en Disciples Making Disciple-makers http://www.lpchurch.net © Copyright 2000 - 2009Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=45 November 2008 Want to get plugged into a small group and grow? Starting Friday Dec 5th small groups will begin. Please view the calendar for times and place and get involved in a great study that brings fellowship, prayer and a better understanding of God's Word. We need help!!!!!!! We need help in the following areas: Nursery (see Director of Children's Ministries, Sarah LaBelle) Set-up and Tear Down (see Pastor Dave Mobile) Snack table (see Cindy Hunter) Greeters (see Keitt Mobile) There are more needs but these are the immediate areas in which we need help the most - please prayerfully consider using your gifts to glorify God and while serving others.We invite you to join us after the service for refreshments and fellowship. Parents with children ages 12 and under, please accompany them to the snack table. As a precaution to food allergies we will no longer be able to serve snacks to your children. Did you know that now you can listen to the sermons on the web? Be sure to check out our website www.lpchurch.net. If you would like to have a login and password, contact Pastor Dave Mobile at 262-857-9892. Youth Group meets on Sunday nights from 5pm - 6:30 pm for 5th grade and up. Contact Mark Hunter at 857-7994 for details. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:08:22 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=3 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=3&article_id=6 This is a Ministry for Musicians (vocalists/instrumentalists) called Elev8. The Vision of the Elev8 Music Ministry: Elev8 is a ministry of LakePointe Church that uses music to help bring and facilitate corporate worship that will empower, encourage and embolden the congregation at LakePointe to live passionately and unashamedly for Jesus Christ and to bring His saving love to the lost. Elev8 will strive to reproduce and disciple group members to live as Godly examples to the LakePointe family while remaining accountable to each other and to the Lord. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:33:20 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=30 We need your support. If you are interested in supporting either the Kotts or the LaBelles You are in the right place. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:22:08 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=4 If you are wondering about supporting the LaBelle's, the following information may be helpful. You can call the Great Lake Baptist office at 608-244-5000. All tax deductible support checks should be payable to: Great Lakes Baptist Conference, and sent to: P.O. Box 14745 Madison, WI 53708-0745 If you are interested in being on the prayer team you can e-mail Sarah LaBelle at sarahlabelle@wi.rr.com You can also click the Prayer Team link on the left to know more about our prayer requests and needs. GREAT LAKES BAPTIST CONFERENCE P.O. Box 14745 Madison, WI 53708-0745 Click here for the link to the Great Lakes Baptist Office. http://www.glbc.net/ Click here for the link to the Great Lakes Baptist Office.Click here for the link to GLBC Church Planting site. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:19:48 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=16 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=16&article_id=30 Mon, 1 Sep 2008 22:31:00 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=39 The things happening in the world today are setting the stage for Bible Prophecy to be fulfilled in a huge way! Lets be informed so we can better understand God's Pan for the Future. Here you will find links to news that has End Times signifigance. Check back often for new news articles. Fri, 4 Jul 2008 11:37:53 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=35 This link will take you to the Financial Peace University web site. Click Here Fri, 4 Jul 2008 11:37:53 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=32 God's Yellow Pages This link is really cool. Check it out Here. Fri, 4 Jul 2008 11:37:53 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=19 View Verse of the Day Lookup a word or passage in the Bible Include this form on your page Fri, 4 Jul 2008 11:37:53 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=20 Bible.org Fri, 4 Jul 2008 11:37:53 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=17 Biblical Training Fri, 4 Jul 2008 11:37:53 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=40 . Iran: Any attack on our nuclear facility will be beginning of war Residents flee as wildfires creep toward Big Sur Lightning sparks 800-plus fires in California Third Temple preparations begin with priestly garb Sharia law SHOULD be used in Britain, says UK's top judge Oil heads past $145 for 1st time; pump cost up too Earth's Core, Magnetic Field Changing Fast, Study Says Legislator: Law allows banishment of Bible Erekat says 'Israeli and Palestinian leaders who reach an agreement will be more important to region's history than Jesus' Honey bee crisis could lead to higher food prices U.S. and EU near deal on sharing data Plans underway for November Mideast peace summit in Moscow Global interfaith dialogue set for July 16 in Madrid A Scriptural analysis of the Florida Healing Outpouring World Bank President to G8: ‘World Entering a Danger Zone' Franklin Graham peppered Obama about ties to Islam 'Gay' McDonald's prompts boycott Inflation jumps by biggest amount in 