Format Change

For the past several months, the work in Brownwood has been evolving from a mission dependent on outside support for existence to a church funding its own operations. This process must continue if Grace Pointe is to ever become totally self-supporting to the point that she herself can send out missionaries.

This blog was founded with the intent to introduce myself to the American Baptist Association, and the MBA of Texas, by describing my views on scripture, issues facing churches today, and by giving the readers a sneak peak into my personal life. Once the work in Brownwood started, it became an ongoing chronicle of the events of our mission endeavor. In that regard, I feel that it has succeeded. For a while, this blog enjoyed a good readership.

However, with the "mission phase" of the work in Brownwood winding down (I am not sure if I will seek state support next year, but I have been counseled to keep that option on the table), I feel it is time to transition this blog from one of being a chronicle of Brownwood mission work to one being a chronicle of faith, current events, and how various things in our world today affect Texas residents, ministers, Christians and those around the world who love freedom. From time to time, I will also post my take on issues directly impacting the ABA, and the MBA of Texas.

From this point on, Bible study posts, theological thoughts and so forth will be posted to Grace Pointe's Web site. That site, http://www.graceforbrownwood.com/ will also be an outreach and discipleship tool for Grace Pointe. As for this blog, it will once again resemble what it did in the opening days, plus include some general interest articles as well. I plan to keep it going, and to increase the frequency of the posts.

And lastly, I WILL CONTINUE to post my monthly reports here.

Thank you for reading. I do hope this opens a new, more interactive, fun and informative chapter of this blog.

God bless you.

Mission: Brownwood January 2011 Report

Grace Pointe Attendance Holds Steady

Despite losing two core members and a regular visitor over the fact that we observe closed communion, attendance at Grace Pointe has held steady in the high teens and lower 20s. We have been blessed with the additions of the Teague family, who has been inviting friends and relatives on a regular basis.

January: A Great Month of Meetings

I was blessed to be a part of the Mission Valley District Ladies Auxiliary meeting in Kerrville on Jan. 15, and was blessed to preach at the Southwest Association Mission Rally on Jan. 29.

Grace Pointe Forms a Ladies Auxiliary

The ladies at Grace Pointe have formed a Ladies Auxiliary, which will help raise funds for missions and various projects, and carry out various ministries within the congregation at Grace Pointe.

Attendance:

Sunday Mornings:

1/2/11 - 16
1/9/11 - 23
1/16/11 - 19
1/23/11 - 19
1/30/11 - 20

Sunday Evenings

1/2/11 - 17
1/9/11 - 21
1/16/11 - 21
1/23/11 - 14
1/30/11 - 16

Wednesday Evenings:

1/5/11 - 17
1/12/11 - 18
1/19/11 - 23
1/26/11 - 14

Mission: Brownwood 2010 Report

Grace Pointe Attendance Holds at 18

Over the course of 2010, the average Sunday morning attendance at Grace Pointe was 18. Our high attendance was 34 on April 11, 2010, our lowest Sunday morning attendance was 8 on June 6, 2010. That day was marred by a split in the congregation and the fact I was preaching Homecoming services at my sponsoring church that day. We rebounded with 14 the following Sunday and were back in the 20s by September.

Eight Souls Saved in 2010

We witnessed eight professions of faith in 2010, two followed the Lord in Baptism, and a number joined us by letter and statement.

Grace Pointe Budget Takes Shape

When Grace Pointe began the 2010 year, we were utilizing funds sent in from supporting churches to fund our day-to-day operations. During the month of April, we adjusted that approach to where the local congregation would be responsible for funding 100% of the day-to-day operations, while funds sent directly to Brownwood would be put into the building fund, and funds sent to our sponsoring church would go to ministry support.

Grace Pointe’s Building Program Moving Forward

The  building fund has been growing and stands to increase exponentially in 2011. The building fund in Brownwood was selected as the 2011 State Ladies Auxiliary project, the second quarter TMD project, and we have been having an average of $400 sent in every month by supporting churches.

Currently, we have a little more than $6,000 in the building fund. If the State Ladies Auxiliary meets their goal of $8,000, TMD hits their goal of $35,000, and if the $400 continues to come in from supporting churches, then our building fund will reach $53,800 this year. We will need $200,000 to purchase an existing facility, $62,000 to purchase undeveloped land.

Grace Pointe 2011 Outlook:

Over the course of 2011, My goals are:

·         To be able to come off of state missions salary.

·         To see Grace Pointe go self-supporting.

·         To purchase a 15-passenger van to transport children to church.

·         To develop and implement the Discovery Clubs at Grace Pointe.

·         To raise $100,000 toward the building fund.

·         To begin a “missions” fund which will eventually be used when Grace Pointe begins to sponsor missionaries.

December 2010 Attendance

Sunday Morning

12/5/10 - 23

12/12/10 - 22

12/19/10 - 20

12/26/10 - 15

Sunday Evening

12/5/10 - 24

12/12/10 - 20

12/19/10 - 23

12/26/10 - 10

Wednesday Evening

12/1/10 - 13

12/8/10 - 19

12/15/10 - 18

12/22/10 - 14

12/29/10 - 11