DETAILS:
1. New Things: We are hungry to fulfill our mandate as an Apostolic Center and increase our spiritual footprint in our community. With our shift to a non-denominational status pretty much complete, we have been freed up to focus on this question, "Father, what do You want to change to take us to the next phase of our assignment?" One of the ways He has answered that question was through a word spoken by a trusted friend who leads ministry in Nigeria, Tunde Bolanta, during his visit with us in May of 2015. The word was simple, and it was given to me directly, as the apostle of the house: "There will be three streams coming into the church (Rivergate). The first one is order....and I don't know what the other two are." I instantly groaned and recognized this as the LORD. Lol! Order doesn't come naturally for me, but I know it's a slice of Jesus that we have needed to see manifested in our house. As part of the answer to that word, the Lord brought Alex and I into relationship with a couple who has now come on staff (as volunteers) to join us in this venture. You may even have been praying for them in response to our request in the previous blog (those "seasoned leaders"). Eric and Deborah Dombach are world class folks. They moved to our area about two years ago. For about 12 years prior, they were on the board of Life Center in Harrisburg, PA, from whom we received glowing reviews of both their hearts and their hands to lead. After about six months of exciting and intense relationship building and discussions about vision, mission, philosophy, doctrine, etc., we all felt very confirmed about the Lord's direction for joining forces. Eric has come on as a co-pastor to my lead. We welcomed the Dombach's officially into the body on February 14th and it has been a wonderful fit. He is very gifted and geared for structure, but with a great hunger and appreciation for the flow that makes us so...Rivergatey. ;-) Feel free to contact me directly if you want more details on this.
2. Corporate Focus: We are continuing to learn more about what it means to grow as an Apostolic Center. As a house, we are tweaking/building on our 4 M's (see last quarter's blog) and I am speaking the entire year from the Book of Acts. Although not limited by the experiences of the first century church, they are a barometer we are using to raise faith for an increase of our own. We are also becoming more visible in the community. Our local ministry network is strong. The Horizon Home is growing. The Medical Clinic is stable. We are looking forward to Robert Henderson's visit with us during this year's Intercessor Refresher, which is expanding to offer multiple sessions this year. Stuart Quartemont and I are conducting a Men's Conference in Lindale at Community Christian Fellowship that is literally pulsing with anticipation and destiny. The plans for the cooperative church plant with the A/G are moving forward; and the RGC body has already raised over $18,000 toward the $55,000 pledge. We are continuing to make progress on our governmental structure changes, as well. I am very excited about how we are adjusting leadership to adopt a much more Biblical model, while still meeting legal requirements and addressing contemporary issues. I will be sure to share those documents when things are complete.
DISPATCH:
Please pray for our continued progress. Pray for an increase of God's presence and power. Pray for smooth and effective growth, as we make the most of our recent changes. Continue to pray for abundant finances as we still have three GOD sized plans that require big cash. 1. The church plant with the A/G. 2. Our Spanish ministry launch church of 2013. We would love to surprise them with a big offering. 3. We are considering a church plant in Mexico. Also, there are some stirrings about a local interest purchasing our property. I think it would be GREAT for us! Until next time....
Grateful for your leadership,
Chris Liotta
Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com
© 2016 Chris Liotta