6 months Flooding Hits Historic 500-Year Levels in Iowa Historical Flood Drives 10,000 From Homes in Iowa Town; Drinking Water Nearly Gone Seven earthquakes shake northern Israel within two days Quoting Scripture banned in library community room NAFTA Superhighway and North American Union a Scary Reality Biblical message now criminalized Russia's Medvedev eyes new European order Secret Bilderberg Agenda To Microchip Americans Government to pastor: Renounce your faith! Something's Shaking in Antarctica Like a Biblical plague locusts are devastating already parched fields Wheat disease threatens supplies Israel, PA prepared to begin drafting peace agreement Birth pains' have begun A Scriptural analysis of the Florida Healing Outpouring End-Time ApostasyHours after becoming Israel's new ‘best friend' Obama backtracksof Oil surges $11 to record $138The Blood Moon Scenario Rick Warren appointed advisor to the Tony Blair Faith Foundation France readies for 'heaviest Presidency in EU history Schwarzenegger declares drought in California Ahmadinejad invites Japan to prepare for a world without the USWhich is right: Oprah or Jesus? Storms pop up in Plains as forecasters sound alarm Analysis: Next president will shape the future of the Middle EastTony Blair's Bid to be a Faith Leader Shocked! How the oil crisis has hit the world US nears record tornado year; meteorologists don't know why British PM warns of global oil 'shock' Red Cross warns of food riots over soaring prices Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali: Radical Islam is filling void left by collapse of Christianity in UK Muslims equate Christians with terrorists HOW EUROPE IS STARTING TO SET GLOBAL RULES Secret plans under way to tear down Christian symbols State: Gay marriage to begin June 17 in California Ahmadinejad seeks meeting with Pope Egypt: bread shortages, hunger and unrest Tony Blair 'Faith and Globalisation' lecture Saudi King extends invite to Jews for interfaith meet U.S. Embassy in Iraq to Be Biggest Ever California Decision Will Radically Change Society Why so many Americans are embracing witchcraft The ugly results of banning God from the culture Massachusetts Senator Proposes Additional $300,000 for Pro-Homosexual Programs in Schools RFID implants to go retail 'Big Brother' database for phones and e-mails z Fri, 4 Jul 2008 11:00:07 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=36 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:09:08 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=34 "Half my heart believes in Jesus, but the other half isn't sure he's real." Seven-year-old Becky hugged me. "What am I gonna do, Mom?" Her honest words grieved my already aching heart. After four years as a youth pastor, my husband had traded ministry for business. He allowed me to worship God freely, but he eventually stopped going to church and started calling himself an agnostic. I knew Becky would notice our spiritual differences someday, but I still felt unprepared for her question. God, however, wasn't surprised. As we sat on the bed and opened her Bible, Jeremiah 29:13 provided his answer: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." "How do we seek him, Mom?" I read the previous verse, "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." An idea I'd heard several months earlier came to mind. "Let's make construction paper flowers and write a prayer request on each one. We'll pray every day for the requests. When God answers one, we'll stick the flower on the wall until we have a whole garden of answered prayers. We'll be able to see God in how he answers us." By the end of that first week, God answered five of Becky's simple requests, including healing her teacher's illness and allowing a friend to visit for a sleepover. At Becky's suggestion, we stuck the flowers to her bedroom ceiling where she could read them day and night. By the end of the month, 20 flowers graced her ceiling garden. One of them read, "Please help me to know you, God." Becky is 15 years old as I write this story. Her dad, an awesome father by the world's standards, still considers himself agnostic. Becky, on the other hand, steadily grows in her walk with God. So how can we raise kids to love God when Dad doesn't? I hope the following suggestions offer encouragement. 1. Remember, although you may be required to answer questions about God single-handedly, you're not alone. When children ask, "Where is God when I hurt?" or "Why doesn't God make Daddy believe in him?" answers may not always seem as obvious as God's leading in Becky's ceiling garden. However, God promises in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault." Connect with God immediately through prayer and listen to his gentle promptings in your heart and from his Word. 2. Respond honestly, briefly, and positively to questions about Daddy. Even worse than fielding questions about God is answering questions such as, "Why doesn't Dad go to church?" or "Why was Daddy so mean tonight?" Since you can't honestly answer for him, you might suggest: "Why don't you pray about asking Dad that question." When an immediate reply is necessary, I pray for guidance and then keep my response honest, brief, and respectful. For example, if Becky asks me about a questionable CD Dad just purchased, I express concern about the issue, while remaining nonjudgmental toward her father. 