The Broadcaster Online

Week of December 3, 2023

Why Members Fail in Doing the Lord's Business


By Mike Riley

As any business owner can testify, building a successful business is not an easy task. It takes many long, dedicated hours of following an established business plan, in order to build a successful business.


As Christians, we should be engaged in doing the Lord’s business (Luke 2:49; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:58). However, there are some unique reasons why more members of the Lord’s church are not as successful as they could be.


The following are six reasons why members of the Lord’s body fail in successfully doing the Lord’s business:


1) Treating the Business Like a Hobby – After being baptized into Christ, some Christians treat the Lord’s business as a “hobby“ – not a business. This is why it makes it “easy” to walk away, i.e., apostatize from the Lord’s church (Luke 8:7,14; cf. 2 Timothy 4:10). Also see Hebrews 3 and Hebrews 6.


2) Lack of Consistent Effort – Similar to the first reason, some members get involved in the Lord’s work, but work at it only when it is “convenient.”

The most successful members in the Lord’s church, follow the Lord‘s business plan (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:1-2; cf. Deuteronomy 4:10; Ezra 7:10), and work that plan on a daily basis. If we only have one or two hours a day to work the Lord’s business, then we should work the plan for that period of time every day (Acts 5:41-42; cf. Acts 20:20-21).


3) Failure To Get Properly Trained – There are members of the Lord’s church who do not believe they need to be trained in order to successfully work the Lord’s business.


Know this – successful business professionals either require years of training or college, and additional years of experience, in order to be successful. Being successful working the Lord’s business requires the same dedication, education and training – it’s not a “hit-or-miss” type of business – it’s a serious business with serious eternal ramifications (1 Corinthians 9:16; Romans 1:13-18; Colossians 1:20-29; cf. Romans 2:1-11).


4) No System, or Failure to Follow the System – If members are not willing to follow a proven system that works for everyone who works the system (1 Corinthians 2:1-2; cf. Acts 8:26-35; Acts 9:22; Acts 17:1-3; Acts 18:24-28; Romans 6:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), they will not be successful (cf. Amos 3:3).


5) Unrealistic Expectations – Sometimes this is due to “how” people are motivated to become Christians. Unrealistic promises that Christians will not have to face any kind of hardships or persecution, are simply not true (2 Timothy 3:12; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:9; 2 Corinthians 11:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:4).


The Christian life is not a life of wine and roses, but a very spiritually challenging and rewarding life (1 Corinthians 9:19-27; John 10:10; Revelation 2:10).


When spiritual success does not come as quickly or as easy as expected, the new member may simply say, “this doesn’t work” – and simply gives up. Brethren, we can’t give up! Consistency and persistency are the keys to success! (cf. Luke 11:5-8; Luke 18:1-8; Hebrews 6:10-15).


6) Not Enough Budget – Some folks become members of the Lord’s church thinking that their only monetary “investment” in the Lord’s business, is randomly placing a few dollars into the collection plate every Sunday.

However, like any other successfully run business, the Lord’s church needs to have a planned budget for various monthly expenses, and then meet that budget every month. In order to achieve this goal, each member of the church must “plan” to set aside monies for the purpose of funding the work of the church, i.e., the Lord’s business (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).


Conclusion:

Again, members of the Lord’s church fail at working the Lord‘s business, simply by not treating it like a business or not doing the necessary research before getting involved. Not having or following a business plan, not taking the time to get trained, or not taking persistent and consistent action, are the quickest ways to fail in doing the Lord‘s business.

Brethren, let’s consider the Lord’s business as being the most important business on earth, and then seriously and prayerfully start putting into practice the Lord’s business plan of saving the souls of men (1 Corinthians 2:1-2; cf. Acts 8:26-35; Acts 9:22; Acts 17:1-3; Acts 18:24-28; Romans 6:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).


Elders
Leon Cort
Mark Craigwell
Minister
Mark Craigwell

Assistant Minister
Denver Simmons
Deacons
Raleigh Gallington
Anthony Johnson
Gregory Johnson
Carlfred Malcolm
Albert Martin, Jr.
Walter Maxwell
Richard Meuse
Barry Person
Jason Reid

In Memoriam
Gone, but never forgotten, our beloved brother,
James W. Wade, Sr.

Haga clic aquí para leer el boletín de esta semana en español.


Sermon for Sunday, December 3, 2023

Title: The Christian You Ought to Be!

Text: Psalm 19:7-9

Speaker: Bro. Mark Craigwell


Congratulations Touré & Leslie Cort!

A PSA from the Retention Ministry

News & Notes

Don't Miss Out! Please scroll through the entire e-bulletin each week to be certain not to miss any important announcements or links. Many items are repeated each week, but there are also new announcements that you'll miss if you don't scroll through the entire bulletin.


