Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church (Bruce Barlow, lead pastor) has been emphasizing the responsibility of each believer to plant seed (i.e. give a witness for Christ) in the natural forums where each person has been placed. This Sunday, June 1, the entire church family is being encouraged, instead of meeting in regular ABFs and Sunday School classes, instead to meet in self-selected “Field Focus Teams” for mutual discussion, encouragement, and motivation in witness.
Ted Rondeau and Jay Bell, who work in the outreach area of the church, have helped church members group themselves into one of the following categories by special-interest, or by self-identification. As they explain:
Field Focus Teams are how we, as a church family , seek to put “Out Plantin” into practice in our daily lives following the natural rhythms of where Jesus has already planted us (Mt. 13:37) …where we work…where we play…where we associate in the community.
Field Focus Teams are arranged with a focus on connecting with not-yet-believers in the vocational, recreational and civic/social aspects of our lives. Please find your way to one of the following groups during the 9 a.m. hour this Sunday
Out Plantin’ 101 – Kip Cone – Worship Center
For those new to the church family, unfamiliar with “Out Plantin”, or uncertain of where to start.
Education – Mark McCollom – Fellowship Hall
For those involved with K-12 public school, K-12 Christian school, Undergrad & grad school, and supporting services (bus, grounds, food service, etc.).
Homemakers – Mary Cone – Fellowship Hall
For those with children, without children (young couples or empty nesters) and Home-schoolers.
Business Owners & Professionals – Mark Hall – Fellowship Hall
Medical professionals, business executives and owners, those in management positions, sales professionals, etc.
Retail, Service, Manufacturing & Production – Dave Rank – Fellowship Hall
Factory workers, clerks, assistants, service industries, retail sales, etc.
Recreational Activities – Ted Rondeau – Fellowship Hall
If you look at your hobby, recreational, sports or pasttime activities as a means of connecting with non-believers or would like to begin doing so.
Unchurched Family & Neighbors – Terry White – Youth Center Auditorium
For those with a burden for lost family members and/or neighbors.
Ministry Workers & Leaders – Bruce Barlow – Conference Room
Do you find yourself working in an all Christian environment? Let’s talk about breaking out of the bubble.
Building Trades & Handyman Hobbies – Brent Hollinger – Church Office Lobby
All building trades or those with handyman skills or hobbies in the trades.
Retirees & Seniors – Tom Julien – Fireside Room
For those with a burden to reach other retirees or seniors for Jesus.
Students – Tim Wright & Nick Deck – Youth Center Rooms
High school and Jr. High students.
College Students – please pick a Field Focus Team from above that relates to your career direction or join in the “Recreational Activities” team.