3. Speak the truth in love. When Becky first learned the health risks of smoking, she immediately related her new knowledge to the next smoker we encountered! A stranger might excuse tactlessness from a child, but Dad can get pretty ticked off when reprimanded by his daughter. Jesus spoke honestly with compassion. John 1:14 describes him as "full of grace and truth." A wise pastor once said, "Jesus was not so gracious he was not truthful, nor so truthful he was not gracious." Encourage your children to think, What would Jesus say and how would he say it? 4. Provide a spiritual heritage beyond your home. As Becky's closest Christian role model, I tried to be perfect-and ended up defeated, discouraged, and exhausted! When Becky needs more than I can give, where can I turn? Within our local church, one of Becky's friends enjoys spiritual adoption. Lili's "Gram" and "Grand" live authentic Christian lives in front of this preteen, continually reinforcing the fact that Christianity is more than just "Mom's religion." Ask God to provide friends who will be encouraging and pray regularly for your children (and you). If these special people attend your local church, they may be the added incentive your child needs to get to church on Sunday morning! 5. Attend church regularly. Often I must remind myself to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing" (Hebrews 10:25). Becky and I need teaching from God's Word and fellowship, but going to church alone is tough. One mother commented, "My husband doesn't want to go, and it's just too much work to get the kids up and out without his help." I encouraged her to find an accountability partner-someone to pray for her daily and hold her to her promise to get to church regularly. What do you do if your husband resents being left behind when you go to church each week? Because Jesus taught us to prioritize people over programs, occasionally we enjoy a "family Sunday" away from church. Becky and I sometimes accompany Dad on a Jeep trail ride or go to the city aquarium together. Additional weekly "God-times," like Pioneer Clubs and daily devotions, help keep our faith growing even when we can't get to church on a Sunday. 6. Learn to recharge your spiritual batteries. While I don't experience the physical exhaustion of single parenting, my spiritual battles still leave me emotionally wrung out. I find my key to tapping into God's energy in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you ... for my yoke is easy and my burden is light." When my husband fails to be a spiritual team player, I picture myself yoked with God-who lends me his power and hope. I spend time alone with God everyday and find this commitment produces a powerful, positive, refreshed mother. 7. Get involved in regular Christian service with your kids. Are your kids accomplishing God's work? Consider Philippians 2:12-13, which tells us to work out our salvation. This means we need to flesh out, day by day, a relationship with God that serves others. Becky and I sing at retirement homes and run errands for our neighbors. These and other activities put our faith into action, giving us joy, purpose, and unity as a family-especially when Dad joins in! One of Becky's friends helps out in our church nursery one Sunday evening each month. Becky told me she'd like to volunteer too, but she's not keen on babysitting young children. As a result of her search for a ministry, Becky began writing a kids' page for our church newsletter. Recognizing a child's skills and interests can provide ideas about where God desires to use him or her. Perhaps right now you're thinking, Whew! These seven strategies sound solid, but can I apply them all? Take a deep breath and ask God to show you one or two things he wants you to focus on at this moment. Maybe he's asking you to cut out paper flowers and watch your children's faith grow. Or perhaps he's nudging you to find that accountability partner who can encourage you when life seems impossible. If you've read this article on behalf of a friend, ask God to reveal ways you can help: Pray with her weekly, offer to take her children and her to church with your family, or even watch her kids so she can spend quality time with her husband. Above all, keep praying for her family. Regardless of which strategy helps you or a friend become a successful spiritually single mom, remember, we're never alone. As God promises us, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). Nancy Sebastian Meyer is the author of Beyond Expectations (Moody) and lives in Pennsylvania with her family. Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian Woman magazine. Click here for reprint information on Today's Christian Woman. March/April 2006, Vol. 28, No. 2, Page 46 Mon, 7 May 2007 11:09:36 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Welcome to the official LakePointe Church web site. Feel free to browse. Check back often as we will be updating this site regularly. Also, be sure to scroll down this page to see all there is to offer on this site. Sat, 3 Mar 2007 10:44:47 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=4 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=4&article_id=12 Five Things to Commit to Prayer "Prayer is primarily a wartime walkie talkie for the mission of the church as it advanced against the powers of darkness and unbelief. It is not surprising that prayer malfunctions when we try to make it a domestic intercom to call upstairs for more comforts in the den." -John Piper 1. Spiritual Awaking in Our Community. John 16:7-10 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Ephesians 