A Body Wholly Committed

Preparing Our Hearts for a New Season of Ministry

Are you ready for a new adventure? As we stand on the cusp of a significant transition in our church’s life, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. In just eight weeks, we’ll be moving into our new building – a testament to God’s faithfulness and your incredible generosity. But as we prepare for this move, I’m reminded of the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16:9: “For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

Yes, a great door of opportunity is opening before us. But with that opportunity comes responsibility and potential challenges. How can we, as a church family, prepare our hearts for this new season of ministry?

Growing in Christ-likeness

First and foremost, we must focus on our personal spiritual growth. As the apostle Peter exhorts us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This growth doesn’t happen automatically – it requires intentional effort on our part.

Consider the following:

• Are you spending time in God’s Word daily?
• Are you meditating on Scripture and memorizing it?
• Are you part of a small group where you can be challenged and encouraged in your walk with Christ?

In our new building, we’ll have expanded opportunities for growth, including a Sunday school hour after our worship service. I challenge you to commit now to taking advantage of these opportunities to deepen your faith.

The Power of Prayer

A growing church must be a praying church. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” We need God’s wisdom and strength as we navigate this transition and seek to reach our community for Christ.

Can you imagine the impact if every member of our church was devoted to prayer? Pray for our young families, our college students, our children and youth. Pray for our ministry teams and our missionaries. Let’s be a church that’s known for its dependence on God through prayer.

Serving with Joy

Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). As we move into our new facility, we’ll have increased opportunities for service. Whether it’s in the audio-video ministry, the connections team, the nursery, or one of our new outreach initiatives, there’s a place for you to use your gifts to serve the Lord and His church.

Remember, serving isn’t just about filling a slot on a schedule. It’s about following Christ’s example and pouring out our lives for others. As you consider where to serve, ask God to give you His heart of compassion for those around you.

Generosity in Action

I’m continually humbled by the sacrificial giving of our church family. Your generosity has made this new building possible, and it will fuel our expanded ministry opportunities in the coming years. As we prepare for this transition, please continue to pray about your financial partnership with the church. Remember, “all things come from you, and of your own have we given you” (1 Chronicles 29:14).

Maintaining Unity in the Midst of Change

Change can be challenging, and as we move into our new building, there will undoubtedly be adjustments and growing pains. This is where we must heed Paul’s advice in Romans 12:18: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Let’s commit to being patient with one another, quick to forgive, and focused on what unites us – the gospel of Jesus Christ. When differences arise, let’s be “strict with ourselves and kind to others,” remembering that it’s our unity in Christ that truly matters.

Putting It Into Practice

As we look ahead to this exciting new chapter in our church’s life, I challenge each of you to:

1. Evaluate your personal spiritual growth. Are you actively pursuing Christ-likeness?
2. Commit to regular, fervent prayer for our church and its ministry.
3. Find a place to serve, using your gifts to build up the body of Christ.
4. Prayerfully consider your financial partnership with the church.
5. Guard the unity of our church by being quick to forgive and slow to take offense.

Remember, Community Baptist Church, God has called us to be a lighthouse, not an outhouse! Let’s shine brightly for Christ in our new location, reaching our community with the love and truth of the gospel. The door is open wide – let’s step through it together, trusting God to do great things in and through us.