Drive-By Baby Shower for Walter and Kioumara Estrada:  Sunday, December 3, 2023, 1:30-4:30 p.m., 10 Degauthier Way, Roxbury, Registered at Amazon. See Upcoming Events section for details.


Singles’ Ministry Meeting: Monday, December 4, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the church building. See Bro. Holmes for details.


Gingerbread House Event: Saturday, December 9th, 12 noon – 4 p.m. at the church building. $12 per participant. See Sis. Juanita Tabb to pay no later than 12/3. See Youth & Family Ministry section below for details.


The Couples’ Ministry meets the 2nd and 3rd Friday of the month via Zoom. See Couples' Ministry section below for connection information.


Tech Day: 3rd Saturday of the month, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the church building. Bring your cell phones, tablets, and laptops for help with your tech issues. See Bro. Javier Jackson, Jr., or Bro. Jerard Samuel for details. Sign-up sheets will be posted monthly. The December Tech Day is currently scheduled for December 16th.


2024 Mature in Heart Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion: We are now accepting registrations for next year's excursion to see a live performance of "Daniel" and the Sight & Sound Theater. See Mature in Heart Ministry section below for details and link to registration form. Registration form and deposits due by 12/31/23.


2024 Roxbury Ladies' Day: Saturday, March 16th at the Tirrell Room in Quincy. See Women's Ministry below for details. Please submit payments by the end of January.


Community Outreach: Our monthly community outreach grocery distribution will resume in January.

The congregation is requesting member support of its Mission Fund as we provide an educational stipend to Bro. Phillip Morrison while he attends Sunset International Bible Institute full time for the next 18 months to train as a minister. We are asking members to commit/pledge at whatever amount your heart and ability can provide for this period of time. This is a commitment over and above your regular giving and we hope all members will participate to the level of their ability and heart for God. Our target is to provide $3,000 per month and all commitments, whether large or small, are helpful and appreciated.


  • Please make checks and money orders payable to Church of Christ in Roxbury and write Mission Fund in the memo line.  
  • Electronic donations may be made via the E-Giving option at ChurchofChristinRoxbury.org/e-giving, followed up with a text or email to Bro. Gallington [(617) 922-4598mrcg13@hotmail.com].


Click here to complete the pledge form electronically.

OUR CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS

Effective immediately, and until further notice, we have suspended the requirement for attendees to sign up in advance to attend Sunday worship. We have also suspended attendance taking at our in-person services, classes, and events. Masking remains optional.  


Remember that although COVID numbers are down, COVID has not gone away, and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Please protect yourself and those around you by adhering to the guidelines below.


If you test positive for COVID after attending an in-person church event, please notify us by email at cocroxbury@gmail.com or by text to Sis. Gloria Gallington at 617-922-5987 so that notifications can be made as needed.


For up-to-date information regarding COVID in Massachusetts, click the link below:


COVID-19 Updates and Information | Mass.gov



Sunday Worship Schedule

We will continue to offer two Sunday morning worship services to accommodate in-person attendees

The first service begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately 9:45 a.m.; the second service begins at 11:00 a.m. Our weekly Bible classes for all ages begin at 10:00 a.m. We will continue to livestream the 11:00 service on our YouTube channel, and we encourage members to utilize e-giving, even when attending in person. As noted under News & Notes, it is no longer necessary to sign up in advance to attend worship services in person.


E-giving link

https://churchofchristinroxbury.org/e-giving


Livestream link

Church of Christ in Roxbury - YouTube

UPCOMING EVENTS

Baby Registry Link: Walter & Kio's Amazon Baby Registry

Community Outreach

Our monthly community outreach grocery distrubution will resume in JANUARY 2024.

Remote & In-Person

Class/Meeting Schedule

Wednesday Night In-Person & Dial-In Bible Study
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in-person and via freeconferencecall.com.

Dial in number: 978-990-5000
Access Code: 261232#

Or join the class online at join.freeconferencecall.com/carl95fred
REMINDER: Please remember to mute your phone or computer when joining any of the above conference calls to avoid interrupting the class or service you are entering, particularly if you are joining the call after the event has started.

Prayer Requests

Choral Ministry



Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the church building

Couples Ministry

The Couples' Ministry meets the second and third Fridays of the month at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Women's Ministry

Our December Women's Class will take place on Sunday, December 24th at 5:00 p.m. at the church building and via Free Conference Call.


Dial in number: 978-990-5000

Access Code: 261232#


Or join the class online at join.freeconferencecall.com/carl95fred


Presenters: The Mature in Heart

December 2023

Visitor Thank You Letters - Sis. Sharee Farley

Visitor Gift Bags - Sis. Sandra Wade

Baptistry - Sis. Shamara Morris/

Sis. Wendy Craigwell


Please check the bulletin board to make sure you are signed up to attend this event. The date will be here before you know it. The cost is $70 per person/$35 for ages 18 and under. Remember that we do not ask our guests or our sisters from other congregations to pay to attend this event. Please submit your payment(s) to Sis. Gallington or Sis. Maria Harris by the end of January. Menu will be posted shortly.

