(click here for more messages from Pastor Kevin Barner)

March 2007

Dear Friends of ICA,

      As Sandy & I head into our fifth year of ministry pasturing ICA, one of the most amazing things in our experience here, has been seeing so many different people from so many different Nations become a part of our wonderful congregation.

“What first attracted you to church?” Remember the words of Jesus; He boldly announced that He would draw all people to Himself when He is lifted up. And He does.

Christ attracts. He draws people to Himself & challenges them with His cause. The Lord Jesus Christ is the “magnificent magnet” that draws us into His Church. Christ-likeness attracts people & Christ-likeness keeps them coming.

Christ & His likeness developing in us makes our church healthy & helps us grow. Christ-likeness attracts people to the Savior. I’d like you to consider how Christ-likeness builds & strengthens our church…& yours:

Christ-likeness provides meaning.
Searching people discover meaning when they see Christ-like characteristics such as love, forgiveness, grace, compassion, & caring lived out in the church. Genuine Christ-likeness helps people find meaning, fulfillment, & purpose.

Christ-likeness requires spiritual stretching.
Being molded into Christ-likeness forces God’s people to stretch to be what the Father wants them to be. Just as physical exercise conditions your body, spiritual stretching strengthens your soul. As a result, the witness & walk of God’s people become more authentic.

Christ-likeness renews a congregation.
The Body of Christ experiences healing & renewal as it draws near her Lord. Genuine renewal restores a church to health, so it grows naturally.

Christ-likeness makes a church attractive.
Supernatural enthusiasm, fueled by miracles of grace, makes a church attractive to anyone seeking spiritual reality. The authentic church is a place, where addicts are set free, sinners are forgiven, marriages are healed; believers are filled with God’s fullness, & Christ is the central focus of everyone.

Christ-likeness connects us to an incredible cause.
Christ-likeness doesn’t cost a person or a congregation much—just everything! But when we are willing to pay the price, every church regardless of its size, setting, opportunity, & constituency can be like Christ.

So, let’s weave authentic Christ-likeness into the fabric of our church, so, that His magnetism will attract people from all Nations to experience Christ among us. Let’s continue to make Jesus the centerpiece of every phase of our church’s ministry.                         

God richly bless you.

Your Loving Shepherd,
 Pastor Kevin

(click here for more messages from Pastor Kevin Barner)