6:10-20 2. Mature Mission Team Formed. Matthew 9:35-38 Worship Coordinator - Dav Kott Musicians Keyboard - Tim B Guitars - Dav Bass Guitar - Darrin L Drummer - Dave M. Vocalists - Amy G and Janet K Sound & Tech Support - Todd G Set Up and Take Down Team Coordinator - ___________________ Children's Ministries Coordinator - Sarah LaBelle Nursery Team Coordinator Preschool Team Coordinator Kindergarten & 1st Team Coordinator Grades 2nd & 3rd Team Coordinator Grades 4th & 5th Team Coordinator Jr. High??"Sr. High Team Coordinator First Impression Team Coordinator - ___________________ Greeters Ushers Information & Resource Table Coordinator - ___________________ Refreshment Table Coordinator - Cindy Hunter Follow Up Team Coordinator - ___________________ Administrative Coordinator Second Touch Team Coordinator 3. Unity in Our Vision and Values . John 17:21-23 Vision & Values Our Vision: Disciples of Jesus Who Make Disciples Great Commandment - Mark 12:29-31 Great Commission - Matthew 28:19-20 Our Purposes: Passionately Winning the Curious, Growing the Convinced, Training the Committed, and Multiplying the Church for the Glory of God. Our Values: 1. Empowered leadership Leaders focus on equipping and training other Christians to do ministry; leaders are empowered and trusted to oversee specific areas of ministry. (Eph. 4:7, 12-16; 2 Tim. 2:2) 2. Gift-oriented ministry Ministry tasks are distributed according to the spiritual gifts of the people; every Christian is using his/her God-given gifts to build up the church. (Eph. 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11) 3. Passionate spirituality The spiritual lives of the church members are characterized by prayer, enthusiasm, and boldness because of their intimate relationship with Jesus through God's Word; members live out their faith with power and contagious enthusiasm. (Eph. 5:15-16; 6:10, 18; Col. 3:1-17; Gal. 5:22-26; James 3:17; 2 Peter 1:6-9) 4. Functional structures The forms, practices, and structures of the church are designed to effectively accomplish ministry in this time and place (form follows function); church structures are evaluated as to whether or not they are accomplishing the mission and vision God has given the church. (1 Cor. 1:30; 2:4; Eph. 1:22; 1 Tim. 3:1, 5) 5. Inspiring worship Worship is inspiring, encouraging and uplifting. People participate in worship with Christ as the audience. (Ps. 100; John 4:23-24) 6. Holistic small groups There is a continuous multiplication of small groups that meet the real needs of people; the loving and healing power of fellowship is experienced in these groups. (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2: 42-47; Rom. 14:19, 15:14; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:11) 7. Need-oriented evangelism Evangelistic activities relate directly to the needs of the people the church is trying to reach; Christians are using their spiritual gifts to help fulfill the Great Commission. (Mark 16:15; Acts 14:21; Luke 19:10) 8. Loving relationships Relationships among the members of the church are characterized by a high level of loving affection; Christ's love permeates all church activities. (John 13:34-35, 17:23; 1 Cor. 13:13, 14:1; 1 John 3:16,18) 9. Centrality of God's Word God's Word is taught and preached in a clear, theologically sound and relevant way. Members of the church take the Bible seriously and make applications from God's Word to their lives. (2 Tim 3:16-17; Rom. 1:16; Titus 2:11-14) 10. Mission and Vision ??" Driven Mission and vision of the church are clearly communicated by the leaders of the church. Church members understand the direction in which the church is headed and desire to be involved in a way that promotes the mission and vision. (Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Cor. 4:18; John 4:35) 11. Biblical Financial Stewardship Consistent Biblical financial stewardship is seen as an act of faith. Members are giving out of faith in keeping with the Biblical standard of giving from the "first fruits". (Luke 12:15; 2 Cor. 8:1-2, 5, 8, 12; 9:6,10-13) 12. Church Planting Church planting is the fruit of the Great Commission. Members and leaders are actively promoting the planting of new churches. (Acts 19:10, 14:24-25; Col. 1:6-8; 1Thess. 1:6-8) 4. The Planting of other Churches in Kenosha County. Acts 19:10; 14:24-25 Col. 1:6-8 1 Thess. 1:6-8 5. Our Personal Involvement. How does God want to lead me? Who does God want to touch? How does God want to use me? "If Jesus needed to pray, how much more do we need to pray? Prayer is expected of us because we need it. We will not be like Jesus without it…When our awareness of the greatness of God and the gospel is dim, our prayer lives will be small." - Donald S. Whitney "In prayer, real prayer, we begin to think God's thoughts after him: to desire the things he desires, to love the things he loves, to will the things he wills. Progressively we are taught to see things from his point of view. All who have walked with God have viewed prayer as the main business of their loves." - Richard Foster The more we pray, the more we think to pray, and as we see the results of prayer-the responses of our Father to our requests-our confidence in God's power spills over into other areas of our life…However, prayer as a discipline has its greatest force in strengthening the spiritual life only as we learn to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17; Phil. 4:6). We can train ourselves to invoke God's presence in