Where Did Statements of Faith Begin? (By Thomas Hill)

Earlier posts in this series:

• Statement or Confession of Faith?

In this series of articles, I am reflecting on the profound role of our church's statement of faith. Today, I want to consider where statements of faith began. Let’s take a condensed tour through church history.

First, we discover brief statements of doctrine in Scripture:

• Exodus 34:6–7: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

• Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

• 1 Corinthians 15:3–5: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”

• 1 Timothy 3:16: “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”

The Spirit inspired these biblical summary statements. Believers across the ages have treasured, memorized, and repeated them as potent declarations and heartfelt expressions of devotion and doctrine.

Next, after biblical times, believers and their churches have stated the truth openly, clearly, and precisely. Summary statements of the Bible's teaching served the church by promoting clear confession. Let's admit the Bible is a thick book and has been interpreted in numerous ways. Therefore, summary statements about what believers understand the Bible to teach have proven to be valuable, durable tools. Statements of faith are not inspired Scripture, so they should always be revised in light of Scripture. Still, they have proven effective.

Statements of faith have not only helped believers positively confess their faith but also helped to protect the church from strange doctrine. For example, the early creeds of the church helped to defend against a host of heresies related to the nature of God.

By the fourth century, we find the church writing statements of faith:

• The Apostle’s Creed, A. D. 300-400

• The Nicene Creed, 325

• The Chalcedonian Creed, 451

• The Athanasian Creed, A. D. 400-500

• The Augsburg Confession, 1530: Martin Luther’s statement of faith.

• Short Confession of Faith in Twenty Articles, 1609: One of the earliest Baptist statements of faith by John Smyth.

• The London Confession of Faith (1644)

• The Philadelphia Confession of Faith (1742): one of the first Baptist statements of faith in the American colonies.

• The New Hampshire Confession of Faith (1833): Crestview’s original statement of faith.

• The Baptist Faith & Message (1925, updated in 1963 and 2000): Crestview’s current statement of faith.

As one can see, there is a long history of believers—Baptists included — setting forth their convictions in brief summary statements and then revising them as needed. These summary statements enabled churches to keep unity around the most essential teachings of Scripture and be clear where interpretations of Scripture differed.

Timothy George concludes: “From their beginning Baptist Christians have set fourth their most cherished convictions about God, salvation, the church, and the life of faith in confessions, covenants, and catechisms. The malign neglect of these important primary sources has certainly contributed to the theological amnesia and spiritual myopia which afflict all too many Baptists today.”[1]

Statements of faith are helpful instruments for preserving the gospel and strengthening the church. They have existed in one form or another since biblical times. May the history of such statements reinforce our appreciation of the importance of Crestview’s statement of faith.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

[1] Timothy George, Baptist Confessions Covenant, and Catechisms, 1-2.

Statement or Confession of Faith? (By Thomas Hill)

Today, I embark on a series of articles delving into the profound role of a church's statement of faith. In this series, we will explore how our doctrinal statement not only serves as an educational resource for our faith but also acts as a guardrail, steering us away from straying off the path of sound belief and practice.

To truly grasp the significance of a statement of faith, we must first understand the place of confession. Confession, the verbalization of sincerely held belief, is more than just words. As Paul explains, it is a manifestation of faith: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved” (Rom 10:9–10). Genuine confession is rooted in a heart conviction.

When Peter confessed Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus acknowledged the divine source of this confession: "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven" (Matt 16:16–17). This revelation underscores the spiritual depth of true confession, which is rooted in God's work of regeneration. Through this divine process, the Lord enlightens the heart with the glory of Christ and enables his apprehension (2 Cor. 4:6). Verbalizing the lordship of Jesus Christ is not just a mere act of speech, but a profound expression that arises from an enlightened, transformed heart.

The most profound and condensed confession of faith remains: “Jesus Christ is Lord” (1 Cor 12:3). John affirms such straightforward expressions as the indicator of sincere faith: “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 Jo 4:2). The confession of one’s faith, then, is of supreme importance.

A confession of faith, another term for a statement of faith. For a statement of faith to be truly effective, two things must be true. First, the statement must accurately express heart convictions. Second, and equally importantly, believers must voluntarily subscribe to the statement. This voluntary subscription is not just a formality, but a responsibility that each believer should take seriously. A statement of faith that does not accurately convey the heart is worthless. Furthermore, a statement of faith that is superficial – merely ecclesiastical boilerplate – is of little use. Yet, just as we benefit tremendously from singing lyrically rich hymns in gathered worship, a written statement of faith can also assist us in expressing our heart’s convictions.

