Community Life

Rev. Taft Quincey Heatley Executive Pastor

In the first chapter of the Acts, Jesus Christ gave his final command to his disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).” From that moment, the disciples would never be the same nor would the world. They literally turned the world upside-down, witnessing everywhere they tread their feet, spreading the “good news” that Jesus Christ is the way to eternal salvation. We are the recipients of that same Holy Ghost power that lives in each believer. What is more, Jesus calls us to be His witness in a dying world. We too must continue to infect the world with the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ.

We at the Ray of Hope Christian Church realize the charge from our Lord and Savior. Everyday we have an opportunity to impact and transform this present world into the Kingdom of God. We know the benefit of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must take the Gospel beyond the walls of the church and be a witness in the world.

Our 2010 Theme is “The Church has Left the Building: Taking It to the Streets.” In 2010, we are serious about evangelism and discipleship like never before. We desire to infiltrate every area, saturating it with the good news of a risen Savior. God has given us dominion in the world and the power to overcome it. We will be out in our communities and city ready to introduce people to the marvelous light that is Jesus Christ. It is our charge to do so.

The Community Life Ministries at Ray of Hope will be a part of this movement, to take the Gospel outside of the comforting walls of the church. In 2010, the entire church will “leave the building”, evangelizing the lost. We have a number of opportunities available for you to join us in doing so. We offer over 50 ministries built upon exalting the Savior, evangelizing the sinner, equipping the saint, empowering through stewardship, and elevating society.

We cannot accomplish this alone. We need your participation and witness. Are you ready to infect and affect the world with Gospel? Come worship with us and see how we do ministry at the Ray, but be ready to witness when you “leave the building.” The Streets are calling for the Gospel and the Ray is ready to take it to them. Will you?

With the love of Christ,

Rev. Taft Quincey Heatley
Executive Pastor

John Debruhl Athletics Director

As the world changes around us, the fundamentals of sports have basically remained the same.  Some examples of changes include: rule changes as new circumstances come up, a change in the game schedule due to the weather or a player changing teams.  Well, our God has not changed!  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)  The number one goal of this ministry is to teach the youth in our sports programs about God and the importance of salvation.

We teach the fundamentals of sports and the foundation of sports which includes learning the rules of the game.  The most important foundation is our belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We want the world to know that He is the only foundation which will last. 

Would you like to be a part of a ministry that ministers to other parks and recreational leagues by taking the Word of God to the streets?  What an opportunity to witness to others as we attend games and show we are champions for Jesus!  We have a place for you in the Athletic Ministry!

Athletic Ministry
Provides an avenue for the lost to find Jesus through sports and still have a good time. We offer good spirited competition through Christian values, peace, love, joy, and Christian fellowship. In an athletic world filled with violence, mistreatment, and a “win at any cost attitude”, we are winning souls to Jesus through athletics.

Cheerleaders Ministry
This ministry is for girls ages 5-13. Young girls will have the opportunity to have fun, enjoy life, and love themselves. At the same time, we desire to plant spiritual seeds in every child that participates in our ministry and bring those who are unsaved to Christ. The Cheerleader Ministry will seek to provide love and support to young girls and their families, focusing on spiritual development as well as mental and physical growth. We will present God’s Word through cheerleader drills, inviting persons to Christ, while supporting the Athletic ministry.

Couples Ministry
The Couples Ministry seeks to provide activities that engage married couples in relevant discussions, fun activities, and interactions that promote awareness of Christ-centered marital practices. This ministry also seeks to uplift married couples as we continue to build this vibrant ministry for the future.

2010 Couples Ministry Events
* Monday, January 25th - Couples Ministry Kickoff
* Friday, June 4th - Couples Ministry Event
* Saturday, September 25th - Couples Ministry Christian Education Forum
* Friday, November 5th - Couples Ministry Event

Golden Rays Fellowship
The mission of the Golden Rays Fellowship is to share the light of Christ throughout the church, home, and community through spiritual inspiration, recreation, and socialization with mature adults. All members of the Ray, especially the senior adults, are welcome to participate in the calendar of events. Many opportu¬nities to serve are available through committees such as: the telephone assurance committee, educational and social committees, as well as collaborations with other ministries. The Golden Rays meet the third Saturday of every month.

2010 Golden Rays Events
* Saturday, October 9th - Golden Rays Senior Prom
* Saturday, December 18th - Christmas and Birthday Celebration

H.U.G. Ministry (Hope's Ushers and Greeters)
If you possess the gifts of hospitality, caring, compassion, kindness, and a genuine smile, then this is the place for you. Come and be a part of a ministry that offers opportunities for greeting and welcoming the people of God each time the church gathers.

The purpose of the H.U.G. Ministry is to serve as welcome and service agents to visitors and members of the Ray of Hope Christian Church. This ministry enhances the positive perception of the Ray by greeting each person with the love of Christ and welcoming them into the church family. Orientations are held three times a year.

Love in Action Ministry
(For persons with disabilities)
Love in Action Ministry advocates and supports the inclusion of persons with disabilities as active participants in the church. Persons with disabilities and their families may use their talents and gifts to serve in the ministries of the church. This ministry provides assistance by helping to identify support services within the church or through community resources. Dedicated servants are available at all services to assist disabled persons to experience the love of God through worship and service.

Singles Ministry
The Singles Ministry provides additional opportunities for singles to fellowship, serve, and grow spiritually, socially, and emotionally. This ministry will guide singles in living a Christ centered life through the knowledge of basic principles, practices, and a variety of events. This ministry also exists to be a relevant and relational community where single adults can be reached through the Word of God and encouraged to be devoted to servant ministry.

2010 Singles Ministry Events
* Saturday, Feb. 6th - Singles Evangelism Clinic (C.L. Bible Institute)
* Friday, April 30th - Straight Talk
* Saturday, August 1st - Singles Picnic (Wade Walker Park)
* Sunday, October 16th - Singles Evangelism Clinic (C.L. Bible Institute) & Night Club Evangelism (“I Ain’t Never Scared”)

Wedding Ministry
The Wedding Ministry provides guidance and coordination to all who desire to use the Ray of Hope as their venue for Holy Matrimony. This ministry has established guidelines for wedding ceremonies held at the Ray that will promote a mutual understanding between the engaged couple and the Ray. The primary goal of the ministry is to help eliminate undue stress and make the wedding day an unforgettable occasion.