Great Spurgeon quote for all preachers…

“Let your sermons be full of Christ, from beginning to end crammed full of the gospel. As for myself, brethren, I cannot preach anything else but Christ and His cross, for I know nothing else; and long ago, like the apostle Paul, I determined not to know anything else save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. People have often asked me, ‘What is the secret of your success?’ I always answer that I have no other secret but this, that I have preached the gospel – not about the gospel, but the gospel – the full, free, glorious gospel of the living Christ who is the incarnation of the good news. Preach Jesus Christ, brethren, always and everywhere; and every time you preach be sure to have much of Jesus Christ in the sermon.” (C.H. Spurgeon, The Soul Winner, 1992, p.79)

Watched this this morning and was encouraged and inspired…!

Check out this excellent video.

I’m really excited about our next Alpha Course that starts on Monday 11 October with a launch party the week before on Monday 4 October.

Let’s hope and pray that God uses it to bless many people looking for meaning and purpose in life.

If you don’t feel excited about it yet, check out the promo video below and think about who you could invite to find out more about the most loved and hated person in history, Jesus Christ.

More info. about our Alpha Course is available by clicking here.

We have a couple of job opportunities at Westminster Chapel that have opened up, please do consider them and/or spread the word to any who might be interested. Thanks.

Caretaker (Part or Full-Time)

To provide practical support facilitating the smooth running of services, meetings, events and conferences at Westminster Chapel (WC), including: room set up/set down, serving as the fire safety officer, premises lock up/opening up, preparing the Auditorium for Sunday services and basic maintenance.

Must have the ability to physically perform the responsibilities of the job, including lifting a minimum of 50lbs on a regular basis and a hearty endorsement of WC’s Mission, Vision and Values and the biblical and theological orientation of its leadership. A combination of carpentry, decorating, plastering, electrical and plumbing knowledge, skills and qualifications preferred but not required.

Salary: £12,600-£18,000 (depending on hours worked) | Hours: 28-40 hrs per week (subject to skills and experience) | Closing date: EXTENDED to 3 October 2010 | Duration: 1 November 2010 (or later by agreement) – 31 October 2011 (with the possibility of extension or progression to an open ended employment contract)

Children and Families’ Director (Full-Time)

To oversee WC’s Children (age 0-10) and Families’ Ministry. He/she will be responsible for the development and implementation of an annual Children and Families’ Ministry Strategy. He/she will provide leadership and direction to volunteers and represent the interests and concerns of children and their families in WC and the local community to WC’s leadership. He/she will also be expected to support 1-2 other ministries, in line with his/her gifting and experience, such as Alpha, CityLifeGroups, Parenting, Marriage, and Mercy Ministries.

Must have proven experience of working with children, good organisation and administrative skills, a hearty endorsement of WC’s Mission, Vision and Values and the biblical and theological orientation of its leadership.

Salary: £22-28,000 (subject to qualifications and experience) | Closing date: 3 September 2010 | Start date: 1 November 2010 (or later by agreement)

Further information, detailed job descriptions and application forms for either job can be obtained by emailing office@westminsterchapel.org.uk.

A study was undertaken by Stetzer and Dodson (Comeback Churches, 2007) of 324 “comeback churches” in America – churches that experienced 5 or more years of plateau and/or decline since 1995 and this decline was followed by significant growth over the past 2-5 years, including a membership to baptism (conversion) ratio of 35:1 or lower each year and at least a 10% increase in attendance each year. This approach overcomes the conversions-switchers problem (since it does not rely solely on measuring worship service attendance) although, it is subject to contextual restrictions, since only US churches were surveyed.

The main quality/comeback characteristics they identified were: leadership, three faith factors (renewed belief in Jesus and the mission of the church, renewed attitude for servanthood, and strategic prayer efforts), worship and preaching, intentional and strategic evangelism, connecting people to spiritual maturity, motivating and mobilizing people out of the pews (helping people discover their spiritual gifts), and connecting people through small groups.

Leadership

Proactive Leadership: “Comeback leaders took the initiative for change” (praying Matt 9:37-38 regularly and passionately and model evangelistic passion). pp.39-41

Sharing Ministry: “Comeback leaders shared the ministry…made choices about those in whom they invested their time and how they invested their time…[and] quickly gave away nonministry tasks.” pp.42-43

Intentional Planning: “Comeback leaders intentionally used their time and the time of others differently…[and] intentionally planned to spend more time doing “people stuff.”” pp.44-45

Vision: “Comeback leaders agreed that having a clear and compelling vision was foundational in the transformation of their churches.” p.45

Developing Leaders: “Comeback leaders multiplied themselves.” p.50

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