Mature in Heart Ministry

2024 Mature in Heart Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion: 


We are accepting registrations for the 2024 trip to Lancaster County Pennsylvania to see the September 19th showing of "Daniel" at the Sight and Sound Theater. The bus will be scheduled to leave at 4am on the 19th and estimated to return between 9pm and 10pm on the 20th. A minimum initial deposit of $120 is required to secure a spot. This should be completed by December 31, 2023 to allow us to plan for the number to attend. The deposit (and subsequent payments) can be made by cash, check (payable to Church of Christ in Roxbury), or electronically via our e-giving link: churchofchristinroxbury.org/e-giving. If you make your deposit or any subsequent payments electronically, please follow up with an email to cocroxbury@gmail.com with the subject line 2024 Pennsylvania Trip, and your name and payment amount in the body of the email.


The number of participants is limited by bus capacity. The overall cost of the charter bus, show ticket hotel and banquet has increased by $54 per person from 2023, however we have made some changes and restrictions to try to reduce the impact.


1. The minimum number for the event is increased from 24 to 30 (bus passengers). This will ensure that the bus cost per person is no more than $145.


2. The family-only restriction is removed for triple and quad hotel accommodations. However, we are requiring that all roommates be identified at the time of registration and the spots are not confirmed until all roommates have registered. There are also restrictions on refunds to make sure room costs are covered. More details are available upon request. Please see Bro. or Sis. Gallington, Sis. Keitrice Johnson, or Sis. Elizabeth Nagarajah with any questions.


Based on the changes described above, the following are the trip costs for 2024:

  • Quad Occupancy hotel room, banquet seat, bus seat and theater seat -- $352
  • Triple occupancy hotel room, banquet seat, bus seat and theater seat -- $371
  • Double occupancy hotel room, banquet seat, bus seat and theater seat -- $408
  • Single occupancy hotel room, banquet seat, bus seat and theater seat -- $535
  • Grand king hotel room, two banquet seats, two bus seats and two theater seats -- $859
  • Banquet seat and theater seat only -- $120


Please click here to access the online registration form.

Men Take Note


The date for the December men's class is Sunday, December 24th at 5 p.m. at the church building.

Retention Ministry

Singles' Ministry

Support Groups

Young Adult Ministry (YAM)
Date of next meeting will be announced.
Youth & Family Ministry


Monthly Ministry Meeting
1st Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m.

Calendar: December 2023

Meetings & Events

12/3 - Youth & Family Ministry Meeting, 2pm @church building

12/4 - Ministers'/Elders'/Deacons' Meeting, 7pm

12/10 - Deacons' Meeting following 11:00 service @church building.

12/16 - Ministers'/Elders'/Deacons' Wives' Meeting, 9am

12/16 - Tech Day, 11am-1pm

12/17 - Retention Ministry Meeting following 11:00 service @church building

12/24 - Men's & Women's Classes, 5pm @church building

Ministry Meetings - Please contact your ministry coordinator for remote meeting schedules.
Weekly/Monthly Events
  • Sunday New Converts' Class, 10:00am @church building
  • Sunday Bible Class (children) Sundays at 10:00am @church building
  • Sunday Adult Devotional/Bible Study, 10:00am @church building
  • Sunday Worship Service 8:30 and 11:00am in person and 11:00am via livestream on YouTube. See above for details.
  • Men's/Women's Classes, 5pm (4th Sunday of the month) @church building
  • Youth & Family Ministry (1st Sunday of the month at 2pm)
  • Mature in Heart Women's Prayer (Tuesdays @ 10:30am) VIA TELECONFERENCE (connection info above)
  • Prayer Meeting (Tuesdays @ 7pm) VIA TELECONFERENCE (connection info above)
  • Mid-Week Bible Study (Wednesdays @ 6:30pm) in person and VIA TELECONFERENCE (connection info above)
  • Mid-Week New Converts' Class (Wednesdays @ 7pm) @church building
  • Healing Hearts (Thursdays @6:15pm) VIA ZOOM
  • Choral Ministry (Thursdays @7:30pm) in person @church building
  • Couple's Ministry (2nd & 3rd Fridays @ 7 pm)
  • Retention Ministry (3rd Sunday following 11:00 service)
  • Women's Prayer (Saturdays 9:30am) VIA TELECONFERENCE (Connection info above)


Bro. John Kurpiel, minister for the Lawrence congregation, hosts an international radio program, “Soul Food,” on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11AM until 3PM. The program airs on Ignite Radio Broadcast via Mixlr, an interactive internet radio platform. Use the link below to tune in to listen, or to participate in the conversation. Always free to listen. https://mixlr.com/ignite-radio-broadcast
Plan of Salvation
Church of Christ in Roxbury
81 Walnut Avenue
Roxbury, MA 02119
617-442-5826
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