Some challenges facing Solid Rock are more issues of spreading the word and getting out into the community that is Portland area.
Solid Rock encourages its members to not stay within its own community but to actually go out into other areas and spread the word that is Jesus and love. So many times communities do not invite others to join them. They stay their own little group acting as if they are holding a secret between the members. Solid Rock does not want this to occur in its own community, but to actually invite others to join and become a community member.
Unfortunately, many members may feel awkward, scared, or uneasy about talking to their neighbors, friends, or even family members about joining them. Members may worry about the reaction they will receive upon inviting others or even stating what community they are a part of. Solid Rock encourages its members to overcome that fear; to pray for the courage to speak up and be honest.
The other issue facing Solid Rock is the issue of how large it is. It is a wonderful thing to see so many people coming together to celebrate the Lord. The issue is not that there are too many people, but that some people, most likely newcomers may feel alone, invisible, or disconnected from the community. This is one reason there are many groups to join and Solid Rock encourages its members to get connected and to meet new people. It is important to try and get to know someone else in such a large community.
An ever occurring issue that faces any Christian community is the issues that outsiders hold. It is well known that many people do not like Christians and/or do not agree with their beliefs. Our community is no different. As individuals, almost every member has had to face this fact and has had to deal with the criticism of others. Solid Rock as a whole realizes this issue. Luckily we live in a city that does not threaten us or attack us directly. We can feel safe within our community and feel safe while attending services. We are blessed to be a community located in a larger tolerant community. To my knowledge there are never been an issue in relation to our beliefs conflicting with others of the Portland area.
Solid Rock has grown quite large and is set in the larger community that is Portland. This means we do not have to worry about being displaced. In the beginning, of course, Solid Rock had to find its home, moving from one location to another. Luckily, now it is set and so are its members.
For the members that are not completely set and have had to move, there is no worry about becoming disconnected. Technology has helped in this area greatly. Thanks to the internet, video cameras, and iTunes, along with websites, the members of the Solid Rock community can access the messages right on their computers. The websites for this are:
http://www.ajesuschurch.org/Teachings
http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/solid-rock-a-jesus-church/id84246334
Technology has only helped to further our community and keep us stronger by keeping us connected. Solid Rock also has its own Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/ajesuschurch
We can stay on top of the news from Solid Rock.
Some news has included those from the community traveling to other areas to help those communities develop and further. Mission trips include some members from Solid Rock going to areas such as Haiti or Africa to help build houses amongst other things. We raise money during the services, both for the Portland area and those overseas. Solid Rock them goes to areas that need help and organize with the locales to help in whatever they need. We are blessed to be in a position to help others without needing too much help ourselves.
With all this in mind, I believe Solid Rock will continue to grow and spread out. This community is a strong one with tough members who would not give up easily if anything large occurred. There are so many members that it would be hard to break them all up. Solid Rock will be around for many many more years to come.
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