What is God leading Yates Baptist Church to do, to be, now?
What is His vision for us into the future?
These are questions our church will seek answers to together over the next several months. As we refresh our church vision and mission, we will pursue God’s special call for Yates. Then, we will identify and begin to take steps towards that call as a family of faith.
The Visioning Leadership Team (VLT) invites the entire church community to participate in the activities, events, and processes that visioning will entail. We hope to enter the Season of Advent with a refreshed mission and vision and, upon Easter 2019, begin implementing God’s plans for our future.
Look for regular updates on the process and progress, and contact any member of the VLT or staff member for more information.
Visioning Leadership Team
Rachael Cruickshank Tarvik Linder
Sean Fenton Linda Mercer
Sam Haithcock Richard Poindexter
Courtney Thornton
Winter 2018/2019 Reflections
On Sunday, January 13, we will have one worship at 11:00 am to celebrate and affirm the work of our Vision Leadership Team in drawing out for us the vision God is making clear in the life of our church.
A growing community
Alive with Christ,
Energized to share
God’s transforming love.
Sean Fenton’s reflections and anticipation of this vision. Read it here or listen below.
Linda Mercer’s reflections and anticipation of this vision. Read it here or listen below.
Richard Poindexter’s reflections and anticipation of this vision. Read it here or listen below.
Sam Haithcock’s reflections and anticipation of this vision. Read it here or listen below (as read by Christopher Ingram).
Visioning Process & Events at Yates
Preparing for Visioning through Prayer
Every Sunday of worship in September and October
Yates Community Conversations
What’s the state of congregations in the US today? On Sunday, September 30, Dave Odom facilitated a dialogue among our congregation about what has been changing in congregations and what trends are noticeable today with a brief presentation. Following that, participants contributed to a dialogue about the activities that nurture their faith both inside and outside of Yates, how often they participate in those activities, and what differences in congregations they have noticed through the years. You can listen to the audio of Dave’s presentation here (note: this is only the audio portion of the first half of the meeting – the small group table conversations were not recorded.)
Read notes from the small group conversations.
What’s happening in Durham? On Sunday, October 14, Marty Childers facilitated a conversation about what’s happening in Durham with a brief presentation including statistics about residents of Durham within a 1- and 3-mile radius of Yates. Following that, participants engaged in a dialogue about how the church is and could be known in the community. Listen tot he audio portion of Marty’s presentation here (the small group table conversations were not recorded.)
Read notes from the small group conversations.
NEW!!
Read notes from the community conversations in February 2019.
Visioning SS/Group Conversations
This discussion guide will be a template for the following group conversations. Read and pray through these Scriptures and questions to help make the most of the conversation. Get the guide.
Sunday, October 28
Sunday school Time Location Facilitator(s)
Koinonia 9:45 am Room 302 Sam Haithcock
Oasis 9:45 am Room 306 Courtney Thornton
Open Door 9:45 am Room 301 Linda Mercer
Adult Forum 9:45 am Room 307 Rachael Cruickshank
Tuesday, October 30
SOAR 2:00 pm Fellowship Hall Sam Haithcock, Linda Mercer, Richard Poindexter
Sunday, November 4
Sunday school
Journey 9:45 am Room 305 Sean Fenton
Women’s Connect Group 9:45 am Room B111 Courtney Thornton
Encouragers 9:45 am Room 304 Richard Poindexter
Youth 5:00 pm Attic Rachael Cruickshank, Sean Fenton, Courtney Thornton
If you are unable to participate in one of the above sessions and wish to provide feedback based on the discussion guide, please contact one of the members of the Visioning Leadership Team.