Helping people of all ages and backgrounds to become followers of Christ, to grow in their relationship with Him, and to pass on to others what they have learned and experienced.

Pray that every time we meet or conduct ministry, Christ would always be the primary focal point of our worship, learning, fellowship, and service. Pray that He would never be forgotten or “left out” of anything we do.

Pray that through the words and actions of the leaders and members of the body, everyone who comes in contact with us would be able to see that our greatest goal is to bring honor and glory to Christ. Pray that it would be clear that this is not the pastor’s church, the people’s church, the PCA’s church, or anything similar, but that this is Christ’s church.

Pray that nothing else would become more important to us than pleasing Christ—even good things like particular doctrines, worship preferences, buildings, attendance, money, etc. etc.

Pray that at the end of every year, each member, attender, and many others we know would be able to say that through the ministry of Faith Church, they know Jesus Christ better than they did at the beginning of the year, and have a closer personal relationship with Him.

We seek to exalt our Lord Jesus in all we do, through the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of God the Father.

Pray that God would bring at least 100 people to attend the church by the end of 2007, 150 by the end of 2008, and 200 by the end of 2009. Pray that all of these people would be being “discipled” in some way by others and most of them would also be “discipling” others by sharing their faith.

Pray that at least one-third of the people who attend the church regularly would be people who were not previously in a good church (i.e. they are “unitiated” in the faith). Pray that one-tenth of them would be people who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, but are open to learning about Him.

Pray that the members and attenders of our church would be diverse in their racial, financial, and cultural backgrounds (Jesus said “make disciples of all kinds of people”). For instance, pray that we would have Asians and African-Americans, rich people and poor people, disabled people, government officials, people struggling with addictions, famous people, people who have been in the “gay” lifestyle, senior citizens, etc.

Pray that because of the gifts of the pastor, the people God has already brought to our church, and the demographics of the communities around us, we would especially minister to many educated professional people. This is “one of the most unreached people groups in America today,” as one student of the culture has said. Pray that we would study and understand this “people group” better, and find new ways to connect with them.

Pray that we would have a system in place (utilizing small groups, a membership class, other classes, etc.) that we could recommend to people who are coming to Christ and the church for the first time.

Pray that our four Faith Builders Fellowship Groups (three mixed groups, men’s and women’s) would double in number—at least—by the end of 2009, as apprentices are raised up and trained in the groups and empowered to start their own when the time is right.

Pray that every one of our Fellowship Groups, and our Ministry Teams, would not be consumed with mere Bible Study or church business, but would serve as an important part of the personal discipleship process of everyone who attends, because they all are developing spiritual friendships and shepherding relationships through them.

Pray that by the end of 2007, we would have a good system in place for following-up on visitors to the church, which will give them an opportunity to be assimilated into the body by developing at least three meaningful relationships with others. (Statistics say that if this doesn’t happen, most people will not continue attending.)

Pray that by 2008 we would be able to add another full-time pastor to our staff, to assist in making disciples and training others to do so. Pray that God would lead us to the right man for the tasks that are needed the most at this time (some possibilities are evangelism, biblical counseling ministry, administrative functions, children and youth, outreach, and preparation to plant a sister church in 2010, or when the timing is best.)

Sunday services that enable us to see the greatness of God in all His attributes, bringing joy to His heart and to ours through singing, praying, confessing, learning, and communing.

Pray that all the believers who gather to worship at Faith Church on Sundays would be there primarily to please God, and their hearts will be focused on what honors Him much more than on their own enjoyment. Pray that those who plan and lead worship would also be thinking this way, and would constantly find ways to remind and encourage people to focus on the Lord rather than on themselves.

Pray that our Sunday worship would represent God accurately and reflect His Divine attributes in a balanced way, so that the members of the body and anyone who joins us would see Him in all His glory. Pray that our worship would communicate both His transcendance and His immanence, the fact that He is both a God of the ages and a God of today, and the balance of formal order and informal spontaneity that is revealed in His creation. (This is why elements of our worship are both “traditional” and “contemporary”—why we sing both old and new songs, for example, and offer some prayers that are scripted and some that are spontaneous.)

