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| Thank God for the Minnetonka Adventist Family
After serving the Minnetonka Adventist community since June 2006, I am able to identify some of the strengths and positive qualities God has developed in this part of His Kingdom. It gives me great joy listing some of these fine characteristics and I give God the praise and honor for what He has done.
1. An Elevated Spiritual Relationship with God
There is an increased desire for and participation in Bible study and prayer. Many joined together to read through the Bible in a year. Many read through “The Desire of Ages” in a year. The ladies “Faith Lift” Bible study group continues. The prayer ministry is expanding. Individuals and groups have become more intentional in using their Bible to know God and His plan for their lives. Attendance at and participation in worship services have grown. Preaching the Word is highly valued. Christ and His Cross have been lifted up. No wonder there is a greater sense of the presence and power of God in our church.
2. A high Percentage of Involvement in Local Ministries
The national trend of church members who are involved in local church ministries is about 15-20%. At Minnetonka Adventist that percentage is higher – about 33%, people who volunteer time, energy and skill to serve one another. Someone unlocks the doors of the church and school every Sabbath morning. Teams receive worshipers at the door and greet them warmly. A team sees to it that the AV system is working well. Someone goes through the building praying for the Holy Spirit to be present. Musicians provide uplifting music. Teachers lead children and youth to Jesus in Sabbath School Classes. (In this area we desperately need additional leaders to step forward and volunteer their services once a month!). Governing Board members, finance committee and Lay Pastors set and monitor the direction of the church. Our website is kept up to date. The landscaping of our grounds is superb. Volunteers strengthen the school program. Numerous individuals take on tasks that need to be done without being asked or noticed. Only the completed task is observed. The Christmas tree appears! Decorations, both floral and ornamental, happens! This list is incomplete, but indicates the unselfish service being done all the time by so many. Thank you!
3. An Outward Looking Congregation
An Adventist church thrives on seeking ways to help people in the community know Jesus. We do this through a variety of outreach ministries: Alpha, CHIP, ICA, Prison Ministries, Shalom (Russian-Jewish Outreach), website, Community Services, Hospitality Ministry, and VBS/Day Camp. Operating the Minnetonka Christian Academy (K-12) is probably this church’s greatest contribution to building the Kingdom of God – young lives trained to follow Jesus and serve people.
4. Church Governance
The unique system of governance at our church is commendable. Instead of having a large cumbersome church board we have a nine-member Governing Board, made of individuals, chosen by the church, and who represent skills in management that oversees the mission, vision and goals of the church.
5. Diversity
People from numerous ethnic groups and the entire socio-economic spectrum choose to worship, work and fellowship together at our church. This diversity of culture, perspective and background adds richness to our church even as it challenges all of us to be more inclusive, accepting, understanding and flexible.
6.Faithfulness in Returning God’s Tithe and Bringing Free-will Offerings
When there is a growth in Tithe income while contributions to the church operating budget more than covers our expenses, and while the debt owed on the church building is retired, and while hundreds of thousands of dollars are donated to operate our school, and while the economy severely cuts the incomes of many, then I believe there is a culture of generosity among our church family. And why wouldn’t we place our treasures in Heaven by strengthening God’s Kingdom here below? God gave us everything when He gave us Jesus!
7. Professional Team Leadership
When Ken Dedeker (Head Lay Pastor and Administrator), Mary Stauner (Church Secretary), Ken Rannow (MCA Principal), Benji Ferguson (Youth Pastor and School Chaplain), Elvera Blake (Children’s and Women’s Pastor), and Ivan Blake (Senior Pastor) meet together weekly and serve the church in their respective roles there is a bond of loyalty, unity, commitment and friendship that makes a great team. This sets the tone for the church. This creates an atmosphere in which harmonious and effective ministry can take place. Thank you, team! Thank you, church! Thank you, God!
By Pastor Ivan Blake
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