every action we perform…Constant prayer will only "burden" us as wings burden the bird in flight." - Dallas Willard "The glory of the Father must be the aim-the very soul and life-of our prayer." -Andrew Murray Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:46:16 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=9 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=9&article_id=10 The Reason for Everything By Rick Warren It's all for him. The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. It is the reason for everything that exists, including you. God made it all for his glory. Without God's glory, there would be nothing. What is the glory of God? It is who God is. It is the essence of his nature, the weight of his importance, the radiance of his splendor, the demonstration of his power, and the atmosphere of his presence. God's glory is the expression of his goodness and all his other intrinsic, eternal qualities. Where is the glory of God? Just look around. Everything created by God reflects his glory in some way. In nature we learn that God is powerful, that he enjoys variety, loves beauty, is organized, and is wise and creative. The Bible says, "The heavens declare the glory of God." [1] God's inherent glory is what he possesses because he is God. It is his nature. We cannot add anything to this glory, just as it would be impossible for us to make the sun shine brighter. But we are commanded to recognize his glory, honor his glory, declare his glory, praise his glory, reflect his glory, and live for his glory. [7] Why? Because God deserves it! We owe him every honor we can possibly give. Since God made all things, he deserves all the glory. The Bible says, "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything." How can I Bring Glory to God? We bring God glory by worshipping him. Worship is our first responsibility to God. We worship God by enjoying him. C.S. Lewis said, "In commanding us to glorify him, God is inviting us to enjoy him." God wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving, and delight, not duty. Worship is far more than praising, singing, and praying to God. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving him, and giving ourselves to be used for his purposes. When you use your life for God's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship. We bring God glory by loving other believers. When you were born again, you became a part of God's family. Following Christ is not just a matter of believing; it also includes belonging to and learning to love the family of God. It is your responsibility to learn how to love as God does, because God is love, and it honors him. "As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." [15] We bring God glory by becoming like Christ. Once we are born into God's family, he wants us to grow to spiritual maturity. What does that look like? Spiritual maturity is becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel, and act. The more you develop Christlike character, the more you will bring glory to God. The Bible says, "As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." [16] We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts. Each of us was uniquely designed by God with talents, gifts, skills, and abilities. The way you're "wired" is not an accident. God didn't give you your abilities for selfish purposes. They were given to benefit others, just as others were given abilities for your benefit. The Bible says, "God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you....Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory." [18] We bring God glory by telling others about him. God doesn't want his love and purposes kept a secret. Once we know the truth, he expects us to share it with others. This is a great privilege — introducing others to Jesus, helping them discover their purpose, and preparing them for their eternal destiny. From The Purpose Driven Life, copyright 2002 by Rick Warren and published by Zondervan. Used with permission. Thu, 2 Nov 2006 13:16:55 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=9 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=9&article_id=4 Every morning is a fresh opportunity to find God's extraordinary joy in the most ordinary places. - Janet L. Weaver Thu, 29 Sep 2005 04:02:20 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=10 1. Empowered leadership Leaders focus on equipping and training other Christians to do ministry; leaders are empowered and trusted to oversee specific areas of ministry. (Eph. 4:7, 12-16; 2 Tim. 2:2) 2. Gift-oriented ministry Ministry tasks are distributed according to the spiritual gifts of the people; every Christian is using his/her God-given gifts to build up the church. (Eph. 