The RGV, Texas & the World (Today and Tomorrow)

     

    
      Everyday Texas and the rest of the United States looks more like the Rio Grande Valley has looked for sometime.  In addition, and naturally related, to drastic demographic shifts, the use of the Spanish language in the U.S. and the rest of the world is on the increase.  Of course, the subject of demographic shifts and of the increase of Spanish language use is not a new subject to those of us who live in the Rio Grande Valley.  In fact, I addressed this two summers ago when I had the privilege of preaching the annual sermon at the meeting of Texas Baptists in San Antonio.  You can click here to see my blog post from two years ago.

     What prompts my post on this subject this week is my reading of the Editorial article in the July 20, 2015 Baptist Standard by Marv Knox and a recently published report regarding the global use of the Spanish language, which Sergio Ramos, a close friend, shared with me.  Marv Knox's editorial, which you can read by clicking on the link above, addresses the demographic trends in our state and some implications for churches.  (I will quote and comment on this below).  The Spanish language report, named Español Lengua Viva 2015 published by Instituto Cervantes (Spain) is in Spanish but may be downloaded here also.  (I will also share a few of the findings and comment on it below).

     Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen is a multi-cultural church that provides ministry in primarily two languages (English and Spanish).  As a church we have intentionally addressed the demographic and language context around us in an effective manner.  Our church demonstrates vitality and relevance for today and for the future as we minister to all people in the name of Christ.  Additionally, CBC is a missional church with a global heart.  The shifts in our state, nation and world matter to us as we continue to develop strategies to be on mission with God.

     We are aware that ethnicity and language are two different but related issues.  The growth of the Hispanic population in Texas and the U.S. speaks to changes in the ethnic landscape.  (Ethnicity has to do with culture, and, in some cases with race, although race and ethnicity are not equivalent).  Closely related to this is the use of the Spanish language.  Although, not all Hispanics speak Spanish and not all Hispanics who speak Spanish prefer it over English, the growth of the Hispanic population implies a degree of growth in the use of the Spanish language.  The two publications mentioned above and discussed below deal with each of these issues respectively (ethnicity and language).

Shifts in Ethnicity (Hispanics/Latinos and more)

     Marv Knox, quoting from the Texas Tribune, remarks that the future demography of Texas may be seen in Texas public schools today.  Currently the enrollment in Texas public schools consists of "51.8 percent Hispanic, 29.4 percent Anglo, 12.7 percent African-American, and 3.7 percent Asian."  He further quotes that in Texas, "Hispanics will outnumber Anglos by 2020--that's five years from now--and will account for more than a half of the state's population by 2042."  These trends are more accelerated in the big cities.  The article notes that the Hispanic population in the Dallas and Houston schools consists of 69.8 percent and 62 percent respectively.  The editor lists five implications for Texas Baptists:

1. Double down church starting efforts among Hispanics, especially in the cities
2. Education of Hispanic ministers is vital if we're going to reach Texas with the gospel
3. Many existing churches must become multi-cultural
4. The role of Baptist associations will increasingly focus on helping churches make these transitions
5. The Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas is vital to the future of our state and they have been wise to hire a full-time executive director (Jesse Rincones)

    Marv Knox assesses the situation correctly on all five counts.  As it pertains to Calvary in particular, I would like to make the following observations in regard to the above:

