The Elder's Vision For The Church
A copy of the news clipping announcing the beginning of the Lord's church in
Katy takes us back to May of 1976. Through ensuing years, a great many
things have been happening with the Katy church. Growth in numbers, in
facilities, in outreach, in the word, in Christ has been taking place through
all of those years. So many people have come...and gone over that time.
Each has left his imprint on the character and work of the church here.
The West Houston-Katy area is one of the fastest growing areas in the United
States. The challenge of that growth will be a "constant" for numbers of
years. Christians from other places continue to move into the Katy area.
People continue to study the Bible and to be added to the Lord's church when
they are baptized into Christ. While we are always concerned and
interested in foreign mission fields, the Katy area also challenges us a vast
"mission field" upon which we continue to concentrate in evangelistic efforts.
There is no doubt that the Lord has set before us a great open door of
opportunity. So, the growth of the past is continued in the present.
Growth is exciting!
The commitment of the elders of the Katy church is:
To continue to reach out with the gospel of Christ. Both
locally and abroad, we are committed to proclaiming the word of God. We
believe that the "great commission" of the Lord is as valid a charge to the
church today as it was in the first century. Our marching orders are: "Go
therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). We will
seek every means possible to open doors of opportunity for teaching our
neighbors and friends in the Katy area. You will see in this "Three Year
Plan" the evidence of commitment to preaching and teaching in other places in
this world of ours. We have no intention of "turning in" upon ourselves
but will continue the reaching out which has characterized the history of this
congregation.
To continue to do everything possible to strengthen the local body of saints.
We will be working to know well the church here, to provide sound teaching, to
give wise and Biblical guidance and counsel. A second part of the Lord's
charge to the church is this: "Teaching them to observe all thins whatever I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:20).
Building up the body of Christ in Katy is a vital concern. The elders seek
to be shepherds of the flock and provide in every way possible for the nurturing
and growth of every member.
To continue to help those who cannot help themselves. Through
increased budgeted support of several children's homes and assistance for local
benevolent needs and special contributions for needs beyond those of a local
nature we will always "do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).
We will be seeking to encourage a church that is loving and kind by growth in
our own qualities of love and brotherly kindness. Our desire is that we
"consider one another so as to stir up love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24) and
that we "exhort one another" (Hebrews 10:25).
We want to encourage greater emphasis on personal evangelism and
education. "Congregational concerns" have always needed greater
consideration, and one of our deacons is very effective in keeping us aware of
needs which exist within the church. We do not want to fail as shepherds
of the flock!
Our foreign missions commitment will continue to grow and develop in the new
year. We will continue to seek ways of assisting smaller congregations in
towns near the Katy area. Our work with Spanish speaking people in this
area is growing.
Our commitment is to continue to guard the gospel and to hold fast to the
pattern of sound words found in God's word. We will seek to adapt culture
to God's word rather than to accept the present trend which is to adapt the word
to the culture in which we live.
We seek your constant prayers in our behalf and in behalf of the Lord's
church.
Wendell Autrey - Mac Brockman - Woodrow Coleman - Tom Gillson - Cecil Hutson
- Larry Russell - Doug Sheppard - Joe Simmons
