Annual Report 2014
Our 2014 annual report is now available here online or in print at the RBC welcome desk.
Our Annual Report is designed to provide you with a big-picture overview of what God has been doing in and through Reston Bible Church over the course of 2014.
Scripture tells us in Ephesians 3:20 that Jesus is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, and we continue to see the truth of this in the life of our church. As we pursue our mission, vision and passion of knowing Christ and making Him known, God has been faithful to provide growth and momentum in many areas of church life here at RBC.
As with each year, this report is not a compilation of our accomplishments, but those of our great and glorious God.
In Psalm 77, the author, Asaph, is struggling with discouragement and feels disconnected from the Lord. A turning point comes in the middle of the Psalm, where he says, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD… I will ponder all Your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.” The result is worship as he then acknowledges the holiness and greatness of “the God who works wonders.”
It is a joy to look back and remember the great things God has done, and the Annual Report allows us an opportunity to do that in the context of our church.
May this year-in-review booklet be an encouragement to deeper worship and more profound trust as we look back and are reminded of the many wonders God has done among us for the glory of His name.
Sunday Rewind | 12.14.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
O Come All Ye Faithful (John 1:14) – Christ Is Come by Big Daddy Weave
Angels We Have Heard On High (Luke 2:13-14) – Christmas Offerings by Third Day
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Celebrating Generosity
It’s never natural to give away what you’ve worked for, but God doesn’t ask us to do what comes naturally. Don’t let greed and fear hold generosity hostage.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Who can you think of that is an example of a truly generous person? What makes them generous?
- Would you consider yourself a generous person? Why or why not?
- Read and discuss Luke 21:1-4. How does this verse celebrate generosity? Where else in scripture do you find generosity celebrated?
- In what ways is generosity a discipline?
- How does greed hold generosity hostage? What are some signs that greed is holding back your generosity?
- “The more you make, the less you want to give.” Have you found this to be true in your life? How can you grow in this?
- How does fear hold generosity hostage? What are some signs that fear is holding back your generosity?
- What is the difference between being an owner and a steward? If you are a steward – and not the owner – of what God has entrusted you with, how should this spur you to generosity?
- How is it a privilege to give sacrificially?
- How does the gospel deal with fear and greed? How does the gospel encourage and empower sacrificial generosity?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His great generosity toward us in Christ. Pray that He would help us uncover whatever holds us back from being generous.
Sunday Rewind | 11.30.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – Savior King by Hillsong Worship
I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 17
To the degree that you don’t know Christ, you will trust in other things.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Throughout the course of this teaching series, what has particularly impacted you from the book of Colossians?
- What verse(s) would you consider the key verse(s) from each chapter of Colossians?
- Read and discuss Colossians 1:27. Why is Christ the “hope of glory”? What is biblical hope?
- How is hope dulled by unbelief? Where in your walk with Christ do you struggle with unbelief?
- Read and discuss Colossians 2:13-14. What does this section tell us about forgiveness and the gospel? What are the practical implications for your life?
- In what ways do you allow the gospel to become dulled by familiarity? How can we keep that from happening?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:1-4. What do these verses tell us about an eternal focus? How does temporal experience dull our focus on eternity?
- Read and discuss Colossians 4:1-5. What do these verses have to do with missions? If our passion for missions is dulled by distance, what are some things you and your Shepherd Group can do to “close the gap”?
- “To the degree that you don’t know Christ, you will trust in other things.” How have you found this to be true? How does the gospel give us grace to deal with this?
Sunday Rewind | 11.23.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Worship
The Wonderful Cross (Galatians 6:14) – The Worship Initiative, Vol. 5 by Shane & Shane
Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong Worship
Son of God (Psalm 145:3-4) – Beauty in the Broken by Starfield
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 16
Friendships expand the capacity of the soul to experience life.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Colossians 4:7-14 . What do these verses show us about the nature of ministry and the church?
- If you were writing a letter to tell others about how thankful you are for the people in your life, how many people would you include? Who are they? Who might include you in their letter?
