Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant , saying, “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.” – Joshua 1:1-2 (NASB)

In the military, after conducting a mission we have an After Action Review (AAR). The purpose for the review is to reflect on what was planned, what happened, what went well, and what to improve for the next mission.  The AAR is usually done in both a group setting and then followed up with a written report.

Great leaders of the Bible have followed similar practices, though not necessarily in the exact same format. Before Moses and Joshua died they recounted the history of Israel, warned against apostasy, and blessed the Israelites (Deuteronomy 31-33, Joshua 24).  Their words were recorded and shared for the generations to come.

Our congregation in Castle Rock follows a similar practice. For the past three years we have published an annual report. It contains statistics and stories about our congregation for the previous year and provides insight into the year to come.  We release the Annual Report in late January or early February on the same date one of our elders addresses the congregation about the report’s contents and our plans for the year.

I have had the honor of writing the Introduction to the Annual Report all three years. It is something I enjoy doing.  I thought since I had not posted anything for months I would post the introductory letter, as our Annual Report is too long to include in my blog. To provide context, the letter below addresses the first year of our congregation’s three year focus for spiritual growth encapsulated in the words Belong, Become, Bless (which we call the 3Bs).  Last year we were focused on Belong, which is how we describe the first stage of spiritual growth.  I don’t expect this introduction to mean much to you personally, but thought it was worth sharing if for no other reason than to stimulate some thought. So, here is the letter:

Hello Family.

BELONG. BECOME. BLESS. The “3 Bs”: three simple words, one meaningful journey through the stages of spiritual growth. Last year we invited you to help us continue growing by joining us in our journey. What you hold in your hands is a summary of our first year of that journey.

While all the stages of spiritual growth overlap and none are independent, 2015 was a year focused on what it means to BELONG. Each “B” means something different to everyone, and all of us are in a different stage depending on the practical teaching we received, the private disciplines we practiced, the pivotal circumstances we experienced, and the providential relationships we encountered.

Several families determined BELONG meant they wanted to be a part of the Castle Rock congregation. Seven individuals were convicted to BELONG by having their sins washed away in baptism and added to the Church. As a result, on any given Sunday in 2015 our average attendance increased to 230, more than 50% of our average attendance took the opportunity to join our House to House (H2H) ministry, there are kids everywhere, and we surpassed our one-time attendance record set in 2014 by 31.  In a time where other congregations are stagnant or even shrinking, it is a blessing to BELONG to a growing congregation here at Castle Rock.

While we celebrate the blessings of last year, we should be asking ourselves what else we can do to BELONG in 2016. We already offer multiple ministries where you can BELONG, from H2H, to the Children’s Ministry, Leadership Training for Christ (LTC), Encouragement, Meals, and Quilting to name a few. Additionally, as a congregation, we will give families reasons to BELONG. First, we will start the year off with a parenting seminar at the end of January in partnership with Focus on the Family. Then, this summer we will host another family seminar. Finally, this spring, our goal is to start the Upwards Sports program in our community to provide a place where our kids can BELONG to a faith-based sports league and we can introduce our congregation to families desiring the same for their children. This program will need coaches, referees, supporting staff, and participants to be a success. Maybe you see a different need or desire to BELONG in a different capacity. Whatever it is, we pray in 2016 you will decide to BELONG not just to the Castle Rock congregation, but to one of our ministries, programs, or special events as well.

Also, as you read our 3^rd Annual Report and reflect on the blessings of last year and the focus on BELONG, we ask that you consider the year ahead as our journey progresses from BELONG to BECOME, and what that means to you. Our goal is for all of us to grow and “BECOME Christ-like”. We have the leadership, staff (including a remarkable new Associate Minister and his wife), preaching, teaching, ministries, and are working toward the organization necessary to achieve our goal. We only need two more things – God’s continued favor and you. Won’t you join us?

Grace, peace, and love to you all.

DEM