If someone asked you to confess your faith by summarizing the most essential truths about the Lord, how would you do this? I hope you will perceive the immense value of Crestview's statement of faith in assisting you in articulating your understanding of the Bible's key doctrines.

 For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

2024 Giving Highlights (By Thomas Hill)

Jesus stated, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21). In his book, Budgeting for a Healthy Church, pastor Jamie Dunlop draws from Jesus’ statement a principle for churches: “To understand what really matters to a church, look past its vision statement, past its website, past its glossy brochures, and look at its budget. Follow the money. What a church treasures—how it spends its money—reveals its heart, its values, and its priorities” (15). This reality is true for Crestview.

Now that we have closed the books on 2024, I want to share several exciting observations that were made possible by your active participation and generous contributions:

In 2024, your giving allowed us to direct $100,000, or 18% of expenses, to international, regional, and local mission and relief efforts! These efforts include the cooperative program, International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, Mission Georgia, Flint River Baptist Association, Christian Women’s Center, Fayette Pregnancy Resource Center, McIntosh Baptist Church replant, Crestview Compassion, Lesotho trips, and more. Your contributions clearly demonstrate Crestview's commitment to engaging the world with the gospel, from here to the ends of the earth (Matt 28:18-20).

We devoted $65,000, or 12% of expenditures, to support gathered worship, equipping courses, disciple-making, and ministries to kids and students. Crestview clearly values worship, community, and building up our church (Eph 4:11-12).

We invested $260,000, or 46% of expenditures, in pastoral staff and families, administrative staff, and the development of elders, deacons, and their wives. Crestview clearly values and honors its leaders (1 Tim 5:17; Heb 13:17).

We applied $138,000, or 25% of expenditures, to maintaining the church campus. These costs included utilities, property insurance, and keeping fixtures and equipment operational. Crestview clearly values a functional, attractive, and safe campus as a ministry tool (Deut 22:8).

Separate from these budget expenditures, in 2024, the Henry and Myrtis Holman Memorial fund, a fund set up by past Crestview members in their estate planning to support mission work, distributed $36,000 in Crestview’s name, divided evenly, to the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board. The Holmans set up this perpetual fund in their estate planning. I suspect they will give more to missions from heaven than they did during their earthly days!

Even with your commendable efforts and your leaders’ appeals, the church fell $34,000 short of our budget goal for 2024. However, I am hopeful that with your continued generosity, we can surpass our goals in 2025, enabling us to direct more funds to the initiatives valued by the Lord and Crestview.

Our church’s budget is a key way we work together as a church in gospel ministry. Dunlop highlights the budget’s importance: ”Think of your church’s budget as a long-term mutual fund with an excellent rate of return. It’s a spiritual mutual fund” (36). May every Crestview member be thankful on that last day for every dollar we entrusted to this budget!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Replanting: Who? (By Thomas Hill)

NOTE: A significant ministry initiative planned for Crestview in 2025 is the replanting of McIntosh Baptist Church. Over three weeks, I am devoting this weekly article to answer questions related to this initiative:

Part 1: Replanting: Why? Why is this a worthy effort?

Part 2: Replanting: How? How will McIntosh be rebirthed?

Today: Replanting: Who? From where will the members of this new church come?

The final question in this series is this: From where will the members of the new McIntosh Baptist Church come? Should you consider being part of this new work?

The aim in this effort is for Crestview, our sister FRBA churches, and other interested churches to send members to join the new church. I am praying for three to five Crestview families to commit to this new work. Once McIntosh is established and functioning, the hope is for the Lord to add to the church as the members carry out the church’s biblical purposes. Initially, though, the plant team should be comprised of healthy, mature believers from sister churches. However, joining the replant team will not be for everyone, so keep reading to see if this may be right for you.

As I wrote in last week’s article, a church is formed when believers intentionally covenant together before the Lord to practice what he reveals his church to be. They promise to rightly practice the ordinances and truly proclaim God’s word. They promise to love and encourage one another’s discipleship. Together, then, they carry out the Lord’s purposes for his church: worship, fellowship, evangelism, disciple-making, and mission.

Six questions to help you consider joining the plant team for McIntosh:

1.Are you already actively involved with Crestview?