Pray that we will always follow a thoughtfully planned, theologically-informed order of worship (Praise, Renewal, Commitment, and Communion), so that people will develop good habits in worship, and that we will always include the scriptural elements of singing, praying, confessing, learning, and communing. But pray that we will also have variety in the way we practice the order and elements, so that we might reflect both the order and variety in God’s character and creation.

Pray that our worship music would always be biblical in its content, and that those who lead and accompany the singing would always plan and practice their ministry in a way that encourages participation from the congregation, rather than performance from the people up front. Pray that the style of the music will have variety, for the same reason mentioned above, but that it also will “flow” with enough uniformity that the variety will not be a distraction to the worshippers.

Pray that the pastor would at least be involved in the planning of the Sunday worship, if not leading some himself, but that through him God would also raise up others who can participate in this ministry, and carry it on “in stride” if the pastor is not there.

Pray that we will make use of all the musical talents of the people who attend the church and who are led by God to serve in this way.

Pray that our worship would serve as a model to other churches, and that God would give us opportunities to encourage and train others in this God-centered, biblically balanced approach.

Pray that by the end of 2007, we will decide on the best start time for our service, and that we would be given permission to change to that time, if a change is desirable.

Enjoying the worship of God and accomplishing the work of the ministry through praising and petitioning Him according to the principles and examples in His Word.

Pray that Faith Church would be known as a “praying church,” because prayer permeates all we do and the people in our body are constantly seeing the fruit of answered prayer.

Pray that the prayers offered in the gatherings of Faith Church would be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God and focused primarily on the advancement of His kingdom in the world. Pray that even when we pray about personal needs and desires, we would always remember to make a connection with God’s will and His glory, and that we will always remember to pray for people in other places around the world.

Pray that our prayers would always be “according to the will of God” (1 John 5:14)—that they would be consistent with what the Bible says and offered in humble submission to what He knows is best for us (“if the Lord wills”). Pray that the people in the church would be encouraged by instruction and example to use the Scriptures in their prayers, even reading or quoting the exact words that God has revealed.

Pray that the leaders of our gatherings (worship services, small groups, ministry teams, etc.) would always be modeling the kind of prayer described above, and instructing others in how to do it.

Pray that all of our fellowship groups and ministry team meetings would spend at least 20 minutes in this kind of prayer every time they meet.

Pray that by the end of 2007 we would have a system set up by which people could share prayer requests with the rest of the Faith family, or at least with the members of a “Prayer Team.”

Pray that before the end of 2008, we would have some kind of formal training in the practice of prayer for our leaders, and for at least 20 of our other members. (This could happen through fellowship groups, a class, a seminar, a retreat, or another kind of program.)

Explaining and applying the truth of God’s Word, informed by what God has taught His people throughout the rich history of the Christian faith.

Pray that the teaching of the Word of God, in a variety of forms, would be a prominent feature in most of our gatherings (Sunday services, small groups, etc.), so that the Lord would be allowed to speak to us when we meet in His name and for His honor.

Pray that the teaching at Faith Church would always be biblical in that its goal is to communicate what God has to say, rather than the thoughts and priorities of men, and that the meaning of each text of Scripture would be accurately represented.

Pray that merely human rules, preferences, and opinions would never be presented as equal to the Word of God itself, and that those who teach would always be careful to differentiate between the two (Mark 7:7-9, 1 Cor. 4:5-6).

Pray that “the goal of our instruction” would always be “love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5). Pray that our teaching would never be merely for the purpose of intellectual curiosity or accomplishment, but so that people will become more like Jesus Christ in their hearts and lives.

Pray that through personal training and apprenticeship in the fellowship groups, at least three new teachers will be raised up by the end of 2009—people who are gifted and qualified to teach regularly in new groups and other venues.

Pray that by the end of 2009 at least one of our men would be newly qualified to preach in our worship services, and be pursuing ordination for the role of “teaching elder” (pastor). Pray that our congregation would be able to participate in sending such a man (or men) to seminary, if that is what they need to achieve their goals.

Pray that every year we will evaluate whether “Sunday School” is a good option for our church, and start that ministry if wisdom leads that way. But pray that such a ministry would never be allowed to replace or diminish the ministry of our fellowship groups, because the latter are more conducive to “life-changing Bible teaching” (see above), and to producing the “caring community” discussed in the next section.