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11) 3. Passionate spirituality The spiritual lives of the church members are characterized by prayer, enthusiasm, and boldness because of their intimate relationship with Jesus through Gods Word; members live out their faith with power and contagious enthusiasm. (Eph. 5:15-16; 6:10, 18; Col. 3:1-17; Gal. 5:22-26; James 3:17; 2 Peter 1:6-9) 4. Functional structures The forms, practices, and structures of the church are designed to effectively accomplish ministry in this time and place (form follows function); church structures are evaluated as to whether or not they are accomplishing the mission and vision God has given the church. (1 Cor. 1:30; 2:4; Eph. 1:22; 1 Tim. 3:1, 5) 5. Inspiring worship Worship is inspiring, encouraging and uplifting. People participate in worship with Christ as the audience. (Ps. 100; John 4:23-24) 6. Holistic small groups There is a continuous multiplication of small groups that meet the real needs of people; the loving and healing power of fellowship is experienced in these groups. (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2: 42-47; Rom. 14:19, 15:14; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:11) 7. Need-oriented evangelism Evangelistic activities relate directly to the needs of the people the church is trying to reach; Christians are using their spiritual gifts to help fulfill the Great Commission. (Mark 16:15; Acts 14:21; Luke 19:10) 8. Loving relationships Relationships among the members of the church are characterized by a high level of loving affection; Christ's love permeates all church activities. (John 13:34-35, 17:23; 1 Cor. 13:13, 14:1; 1 John 3:16,18) Thu, 29 Sep 2005 04:02:20 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=9 Mission Statement– To produce disciples of Jesus Christ who make disciples. Vision – We will be committed to Multiplying disciples by Winning the curious, Growing the convinced and Training the committed for the glory of God. Winning the Curious: These are people who are curious about the claims of Christ. These people are unchurched people whose motive for attending a church function is to have fun and / or investigate the claims of Christ. This is where the church evangelizes the lost. Growing the Convinced: These are people who have a relationship with Christ and are growing. This is where the church provides activities for believers to grow in Christ. Training the Committed: These are people who have a relationship with Jesus and have a desire to minister to others and are taking on responsibility to "make things happen". This is where the church trains committed Christians to serve Christ. Multiplying Disciples: These are committed Christians who are leading large segments of the church. This is where leaders are empowered to accomplish the ministry God has called them to either through our church or a new ministry such as a church plant. People come from the world into the church. These people are invited by Christians in the church who have a desire to reach their peers. In the winning phase people are exposed to the claims of Christ and questions are answered. Apologetics and Evangelism are important ingredients in this phase. After people have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, there is a period of time for growing. People are hungry for the food of God's Word. In this phase people enter into small groups for fellowship, worship, the Word and Prayer. The study and application of Gods Word are important ingredients in this phase. As people grow there will be a growing desire to help others live out the truth of Gods Word. In this phase people are trained to share Christ and actively care for their peers through evangelistic activities, serving others. Planed evangelism and structured serving are important ingredients in this phase. People who are trained to care and share Christ with their peers will be encouraged to multiply their experience in the lives of others. After a person has gone through the phases it will be time for them to take someone else through. The second time through people will act more like leaders learning and applying the same truths on a deeper level. These are the people who will become elders and deacons in the church or go into the world as missionaries who plant churches. Central to all the phases is our worship of Jesus Christ. Worshipping God is the motivation for everything we do as a church. Each phase is accomplished through a perspective that God is absolutely sovereign in all matters and deserves our worship. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 04:02:20 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=5 1. Empowered leadership Leaders focus on equipping and training other Christians to do ministry; leaders are empowered and trusted to oversee specific areas of ministry. (Eph. 4:7, 12-16; 2 Tim. 2:2) 2. Gift-oriented ministry Ministry tasks are distributed according to the spiritual gifts of the people; every Christian is using his/her God-given gifts to build up the church. (Eph. 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11) 3. Passionate spirituality The spiritual lives of the church members are characterized by prayer, enthusiasm, and boldness because of their intimate relationship with Jesus through Gods Word; members live out their faith with power and contagious enthusiasm. (Eph. 5:15-16; 6:10, 18; Col. 3:1-17; Gal. 5:22-26; James 3:17; 2 Peter 1:6-9) 4. Functional structures The forms, practices, and structures of the church are designed to effectively accomplish ministry in this time and place (form follows function); church structures are evaluated as to whether or not they are accomplishing the mission and vision God has given the church. (1 Cor. 1:30; 2:4; Eph. 1:22; 1 Tim. 3:1, 5) 5. Inspiring worship Worship is inspiring, encouraging and uplifting. People participate in worship with Christ as the audience. (Ps. 100; John 4:23-24) 6. Holistic small groups There is a continuous multiplication of small groups that meet the real needs of people; the loving and healing power of fellowship is experienced in these groups. (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2: 42-47; Rom. 14:19, 