- “Friendships expand the capacity of the soul to experience life.” How have you seen or experienced this? What qualities make for a deep friendship?
- When you find people in pain, do you tend to avoid or engage?
- “Any time you forgive or are forgiven, your soul expands.” How have you experienced forgiveness? Is there someone in your life you need to seek forgiveness from? Is there someone you need to extend forgiveness to?
- What specific seasons or moments in your life have expanded the capacity of your soul to love and care for others?
- What does the gospel direct and demand regarding friendships, forgiveness , encouragement and ministering to others?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Ask the Lord to show you one person you can “go after” in encouragement.
Sunday Rewind | 11.16.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong Worship
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Be Thou My Vision (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – Cathedral by Heartsong
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 15
Everyone has a platform to proclaim the “mystery of Christ.” What gospel inroads has God given you?
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Colossians 4:2-6 . What do these verses tell you about you? What do they tell you about Jesus?
- Would you consider prayer a strength or a weakness in your walk with the Lord? Why? How do these verses instruct us in the area of prayer?
- Have you had any recent opportunities to “proclaim the mystery of Christ” (v. 3)? What happened?
- What does it mean to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders” (v. 5)? Do you make the best use of your time with those who do not know Jesus? How can you grow in this area?
- What does it mean to be gracious in speech (v. 6)? Do you consider your words generally to be “seasoned with salt”? How do you need to grow in this area?
- “God did not come to heal all your pain, but to give you the grace to get through the pain.” Have you experienced this? How do you respond to that statement? How can pain become a platform for the gospel?
- What “gospel inroads” has God given you? What do you need to do in faith & obedience to make the most of those opportunities?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Ask God to give you opportunities to proclaim Christ in clear and wise ways to those around us.
From the Field: Papua New Guinea
RBC-supported missionary Brian Shortmeier, who works with New Tribes Mission, shared the video below with our church at our 2014 Missions Conference. Dimapatai is one of many primitive Moi tribal people in Papua, who came to know Christ as his savior through NTM missionaries. In this video, Dimapatai shares his unscripted thoughts on Jesus.
Here is a brief update on Dimapatai from the Lambs, New Tribes Mission staffers in Ontario:
Sadly just a few weeks ago we heard that he had passed away. In a culture that typically mourns without hope for days when someone dies, the family couldn’t help but rejoice in their new-found hope because of Jesus. These were Dimapatai’s final words before he went to be with his Saviour. He said, “I am not about to go anywhere but Heaven. To go anywhere else is not possible. I’m going to Heaven.Don’t think that I’m going somewhere else. Don’t be nervous or afraid for me. There are not two paths for me. I am going to be with Jesus.” Praise the Lord that we will one day rejoice together in glory with Dimapatai and some from every tongue and tribe and nation! “O death, where is your victory, Oh grave, where is your sting!”
Please take a moment now to pray for the ongoing work of tribal evangelism and church planting in Papua New Guinea and across the unreached people groups of the world.
Sunday Rewind | 11.9.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
TEACHING: Missions Conference 2014 – His Great Name
During our annual Missions Conference, a variety of our global staff speak and share about how the gospel is going forth throughout the nations. Due to the sensitive areas of some of the places they work, we do not publish the audio or video to the web.
The Missions Conference opening night address by Steve Sanford of New Tribes Mission is available here.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Which service did you attend, and who did you hear speak? What stood out to you as they spoke?
- Do you have any personal experience with missions or missionary work? What was that experience like? What did God teach you about yourself and about Himself?
- As he was considering a call to overseas missions, one speaker noted a distinction between asking the question “What is God’s will for my life?” and “What is God’s will?” What is the difference between those two questions?
- What do you think God’s will or purpose is in missions? Where do you find this in Scripture?
- What do you feel your role is in missions? How do you feel you are doing in fulfilling that role?
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for His missional provision for us through Jesus. Pray that His great name would continue to be glorified throughout the nations. Pray for those who are laboring faithfully in missions.
- How does the gospel necessitate missions?
- Discuss with your group and consider adopting a missionary to correspond with and pray for on a regular basis.
