Larry Pazier 
Connectivity Work Group Co-Lead

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After a very successful 2024 with reorganization and new board members, we are ready to tackle 2025. What about you?

What do we usually do the first of the year? Sure, we make new year resolutions.

Well, I was thinking that maybe we all could make one that I pray each of you may want to further consider:

Finding and supporting those in our congregation who are missing or can no longer attend our in-person services

We as Christians continue to focus on Evangelism, but somehow tend to forget about our devoted elder community that cannot attend church services anymore.

Here are a few questions for you ponder that may trigger an outreach program.

  • Does Evangelism include those who used to be part of our congregation?
  • Do you have anyone assigned or available to help those who may want to attend using the new technology that is available?

Developing a virtual community takes time, a little money, and leadership from the church. If you do not have a virtual program, we can help with some ideas on how to set one up. You can even use a cell phone to record your worship services if you have a smart phone available. Then you could link it and/or upload it with one of the software programs that are available. Or you may be able to record your services and upload them via Zoom, YouTube, Google, or Facebook.

Of course, there also are companies that can help you get started. And there are other companies that will come and do it for you (of course for a price). If you have a community college nearby, they may be a resource for the congregation’s technical portion. There are several paths that you could take including setting up a complete A/V system. Some of those can be implemented for under $5,000 but will take some human resources to work on the technical support side each Sunday morning. Once you become established online, you have expanded your outreach to spread the words of our Lord significantly. Many churches have already completed that project.

Again, there may be individuals who used to belong to your church but moved away that would still love to be members of your church. And there are others who just can’t make it to church any more. With a good virtual program, they still can.

You can even go beyond Sunday morning and hold bible study sessions virtually. With the virtual congregation they will still feel like a true member on your congregation. But someone is needed to make the outreach investigation and offer. Do you have someone that could or want to fill that position?

POAMN can be a major benefit and support to you and your church. The new POAMN Board is focusing on promoting more outreach and connectivity to our membership and Christian community.

Blessings and prayers as we journey into this new year.