First Church Pontiac is in the process of completing the Lay Renewal Journey, which is comprised of three phases that occur over about 18 months.
This journey is a disciple making process that helps a church grow their members into “on mission disciples.” Church laity leads the journey that is accomplished in church weekend events, each one building on the previous step. Also, during first and third steps, a visiting team of Christians from other churches attend and participate with the church.
Below is a letter from the pastor of First Church Pontiac, Clay Shook, to Bobby Jackson, Men’s Ministries Group director, SCBC.
Dear Bobby,
I am writing to share with you the experience Pontiac Church enjoyed by participating in a Lay Renewal Weekend. In September of 2003 our congregation set aside an entire weekend for this spiritual renewing event. A team of 25 laymen and women came from all across our state and spent the weekend in our homes and with our church.
The weekend began on Friday evening, continued through Saturday and concluded on Sunday night. We enjoyed worship, in home small group meetings, food and fellowship. The small group component of the weekend resulted in 120 meeting in homes together. Those groups are still meeting today. Some of those who attended the Lay Renewal Weekend were unchurched folks who did not know the Lord. Several of these prayed to receive Christ and were baptized.
The Lay Renewal Weekend is the first of three weekends we hope to have. The second installment is known as the Lay Ministry Weekend which is followed a year later by the Experiencing God Weekend. These three weekends together are known as the Lay Renewal Journey.
Pontiac Church benefited from the Lay Renewal Weekend because God moved in our midst. We certainly recommend any church, regardless of size, to consider participating in a Lay Renewal Weekend.
Thanks for your ministry among us,
Clay Shook
Just as First Church Pontiac has begun this process, the SC Baptist Convention is available to help other churches begin and complete this process. For more information or to request a Church Renewal Weekend, contact Bobby Jackson, Men’s Ministries Group, SC Baptist Convention, at (80)0) 723-7242 (in SC) or (803) 765-0030, extension 5320 or email bobbyjackson@scbaptist.org.
