As we enter 2008, the focus this year will be on spiritual growth and maturity in Christ on the one hand and moving in the Spirit for ministry and missions on the other. We all need to aim at the building up of the saints as well as the empowering of all members to be effective in outreach, evangelism and missions.

How do we achieve positive and significant growth? There is no substitute for commitment of all members to devote themselves to the study of God’s WORD. We need to ground ourselves in the WORD and learn to apply the written WORD in practical ways so that the WORD becomes real and relevant in everyday living.

Another weakness relating to spiritual growth and formation is the lack of Christians today in practicing and cultivating the disciplines of silence and solitude. Being quiet in the presence of God in order to “hear” and “listen” to God is something of immense value and WAC needs to pursue these disciplines to deepen our intimacy with God. We need to grow in the understanding of the written WORD as well as the encountering of the LIVING WORD. We need both to know God intellectually as well as experientially. Our outer life of service and ministry must never overtake our inner life.

As I reflect upon the church, I also realize not many know in first hand experience how to move in the power of the Holy Spirit. No one can really be doing evangelism, ministry or missions without the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. In 2008, we will deliberately and intentionally teach, train and provide avenues and opportunities for all members to move in the power of the Holy Spirit.

I really believe that if we truly get ourselves more grounded in the Word and moving in the Spirit we will be a cutting-edge church that will be used mightily by God to impact our community for the Kingdom. Let us aim to be a people of the Word and the Spirit. There is no success in negligence or laziness. We must all guard against complacency, lukewarmness and pride. As we humble ourselves before God and learn greater dependence upon God, He will surely pour out His grace upon us. Let us grow in trusting and obeying Christ and overcome all fear in stepping forward in faith each time the Spirit directs us.

Finally, let Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”, be our experience this year. The Lord truly is able!!! May 2008 be truly a great year for all of us as we offer our lives totally to Him.

Pastor Timothy Chow