The Care List

Weekly Update – May 2nd, 2024

At our members’ meeting last Sunday (4/28), the elders announced a new segment under our section on membership.  It is called “ the care list.”  The purpose of this list is to give the members of the church an opportunity to provide extra care for other certain members.  It is our attempt at presenting a loving way for the church to pursue those who might be straying, as well as others who might be hurting.  Clint Blankenship presented this segment, even providing two names who would be put on this list at this time.  This week I want to highlight a few points about this list and why we believe that it is necessary and good for us as a church.

First, what is the care list?  The care list is way for us as the church to identify the most pressing needs of members within our body who might be suffering in a specific way, have a particularly pressing need, or who are straying from the body and potentially from Christ.  The elders have a private list of members that we regularly pray for and are seeking to continuously reach out to.  In seeking to care for the body, your elders have certain members who will remain on our internal care list until whatever the issue or struggle is resolved.   Sometimes though, the problem will become serious enough to bring it to the church membership at one of our quarterly members’ meetings.  The person may then be placed on the church care list to get the entire church involved in whatever it is that may be going on.

Second, isn’t this just an extended prayer list?  In short, no.  Here is why.  On the one hand, members may be on the care list for a specific physical or even financial need.  Perhaps a member was recently diagnosed with cancer, or a member lost their job.  By putting them on this care list, we are not asking you to just pray for them, but to encourage them or even act on their behalf.  On the other hand, members may be put on the care list as a measure of church discipline.  This may be over an unrepentant matter of sin, or for extended non-attendance, which is also a matter of sin (Hebrews 10:24-26).  Again, the elders are not only asking the church to pray for the one in sin, but to also act and seek to draw them to restoration before God and the church. 

Third, what if the member in sin does not return?  The next stage after the care list would be to present that particular member to the church at a members’ meeting for their removal from membership.  This is fitting with Matthew 18:17. Before a member is put on the care list, the elders and potentially other members will have already worked through the first two steps of church discipline (Matthew 18:15-16).  This member would have been on the elders’ list and there would have already been multiple attempts to connect and draw this member back to Christ and the church.  The goal of this process is not to be harsh, but to display love as we seek to go after the straying member (James 5:19-20).

Fourth, what are the benefits of the care list?  The main benefit of the care list is that it allows the church to care for the body.  It provides an additional means to prevent members from falling through the cracks and being forgotten.  The other benefit is that it allows the church to be involved in the care process in accordance with Galatians 6:1-2.  Additionally, the care list allows there to be an extra layer of transparency. Therefore, the elders are not asking you to merely “trust us” when we bring a matter to you, especially in a discipline case, but we are asking for you to be directly involved with us. 

In some way, our church has been doing this already. Bringing prayer requests to each other for those who are hurting, reaching out to those who might be suffering, and giving to those who might be in need.  Also, over the last few years, we have been reaching out to much of our membership, trying to connect with those who have been absent and asking you to connect with them as well.  Ultimately our hope is that through the care list, we might continue to fulfill our mission of being a people who proclaim and display the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
- Romans 5:9-10

Announcements:

Harry’s Hay Days: On Saturday, May 4th, from 10:00am-4:00pm, First Baptist Church will be participating in the citywide festival called, “Harry’s Hay Days.” We will be hosting carnival games, face painters, balloon artists, Chick-fil-A, and more, right here in our parking lot. If you are not already signed up, plan to come out at some point and help.

Men’s Bible Study: This men’s study is based on the book, The Exemplary Husband. The study is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday night of each month at 8:00pm in the library. If you are interested see Clint Blankenship.

Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal. We are also in need of spaghetti-o’s, ravioli, dry pancake mix, and maple syrup.

Nursery Volunteers Needed: Nursery volunteers are needed each week during the 10:30am service time. Contact Betty for more information on how you can serve.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” meets in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of 1 Peter meets in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE. 

Wednesday Evening Activities

Youth will continue to meet every week, but all other Wednesday Night Activities will resume on September 4th.