EDUCATING THE CHURCH

In addition to what the ministries were doing the entire congregation had its areas of focus too:

1. Devotion to God
2. Increased Intimacy in Corporate Worship
3. Leadership Support.

To support these efforts, the church began a congregation study in Discipleship. As such, the congregational goals would grow to include becoming active church members, with excellent bible teaching and preaching skills.

Through education, the church was able to create and construct discipleship classes to equip members with the ability to understand their roles as Christian Disciples. More than 150 members graduated the first year of Discipleship class which began in February 02 and ended July 03.

The Discipleship Study consisted of 4 books, each containing 6 lessons. The set of books are called The MasterLife by Avery T. Willis JR. along with other contributors. The four books are:

Book 1 - The Disciple’s Cross that discussed:
Spending Time With The Master
Living The Word
Prayer And Faith
Fellowship With Believers
Witness To The world
Minister To Others

Book 2 - The Disciple’s Personality that discussed:
Doing God’s Will
Renew Your Mind
Master Your Emotions
Present Your Body
Filled With The Spirit

Book 3 - The Disciple’s Victory that discussed:
Overcoming the Enemy
Truth and Faith
Rely on God’s Word
Pray and Faith
Look to Jesus
Stand Victorious

Book 4 - The Disciple’s Mission that discussed:
Righting Wrong Relationship
Witnessing and Discipling Through Relationships
Establishing Spiritual Children
Maturing as a Disciple
Training Disciples
Ministering as Collaborers

The study made clear what our priorities and motivation should be. It also equipped members to understand the path to Christian growth and ultimately to Discipleship. It was made clear that there would be a cross to bear if we truly followed Christ, but the reward would be eternal.

Discipleship is moving from believing to following! It’s not enough to believe in Christ to qualify as a disciple, one must follow the teaching of Christ in truth and in deeds.

Christian discipleship was about developing a personal lifelong, obedient relationship with Jesus Christ in which he transforms your character into Christlikeness; it changes your values into kingdom values and involves you in His Mission in the home, the church, and the world.

The impact on individuals and the congregation was obvious and at the very least it got us to become more focused on moving in the right direction.

In 2003, Victory Missionary Baptist Church began its focus on improving the community with programs designed to provide stimulation for the physical and recreational needs of the congregation and the community. For example, the Christmas in September ministry provided a community outreach program that encouraged local businesses to share wares with the church and community. With more than 100 businesses, 2,400 members, and the general public, this first-time event helped bridge connections between the business community and the congregation. As the church entered 2004, it continued its focus on community issues. The Usher Ministry attended a school of ushering, with 11 ushers graduating first and second in their class.

The Health Education Ministry provided free health screenings and health education programs to the community at no cost, directly benefiting more than 600 people in the area.

As word regarding the dissemination of the teaching and preaching at Victory Missionary Baptist Church spread throughout the city it became crystal clear that something must be done to accommodate the huge crowds showing up to hear the word of GOD each Sunday!

Between the 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday Services, lines would form that stretched from the front doors to the corner and beyond.

It was like a Restaurant where you see long lines of people waiting to get in. You know instantly that inside you’ll be fed something wonderful and extraordinary. The Bread of Life was the main course at Victory and it was being prepared and served in huge portions by the Master Chef Pastor Dr. Robert E. Fowler Sr.!

Pastor Fowler’s love and compassion for the people would not allow him to ignore the discomfort and suffering of the people standing in the heat of the desert sun to hear GOD’s message. Pastor Fowler, aided by the church leadership, concluded that the best remedy would be to begin having a third service. In spite of the obvious strain it would put on him physically and emotionally, Pastor Fowler was excited to finalize the details to move forward. By the grace of GOD, in 2004 a third service 9:45 a.m. was implemented allowing Victory to continue her growth.

In 2005, the church renewed its focus on Christian improvement, with Pastor Fowler instructing various ministries on how to better evangelize and become Godly leaders. The Feeding ministry worked to provide good, healthy food to those in the church and community who are in need. The Prison Ministry became more aggressive in sharing God’s Love with the imprisoned through evangelism, correspondence, counseling, Bible Study and mentoring.

In 2006, a paradigm shift took place in the life of the church, with the growth of ministries adding new meaning and new challenges for the congregation.

During this shift, the Men’s ministry led by James Reynolds is a layman Men’s Group, focused more on growing the men of Victory in the word and becoming better Disciples of Christ. At Victory, we believe that strong Christian men impact the life of the church in a positive way.

The Men’s Ministry is dedicated to ensuring that every ministry event that requires male support in their activity can count on the Men’s Ministry.

Some of the programs sponsored by the Men’s Ministry are the Men’s Retreat where the men of the church have an opportunity to leave town for a few days to study and fellowship with one another away from their daily routines. At the retreat the men spend time on what God’s word is specifically for men. They return stronger Christian men dedicated more to God, their families, and the church.

Guy’s Day Out is another program sponsored by the Men’s Ministry. This off campus program takes the young boys of the church on interesting and informative field trips. The purpose of these activities is to educate, communicate and demonstrate that the male Christian behavior is the same out in the world as it is in the church. These activities create a spirit of brotherly love and love for our God.