CPC 1999 Annual Report:
From the Senior Pastor
Dr. Ronald W. Scates

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Midnight, December 31, 1999 brought to a close Central's Ministry in the 20th Century... and found God's people ending and beginning a century gathering around the Lord's Table...the sacrament literally bringing us from the 20th into the 21st Century. No better way to make that transition.

January 1, 1900 found Central to be a very healthy and vivacious congregation (according to historical records). Strong in number, a new pastor, what looked like a glorious future... yet within forty years, Central had a near-death experience. That should be a reminder to us never to rest presumptuously upon our laurels.

January 1, 2000 finds Central again alive with Christ-centered worship, a Biblical vision for ministry, strong programs for children, youth, and adults. Our guiding vision of A MOVING PEOPLE TOWARD CHRIST was further realized in 1999 through launching a new format for receiving new members: our Moving Toward Christ class on 10 Sunday afternoons, 4 - 6pm. Over sixty people have gone through the new format and the majority of them have joined Central not just as members, but as ministers.

In 1999 we continued to broaden our Kingdom vision and our commitment to the city, diversity, and racial reconciliation by a new partnership with the Agape Fellowship Miracle Church in the Park Heights area. This will enable even more Centralites to play in to what God is already doing in the inner-city.

In 1999 we made an intentional decision to move more college and single folks toward Christ by creating a new staff position of Director of College/Singles/Small Groups Ministries with Greg Meadows serving in the position as interim. And we're looking forward to the arrival of our new Director of Music Ministries - Alida Oosthuizen who will even further enhance our worship and music along with new Choir Director, Tom Brantigan.

In 1999, our Mission Budget rose to just under 33% of our total budget - as we continue to expand our goal of moving people toward Christ worldwide.

And 1999 marked the end of my last full year as your Senior Pastor. Already, the Lord is orchestrating the process that will lead you to a new pastor who will faithfully take you through the first big chunk of the 21st Century. Please be in prayer for that process, for Central's greatest days still lay ahead. Thank you for your love, your sacrifice, your friendship, your encouragement and your devotion to Christ over the past eleven years. I will never forget you nor cease praying for Central Church. What a privilege I've had.

Stay strong in the Lord,
Ron