1.  CBC has historically (since the beginning) invested in Hispanic congregation church starts both through cooperative missions giving and directly (Emmanuel, McAllen; Getsemani, McAllen; Primera, Sullivan City; Emmanuel, Edinburg; Primera, Rio Grande City; etc.).  However, we must seriously consider how we should increase our Hispanic congregation church starting efforts this decade
2. We should consider our strategic support of institutions like the Baptist University of the Americas (BUA) in San Antonio, the South Texas School of Christian Studies (STSCS) in Corpus Christi and McAllen and the Rio Grande Bible Institute (RGBI) in Edinburg as they carry out their mission of educating ministers for Hispanic, multi-cultural and other ethnic congregations and of preparing cross-cultural leaders to be mobilized for global missions.  We currently support BUA through our Cooperative Giving and partner with them in our Wednesday night ICC.  I currently serve on the board of the STSCS, which has a campus just a few blocks from our church building.  Our missions budget supports some RGBI segments and many of the RGBI staff, faculty and students are members of our church.  Nevertheless we must continue to think about the importance of these institutions in relation to the future of our state, nation and world.
3. We are already a multi-cultural church!  These demographic trends have been a reality for us here in the RGV for many years now.  This means that those of us who live in the Valley can offer perspective and experience to those who live in other parts of our state.  Calvary Baptist Church continues to be a leader in this venture.  Although Knox aptly suggests that some congregations in Texas should transition to Hispanic congregations, we do not have an agenda of transitioning CBC into a fully Hispanic congregation.  We really believe we are gifted with the opportunity of being multi-cultural and are committed to continuing that inclusivity as long as the population in our area allows for it.  We can do this because we have not reacted to population changes.  Instead we have been proactive and timely, allowing us to remain diverse.  We can now change our rhetoric from how "different" we are to the rest of Texas to how we can make a difference in Texas.
4. Because we have experienced the flip side of minority from Hispanic to Anglo in the RGV, our church continues to be committed to ministering with sensitivity and love to all people regardless of who is the majority and who is the minority.  On the positive side, at its inception Calvary, as a majority Anglo congregation worked so that Hispanics in the Valley had a place to hear the gospel, worship and grow spiritually with freedom and dignity.  In the future Calvary, as a multi-cultural church should ensure that minority groups (Anglo or any other) have a place to hear the gospel, worship and grow spiritually with freedom and dignity.  (On the other side of history, the gospel demands that the new majority populations that are Christ-like do not repeat the mistakes or faults of former majority populations).
5. Because approximately half of our congregation is either Hispanic or Spanish-speaking or both, we will continue to be supportive of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas as well as of Texas Baptists (BGCT).

Language (The growth of Spanish globally)
 
    The conversation of Spanish-language use adds another dimension to the demographic changes in Texas and also enlarges the scope to the global scene.  Some of the highlights from the 2015 report by the Instituto Cervantes include the following among many others:

1. Currently (2015) there are 470 million people in the world whose first language is Spanish and a total of 559 million people who speak Spanish at some level, making Spanish the 2nd most spoken language in the world after Chinese Mandarin.  (More Christians in the world speak Spanish than any other language).
2. By the year 2050 the U.S. will have the largest number of Spanish speakers than any single country in the world.  (Currently, the top five are Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Argentina and the U.S., in that order.  There are currently at least 22 Spanish-speaking countries in the world and the U.S. already has more Spanish speakers than 17 of those countries)
3. North America (Canada, USA & Mexico) and Spain account for 78% of the buying power in the Spanish-speaking world
4. Spanish is the third most used language on the internet
5. The rate of growth of Facebook users in Spanish is greater than that of those in English.
6. Spanish is the second most used language on Twitter in predominantly English-speaking cities such as London and New York.
7. Spanish is the second most used language in number of visits to Wikipedia
8. More than 33% of Hispanic families in the U.S. speak Spanish at home
9. The size of the Spanish-speaking community in the U.S. is large enough to directly influence the programming content of media
10. The impact of ads in English increases to 30% among Hispanics when it is also broadcast in Spanish

     A few, perhaps obvious, general implications (in addition to those listed above) include:

1. Knowing or learning to speak Spanish is a helpful kingdom (and economic) advantage in today's world
2. Businesses and ministries that desire to grow and be relevant in the U.S. provide (and increase) Spanish-language services
3. Providing Spanish-language services helps a church (or business) not only have a local impact, but because of the internet and other global connections, also have a global impact
4. Not only is there a need to start more Hispanic congregations, but there continues to be a need to start Spanish-speaking congregations and ministries

More specifically for CBC McAllen, I add the following:

1. CBC and its leadership have been wise to start and continue to support "Calvary en Español" as a Spanish language expression of the church's ministry
2. While efforts to minister in Spanish should continue to increase on our campus and beyond our campus, we remain committed to an English-speaking ministry.  English language ministry will continue to be relevant in the future regardless of ethnicity (Anglo, Hispanic, Asian, African and African-American)
3. Currently we have two English-language worship services and one Spanish-language worship service.  As the Spanish-language service rate of growth has been greater, we must ask this coming year whether we should provide another Spanish-language service on our campus adding to our Sunday schedule or whether it is time to open a satellite campus elsewhere.  (If we opt for the satellite campus, should it be a Spanish-language only venue or should we offer both Spanish and English-language services?).  There are no plans for either of these at this point but we must be thinking about it in order to provide for growth and multiplication.
4. As CBC relates strategically to the global sending movement, bilingual leadership with some proficiency in Spanish is needed
5. Mobilizing Latinos and Spanish-speakers as workers in the Muslim world is an effective way of advancing the Great Commission (space does not allow me to elaborate on this here).
6. Although demographic shifts and language statistics inform economics, marketing strategies and ministry concerns, they do not dictate the value of people or populations.  We value all people because all are made in the image of God and because Christ died for all regardless of ethnicity, race or language.  Therefore, we do not consider any group or language more important than another.  Jesus cares about the 1% as much as he cares about the 99%, (I believe there's a parable about that!), and so do we!

