SOTERIA

Church and Ministry News

THE STORY Of SOTERIA®

{so-ta-ree’-ah}

Greek New Testament word for             

SALVATION, DELIVERANCE, & HEALTH!

A cross-denominational empowerment part of the church, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, feeding the poor, healing the sick, and equipping the saints to do the work of the ministry.

 

September 2007          Quarterly  © Soteria Ministries 2003                       EDITION 5 Vol. 3

SOTERIA Church and Ministry News is a quarterly publication to inform and  enlist everyone

to work out their Salvation by Loving others and living a disciplined life in CHRIST!

The Long Hot Summer!

         I don’t know what the weather has been like where you are, but here in NC it has been hot! Now, we’re about to enter a new season, fall, and soon it will begin to cool down and change our atmosphere.

             Melody and I are also having a change of atmosphere. In the beginning of our ministry startup here in Asheville, we had a specific vision to create a training and equipping center in the heart of downtown Asheville. The Lord opened all the right doors to do just that. So, it is established. During the time of process we have encountered various attempts to conform to “church” as usual with all the programs and offices that you would see in other “church” organizations. But, we simply have had to fight a battle to purposefully stay away from that old model. The Lord is definitely doing something new and He is ironing out a wrinkle in His Bride to cause fresh blood, water, and wind to flow through!

             What wrinkle, you may ask. First, people are continually cruising form church organization to church organization trying to find where they fit. We see it even here in this small example of the corporate church, but hear about it all over. Why is that? There is a stirring for more than just attending a weekly soul padding session. People are getting the unction to actually do something more and be something more than just a weekly sheep shearing attendee. So many of our pulpits today are full of seeker friendly messages or “other ministry” bashing sermons. People are hungry for the presence of the Lord. They really want to experience the bondage breaking, mind cleansing, body healing, awesome power of God! The wrinkle of complacency and the spot of conformity is making the sheep sick. Why would they come to a church meeting just to hear and see things they can hear and see in the rest of the world? Why isn’t there a place to be set apart from the world and understand the true identity of a Holy Church on a mission and in a war to establish something that must remain in order to set people free and change the world?                                 Continued……….over

 Members today are enjoying the exclusive benefit of watching their fellow members grow and flourish in ministry @ Soteria. We so believe in “equipping the saints” that we encourage our members to bring a Word in due season, a artistic expression, or some other form of worship and/or teaching for all of us to experience together. We are not a one dimensional, one man show where the Pastor is the only person who is relegated to bringing the message every week. No, the Body of Christ is so diverse and full of people that are hearing from God and wanting to share their hearts’ desires from Him. So we too desire to hear from God in whatever package or form He wants to speak through. This is so very important for growth and maturity in the body. As a Pastor, Prophet, Apostle, Evangelist, or Teacher, it is our job to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph 4:11.12).” A major part of that equipping is releasing them to minister as they hear and see God for themselves. We believe in hard work as part of a humble commitment to the work of the church. So, members are expected to also “pitch in” with the everyday practical application of ministry labor such as cleaning, errands, and whatever needs of ministry arise.

 We also believe that our facility is only a small part of what God is doing all across our area and we intend to be an integral part of the Kingdom mentality in lieu of “my church” or a “my ministry” organization.

I am asking each of our members to pray for unity in this region so that we can set a standard for how the corporate church should work together in a region. We are also asking all of our “friends” to consider making a mid-year contribution to help catch up on all our bills. Everyone knows summer is slow for ministry offering and gifts. We’re no exception. I don’t go on an on about money, begging people or promising great financial rewards. But, we do ask when there is a need. Now, there is a need! Ask the Lord what your part could be right now and send in a gift to help pay off many bills coming due from the summer drought. We do pray over every offering and come into agreement that your seed will bear much fruit!