The members of the plant team for McIntosh should be composed of those who are already committed and involved in their church. Though there will be some differences, the ministry philosophy and schedule of the new church will be similar to Crestview’s. If you struggle with active involvement with Crestview, then joining McIntosh is not for you.

2. Do you understand and appreciate Crestview’s beliefs and philosophy of ministry?

McIntosh will share the same statement of faith as Crestview: Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Crestview shares most all the distinctives of McIntosh’s ministry philosophy. If you struggle with Crestview’s beliefs and philosophy of ministry, then joining McIntosh is not for you.

3. Does being part of a smaller church with an abundance of service opportunities sound exciting?

I am praying for at least fifty members to comprise the plant team (not all from Crestview). McIntosh may be a quarter of the size of Crestview when it launches this September. Those on the plant team will need to step up and serve in a variety of ways, from loving fellow members to assisting with services to cleaning toilets and mowing the lawn. Do you foresee your family thriving in such an arrangement? If you foresee struggling in a church smaller than Crestview with rudimentary service needs, then joining McIntosh is not for you.

4. Are you already a joyful, faithful giver?

As Crestview does, McIntosh will depend on the faithful, joyful giving of its members. Those who join the plant team should enthusiastically support the work financially. If you currently struggle to support Crestview financially, then joining McIntosh is not for you.  

5. Can you envision sitting under Daniel Sanderson’s preaching and leadership?

This Sunday, Jan 26, you will have the opportunity to hear Daniel Sanderson preach with Crestview. Between now and September, he will host a variety of information sessions and invest time with the prospective plant team. Those who are considering joining should invest time in getting to know Daniel by participating in these gatherings. If you foresee yourself struggling under Daniel’s preaching and leadership, then joining McIntosh is not for you. To learn more about Daniel and the replanting meetings, check out: McIntosh Replant Site

6. Have you discussed your potential interest with your current pastor and Daniel Sanderson?

If you are considering joining the McIntosh replant, Crestview members should discuss this with me sooner rather than later. I welcome the opportunity to prayerfully consider this decision together. Crestview’s elders and church hope to commission several families to join the work. You should also make your interest known to Daniel. If, over the coming months, you find yourself answering six questions in the affirmative, then the Spirit may be guiding you to become part of the McIntosh replant.

As you can see, joining the McIntosh replant is a high call. It is for those who desire to be local “missionaries” endeavoring to establish a new healthy church. Those who wish to join will, in time, be affirmed by Daniel and the elders of the new McIntosh church and commissioned by Crestview, or their current church, for this mission.

Undoubtedly, the vast majority of Crestview members will remain in our church. For those staying at Crestview, how can you encourage the replant of McIntosh?

• PRAY for the Lord to bless the replanting of McIntosh Baptist Church.

• SEND out members well. Encourage them as they prepare to depart in the coming months and look to fill the holes they leave behind in our church family.

• GIVE to Crestview. Our 2025 ministry budget includes monthly support for the McIntosh replant. As you support Crestview, you are enabling us to undergird this new work together. 

• SERVE as needs arise. There will be opportunities to serve by aiding in tangible ways, such as work projects around the McIntosh church campus.

Join me in praying for several families from Crestview and from sister churches in the region to join this new work. Though most of us will remain with Crestview, there are valuable ways we can all support the replanting of the new McIntosh Baptist Church. May our Lord strengthen Crestview, and may his kingdom come and will be done in Griffin and Spalding as it is in heaven.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Replanting: How? (By Thomas Hill)

NOTE: A significant ministry initiative planned for Crestview in 2025 is the replanting of McIntosh Baptist Church. Over three weeks, I am devoting this weekly article to answer questions related to this initiative:

Last Week: Replanting: Why? Why is this a worthy effort?

Today: Replanting: How? How will McIntosh be rebirthed?

Jan 20: Replanting: Who? From where will the members of this new church come?

How will those involved carry out the replanting of McIntosh Baptist Church? How will it be rebirthed?

With Reliance on the Lord

Scripture reveals that the Lord establishes and strengthens his church for his glory and purposes in the world. After Peter confesses Jesus' Lordship, Jesus declares, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt 16:18). Jesus, therefore, promises to expand and guard his church. Paul teaches the church in Ephesus that "Through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Eph 3:10). God’s wisdom, then, shows forth in the world through local churches. Paul instructs Timothy that the local church is the Lord’s priority: “I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim 3:14-15). The local church protects and proclaims the truth the living Lord has revealed. The Lord highly regards his church and has given birth to it for his glory.

