elders report
Elders ( 8 / 31 / 2016 ) Bill Azkoul , Bob Bass , Eric Cerling , Steve Doren , Steve Gronsman , Larry Hulst ( Chairman ), Chad Kerr , Les Lamborn , Doug Lipinski , Dave Oviatt , Nate Schmidt , Mike Still , Tom Thurston , Jerry Ward
The elders continue to see that our greatest responsibility , joy , and the cornerstone of our ministry is to be in prayer . It is both humbling and exhilarating to come before the Lord for guidance in decisions and in those times when we are blessed to pray with those who come to ask God for physical , spiritual , emotional , or relational healing . We know that our God of mercy will not turn away from prayers offered in faith , and have been privileged to see God move . It is our desire that all who are in need will come .
We are encouraged by those who are obedient to the Spirit and answer the call to serve the Lord in ministry outside or within the walls of Calvary . This year we have been blessed to pray over and commission Jake and Sara Tibbe , Dan and Theresa Janzen , and others who are serving long or short term missions . They join many who have gone before and whom we continue to hold up , such as the Shank and Gaylord families who are among the most recent to be launched . We also hold up those who are even now exploring how to move into full-time ministry and missions . Through our advisory boards and mission teams , we rejoice in the relocation of Take Hold
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Church as that congregation seeks to minister in an area that is hungry for the love of Christ and needed more space to do that . We see how the Lord is working through Pauper ’ s Chapel in Portland , Maine to raise up faithful followers . The elders recently supported a deacon initiative to assist an inner city church with major facility repairs as a start to a potential relationship in ministry . The elders are in prayer with others who are seeking God ’ s leading in future church ministry and allowing Calvary to extend the Good News and grace of Jesus Christ through shared efforts .
Internally , the elders are learning more about Calvary ministries that are often quietly serving , seeking to know more about their mission and needs . In conjunction with the deacons , we have begun to evaluate how we can better respond to and prepare for risks that are seemingly more prevalent in a fallen world . We know that our security is in God ’ s power , but also know that scripture gives us many instances where prayer was followed by and included wise action .
As we continue on our Grace Beyond journey , we more and more realize that the path of faith Calvary is on is not about a building project , but that the project is the means God is using to help us become a more obedient and merciful congregation . We are thankful that God has given us “ our daily bread ” as we follow His path , and that He keeps molding us to trust Him more and more . It is humbling to see how God is not only providing financially , but also how He is providing human resources . We are thrilled to see the many who have stepped forward to serve during this process , and even more , how joyful the volunteers are , and how through our time at Calvin we are learning how to be more aware of and responsive to the needs of others . We rejoice that , as we are serving , we are growing in community and fellowship . As we prepare to return to our own facility , we can only anticipate with great eagerness how the Lord will continue to move in and through us .
We are grateful for the unity of spirit among the elders , and especially grateful for our staff and deacons who carry with the elders the responsibilities of shepherding , ministering , caring , and administrating . If there are questions , matters of prayer , or other items you feel the elders should address , contact elders @ calvarygr . org . We are blessed to serve God with you at Calvary .