For the past few months I’ve had the privilege of working with our leaders to develop a program called “Forward in Faith.”

Forward in Faith is a one-year program designed to tackle the issue of debt at St. Stephen Lutheran. Through special Bible study lessons, in-home meetings, and congregation-wide family devotions, we will all walk through the principles of Christian giving.

Our goal is to retire the line of credit debt at the end of the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012). This line of credit represents an unfortunate chapter in our congregational history. The line of credit is a burden on our budget, even today, and hinders ministry at our congregation.

We want to take it out. And with God’s help, we will.

The fiscal year 2010-2011 was the first year in almost a decade in which we did not borrow money to pay our bills. We’ve “stopped the bleeding,” so to speak. Now, the next step is to seal the wound and get back to healing again.

That’s what Forward in Faith is all about. On the face of it, it’s about reducing debt. But it’s really more. It’s a plan to advance our gospel ministry. It’s a plan to close an undesirable chapter in our history. It’s a plan to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ. It’s a plan to put our faith into action.

To put this all into action, the Council has adopted the following schedule:

• NOW: Register for a cottage meeting.
• July 3: Kickoff Sunday with a special presentation
• July 10: Forward in Faith Bible study begins, “Seeds of the Gospel.”
• July 17: “Seeds of the Gospel,” lesson two.
• July 24: “Seeds of the Gospel,” lesson three.
• July 31: “Seeds of the Gospel,” lesson four.

Also, throughout the month of July members of the Council will be meeting in your homes to present the plan to you.

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this. We have a big opportunity in front of us. Pray we respond in faith and with generous hearts!