Four Areas of Ministries
Looking at the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 and at the early church in Acts 2:42-47 (and many other places in scripture), we can begin to see four basic functions or areas of ministry. These four general areas are:
Evangelism, Outreach, Missions …
Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Mark 16:15
Fellowship, Encouraging, Accountability …
Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:2
Praise, Prayer, Worship …
Ephesians 5:19-20, 6:18; Psalms 33
Equipping, Teaching, Bible Study …
Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; John 14:26
Four Relationships
These four areas can be represented by four relationships the church has: between the church and those outside of it, the church and those within it, the church’s relationship toward God, and God’s relationship toward the church. These four relationships can be indicated by four directional words describing the direction of the relationship to the church. They are:
Out-Reach:
The church reaching out to those outside the church. (Evangelism, Missions)
In-Reach:
The church reaching in to those inside the church. (Encouragement, Fellowship)
Up-Reach:
The church reaching up by communicating and giving to God. (Praising, Prayer, Worship)
Down-Reach:
God reaching down by communicating and giving to the church. (Bible Study, Preaching, Teaching, the Holy Spirit)
Open and Affirming Statement of the Chewelah United Church of Christ
“Adopted by the membership March 19, 2000”
“In keeping with our mission of “being children of God, united in our belief in Christ, and called to love one another as God loves us”, and to deepen our mutual involvement in the aims and work of the General Synod, Chewelah UCC declares itsself to be Open and Affirming, joyfully welcoming people of any sexual orientation, race, gender, age, nationality, marital status, economic circumstances, emotional condition, physical or mental ability to all levels of the church.”
All of these relationships work together in balance and are necessary for each other to function properly. These four areas are all part of the discipleship process, which is the church’s Great Commission, and is overseen by the spiritual leadership. People come into the body of Christ through evangelism and then through equipping, encouragement, and growing in their relationship with Christ they then go out and evangelize to others who are then brought into the discipleship process (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:14-15). With each of these four relationships, ministry teams can be established under the church leadership to help ensure that each one functions properly and that no area is neglected or out of balance. Sub-teams can also be established under each of these four core ministry teams to deal with more specific areas if necessary. Maybe naming the ministry teams Up-Reach or In-Reach, for instance, or some other fitting name would help the team to keep focused on their purpose. The following figure illustrates the In, Out, Up and Down-Reach relationships and how each are related to one another.
Adult Book Studies
Join this group to find enjoyable information about the Bible, ask the questions you always wanted to ask and delve deeper into the meanings of Bible passages. First thursday in October.
Prayer Shawl Ministries
The prayer Shawl Ministry knits or crochets shawls that are then passed along to those in need of comfort or solace. In 2004 a ministry began here in Chewelah. This ecumenical group (from St. Mary of the Rosary, St. Paul Lutheran, and United Church of Christ) has created and presented over 400 shawls.
The shawls take several weeks to complete so the seven regular knitters and others who contribute shawls crafted at home are kept busy. If you would like to participate, the group meets twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Cash donations for yarn are always appreciated since it costs approximately $20 per shawl. For those who want to knit or crochet a shawl but can’t afford the yarn, there is some stock available. Consider joining this great ministry.
Contact Pastor Steve, Cheri or Bev for more information
Prayers and Concerns
Email your Prayers and Concerns to Sara (uccchewelah@gmail.com) or call Pastor Steve or Joann Blubaugh (Prayer Chain). Call the church (509-935-8046) or mail to: East 10 Webster Avenue
Chewelah, WA 99109