Utilizing a Unique Strategy for Spiritual Growth and Development

Blog 74

Utilizing a Unique strategy

For

Spiritual Growth and Development

By

Vernon M. Herron & Patrena Rice

With Photography

By

William C. Youngblood

By now, I assume that you recognize my delight reflecting on the 100 plus ministries of my church, The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC. This time, let me reflect on its unique strategy of utilizing three popular engagements to advance spiritual growth and development.

Traditionally, the Homecoming Celebration was a gathering of members and friends, under a big tent to provide “a meal” and fellowship to “kick off” the annual revival. But recently, both the Homecoming and the Revival have been incorporated into a strategic planning process, resulting into spiritual growth and development. The process resulted in an understanding and expansion of knowing what it means to be a Christian.

The three major membership engagements prior to the Revival/Bible Study are the Jericho walk, the community Tailgate Party without alcohol and an Automobile and Truck Classic Show. Let me explain the “Christ-centered” engagements of a mega church toward its common objective.

The Jericho Walk:

The Jericho Walk is a 12 hours walk in prayer around the church’s premise, when meditation and petitions are offered to the Devine for the ministries of the church and community engagements. Based on the Biblical Jericho walk, (Joshua 6: 3,4,20, & Heb. 11:30), the local walk is conducted around the clock, resulting in fellowship, health benefits, morale and spiritual benefits to the walk’s goal.

The Tailgate Party:

Charlotte is a football town. Every game is preceded by a tailgate party i.e. the serving of food from a truck bed, a camper or a tent area. In like manner, one of FMBC’s Home Coming activities is its Tailgate Party for the community, held on its huge car parking lot.

Below is an array of circles of members engaging in "circle" prayers.

This is not a fund raising affair. The food is provided by each ministry and their respective families. Concessionary stands and open tent areas with grilled foods and drink (non-alcohol) for relaxation, fellowship and fun.

The festival is conducted on a Saturday preceding the revival from 12 noon-4 p.m. Other program activities include a musical, an art show and a provision of organic foods including fruits, vegetables and water melons. The Immobilized senior citizens are accommodated in the church’s Conference Center with the same program.

The Classic Automobile and Truck Show:

The Classic Automobile and Truck Show attracts men and women from far and near. This is a display of restored trucks and automobiles which were popular in former years.

If motor biking were to be added, I suppose there would not be room enough to accommodate the same!

Now here is the spiritual point. This celebration is in keeping with Homecoming which starts the Annual Revival the next day. People are now motivated toward spiritual oneness, which renews/revives the church. This is strategizing for spiritual growth and development. As a result, we noted:

Mass attendance in Bible Study

Souls added to the church family

Growth in church fellowship