As a Region, ABCNW is passionate about churches growing through reaching out to their surrounding community. One of the wonderful stories of church transformation as a result of renewed external focus is unfolding at City View Church in Renton, WA. Pastor Chester Gross has led the church in renewal and outreach since coming to the church almost two years ago. At the time he accepted the call as pastor the church had dwindled to 35 in worship, and now they are up to 150. Chester reports that since the congregation has been focusing more on reaching its immediate community it is becoming a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural congregation. In other words, it looks more like the surrounding community. That's a sign of successful outreach. The worship music has also become more multi-cultural. Other initiatives have included renewed focus on children and young families.
They also changed their name from First Baptist Church to City View Church. After the name change attendance jumped by 30 people in one month. Unfortunately, the name "Baptist" has negative connotations for many in the Renton environs who are searching for a spiritual family. In changing their name, they removed this unnecessary hurdle. They continue to be a Baptist church. However, they are demonstrating what we Baptists have always believed and practiced when we are at our best: It is more important to be effective in reaching the lost than to hang on to a tradition that has become a hindrance to that goal.
I love their description of the kind of church they are striving to become (taken from their web site).
The Church that we see....
Is passionate about saving the lost
Is a church which loves and honors God through relevant and genuine worship
Is a multi-cultural church diverse in age, gender, culture, race and creativity
Is a church of thriving disciples who are equipped to live the message of Jesus in view of the community
Is a church which empowers believers to become leaders in the church and the market place
Is a church which partners with other churches and ministries to advance the Kingdom of God
Is a church which sees beyond it's own time and leaves a legacy for succeeding generations
Find out more about City View Church at www.cityviewchurch.com.
They also changed their name from First Baptist Church to City View Church. After the name change attendance jumped by 30 people in one month. Unfortunately, the name "Baptist" has negative connotations for many in the Renton environs who are searching for a spiritual family. In changing their name, they removed this unnecessary hurdle. They continue to be a Baptist church. However, they are demonstrating what we Baptists have always believed and practiced when we are at our best: It is more important to be effective in reaching the lost than to hang on to a tradition that has become a hindrance to that goal.
I love their description of the kind of church they are striving to become (taken from their web site).
The Church that we see....
Is passionate about saving the lost
Is a church which loves and honors God through relevant and genuine worship
Is a multi-cultural church diverse in age, gender, culture, race and creativity
Is a church of thriving disciples who are equipped to live the message of Jesus in view of the community
Is a church which empowers believers to become leaders in the church and the market place
Is a church which partners with other churches and ministries to advance the Kingdom of God
Is a church which sees beyond it's own time and leaves a legacy for succeeding generations
Find out more about City View Church at www.cityviewchurch.com.
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