    We are in the third millennium of the church and in the third era of the modern missionary movement.  In each of these God has used different people to advance His purposes.  It has been said that in the first millennium, Christianity was led by the East.  In the second millennium, Christianity was led by the West.  And in the third millennium, Christianity will be led by the South.  The first era of the modern missionary movement was led by Europe.  The second era of the modern missionary movement has been led by the U.S.  The third era of the modern missionary movement is increasingly being led by the Majority World (Latin America, Africa and Asia).

     God is doing great things around the world as He continues to fulfill his purposes and use the peoples of the world for His glory.  Calvary McAllen as a multi-cultural congregation with ministry in English and Spanish on the U.S. border with Mexico is strategically poised to be on mission with God.  These are exciting times and it is a privilege for our church to be right in the center of what God is doing not only in the RGV but also in Texas, the U.S. and the rest of the world.  Let us continue to pray and think from God's perspective and according to God's heart.
     

A Summary of our Mission Trip to the Philippines

(traveling from Manila to La Union)

         Our 2015 mission trip to the Philippines has concluded.  I am typing this brief summary on the flight from Manila to Tokyo.  It is noon on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, Manila time.   

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity the Lord gave me to travel with a fine team from CBC to the Philippines on a mission trip.  Such a rich experience is difficult to relate with any kind of thoroughness.  Suffice it to say that God showed himself faithful to us in our ministry to others, in our individual discipleship, and in the growing together as a team.  The prayers of our families and church back home were evident every step of the way.

        

(Mikee Gatan and Jose Luis Jimenez sharing the gospel on campus)

Numerical statistics never tell the whole story.  We did not set numerical goals.  However, when so much is accomplished in one trip, numbers help to give a starting point for telling the story.  With that in mind, I offer a few numbers below:

  27 from CBC ministered in La Union

  17 from CBC ministered in Iloilo

200 people were seen in the medical missions

600 students at the High School assembly

100 youth with whom we played basketball

170 individuals prayed to trust Christ as Savior

150 Filipino church youth encouraged by our youth

130 Filipino pastors addressed by Pastors Julio & Marcus

    3 yards of concrete laid! :)

         Allow me to unpack these a little.  The nature of our trip was both exploratory and service to the people and churches of the Philippines.  Having some contacts in the La Union and Iloilo Provinces with Baptist churches and organizations, we came to learn what they are doing and see how we might pray, support, or perhaps even partner with what they are doing.  We also came prepared to do medical missions, personal evangelism, discipleship conferences for youth, discipleship & missions conferences for pastors, children’s ministry and sports evangelism.

(moms and children waiting for medical mission in Aringay)

         The first leg of our trip was in the La Union Province.  With First Baptist Church, San Fernando leading, we came alongside and did medical missions in two under-served communities (Aringay and San Gabriel).  During the medical missions, some of our team ministered to children and others went to do evangelistic home visits with the local leaders.  Additionally, our students did basketball evangelism in several places.  They played basketball and as youth gathered they shared the gospel with them.  Through one of the local pastors, Marcus and our students had access to a public High School where they addressed students in an assembly and presented the gospel to them.  Pastor Ray Semilla convened pastors from three different provinces for a conference, which I had the privilege to lead.  I had the opportunity of encouraging these dear pastors and of challenging them to join the global mission of God through discipleship and mobilization.  During our time in San Fernando, our youth had an opportunity to have guided interaction and fellowship with the youth of FBC, San Fernando.  They established new relationships and encouraged one another.  Finally, some of our key leaders met with key leaders from FBC, San Fernando to hear a presentation about a holistic community development program that is working across the Philippines.

         The day before we flew out to the Iloilo Province we had the opportunity of visiting the Philippine Baptist Seminary in Baguio City.  This seminary was founded by the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and provides pastoral education to most of the pastors in that area of the Philippines and to some who come from other surrounding countries.  The seminary is now under Filipino leadership and funding.  Nevertheless, it was humbling to see how our mission funds have provided such key institutions for the advancement of the gospel in South Asia and beyond.

