This past Sunday we celebrated Homecoming at PBC. For those who may not be familiar with a Homecoming service...it's a service that celebrates the anniversary of a church's beginnings and what God has accomplished through the church. It's also an invitation for those who have moved on to come back home and celebrate with us.
Pioneer Baptist Church began in 1990 as a small bible study group in Max Meadows. When the church was constituted in 1995 the membership was 39 and they dedicated the newly constructed sanctuary. A lot has changed in 19 years.
I became the pastor of PBC in 2001. 8 years ago, I had no idea that we would see the growth nor the impact of this church body. I'm often asked what has made the difference...what are we doing at PBC? Trying to figure all of that out is difficult because it's not just one thing.
I shared a quote this past Sunday that I would love to share with you. I think this was an advertisement for some type of clothing but it fit: "Pioneers are people who just aren't content leaving well enough alone. They're a little more adventurous and a lot more interesting." How does that fit us?
We haven't been content to leave the lost without the Gospel.
We haven't been content to leave the hungry without a meal.
We haven't been content to leave the naked out in the cold.
We have made a deliberate choice to love God and love others. Through this commitment we intentionally share the Gospel with those around us. We intentionally share food and clothing, we give to those in need, and offer love to all who enter the doors of our church building.
We also haven't been content to just "do" church. We worship intentionally. It's our desire to touch the heart of God. In doing so we know that God's presence will be among us. We do what we can do to ensure harmony within the fellowship and protect unity at all cost. Are we perfect? No! We mess up. People get off track. However, we offer forgiveness without allowing a root of bitterness to take hold.
We are also a little more adventurous. The picture above is from a mission trip earlier this year to Alaska. Alaska is just one of the many places that we have attempted to partner with God in what He is doing in the world. Acts 1:8 commands us to go into Jerusalem (hometown), Judea (our region/state), Samaria (surrounding areas/nation), and to the uttermost parts of the world (for us that has meant Ukraine, Africa, and East Asia where we have 2 missionaries on the ground). We have decided that it's worth the risk to take the Gospel to those in need or to give a helping hand.
We are a lot more interesting. This isn't an arrogant statement. I have found that if you set something on fire people will come to watch it burn. Our church body has been set on fire by the work of the Holy Spirit and that tweaks people's curiosity. That's why they ask: "What's going on at your church?". When you have a pioneering spirit (trailblazer attitude) you cannot help but stand out in the world.
How has God used that this year?
Averaged 186 in attendance this year (26 more than last year). We also had a record attendance on Resurrection Sunday of 275.
During our annual Park Day event we fed over 800 people, intentionally shared the Gospel with 122 and leading 18 of them to faith in Christ.
We have witnessed 73 people (35 in Max Meadows, 38 in Ukraine) come to saving faith in Jesus. Baptized 23 people and adding 16 members to the body already this year. All of these numbers are up from last year and for that we give glory and honor to God.
In all these things we understand that it is God at work through us. Are we making a difference? I believe so! However, we also understand that we must remain committed to the vision that God has given us. We must continue to view ministry as meeting people's needs with love. And we must continue to make our relationship with God and others the focus of what we do as a church.
The greatest testimony of what God is doing in a church is that of changed lives. In our service this Sunday we heard the testimonies of those who have been impacted by the ministry of PBC. A long standing member who has been encouraged to embrace the relationship rather than the religion. A member who has learned the value of sharing Christ and been equipped to do that in his daily life. Some former members who came back to testify to the power of God displayed in their life while they were members of PBC. And a testimony of God's salvation coming into a life that was hurting.
To God be the glory! Great things He has done.
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