15:14; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:11) 7. Need-oriented evangelism Evangelistic activities relate directly to the needs of the people the church is trying to reach; Christians are using their spiritual gifts to help fulfill the Great Commission. (Mark 16:15; Acts 14:21; Luke 19:10) 8. Loving relationships Relationships among the members of the church are characterized by a high level of loving affection; Christ's love permeates all church activities. (John 13:34-35, 17:23; 1 Cor. 13:13, 14:1; 1 John 3:16,18) Thu, 29 Sep 2005 04:02:20 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=6 Statement of Faith The Bible We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (John 17:17, Romans 15:4, II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:19-21) The Trinity We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. (Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-4,1 John 5:7) God the Father We believe in God, the Father, an infinite personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of each person, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16-17, John 4:24, John 17:5) Jesus Christ We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. (Isaiah 7:14, John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 1:2-3,1 John 1:7) The Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. (John 14:26, John 16:7-15, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 1:13-14) Regeneration We believe that all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. (John 1:12-13, John 3:3, 16-17, Acts 20:21, Ephesians 2:1-9, Titus 3:5) The Church We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible confession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. (Matthew 16:16-18, Acts 2:38-41, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 5:25-27) Christian Conduct We believe that Christians should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that their conduct should be blameless before the world; that they should be faithful stewards of their possessions; and that they should seek to realize for themselves and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. (II Corinthians 9:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-16, Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 3:17-23,1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) The Ordinances We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:41-42, Romans 6:3-5,1 Corinthians 11:23-32) Religious Liberty We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. Church Cooperation We believe that the local church can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one an- other in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with inter-denominational fellowships on a voluntary basis. The Last Things We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked. (John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:1-15, II Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25:31-46) Thu, 29 Sep 2005 04:02:20 MST http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.lpchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=2 Statement of Faith The Bible We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (John 17:17, Romans 15:4, II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:19-21) The Trinity We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. (Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-4,1 John 5:7) God the Father We believe in God, the Father, an infinite personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of each person, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16-17, John 4:24, John 17:5) Jesus Christ We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. (Isaiah 7:14, John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 1:2-3,1 John 1:7) The Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. (John 14:26, John 16:7-15, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 1:13-14) Regeneration We believe that all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. (John 1:12-13, John 3:3, 16-17, Acts 20:21, Ephesians 2:1-9, Titus 3:5) The Church We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible confession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. (Matthew 16:16-18, Acts 2:38-41, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 5:25-27) Christian Conduct We believe that Christians should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that their conduct should be blameless before the world; that they should be faithful stewards of their possessions; and that they should seek to realize for themselves and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. (II Corinthians 9:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-16, Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 3:17-23,1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) The Ordinances We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:41-42, Romans 6:3-5,1 Corinthians 11:23-32) Religious Liberty We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. Church Cooperation We believe that the local church can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one an- other in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with inter-denominational fellowships on a voluntary basis. The Last Things We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked. (John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:1-15, II Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25:31-46) Thu, 29 Sep 2005 04:02:20 MST