(the group on the campus of the Philippine Baptist Seminary)

         The second leg of our trip was to the Iloilo Province.  Although English is spoken throughout the Philippines and the national language is Tagalog, each province has its own language also.  Everyone is bilingual, and many are trilingual.  While in the part of the country we visited a church plant in a remote rural area that is building a structure where the church can meet.  We helped mix concrete and pour it while some of our team ministered to children.  Most importantly we enjoyed great fellowship with the congregation and the pastor who supports himself by growing pineapples, rice and bananas.  We then visited the church where Kiril Brana and his family attended when he was a child.  Kiril and Wendy sponsor their Awana program.  So the children made a presentation to our group and extended a time of fellowship as well.  Our first day ended when Pastor Marcus, our students and other members of our team ministered to youth from various churches in the area who gathered for a regional conference on youth discipleship and evangelism.

         We stayed at the Philippine Christian University, a large university founded by the American Baptist Convention, which provides various majors and also educates pastors at the graduate level through their school of Theology.  (Most of the Baptist pastors in that area of the country graduate from this institution).  Sunday we attended the oldest Baptist church in the Philippines (est 1900) and I had the honor of bringing the message in their mid-morning service, which is in English.  (The early service is in the local language).  That afternoon I preached at the University Church, which is in the middle of the University campus.  Many students and young people attend there.  Services at both churches were very well attended.  In the afternoon our students and other members of the team did personal & basketball evangelism around the campus.  (Although it is a Christian University, there are many students who attend that do not have a personal relationship with Christ, much like our Baptist/Christian universities in the U.S.).

 (our students help lay a concrete floor for a church in Ayuya)

         The Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches convened a seminar for pastors which Pastor Marcus and I were privileged to facilitate.  We offered encouragement, the mobilization challenge, a vision for discipleship, and help in youth ministry.  While we did this, our students and evangelism team continued to do evangelism on campus.

(the convention posted a banner for our conference outside of the university campus)

To God be the glory, great things he has done.  He used every member of our team according to his/her gifts.  He taught us much.  The opportunities for follow-up and potential partnership are latent.

         I am thankful to Calvary, the Pearl ABF, the missions committee, Pastors Chad, Marcus and Paulo, and each member of our team (see the list below).  Thanks for your prayers, your financial contributions, your support, and the investment of your lives.  I am blessed!

1.   Paulo Gatan

2.   Marcus Rodriguez

3.   Jose Luis Jimenez

4.   Amin Calvo

5.   Deborah Jimenez

6.   Rita Fuentes

7.   Rachel Guarneri

8.   Josh Reinha

9.   Carlos Robles

10.        Israel Quiroga

11.        Marcus Rodriguez

12.        Hannah Rodriguez

13.        Bethany Rodriguez

14.        Lydia Rodriguez

15.        Mikee Gatan

16.        Wendy Brana

17.        Chris Brana

18.        Sam Brana

19.        Virley Fortner

20.        Jay Corona

21.        Justin Corona

22.        Jaque Sienes

23.        Nile Sienes

24.        Cecille Gatan

25.        Ken Munn

26.        Melinda Munn

27.        Julio Guarneri

What's the difference between the Alpha training on May 23 and the "Groups Matter" training on May 30?

 

     You may have noticed by now that we have two Saturday trainings scheduled at Calvary at the end of May.  The Alpha "Getting Started" training is on May 23 and the Lifeway "Groups Matter" training is on May 30.  You may be a leader that is being encouraged to attend both and are wondering what's the difference between the two.

     We realize giving up two Saturdays back to back may be quite difficult for you.  So we understand you may have to choose one or the other.  Of course, you are more than welcome to attend both!  But if you need to choose one we want you to make an informed decision.

     I have posted several entries explaining the Alpha course training since that is a first time for our church.  You can see my introductory post by clicking here.

     The "Groups Matter" training will be led by a team from Lifeway Christian Resources (the Southern Baptist Publishing house) and it will offer training for those that lead/teach in our children, student and adult Bible Fellowships.  This is a much needed training as we grow and develop our Bible Fellowships.  You can find more information about this training by going to our website or clicking here.

     The "Groups Matter" training will also have an English and a Spanish track and it will be completely free to participants.

