I have begun work on an “entry strategy” for beginning work with the First Baptist Church of Warren, OH (no link ’cause there’s no website… yet). I’m trying to think through the approach I will take to getting to know the congregation and begin the process of building upon what is to bring about that which can be – the things to which we are called.

At this point, I have some ideas:

1. Meet with every board, committee, entity and informal organization within the congregation. It is preferable to do this over a meal, in a home.
2. In these meetings, learn the self-conscious role of that organization within the congregation. Ask questions about what they’ve done, what they see themselves doing, what they like about the current setup, what they dislike, what new things they want to see, what things they want to retain.
3. Develop (with the aid of the appropriate existing body) a worship planning committee/team to strategize and coordinate worship. We will intentionally attempt to bring creative, innovative people on board with an eye to developing worship that is “outside the box” but comfortable. These people will work with all aspects of the worship experience: music, preaching, communion, prayers; audio, visual, multimedia; baptism, special events, drama, the arts.
4. Begin a home fellowship group at my house (or at another’s house who can host while I help to develop the conceptual side of things). This will be primary to our growth strategy.

That’s step 1. More later.

Anyone who has questions, comments, better ideas, speak up!