Really? Is 2011 almost over? Oh, where did you go? An aspect of a year coming to a close that brings us excitement is the simple act of reflection. Growing provides shared teaching, accountability, community through house churches, opportunities for discipleship and encouragement as we go out as workers into the harvest.
We are excited to report that 39 individuals participated in Shep Prep throughout the network this past year. Each region took their own group through a training in the Gospel, Spiritual Formation, Doctrine, House Church Ministry, and Biblical study. From these 39 individuals who participated, eleven new house churches were multiplied! Four additional house churches were planted in Region Two with the launch of the gathering in Xenia. There are now approximately 80 house churches across the Apex network.
Apex Growing looks forward to new offerings in the new year for your development and growth as disciples and house churches. If you desire to shepherd a house church, prayerfully consider taking The Bible Class starting January 15, 2011. The Bible Class forms the biblical foundation you need to guide and shepherd God’s people in the truth of His word and ways. Applications and information can be found at the table next to the women’s restroom outside of the main auditorium. If you are interested in The Bible Class or have any questions please e-mail growing@apexcommunity.org.
This past year was a tremendous one for the Apex Biblical Counseling & Discipleship Ministry. Below are some additional highlights for 2011:
• Approximately 35-40 people were seen for counseling/discipleship reasons per week in 2011
•20 Apexers committed to join the Counseling/Alongsider Team to help hurting people
•Monthly training sessions for the counseling team, house church leaders and other Apexers were completed
•Quarterly large group training events were held on topics such as: Discipleship, Financial Peace and Knowing God
•Additional finance classes were added due to increased interest from the large group training events
•We hosted both a women’s and a men’s conference at Apex
As we reflect on the Apex Counseling Ministry, we are encouraged. Many individuals and couples were healed from life struggles as they sought God’s restoration and direction in their lives. Often we think and pray, “Lord, we do not know what to do here – Please, give us wisdom. Guide us to see more of You.” And people made decisions to rededicate their lives to Christ and some decisions were made to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
When people in the midst of chaos see the ‘Light of God’ shining, even if it is just a scant ray of hope, it is a joy for us. It is a joy to see people grow in knowing the Lord. We have seen people repent of adultery, persevere in darkness, fight for joy when all is hopeless, forgive when the world says they should not. To get a glimpse into the work that He is doing in people’s hearts in their darkest moments is amazing, humbling and convicting. However, that is not all.
What brings us even greater joy is when people who are growing in Christ join Gospel-centered community – even in hard times. When people are in a community that desires to see them flourish in Him, often, they continue to run the race. It is not always easy. The body of Christ is messy. We do not have it all together. That’s why we need Him! It is messy and hard at times, but it’s beautiful when Jesus is at the center. It is beautiful when we are spurring one another on, bearing with one another and sharing His name with others. May we continue to love one another as He has loved us while we are on His mission!
As you reflect along with us, we encourage you to take the time to think upon and thank the Lord for how He has made Himself known through your life and your house church. Please send us any stories you would like to share with the network.
We are excited to see where the Lord takes Apex in 2012! May King Jesus reign in our hearts and our house churches.
The Apex Growing Team
growing@apexcommunity.org
Tags: 2011, Growing, Jason Zastrow, year-in-review