Sunday Rewind | 11.2.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Louder Than Creation by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 14
As the church, we should be known more for the good we do than the evil that we hate.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:22-25 and Matthew 5:11-16, 1 Peter 2:11-17. What do these verses tell you about you? What do they tell you about Jesus? What topics or themes do you note in these verses?
- In what ways do we tend to make government or education a savior? Can you think of other societal values we try to make saviors?
- Are you in a position of authority, servitude or both in your vocation? Do you find your position a difficult one? Why or why not? What would you change about those around you? What needs to change in you?
- How have you seen authority abused? How have you seen it used in godly ways?
- “Good deeds are the platform from which the world watches to see what Christians are like.” Have you seen this to be true?
- Do you think our church is known more for what we are for, or for what we are against? What about the church in general? Why? What change(s) need to occur in this area for the advancement of the kingdom?
- How does the gospel empower and instruct us in fulfilling the vocational roles in which God has placed us?
- How is kingdom living the ultimate apologetic for the Christian faith?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed.
HOPE Ministry Haiti Trip
Early in October 2014, a small group of RBC ministry leaders took a short trip to Pignon, Haiti. Aaron and Abi Osborne (our Jr High youth pastor and his wife), Pat and Courtney Cassada (who coordinate RBC’S HOPE Ministry) and Pete Ferrara (one of our church elders) took a trip to see one of our supported missionaries, Pastor Francois, in Pignon, Haiti. Pastor Francois, a native of Pignon, runs both a church that he started about 30 years ago as well as an orphanage that houses over 40 orphaned (and functionally orphaned) children ranging from infancy to almost 20 years old. He’s hired mothers, teachers and more for these kids and clearly prioritizes their spiritual health as well as their physical health. They’d give our kids in Awana a run for their money in scripture memorization (or soccer, for that matter.) They were amazing kids with bright smiles and lots of love. The pictures we took don’t even do them justice. I believe so much of that is due to Pastor Francois. He is a man with a full trust in God’s provision and grace, and was an amazing blessing to be around. He repeatedly called Reston Bible Church his “sister church,” and fully believes we are united in the work of the Lord, who adopted us out of our sin and calls us His children by His grace.
We brought new sound equipment for his church, a lot of much-needed clothes, shoes, and less-needed (but still enjoyed!) candy and toys that were just treasured – all generously donated by RBC. Our agenda, however, was not the typical short-term missions agenda. In Pastor Francois’ terms, “We are in Haiti,” which roughly translates to “Who needs an agenda?!” We simply played with and loved on and prayed for his children and talked a great deal with Pastor Francois about how to best serve and enable his ministry. When it comes to these children and his community going forward, he wants our hearts in Pignon more than our checkbooks. There are a lot of needs there. But well beyond the great need is a greater trust that the God who calls Himself “the Father of the Fatherless” will provide in abundance.
– Courtney Cassada, HOPE Ministry
Please take some time to pray for the children in Pignon and for the work Pastor Francois is doing there for the sake of the gospel. Be on the lookout for upcoming opportunities at RBC to support the children of Pastor Francois’ orphanage.
Sunday Rewind | 10.19.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:38-39) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
TEACHING: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 12
Our vertical relationship with God deeply impacts our horizontal relationships with others, and peace with God gives us the peace of God. The world defines peace through the lens of security; the Christian’s peace comes from confidence in the gospel.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- How do you define “peace”? What brings you peace?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:12-17. What do these verses tell you about you? What do they tell you about Jesus?
- What “vertical” and “horizontal” elements do you see in these verses?
- What does it mean to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v. 15)?
- What is the difference between peace with God and the peace of God?
- How does the world tend to define peace? Is this different from the peace of God? Why or why not?
- How does the gospel bring us peace? How have you experienced this peace during a painful trial?
- What is one way you can intentionally impact someone else’s life this week with the peace you have in God?
- Spend some time praying for the things you’ve discussed. Thank God for the peace we have with and from Him through the gospel of Jesus Christ.