How to Meet the Need...
Since 2020, I have worked to meet a need and fill a void caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Changing viewership trends and unpredictable algorithms, put our weekly gathering at a deficit. Now faced with meeting needs created by social reach and relations, we're meeting the challenge with change!New Mission & Vision
Reaching the masses isn’t as simple as it sounds
Since I began this journey of obedience to God, I knew that each week would bring different viewers as well as different revelations of scripture. Some weeks felt like we had a full classroom, while other weeks, I could feel the echo reverberating from the empty virtual space. Last summer brought about a change and I changed our meeting time from 8:30 to 8 AM. This change wasn’t as troublesome as I thought it would be. I was instead surprised most weeks by the range of random visitors to our meeting space. Because we don’t have an in-person meeting, most of the “classmates” are contributing members at a local assembly with no obligation to our meeting time. If you add to it the technological challenges that present themselves as I attempt to begin the LIVE broadcast or thwart the broadcast altogether, this decision is rooted in wisdom.
Welcome to The Weekend Word
After careful, prayerful consideration, our Sunday School/Sunday with Elder Fred broadcast is rolling into The Weekend Word. The Weekend Word began as a weekend blog post to pull inspiration from the week into a single post or email blast. That iteration performed well, though inconsistently. The new iteration of The Weekend Word will feature in a lesson in video format. The video will be pre-recorded, though I am still considering a Sunday morning broadcast or check-in of some type. Sometimes, the lesson and inspiration are limited by time constraints. Other times, technological issues and my preparation for Sunday morning service rob us of time and I have to end the broadcast just as it’s getting good. I want to reach the people God sends to the broadcast, but I must do it efficiently. I hope you understand the change and help me grow this iteration of my obedience to God.
How to Watch
YouTube
Web Video Player
A Community of learning
Focused on Learning & Leadership
The fourth chapter of Ephesians speaks to the heart of what I do. I don’t preach for sport. I’m really bad at it. I mean AWFUL! If I were to ever be counted on to preach and wow a crowd, I would happily pass the baton or give my time to another speaker. I’m not wired that way. What I am wired to do is excite the people of God about His Word. I’ve discovered that we seldom attach to things we’re not excited about. I live and am driven by passion. If I’m not passionate about it, it won’t be done well, if it’s done at all. I’ve learned over the years that information can influence passion. What we know can influence or enhance what we do, and that is my goal each week. In Ephesians 4:13, the Apostle Paul encourages a unity in the faith rooted in the knowledge of God and His son Jesus that will mature the believer into a fullness of Christ. That’s our goal and aim, each week. While you may not hear me “yank it” in Ab, you will experience a dynamic lesson and challenge to grow your faith!
Each week, our “classmates” vary, but I’m most humbled when pastors and other faith leaders join the lesson. This time spent together is received as an endorsement of the ministry given to me. I believe God has something for each person viewing or listening and i look to those serving in leadership roles to pour into us as we discuss the lesson. I leave the lesson enriched and strengthened by your presence!
Elder Fred Willis
I strive to live a life pleasing to God in all I do. I have never professed perfection, but I am submitted to God’s process. Many times, this comes out in the weekly lesson as I share how I’m maneuvering through life’s challenges with the Word of God. This life is not easy, but we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength to do them. I am graced to lead these weekly sessions of spiritual nourishment and I count it an honor and privilege to be trusted to feed the flock of God as they encounter our weekly broadcasts.