Most fundamentally, then, the replanting of McIntosh Baptist Church must be the Lord’s work carried out through his people. He must bless, build, and sustain it. It is our responsibility, then, to rely upon him by utilizing his ordained means for this work. We must pray. Will you pray daily for this effort to honor the Lord and thrive? We must diligently follow Scripture, employ sound doctrine, and apply wisdom. We must keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Then, we must give time, money, service, and members to this work. After all, Jesus warned, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

With a Clarity about the Nature of the Church

One potential hindrance to replanting can be fuzziness about what a local church is. A local church is not established by having a building, a website, a worship service, evangelism, or even a crowd—as vital as these may be. A church is formed when believers intentionally covenant together before the Lord to practice what the Lord reveals a church to be. They promise to rightly practice the ordinances and truly proclaim the word. They promise to love and encourage one another’s discipleship. Together, then, they carry out the Lord’s purposes for his church: worship, fellowship, evangelism, disciple-making, and mission. Throughout the process of replanting McIntosh, there will be clarity about the nature of the church.

With Cooperation from Multiple Churches

Replanting McIntosh will be the united effort of many Baptist churches united in the gospel. Primarily, the forty-five churches of the Flint River Baptist Associational Network are leading the way. We also expect other churches from outside our immediate area to support the work. All these churches will contribute in varied ways according to their abilities. The initial members of the new McIntosh will, likewise, come from these cooperating churches. A few will be sent from here and a few from there. My prayer is that the church will covenant in September with fifty initial members commissioned from sister churches in the region.

With a Purposeful Process

The replanting effort will follow a purposeful process that, Lord willing, will birth a new McIntosh Baptist Church this September.

INTEREST MEETINGS: From January to March, Daniel Sanderson, McIntosh's new pastor, will conduct interest meetings for anyone interested in learning more. At these meetings, he will describe the vision and process of the replant. These interest meetings will be the primary season for recruiting potential members.

PLANT TEAM FORMATION: From April to August, Daniel will begin meeting regularly with those who have the most interest in potentially joining the new church. Together, this group will start considering what it means to be a church together.

COVENANTING: In September, those in the plant team who desire to be initial members of the church will covenant together to be the new McIntosh Baptist Church.

PUBLIC GATHERINGS: The Sunday following covenanting, the church will start public worship gatherings and functioning as a church.

To learn more about Daniel and the replanting process, check out the McIntosh Replant Site.

As McIntosh Baptist Church is replanted, our aim is to rely upon the Lord, remain clear about the nature of the church, cooperate with sister churches, and follow a purposeful process. As we do, our aim is that all our churches will show forth the manifold wisdom of God.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Replanting: Why? (By Thomas Hill)

A significant ministry initiative planned for Crestview in 2025 is the replanting of McIntosh Baptist Church. Over the next three weeks, I am devoting this weekly article to answer questions related to this initiative:

Today: Replanting: Why? Why is this a worthy effort?

Jan 13: Replanting: How? How will McIntosh be rebirthed?

Jan 20: Replanting: Who? From where will the members of this new church come?

Why is replanting McIntosh Baptist Church a worthy effort? I will answer this question on several fronts. First, I will provide some background.

Background

McIntosh Baptist Church, founded in 1894, has a long history on the north side of Griffin. The Lord worked through this church over the past decades to affect many lives in our region – including some of our own Crestview members. However, for a variety of reasons, the church fell into steady decline over many years. Participation dwindled to an average of fifteen people, which pressed the church to consider its future viability. Crestview’s elders were instrumental in guiding McIntosh to entrust the Flint River Baptist Association to replant the church. In May 2024, the church made the unanimous kingdom-minded decision to continue the vision and purpose of the church through replanting. The church held its last gathering in December.

The goal of replanting is to fold the church’s remaining assets into a completely new church that will gather in the same location. The new McIntosh Baptist Church will have new leadership, new members coming from sister churches, and a fresh vision of ministry. Former members may choose to join the new church or move on to other local churches. Daniel Sanderson will serve as the replanting pastor. Throughout the winter and spring, he will promote the replant within the association, assemble a replant team of initial members, reconstitute the church, and launch public gatherings in September 2025 (Lord willing).

