Each year, our President stands before a joint session of Congress and the nation to give the "State of the Union" address. Likewise, many governors and mayors give speeches to give an overview of the past year and present their plans for the future. This is a time of personal examination and a look ahead to where things are heading. In a similar fashion, I would like give a "state of Knollwood" address. Bear in mind, unlike those in authority who give "state of the union" speeches, I have no authority in the Lord's church. This is one person's point of view, arrived at by personal observations, opinions, and conclusions. Hopefully, it is based on Biblical principle. I want to add this disclaimer: these views are mine; they do not necessarily reflect those of the eldership, the preacher, or any group in our congregation. I welcome your comments--good or bad--about the thoughts presented in this article.
First and foremost, I imagine you'll join with me in thanking God for this congregation we call our "home" congregation. Knollwood, as a congregation, has always enjoyed a wonderful reputation. It continues to be made up of friendly people who are striving to do the Lord's work. May God continually remind us that we need always to be "shining lights" to those in Beavercreek who are lost and dying in sin.
According to God's plan, we have in place, three godly men who serve as elders. These are men who love truth and are deeply concerned about the needs of the membership. Do we always agree with their decisions? Do we always understand them? When is the last time you thanked them for the job they are striving to do? We also have a faithful man who stands in the pulpit and who works so hard I personally worry that he will burn himself out. We have deacons who strive, with their different abilities, to work under the eldership. It seems to me that, for the most part, this congregation consists of members who love the truth and one another. (John 12:12-15; 1 Peter 1:22)
Humility is one of the traits God expects of His people. (James 3:1-6) Love without hypocrisy. Surely, all of us (including this writer), have room for improvement; but, I believe that, on the whole, we do strive to have these qualities in our lives. From a personal view point, you have always been there for me and my family. We thank you for that, and we hope we can do the same for you if the need arises.
As I stated earlier, I believe our elders to be godly men. Is there room for improvement? Of course, they would be the first to admit it. Brethren, how many of us understand the time, effort, and stress these men and their families endure on a daily basis? From the sidelines, it appears to be an easy task--until you are in that position. They have grave and awesome duties, which they have willingly taken upon themselves. Likewise, as members, we have responsibilities to them. "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." {Hebrews 13:17} Let us do our best so their jobs do not become more burdensome. Thank you James, Jim, and Mike for your love and hard work. While we're talking about elders, we need to be praying and looking out among ourselves to get others qualified for this position in the future. The Lord's church needs good men to be elders. Are you working toward that end?
Twice each year, we have gospel meetings, and they continue to be very uplifting. Anytime the seed of God's word is planted, good happens. (Isaiah 55:11) We need to make a better effort to improve our personal attendance and bring others to hear the gospel of Christ. These meetings are not just to have spring and fall meetings--they have a purpose. Do you attend? Do you invite others?
As all congregations do, we look at our numbers--whether it is concerning attendance or our contribution. For the most part, they have remained steady. Yet, there is always room for improvement. We can't be satisfied with the "status quo." Church growth must be a constant goal of each member of the body (Ephesians 4:15,16). Congregational growth goes hand in hand with personal growth. One cannot be accomplish apart from the other. We must grow from within--or we cannot grow from without (2 Peter 3:18).
During this past year or two, we've had a few baptisms and a few brethren restored. Some have left the area, and some we had to withdrawn ourselves from. Sadly, we wish we had more positive visible signs of growth. Yet, much of the time, this is not the case. We do want to thank God for the positive signs we have witnessed. The Bible, along with life, teaches us that our conversion rate is not always the ONLY indicator of our growth. Does this mean there's nothing we can do? No! We need to add knowledge and zeal and understand the urgency as we look for opportunity to teach and to increase our knowledge. In an effort to equip us do just that, Brother Greer has set up extra studies--Fishers of Men, Home Bible Studies, and special classes--to help us add to our knowledge and ability to teach. If people don't get involved, how can they help? Pray for these, and involve yourselves when you have opportunity.
My personal observation, as is the observation of others, is that we do have some problem areas. In the area of our teaching program and our need for Bible class teachers for our Sunday and Wednesday classes, why do the elders and Brother Greer have to "beg" for teachers each time the new quarter comes around? Why do we have brethren who have knowledge and ability, but will not use them? We can say the same concerning the duties of public worship service. Do you help or do you lay out? Please give sober consideration to the fact that this is very discouraging to our young people. If you think this is just a personal opinion, ask them! Did you read the May, 1999 Messenger article written by Sister Casie Leach? Or, did you read the April, 1998 article written by my daughter Angel Conover (now Pickard)? Are we listening to these cries for help? In some cases, I believe we have turned deaf ears. During the last Vacation Bible School, some of our own young people, along with one from another congregation, taught the classes instead of attending! Does this bother you? Some have health problems; some work during the day; but these do not apply to all of us! I challenge you to take a good look at your attitude toward this area of your service. If there is a retirement plan, which I've heard some talk about, I have not read about it in the Scriptures. Age and experience can be a wonderful asset to the Lord's work--but not if it remains unused! Let us not have a spiritual generation gap here at Knollwood!
I do not wish to quit on the negative. I love the Christians here at Knollwood. We are truly blessed to have one another. Let us look, as all congregations of the Lord's people must, at where we are and the areas in which we can, and must, improve. Give some time and personal study to Galatians 6 and its teaching about sharing and carrying one another's burdens. Soon, Lord willing, we will begin a new century. What does the future hold for the group of Christians who labor here at Knollwood? What would God have it to be? Allow me personally to challenge you to look within yourself to see if you're helping the growth or hindering the progress. It must be one or the other. May God bless us as we endeavor to bring the gospel to those in our community who need it most. God is counting you. Please don't let Him down.