Pray that Pastor Dave would make it a priority to train leaders in teaching, in the Ministry Leaders Meetings and in at least one retreat for that purpose.

Pray that the teaching of Faith Church would be consistent with the system of doctrine contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith and other historical creeds, and that our people would learn to appreciate the contributions of godly and gifted “pastors and teachers” that God has raised up throughout the history of the church (Matt. 16:18, Eph. 4:11).

A family atmosphere where people genuinely care for one another, and share openly their hopes, fears, and struggles with one another.

Pray that all the people who attend the meetings of Faith Church would truly think of themselves as being a part of a family, in all the good ways that term is used (like mutual commitment, loyalty, life together, honesty and openness, unconditional love and acceptance, providing for one another, etc. etc.).

Pray that the members of this spiritual family would be prepared to care for one another as much as, and even more, than they would for their own “blood relatives” (Matt. 19:29).

Pray that we would have genuine openness with one another about our struggles and sins, which would start with the leaders and be apparent even to those who are new in our midst. Pray that this transparency and humility would communicate the gospel to us all, and especially those that are new, so that they can learn to admit and even embrace their own profound neediness, and receive and rest in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 18:9-14, James 4:10).

Pray that as the early believers “were together, and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44), that we would share our time and lives together in a variety of settings, as any good family does.

Pray that as the early believers were “taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart” (Acts 2:46), we would frequently extend hospitality to one another and enjoy being in each others’ homes (Rom. 12:13). Pray also that before the end of 2007 we would begin sharing a church-wide meal together every first Sunday of the month, in conjunction with our observance of the Lord’s Supper.

Pray that each year we would have at least five “community-building events,” some planned by our fellowship groups, that will give people the opportunity to spend time together and grow in their relationships with one another.

Pray that as the early church gave “as anyone might have need” and “there was not a needy person among them” (Acts 2:45, 4:34-35), so we would care for one another’s physical needs. Pray that we would always keep enough money in our “Mercy Fund” to meet any significant needs that arise in our church family, and that we would increase that amount if necessary.

Pray that individuals would be willing to meet needs personally if that is necessary, but that we would all give generously in the offerings so that the whole church can have the privilege of participating in this ministry, and that it can be administered by the leaders of the body (Acts 4:34-35).

Pray that our Mercy Team would successfully coordinate the meeting of other physical needs of people in the body, such as rides, moving into a new home, house maintenance, etc.

Pray that we would be “building a community to reach the community”—that our purpose would never be merely to create a “club” for our needs and enjoyment, but also so that we could enfold new people into our spiritual family. Because of the breakdown of the family in our culture today, as some have observed, “belonging” often precedes believing. Many people come to embrace God as their Father only after they can see themselves as a part of His family.

Reflecting the character of God by showing kindness to people made in His image, without placing prior conditions on them or expecting anything in return.

Pray that God would lead us to many people outside our body that we can serve by meeting their physical and financial needs, to honor Christ in this way and build bridges for the gospel.

Pray that the Mercy Team would be constantly developing ways to find and serve people like that, successfully coordinate the ministry of meeting their needs, and instruct and involve the congregation in this important task.

Pray that the Mercy Team would always have the willingness and resources to help people when we first meet them, but also the wisdom to know whether giving to them is the best way to help them, beyond that intial outreach.

Pray that God would provide at least one person qualified to do financial counseling, who would be willing to meet with people that we are helping.

Pray that the Mercy Team, and perhaps others in the congregation, would find creative and appropriate ways for us to help these people with their spiritual needs as well as their physical ones.

Pray that by the end of 2008, God would raise up from the Mercy Team at least two men who are called and qualified to be elected to the office of deacon (I Tim. 3:8-10). Pray that these men would then oversee the work of the Mercy Team, and all related ministry in the church (Acts 6:3).

Pray that by the end of 2009, the deacons and/or deacon candidates would be able to attend a Mercy Ministry conference or training seminar, to be further equipped for their ministry.

