Twin Forks Baptist Church sits in a small town in what was until recently a largely rural part of Dallas County, Texas.  This small town began growing rapidly a few years ago and is now officially suburban.  Twenty years ago, shortly before the growth rate of the community accelerated, Twin Forks Baptist Church was planted on a busy traffic artery near an interstate highway. 

The church is blessed with attractive facilities on a corner lot with seven acres of undeveloped land.  There is the possibility of purchasing an additional five-acre tract that sits side by side with the current property.  A new elementary school opened recently across the street from the church.  New neighborhoods surround the church.  Major retailers occupy space along the interstate a mile away.  There is no YMCA or similar community organization.

The church grew until it reached the capacity of its present facilities.  The initial debt burden prevented the church from growing their campus and conflict began.  Pioneers and Settlers competed for leadership opportunities.  Attendance began a slow decline about five years ago. 

A new pastor was called to lead the church a little over a year ago.  He is a bi-vocational, first-time pastor in his fifties.  He planned to enter the ministry when he attended college but became interested in law enforcement.  He is now a high-ranking official with a federal agency.  He travels across several states in his official capacity during the week.

The church had two special committees a year ago that were working independently of one another.  One committee was examining the process of purchasing the additional tract of land that is available to them and developing initial plans for the next phase of building.  The other committee was assigned the task of long-range planning.  A consultant was invited to meet with the church to help them focus their work. 

What big three issues confront the church from your perspective?  How would you advise the church to address these issues?  What opportunities for growth and ministry do you see?