“IT IS AMAZING HOW MUCH PEOPLE CAN GET DONE IF THEY DO NOT WORRY ABOUT WHO GETS THE CREDIT”
Essential Principles of Mobilizing an Acts 1:8 Local/Global Church
Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Introduction:
These are days of unprecedented Blessings and Opportunities for the Mobilization of Local Churches for Acts 1:8 Local/Global Local Church Involvement
Definition of Mobilization: Teaching believers in a local church to understand
God’s Acts 1:8 local/global plan, motivating them to a loving response to God’s word, and providing opportunities for them to use their gifts, abilities, life experiences and resources individually and corporately to accomplish His Acts 1:8 local/global plan.
Clarification of Mobilization: It is a Process of Spiritual Transformation not
Implementation of a Program!
I. Worship is Both the Primary Motivation and Ultimate Culmination of Mission
“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the Church. Worship is. Missions exists
because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever.”
John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad
Note: historically in evangelicalism it seems that the primary motivation was the “lostness of man”. This is a secondary motivation. The primary motivation should be the “glory of God.”
“Passion for God Should Fuel Compassion for Men”
II. The Church is God’s Instrument to Communicate the Message of Redemption and the Local Church is His Primary Instrument
A. Local Church – over 90% of references in N.T. are to local church
B. Body of Christ – I Cor. 12:13
III. The Pastor is the Key Influencer in the Local Church for Acts 1:8 Local/Global Ministry and Must, in Cooperation and Coordination with the Church Leaders, Lead the way to Mobilize an Acts 1:8 Local/Global Church
IV. We Must Embrace the Personalization/Partnership Paradigm
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your PARTNERSHIP in the gospel from the first day until now….” Philippians 1:3-5
Previously/Historically: SUPPORT – “give me your money and I’ll do it for you.”
Present Generations: PERSONALIZATION/PARTNERSHIP
PERSONALIZATION: “ the process of involving each believer in using their gifts,
abilities, resources and life experiences in God’s global cause which is gathering worshippers unto Himself.”
Body of Christ/Made up of Individuals/Importance of Each Believer:
(Romans 12:4-8, I Cor. 12)
PARTNERSHIP: working together in teamwork to increase our ability to be more
productive and fruitful.
(T. E. A. M. – Together Each Accomplishing More)
Why should we commit to and implement this mew model of
Partnership/Personalization?
1. To Maximize the Church’s Involvement
2. To Engage the Church Strategically
3. To Mobilize the entire congregation
4. To Connect with the Generations of Today
V. We should commit to helping every believer/member being involved:
“Inside the Walls” – any ministry, strategy, event or activity that is targeted toward the members or regular attenders of the local church.
“Outside the Walls” – any ministry, strategy, event or activity that is targeted toward the unsaved or unchurched whether local or global
VI. We Must Understand Generational Dynamics and Approach Local/Global Mission Practically From a Generational Perspective
1. They are Purpose Driven – “Why”
2. They are Personality Oriented – “Relationships”
3. They are Project Motivated – “Hands-On Involvement”
VII. The Local Church Must Intentionally Develop a Corporate Purpose, Strategy and Personality related to Growing an Acts 1:8 Local/Global Church
Corporate Purpose: There is a distinct difference between a local church with a
missions program and a global church with a mission mindset
Corporate Strategy: Acts 1:8
1. Geographic Designations
2. Cultural Implications
Corporate Personality:
“Missions Should be the ‘DNA’ of the Church
“Missions is the Mission of the Church”
“Missions Must Be Your Personality, Not a Program”
“Missions Must Be Who You Are, Not Just Something You Do”
VIII. We Must Understand That Mobilizing an Acts 1:8 Local/Global Church is a Process, Not a “Quick Fix”. The Process:
1. Biblical Truth – Heart
2. Philosophy of Life – Head
3. Practical Implementation – Hands
IX. Missionaries Must No Longer See Themselves Solely as Implementers of the
Missionary Task, But Also as Mobilizers/Partners in the Acts 1:8 Local/Global Plan
1. A New Commitment (partnership & facilitation)
2. A New Strategy (allocation of time and resources)
3. A New Effectiveness (more people, more resources, new skills)
WE CAN DO IT! WE MUST DO IT! THE TIME IS NOW! HE IS WORTHY!
45th years Celebration Service
Please feel free to leave a message below for the church
We had a blessed day on the 17th Ocktober 2010 celebrating the 45th year of the Chatsworth Baptist Church. We were blessed by the word, praise & worship and a great meal. Here is a video of Pastor Stephen opening the celebration in prayer
Pastor Victor Testimoney
Watch Pastor Victors testimoney. He was also one of the first to be baptized in the church. If you were in that group please contact us to share your baptism and if you have any photos please give them to us publish.
Pastor Victor baptised at the age of 17
45th Anniversary Celebration
CHATSWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH CHURCH HISTORY
From 1960 onwards, a large number of members from the North Street Church left to settle in Chatsworth. Chatsworth is an Indian township with thousands of houses and tens of thousands of people.
