Church News


Community Bible Church Omaha, Nebraska Charles Tschetter, Pastor Many of our ministries take a break


during the summer, but not our Abide Lighthouse Ministry. In fall 2013, our Out- reach Committee decided to partner with the Abide Network here in Omaha. Abide is an inner city, non-profit organization whose mission is to transform the inner city, one neighborhood at a time. Community Bible purchased a house for a mere $15,000,


Continuation of FEBC is Needed Page 2...


have sufficient resources to meet the emergency. Another downside to the limitation of resources is that it cre-


ates many inefficiencies. Reinventing the wheel is commonplace. It is true that an independent entity can be more easily con-


trolled. Tat is a reason that some value independence so highly. However, when it comes to the church, it is not ours to control. It is the Lord’s church. He can control it whether we are indepen- dent or not. Te second error that creeps into independent thinking is that


independence even exists. Ultimately, none of us are independent. We are all always dependent upon God. We do not truly stand on our own. Sometimes independence makes us feel like we do stand on our own. My desire is to see us not as dependent churches or as indepen-


dent churches, but rather as interdependent churches. Interdependence means that each part can stand as inde-


pendent, but each has chosen to affiliate with others. Tis al- lows individual parts do things that are greater than each could do on their own. For the FEBC, this has been most evident through the years in the areas of missions and church planting. Tis gives us all the advantages of independence, but also


allows us to draw from the strength of other churches. FEBC does this through a voluntary fellowship. We can walk away if the inter- dependent relationship does not help our work in God’s service. However, we can greatly benefit from each other as well. Interdependence shows up in Mutual projects Missionaries: Te 4,500 people of FEBC support more than eighty missionary units.


Church planting: More than half of FEBC churches have been planted by FEBC. Currently we have four church plants and active plans for two more. Mutual encouragement


18 Fellowship Focus, September/October 2016


At the pastoral level: Most pastors have other FEBC pastors they can call when they need advice or encouragement. Many pastors look to FEBC personnel for encouragement. Tis may seldom be seen by our congregations, but it is invaluable. Many pastors have burned out because they have been alone and independent.


At the church level: Mutual encouragement also comes to bear at the times that we do come together as churches. Tis is evident at Convention and when churches unite for joint services and joint projects. Tere is value in knowing that we are not alone, especially as we see consequential theological driſt in many other evangelical denominations.


Crisis and tragedy One of the most valuable benefits of interdependence


comes at crisis and tragedy. Frequently solutions to problems can only be seen from an outside perspective. While there are others outsiders who can do what FEBC does, we come to the table with a current relationship and a certain assumption of understanding and trust. Commission on Churches has sent teams to several churches. Tey were sent to assess problems and to help church boards think strategically about particular opportunities to grow and serve.


FEBC is needed to receive Christians seeking a return to Biblical beliefs. Some major denominations are moving to ordain women.


Some denominations are embracing an unbiblical mysticism under the guise of contemplative theology. Many denominations have departed from the hope of Jesus’ imminent return. FEBC is needed to stand ready to receive Christians who desire to grow under biblical teaching. FEBC is needed! Tank you for being major partners of FEBC and for standing for the things that you believe.


but total renovation was necessary! Once the house was gutted, work


began literally from the ground up! Many volunteer workers from within our church family gave numerous Saturdays to this project. Tese days were filled with demo- lition and deconstruction, and then reno- vation and reconstruction from plumbing and electrical to drywall hanging, concrete pouring, painting, tiling, raking and clean- ing! Renovation was finally completed at the end of June 2016.


Abide missionaries Rob and Saman-


tha Johnson have moved in, and excit- ing days are ahead as their presence in the Lighthouse will be seen and felt in numerous ways. CBC held a “Celebration of Completion” at the Lighthouse on Saturday, August 27. We give thanks to the many servants who served the Lord with their time and talents on this project, and we ask the Lord’s blessing on this house. Our prayer is that it may be used to bring honor and glory to Him, and Lord willing,


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