Pray that the Mercy Team would be able to organize regular ministry projects, at least four times per year, that would give groups of people from the church an opportunity to serve together in this kind of ministry. These projects are called S.O.S. (Servants of the Savior) because of what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-40.

Godly, mature leaders who take seriously their responsibility as “spiritual fathers” to those who are younger in the faith, and members who look to those leaders for instruction, counsel, and accountability.

Pray that all our fellowship groups and ministry team leaders would see themselves as shepherds to those who attend their meetings, and that they would be increasingly equipped for this task.

Pray that from those who are already shepherding other believers, God would call some men to desire and be trained to become elders, who are shepherds of the entire flock.

Pray that God would give Pastor Dave wisdom regarding when to start this more formal training of elders, and how to conduct it.

Pray that the elders who are raised up, in God’s timing, would fulfill all the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, that they would be gospel-centered men who freely and frequently confess their own sins, that they would be men of prayer and the Word who consider those to be the primary parts of their ministry (Acts 6:4), that they would all share this same vision for Faith Church, and that they would be able to serve together and complement one another without differing agendas, “power struggles,” or dissension of any kind. Pray that God will protect this church from any leaders who would put their own ambitions and preferences ahead of the good of the whole body, or who are secretly unsaved or unqualified to be in that role.

Pray that through the loving shepherding of goldy leaders, we will be “admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28). In other words, pray that every member of the body, and those who should be members, will have a connection with the leaders, so that no one will “fall through the cracks.”

Pray that all the believers who worship at Faith Church and consider themselves a part of the church family would commit themselves to membership, or at least be in the process of learning about it and moving toward it, so that the shepherds can know who their “sheep” are and fulfill their responsibility of watching out for their souls (Heb. 13:17).

Pray that the members of Faith Church would willingly submit to the authority of their leaders (Heb. 13:17), and that the leaders would always exercise their authority for the good of the members and never abuse it (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Pray that if necessary the leaders of Faith Church would be willing to exercise that aspect of loving shepherding that is commonly called “church discipline” (Matt. 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 5). Pray that the people in the body would support this process as a way in which God restores those who sin, preserves the purity and peace of the body, and provides the motivation and accountability we all need to continue growing in our faith.

Pray that if the needs of shepherding and training shepherds require it, that God would provide an additional pastor who could enhance both of those important aspects of church life.

Pray that through Pastor Dave and other training resources, the leaders of Faith Church would all have a growing ability to counsel people from the Scriptures (Rom. 15:14; James 5:14-16).

Pray that all the leaders of Faith Church would be training other “faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Pray that they each will reproduce themselves so that there will be more leaders to serve a growing congregation, or to replace them when they are no longer able to serve.

Constantly and creatively spreading the good news about Christ through word and deed to all kinds of people, and building friendships with non-believers with this goal in mind.

Pray that each member and attender of Faith Church would be sharing the gospel with non-believers they know and showing them the benefits of the gospel by their changed lives. Pray that each of us would be known as “a friend of sinners,” as our Lord was called.

Pray that Pastor Dave and the other leaders in the church would be setting an example by doing the “work of an evangelist” along with their shepherding duties (2 Tim. 4:5). Pray that God would guide them to regular opportunities and creative ways to make this a priority in their lives.

Pray that each year the leaders would provide at least one opportunity for people to learn about evangelism, either through sermon series, classes, small group studies, or a retreat or conference.

Pray that whenever we meet together, we would make it a priority to pray about gospel communication in word and deed, and that individually each of us would remember to pray regularly for those who need Christ.

Pray that in response to those prayers, God would “cross our paths” with many people whom He plans to save (Acts 18:10), since we are utterly dependent upon His sovereign work for the opportunities and the results.

Pray that we would understand and articulate the gospel of grace in a thoroughly biblical way, and that we would communicate it in a way that is consistent with the Reformed theology in our confession of faith. Since so many Reformed churches do not excel at evangelism, and many others practice it in a way that is not consistent with their theology, pray that God may give us the opportunity to provide a model of “Reformed evangelism” that is both doctrinally sound and practically effective.

Pray that God would guide us to a “church planting apprentice” who is gifted in evangelism and that God would provide the support money he needs to serve in our church for several years and then be sent out to start a new gospel-centered church in another neighboring area.