     Whether you attend the "Groups Matter" or the Alpha "Getting Started" training you will be supporting the disciple-making mission of Calvary Baptist Church.  We trust you can make the best decision of which training to attend if you must choose.  If you need any more assistance or want more information, do not hesitate to contact one of our pastors.

How does Alpha fit into the CBC Strategy?

     Although at this point Alpha is a strategy that we will pilot at CBC, I would like to share with you how it could potentially look long term.

     Allow me to remind you of both our church's purpose and vision statements:

Purpose Statement:

Calvary Baptist Church exists to glorify God

by loving Him with all our being and

by loving people in the power of the Holy Spirit

that they might become Christ-followers.

The statement above declares our reason for existing.

Vision Statement:

We will be a community of Christ-followers

who love God with all our being and

are sent into our world by Jesus Christ

in the power of the Holy Spirit

to love others and encourage them to follow Christ,

resulting in the multiplication of missional communities.

The statement above is a declaration of what it will look like when we are living out our purpose.

     My desire is to see ABFs or "missional communities" who are engaging the lost, loving them, and helping them to become disciples.  These mid-size groups (whether we call them ABFs, SBFs, missional communities or something else) can meet on campus on Sunday morning, on campus at another time of the week, or off-campus at any time of the week.  As this happens we will see people come to faith, groups grow, and groups multiply.

     The Alpha course can be a tool for existing ABFs to engage those without faith in Christ yet.  When and how each ABF may choose to do this may vary according to the group.  For others, Alpha may be the pre-ABF or pre-missional community step.  In others words Alpha will be the first step toward starting a mid-size group.

     Alpha is a strategy that can be implemented in a home, at the church, at a restaurant or other venue.

     After the training on how to start Alpha on May 23, we will look for commitments of individuals and groups to start Alpha courses either in the fall of 2015 or the spring of 2016.  The summer months will afford sufficient time for teams to enlist volunteers and make plans to launch an Alpha course in the fall.  I personally hope to launch an Alpha group in the fall.  It is possible that we would have multiple Alpha courses going on this fall or we may just have one or two.  Either way, I'm convinced that this will be like leaven.  It is not about starting a lot of groups immediately but about simply starting.  In due time, the Lord will multiply the efforts as the leaven grows in the whole dough.  That's how Jesus said the kingdom of God works!

    Whether you're sure or not that you would like to be part of Alpha this fall, make plans to attend the training.  Register online today.  The discount code of Calvary leaders is cbcalpha. 

   For the answer to question #8, click here. 

Should I plan to be there all day?

  

     The Alpha training on May 23 will be from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.  We realize this is a whole day commitment.  However, it is important that you plan to attend the entire training.  The training will consist of more than just information.  It will model the group dynamics that are used in the Alpha course.  This is not something that you can just read in a make-up chapter.

     The Alpha course is different from Sunday School classes and ABFs.  It is different from the EQUIP courses we offer.  It is different from the evangelism strategies we have used in the past.  In my opinion this kind of approach to sharing the gospel requires a paradigm shift for those of us that have grown up in evangelical churches utilizing 20th century methods.  For that reason it is very important that we come to this training with open minds, willing hearts and an undivided agenda for the day.

     I realize that asking you for a whole Saturday is a big request.  However I'm convinced that God can use this to bring about renewal to our congregation and a harvest of disciples in God's own time.  So block out May 23 on your calendar and register on line today.  The discount code for Calvary leaders is cbcalpha. 

   You can read the answer to the seventh question by clicking here.

Why are we charging for the training?

     As you go to the online registration page, you will notice that there is a registration cost.  We usually don't charge our leaders when we offer a training.  In this case, we are subsidizing the cost for Calvary leaders, which means Calvary leaders only pay $10 per person.  This is essential the cost of the meals and snacks for the day.  You can get this discounted rate when you use the code cbcalpha.

     As you know trainings like these incur costs.  We are bringing a team from out of state which implies travel costs.  There are materials, publicity, and foods costs.  Based on our projected attendance for the training, we are estimating the cost per person to be around $40.  We will charge this full cost to people coming from other churches.  However, Calvary will subsidize the cost for Calvary leaders and for Calvary members who are interested in staring Alpha.

     We calculated all these costs trying to make it accessible to everyone while also being good stewards of our limited church budget resources.  We know this is a good investment of money and we hope it is accessible to you.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.  Please don't let money be what keeps you from participating.

