer and pleading is often God ’ s way to help us see that we are in need of confession , and when that happens , God shows up in ways that we have not been able to imagine . women in various ministries . In addition , we have prayed alongside of pastoral leadership in how to better organize pastoral ministry . In response , God is leading Calvary to see how the roles of elder , pastor , and deacon can be used to better reflect His mercy , forgiveness , and hospitality .
As we continue into the implementation of Grace Beyond , we wait expectantly for God ’ s provision and leading to see how He will use Calvary and transform us more and more into the obedient , loving church He is calling us to be as we faithfully proclaim the news of salvation . Together with the ministries that look to the needs of others , we already are focusing on coming along side of and beginning church plants in specific locations and with people groups that He is bringing to us .
“ And now , these three remain : Faith , Hope , and Love . But the greatest of these is love ” ( 1 Corinthians 13:13 ). May God ’ s love empower us all for His glory .
Larry Hulst , Elder Chair
Throughout the year , the elders , along with the deacons , have prayed over and studied the role of deacon in Calvary Church . God has graciously responded in beginning to show how deacons can be used in ever increasing ministry . For over a year , the elders have studied scripture to see how God has empowered women throughout the Bible and how Calvary can better respond to the giftedness that God gives
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