Biblical Reasons for Replanting:

Most importantly, there are sound biblical reasons for starting – and replanting - new churches. The storyline of Acts proves that the local church is the instrument of God’s mission in the world. For example, we read in Acts how the church of Ephesus was planted through gospel preaching and subsequently started other churches: The word of God is preached in Ephesus (11:19-20); people believe (11:21-26); the church gathers and grows (11:26); the church sends out missionaries (13:1-3); and the cycle of church planting starts afresh in Asia Minor (Acts 14 and beyond). The mission of the church is to start new churches through the preaching of the gospel and conversion of unbelievers. There are many more biblical reasons, but the storyline of Acts is considerable evidence for starting new churches.

Practical Reasons:

There are several practical reasons for replanting McIntosh. First, the former members of the church wanted to see this work carried out. Without kingdom-minded members who were willing to trust their association of sisters FRBA churches, this would not be possible. Second, the church has a highly visible facility on Highway 92 that features a beautiful 150-seat worship center and various other spaces. It needs maintenance and updating, but the campus can be a superb ministry tool for a new, healthy church for decades to come. Third, this is our opportunity to save a church facility for kingdom use. If replanting does not occur, the campus would likely be sold and lost for church use. Due to zoning, resistance, and expense, churches are increasingly finding it challenging to obtain facilities in which to gather. By replanting McIntosh, we are capitalizing on the investment that generations of members made to establish their campus as a beachhead for Christ's kingdom in our region.

Demographic Reasons:

We have done the demographic research, and it reveals that a new, healthy church is needed in north Griffin. Within a 5-mile radius of McIntosh (and Crestview!) live 45,000 people. We estimate that 80% of the people are unbelievers, which is 36,000! Individuals will generally drive no more than 10 minutes, or 5 miles, to gather with a church. Compare these facts to the estimated combined seating capacity of all existing churches within a 5-mile radius of the McIntosh campus: 5,000 seats. So, yes, there is plenty of room in the harvest field for at least one more new, healthy church to reach the tens of thousands in our community who are are lost in sin. What's more, we are not adding a new church facility; we are saving one from being lost to this mission!

Cooperative Reasons:

First, the Lord calls us to cooperate with sister churches in the great commission. Churches are independent yet interdependent. Again, see the example in Acts: the church in Jerusalem sent both Barnabas and then Saul to serve the newly formed church in Ephesus (Acts 11). They were later, then, commissioned to start other churches in Asia Minor.

The Lord is not likely to win our region to himself through Crestview alone; our community is too populated. We must not stand in competition with other churches but in cooperation – rejoicing to see them preach the gospel and grow. Frankly, I believe that Crestview’s future will be found in leading the charge to plant, replant, and revitalize sister churches in the Griffin/Spading region and beyond. McIntosh is only the first, I pray, of many. I have little desire to see our church build more extensive facilities when the opportunities for replanting and revitalizing sister churches are so abundant (and cost-effective).

Second, we are one of many churches that are cooperating to replant McIntosh. Woolsey Baptist, Pinecrest Church, and First Baptist Zebulon are providing significant leadership and financial support. The forty-five churches of the FRBA are collaborating in this work. Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Sandy Springs is sending a pastor and, potentially, more members. Christ Memorial Church in Vermont is sending a team of fifty-six members on a construction mission trip in February. The bottom line: we are not doing this alone, but we must do our part.

Conclusion:

Why should McIntosh be replanted? I have laid out a handful of biblical, practical, demographic, and cooperative reasons. We could develop many more motives. Still, this much is clear: there are many solid reasons for Crestview to support replanting McIntosh.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

The Gospel of Luke: Arrival (By Thomas Hill)

The Gospel of Luke: Arrival

You know Jesus, Paul, and Peter, but do you know Dr. Luke? He was a first-century physician raised in Antioch, the city that was home to the local church that launched Paul's mission to the Gentiles. He became one of Paul's coworkers and traveling companions, traversing the Mediterranean region, making disciples of Jesus, and establishing churches. Though not an apostle himself, Luke was a close companion of Paul's and associated with many eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life.