     For the answer to the sixth question click here please.

Who is the Alpha Training for? Should I Go?

     The Alpha training which I have described in the previous posts is meant for Calvary members and leaders who want to know how to start an Alpha course.  Some of you might feel led to start one or be part of a team.  Others of you may not feel led to do so but understanding the strategy will help you be supportive, especially in prayer.

     Ideally ABFs can utilize Alpha as a way to reach their friends, neighbors and relatives for Christ.  So ABF leaders and members are invited.  Deacons, pastors and other leaders are also encouraged to attend.  Any CBC member that wishes to start Alpha or be part of a team may also attend.  Any of the people mentioned in this paragraph can use the Calvary leaders' discount code (cbcalpha).

     On Saturday, May 23 there will be two simultaneous trainings: one in English and the other in Spanish.  Saturday is our main training.  In addition, for those who might be interested we will also have an Alpha Youth training in English and a Family course in Spanish both on Friday night.  See the registration page for more information. 

     We are also inviting leaders from other churches in the area.  However, this is primarily a Calvary event.  Our hope is that at least 75% of the available spots are filled with Calvary people.  We have child care available but there are limited spots.  So if you need child care, we encourage you to register soon and reserve a spot for your child (children).

     I hope you will invest of your precious time in this important training which can yield eternal dividends!

     For the answer to the fifth question click here.

Why bring Alpha to CBC now?

     Calvary has always been an evangelistic church.  For many years we successfully used the FAITH strategy.  FAITH was an adaptation of Evangelism Explosion, which was started by James Kennedy when he was pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale.  Currently our Spanish ministry is using the Spanish version of Evangelism Explosion: Evangelismo Explosivo.

     It has been a few years since we have had a focused evangelism strategy in our English Language Ministry at Calvary.  Of course, evangelism has been happening through the personal witness of individuals, the fellowship of ABFs, various events and our worship services.  But I have been praying that God would direct us to a focused strategy for reaching the lost.  My heart is that we would be a church of disciple-makers.  So whatever evangelism strategy we use has to be integrated with discipleship and missions.

     Over 20 years ago, I had the privilege of being pastor & friend to Jose & Lidia Garrigó in Fort Worth.  After seminary graduation the Garrigo's followed God's call to church planting in the Barcelona area of Spain.  Our church had the privilege of supporting them in prayers and with finances.  I had the opportunity of visiting them in Barcelona when they were having little to no success in their church planting effort.  (Spain is very much a post-Christendom place where sharing the gospel is difficult).  Sometime later José & Lidia went to London and took the Alpha training.  God used that tool and other variables to bring several Spaniards to a relationship with Jesus.  On a subsequent visit to Spain I saw with my own eyes how God had transformed the lives of these individuals.  Since then José & Lidia became Alpha leaders across Spain, parts of Europe, and are now in the U.S. as AlphaUSA leaders and also training people in Alpha Latinos throughout Latin America.  After a recent visit from José to McAllen, the Lord laid on my heart that this might be the time and the strategy for Calvary.  (Our context today shares much in common to where Europe was 20 years ago!).  When I shared with the pastoral staff the idea of learning this strategy, they enthusiastically agreed.  So I'm pleased to say that José, Lidia and their team will be coming to Calvary on May 23 to train us on how to start Alpha!

               

                         José Garrigó                    Lidia Garrigó

                  Alpha USA Director            Alpha Trainer for

                       Alpha Latinos                Relationship Central  

                           

                     Mariel Rocha                     Sam Stevens

                 National Trainer for           Director for Alpha

                     Alpha Youth                  California & Hawaii

     Of course the reason we share the gospel is because Christ commissioned us to do it.  We as the church get to join God's mission of redeeming the world to Himself.  There are many in the McAllen area who need to have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  As I shared with you in the first post, the McAllen area is one of the top churchless cities in the U.S.

     Take time to register today.  Click here to do so.  The Calvary leaders' discount code is cbcalpha.

     For the answer to my fourth question, click here.

Alpha: Evangelism Strategy? How?

     If you do any research on line about the Alpha course you will likely not find the label "evangelism strategy" related to it.  However, in our promotion of this training I have chosen to use that descriptor in order to give you an idea of what Alpha is about.  In this post I'm answering the question of how Alpha is not like and how it is different from other evangelism strategies.  (Question #2 from the previous blog post).  In a large part, the training will help to clarify that.  But I understand you may not come to the training if you don't have some understanding of what this is.