The first church service was held inside a VW kombi owned by the SABMS (South African Baptist Mission Society), which was parked outside the home of the Mr. A. Andrew (senior of Chatsworth, Unit Two). Due to the vehicle not being able to accommodate the number of persons attending the service, the decision was made to relocate to the home of Mr. Benjamin Abraham who kindly afforded the church congregation the use of his home. The ever increasing number of members brought about a further challenge regarding congestion. The church leadership at that time decided to erect a wooden structure outside the home of Mr. Benjamin Abraham, which they used as a place to worship to this great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. To God Be The Glory.
A fellowship was formed in Chatsworth in 1965, and on the 11th of December 1965, branch status was granted with the help of Rev. and Mrs. T. D. Pass. Other helpers were Miss. J. Morck and Miss. J. Forgus (Missionaries belonging to SABMS).
The then leadership of the church was as follows: Mr. A. Andrew (junior) was the Elder for a short period, and was succeeded by Mr. R. Jayakaram. Treasurer Mr. Benjamin and secretary being Mr. D. Sunnasy.
The closure of The Tamil Baptist Church in Argyle Rd, Durban resulted in the members of the said church residing in Chatsworth, joining the Chatsworth fellowship.
The church site in Chatsworth, Unit One belonged to the SABMS. Up until 1966, it was a grassy slope giving no indication of what was to emerge from it. Negotiation between NIBA (Natal Indian Baptist Association) and SABMS representative, Rev. T. D. Pass resulted in the transfer of the church site to NIBA. The SABMS had a broader and more realistic plan for the churches future. SABMS took the responsibility of facing the cost of erecting a church building to the value of R7200-00, and thereafter engaged in a sale agreement with NIBA, for NIBA to purchase the building for the sum of R3500-00.
This proposal was gracefully accepted by the Executive Committee of NIBA on 6th August 1966. As various stages of the building were reached, problems not envisaged earlier, appeared and the cost soared to R14000-00. The SABMS, however, were faithful to their original decision of transferring the property to NIBA for the sum of R3500-00, payable over a period of seven years at an interest rate of 7%. This decision was taken on 5th August 1967, and NIBA expressed its profound thanks to SABMS.Many were seen to bow in silent prayer in gratitude to God’s providence.
On 20th August 1967, nine people had the opportunity of walking through the waters of baptism conducted by Rev. R. Ellaya. Eight of the baptismal candidates were from non-christian background. Some of them made the decision to follow Jesus Christ after being delivered from demonic possession after being prayed for. They experienced new joy.
A decision was taken by the members of the church to build the pews, and complete the flooring of their new church building. Many men, women and children toiled to prepare the church for its official opening. Mr. D. Sunnasy and family, together with many church members undertook the manufacturing of the pews. In addition, the Sunnasy family built and sponsored the pulpit.
On 3rd September 1967, Rev. T. D. Pass of the SABMS laid the Foundation Stone. Nearly 400 Christians witnessed this happy ceremony.
The day of the official opening arrived. The honour was given to the newly inducted President of the Baptist Union of South Africa and Principal of the Baptist theological College, Rev. Dr. J. N. Jonsson for the official opening of the new church building. On 21st October 1967, the doors of the Chatsworth Church were opened. The opportunity was given to the Mayor of Durban, Mrs. Margaret Maytom to be the first person to enter the church at its official opening. The Vice-President of NIBA, Mr. M. Rangiah presided. The Mayor congratulated the Association and encouraged the people of Chatsworth to use the church building to its full advantage. Dr. Jonsson delivered a stunning message in regard to the Power of Jesus solving man’s problems. Congratulatory messages were delivered by Rev. W. T. Edmunds, Missionary Director of SABMS; Rev. D. McPherson, Chairman of the Indian Work Committee of SABMS; Dr. H. Robertson, Superintendent of the Baptist Jubilee Hospital in the Transvaal; Rev. R. Mclewan of SAGM and Rev. T. D. Pass of SABMS.
Miss J. Morck presented a brief history of the Chatsworth Work since 1932.
It was a great day of celebration, triumph and gratitude. To God Be The Glory.
An evangelistic meeting was held from the day following the official opening. Much success followed the hard work put in by dedicated workers into the growing of this said church.
The Executive Committee of the Association saw the need for a resident full-time worker in Durban, which resulted in the transfer of Rev. R. Ellaya from Pietermaritzburg. His date of commencement was 1st July 1968. An impressive Induction Service was held at Chatsworth Church on 14th July 1968. The working committee that served under the leadership of Rev. R. Ellaya was Mr. Robert Sookraj, Mr. a. Andrew (senior), Mr. A. Andrew (junior), Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Raj Andrew, Mr. Victor Randhram, Mr. Bobby Rajah and Mr. Tony Muckram. Rev. R. Ellaya served the church for 17yrs.