Wow!

Wow!  I’m not sure that I can adequately express the gratitude and honor I feel in response to Faith Baptist Church’s call issued on Sunday, June 28 to me as the Senior Pastor.  I wanted to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you,” to each and every one of you for the confidence you have in me to lead you and this church in the days ahead.  It goes without saying that we have faced many challenges and obstacles over the past few years as a church, yet the Lord has remained faithful in His steadfast love to His people here at Faith.  Praise Him!

First, I believe the best days of this church are ahead of it, not behind it.  We have been a church here in the Battle Creek area for about 61 years, thanks to the grace of God.  We have a beautiful building and property in a fantastic location that is debt-free.  Brothers and sisters, God has positioned us perfectly to carry out the Great Commission not only here in Battle Creek, but in the surrounding area, our state, our nation, and our world.  I am excited to see what this next chapter in the history of our church will hold!  Despite the incredibly fast changes in our culture, I believe the Lord is going to do some big things here through us if we will be obedient to His call.

Second, I am excited by the joy that I see in you.  What I don’t see is a defeated people, despite the trials we have endured.  Instead, you are a people who hunger for the Word of God, with a desire to grow stronger and deeper in your walk with Christ.  You are a people who wants to be involved in the community, being the hands and feet of Jesus to your neighbors.  You are a people who desires to cooperate with our sister churches not only in our local Association, but with other Christ-centered, Gospel-proclaiming churches in our local area in order to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Third, I recognize the responsibility that comes with such a call.  Scripture tells us the office of Elder/Pastor is a “noble task” (I Timothy 3:1), but also carries with it tremendous responsibility before God.  I will be required to give an account to God for how I carry out the responsibilities of this office (Hebrews 13:17), and when that day comes, I want to be able to lay all of the victories we have as a church at the foot of His throne for His glory.  Thank you for making it a joy to serve!

There is much more that I could say here, but space prohibits it.  Please know that I love each and every one of you dearly, and am available to you for what you may need.  In the days ahead, let us keep this spirit, by God’s grace.  Let us not grow weary of doing good (Galatians 6:9).  Let us continue to bring glory to the only Name that is worthy to receive it.  And let us be prepared for the attacks that will certainly come our way when we are a threat to the Enemy.  Thank you for this opportunity to continue serving our Lord by serving His church and His people.