     When people hear the word evangelism there are some preconceived notions that might come to mind.  For example:

1. Evangelism consists of presenting a memorized outline and list of Bible verses often referred to as "the plan of salvation."
2. Evangelism consists of door-to-door (cold turkey) visits to people we don't know in order to get a chance to present "the plan of salvation."
3. Effective evangelism consists of convincing an individual to pray "the sinner's prayer" at the end of our presentation, hopefully on the first visit.
4. Evangelism is about "saving souls" or getting people into heaven even if we don't get to build a relationship with the person or disciple them.
5. You have to have the gift of evangelism or a lot of courage in order to present the plan of salvation to people.

Alpha does not share any of the above five notions!  So in that sense, it is not like a other evangelism strategies.  Many of these type of evangelism strategies were developed in a modern world where most folks had a Judeo-Christian worldview or notion.  (I'm not saying that other evangelism strategies are not legitimate. I'm simply pointing out how Alpha is different from them).

     So in what sense is Alpha an evangelism strategy?  In that,

1. It seeks to engage those without faith in Christ
2. It explores the biblical truths of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ
3. Its objective is that at some point those involved will establish a relationship with Jesus that will lead to life-long discipleship

But the Alpha course accomplishes this by building relationships with people in a caring way, facilitating dialogue that is non-judgmental and allows the Holy Spirit to do the convicting, allowing people to voluntarily respond to the gospel after they have understood its context.  This strategy recognized that many folks do not have a Christian or biblical worldview.  So in many ways, it is similar to how the New Testament church might have shared the gospel in the pagan world of the first century.

     So you don't have to have the "gift" of evangelism to use this tool.  You simply have to care for people, treat them as guests, engage in conversation, pray, and let God's Holy Spirit do the rest.

     If this interests you and if you want to know more about how to do this, please register for the training by clicking here.  (The discount code for Calvary leaders is cbcalpha).  Looking forward to seeing you here at Calvary on May 23! 

     To see the answer to my third question click here.

Alpha Course: An Evangelism Strategy?

     By now you have seen our announcements regarding the Alpha course training that we will offer here at Calvary on May 23rd.  Perhaps you don't have questions about life but you do have questions about the training! You might be asking:

1. What is Alpha? (read below)
2. If it has to do with evangelism, how is it like or different from other evangelism strategies?
3. Why bring Alpha to CBC now?
4. Who is this training for?  Should I go?
5. Why is there a cost for the training?
6. If this is an all-day training, can I just go part of the day?
7. How does this fit into the overall strategy of CBC ministry?
8. What is the difference between this training and the "Groups Matter" training on May 30?

     I will address these eight questions in a series of brief blog posts with the hope that you will register for the training and use this new tool we are offering.  So let's get you some answers:

What is Alpha?

     Alpha is a "course" that explores Christianity in a non-threatening, relational environment.  It consists of a series of about 10 weekly meetings over a meal and a weekend getaway at some point.  The topics that are discussed are the person and work of Jesus, personal faith, the Bible, the Holy Spirit and the church.

     This course began at the Holy Trinity Brampton (Anglican) Church in London over 20 years ago to introduce people to Christianity.  (Those of you familiar with Evangelism Explosion might know that EE was started by Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale).  Today 27 million people in 169 countries have gone through Alpha in one of 112 languages.  Alpha courses are hosted/sponsored by 127 denominations in all 50 states of the U.S.  

    As the amount of people in the world who are unchurched and unfamiliar with the Christian faith is growing at a fast pace, it is encouraging to know that 28% of Alpha participants are under 35 years old; 40% of Alpha participants are from outside the church (unchurched); 50% of Alpha participants establish a personal relationship with Jesus.  In other words, this course is really reaching the "lost" with the gospel in a very effective way.

     Although I will address this in another post, I will simply mention here that the Alpha course is relevant today because it is a strategy that works for populations that are unfamiliar with Christianity and/or the church.  It is a strategy that is cross-cultural and relevant in a post-modern world.

   If you are wondering how "unchurched" the McAllen area is, see this article from Barna where the McAllen area ranks fourth in the List of churchless cities of the U.S.

  Click here or go to our church website to register for the training at Calvary.  (The discount code for Calvary leaders is cbcalpha).  I encourage you to register today!  (I've already registered!)

     To see the answer to my second question click here.

