2010 State of the Congregation
2009 Evaluation Period
Revelation 1:10-11; 3:2

The year of 2009 was one of many encounters, challenges, and opportunities for personal growth and capacity. Through our 2009 goal of building capacity, trials were unleashed for many members. At first glance it was troubling and warfare was apparent, but soon it was spiritually understood: How could Christian capacity be developed without experiencing hurdles (Romans 5:3-4). Contrastingly, the year of 2008 ended with solid growth, high morale, and motivation to press forward. Beginning at the second quarter of 2009, our congregation experienced turbulence and consecutive trials. Through it all, elements of morale depreciated, ministry commitment faltered, and attendance shifted. It is a blessing from God to endure spiritual pruning. Congregationally we now possess the capacity to spiritually and efficiently fight through collective storms with increased experience. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

The primary goal of 2009 was encapsulated in the hoped-for-outcome of maintaining the momentum built in 2008 (transcending beyond it), and the generation of systems efficiency. The year of 2008 was used to develop ministry praxis and functionality, systematizing how we congregationally deliver ministry and establishing our congregational model of organization. Some ministries functioned with efficiency and others faltered. All members in ministry must stay in position, always ready to respond without prompting. It is a sign of spiritual immaturity, lack of concern, and irresponsibility for a member to connect to ministry, yet failing to be accountable for agreed upon service. Notice this quote from the 2008 report "Year 2008 was intentionally designed as a year for new procedures and processes to become systematic within the congregation. The process started functionally in March of 2008, but as the months progressed, some ministry participants became slothful in their ministry responsibilities." Despite it all, over the past 10 yearsthe congregation has made tremendous strides in multiple areas toward being purpose driven.

The impacted morale of 2009 shifted for the positive toward the last couple of months of the year, ending with refueling events such as the Sisters Appreciation, Senior Saints Celebration, 5th Sunday Fellowship, and a prayer service. Educationally, Wednesday and Sunday Bible School attendance became sporadic during the middle months of 2009, and accountability needs to be increased regarding the completion of the Spiritual Gifts (Christianity 201 or 301) and Christian Maturity curriculums (Christianity 101). Providing a structure that allows for members to pick from multiple classes potentially created an environment allowing members to be unaccounted for during Bible study sessions. During devotion on both Wednesdays and Sundays, numbers were few, meaning many members were either late for Bible study or absent. The reason and rationale for such behavior is generative food for discussion. During 2010 we must have a focus on obedience, growth, and maturity.

Mandatory Educational Curriculums

Christianity 101: All new members or new converts within the West Oakland Church of Christ must enroll in Christianity 101 immediately upon placing membership or being baptized. Christianity 101 enrollment is to be simultaneous with Christianity 201 or 301. The only members who will not need to enroll in the 201 or 301 course are those placing membership from a church of Christ congregation where they already participated in a spiritual gifts identification process and can confidently articulate their spiritual gifts(s), based on Romans 12:6-8. Christianity 101 focuses on Christian maturity and deeply explores the texts of Galatians 5:22-23 and 2 Peter 1:5-8. The course is generally 7 months in duration and is a cyclical. The class meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM in classroom #2 and is taught by Dr. Saheli.

Christianity 201: All new converts (not necessarily new members) within the West Oakland Church of Christ must enroll in Christianity 201 immediately upon being baptized. Christianity 201 enrollment is to be simultaneous with Christianity 101. Christianity 201 focuses on two concepts: The First Principle of Hebrews 6:1-3 and the Spiritual Gifts of Romans 12:6-8. The goal of the course is to educate all new converts with the knowledge and applications of the First Principles and to help all members explore and personally identify their spiritual gift(s). The course is generally 7 months in duration and is a cyclical. The class meets on Sundays at 9:45 in classroom #2 and is taught by Dr. Saheli.

Christianity 301: All new members (not new converts) within the West Oakland Church of Christ must enroll in Christianity 301 immediately upon placing membership. Christianity 301 enrollment is to be simultaneous with Christianity 101. The only members who will not need to enroll in the 301 course are those placing membership from a church of Christ congregation where they already participated in a spiritual gifts identification process and can confidently articulate their spiritual gifts(s), based on Romans 12:6-8. Christianity 301 focuses on one concept: The Spiritual Gifts and dynamics of Romans 12:3-8. The goal of the course is to educate all new members explore and personally identify their spiritual gift(s). The course is generally 7 months in duration and is a cyclical. The class meets on Sundays at 9:45 in classroom #3 and is taught by Bishop James Heard.