Chad Mason Considered for Ordination

       As Lead Pastor, I am thankful for the opportunity to work alongside Chad Mason.  It is time to consider him for ordination and I am happy to be a part of this process and time in his life.

     Pastor Chad Mason is being considered for ordination to the pastoral ministry.  This Sunday, April 19th, an ordination council will examine him in order to present a recommendation to the Church in Conference on April 26th.  Chad will be preaching in the English services this Sunday and will share his testimony in the Spanish service.

     Ordination is a local church's affirmation of one who has given sufficient evidence of a call to ministry, gifting for ministry, preparation for ministry (spiritually, morally, biblically, academically and in practice), and doctrinal soundness).  The ordination council, made up of ordained deacons, pastors and other mature leaders, examines the candidate as to these things and makes a recommendation to the church.  The church votes on said recommendation.  If the vote is affirmative, an ordination service is held for the laying-on of hands over the candidate.

     Calvary called Pastor Chad in January 2013 to join our pastoral staff.  For two years Chad has served as Pastor for Mobilization and Global Impact, in addition to serving as pastor for ABFs.  This year he was assigned the responsibility of pastor for worship and he no longer serves as pastor for ABFs.  

     Chad is married to Jordan Alise (Hargraves) and they have two precious daughters: Makaila and Aly.  Chad obtained his BA in education from Northwest University, Kirkland Washington and his Masters of Leadership from Bakke Graduate University.  Previous to his role here at CBC, Chad served as the Pastor for Rose City Baptist Church and Perspectives Regional Director for Texas.  He and Alise also served for two years as directors of Vida Nueva Children's Home in Parras de la Fuente, Coahuila, Mexico.

     In addition to his passion for the nations and for worship, Chad also enjoys hanging out with his family, playing guitar, fishing, playing basketball, mountain climbing, wake boarding and motorcycles.

     Please pray that this process is God-honoring and affirming of the life and ministry of a brother Chad Mason.

     Should you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Joshua Guarneri to Media Associate Role

     About a month ago I communicated with you the need to fill our Media Associate (Production Director) vacancy.  Click here to see my February 7 post or simply scroll down to the previous post.

     I am happy to notify you that we have hired Josh Guarneri as Media Associate (Production Director).  Josh will begin his employment here at Calvary on Sunday, March 15.  He will report to Chad Mason as Pastor for Mobilization and Worship.

     Josh has been Production Director for Fielder Church (Arlington, Texas) East Campus since 2012 until now.  He served as Production Coordinator for Dallas Baptist University from 2010 to 2012.  He also served as media director for High Pointe Baptist Church, Cedar Hill (2011-2012) and Cockrell Hill Baptist Church, Dallas (2007-2011).  He began his ministry in this area at Getsemani Baptist Church, Fort Worth as a sound engineer from a very young age.  Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies with a Philosophy Minor from Dallas Baptist University.

     As you know, the Media Associate position has been vacant since November 15, when Jared Solis stepped down from this role.  I asked Lorena Lozano to help us carry this ministry in the interim and she has done a phenomenal job for these four months.  I am so grateful to Lorena for all she has done and for the spirit in which she has done it.  Lorena has agreed to stay in her interim role through March 29 in order to ensure a smooth transition in this important ministry.  The previous post has a link for the positions' job description.

     As we have shifted to multiple worship leaders in each service, according to style and language, and as the supervision for the worship ministry is the responsibility of a pastor that has a dual assignment, the role of the Media Associate will be vital to the implementation of our worship ministry.  This person will be a key central point of communication and execution of worship plans for Sundays and special events.  This position became vacant after we had made significant reductions in our personnel so it is very important that it is filled so that the new reduced team structure can function adequately.

     I am convinced that Josh is highly qualified for this position and is an excellent fit for our context and needs.  Although I have the authority to hire support staff and associates, which I have done on more than one occasion, in this case I felt it was important to involve others in the decision.  Recognizing that Josh is my son, I felt it was important to have input from key leaders in our church.  I have sought the support of the pastoral staff that relates to worship, the personnel committee, and the coordinating council (chairpeople of all the administrative committees and deacons).  They each have provided me with the support to make this hire and with wise counsel in this regard.  (The Coordinating Council discussed it in my absence and communicated a unanimous general consent to move forward).
     
     Please pray for Josh as he will be moving to the Valley the weekend of March 15 and as he begins this new ministry.  May he be a blessing to our church and may our church be a blessing to him.