Luke stands as one of the most influential yet unfamiliar figures of the New Testament. Working under Paul’s supervision, the Holy Spirit inspired the doctor to write almost one-third of the New Testament. Generated from his detailed research and experiences, he penned the Gospel bearing his name and Acts (some scholars theorize that he could have been the unnamed author behind Hebrews, too.) The Lord uniquely used Luke to set down a scriptural record of the life of Jesus and the subsequent ministry of the apostles. The Spirit's use of Dr. Luke to set forth sound doctrine for the church is often underappreciated.

This Sunday, November 10, we plan to begin our next sermon series studying Dr. Luke's Gospel. Through Christmas, we will consider his account of the arrival of Jesus, the long-anticipated Christ. Our journey begins this Sunday with Luke 1:1-4, “A Purposeful Preface.” Not only is this sermon series a perfect way to observe Advent and Christmas, but it is also a gospel opportunity for all. Around us are family and friends who would enjoy learning about Jesus’s arrival and his life-changing importance. Who can you invite to come along with you this Sunday to study Luke?

Proposed 2025 Ministry Plan & Budget

At the upcoming November 17 quarterly members meeting, the elders ask the church to approve the proposed 2025 ministry plan and budget. The elders, finance team, and staff have prepared a budget that reflects the church's biblical mission and our giving trends. I am thankful for the work of each of these groups in assembling this budget.

The budget is more than the numbers. It stands as a plan to undergird a vibrant local church ministry while engaging the world with the Gospel. You should notice that the proposed budget has been reduced by $52,000 from last year to more closely reflect the giving trends of our membership. Our prayer is that the church will give cheerfully, generously, and proportionally so that the church runs with a consistent surplus (income exceeding expenses).

As you consider this budget, also consider the important part you play in its support. Just as every member is vital to the life of our church, so too does the church need every member's generosity. Regardless of the size of our gifts, we are all to honor the Lord and his church with faithful, generous support that is proportional to our means.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Disciples Replicate (By Thomas Hill)

Disciples Replicate

On Sunday, we completed the four-part sermon series, Living as Disciples. In this closing message, we learned that disciples replicate or multiply by taking the initiative to help others treasure and follow Jesus. Jesus authorized his disciples to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:18–20). Making disciples from Griffin to the ends of the earth stands as Jesus' mandate for us today. Each of us plays a crucial role in this mission.

Knowing Jesus motivates us to replicate for three reasons. First, as we live as disciples, we abide closely with the Lord. Second, we want to love others the way Jesus taught us to love others. He loved his disciples by investing three years in replicating his life, wisdom, and example in them so they would carry on his disciple-making mission. Finally, replication motivates us because the fullness of joy is found in obeying Jesus’ commandment to make disciples among all nations. Knowing Jesus, loving others, and experiencing joy stand as stirring incentives to take the risk of making disciples.

Weight yourself. Are you replicating by taking the initiative to help others treasure and follow Jesus? Do you have a practical plan for engaging the lost and training new believers in the obedience of faith? What is inhibiting you from multiplying?

Upcoming Preaching Schedule

This coming Sunday, Reese Simmons will be preaching from John 10:1-21, Christ Our Shepherd. I look forward, along with you, to sitting under Reese’s exposition of God’s word. Pray for him and familiarize yourself with the passage before Sunday.

Lord willing, on November 10, I plan to begin preaching a new series through the Gospel of Luke. In November and December we will learn of the arrival of Jesus in the first two chapters of the Gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends to gathered worship with you – especially those unfamiliar with the life of Jesus.

Time Change Sunday

Remember, this Sunday is also one of the most glorious days of the year for another reason — we gain an hour of sleep! Enjoy the extra sleep, arrive at the correct time, and come with rested bodies to glorify the Lord as his gathered church.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Disciples Speak the Good News of Jesus to the World in the Spirit’s Power (By Thomas Hill)

Yesterday, in the third message in our current four-part sermon series, Living as Disciples, we learned that disciples speak the good news of Jesus to the world in the Spirit’s power. Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into the world and announce the reason for his coming: “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

Jesus' followers must speak of him to the surrounding world for several reasons. First, other people are not mind readers. We must verbalize Jesus' significance. Second, this news of Jesus is not intuitive and natural. It cannot be learned in isolation. Third, forgiveness requires the response of repentance. In their natural sinful condition, people are not okay. Fourth, speaking in is God’s glorious design to involve us in his mission of redemption. Finally, speaking is necessary because the Lord wants us to live by faith, depending on his power.

What, then, should we say? We should speak the gospel: the news of God’s glorious character, man’s sinful depravity, Jesus’ gracious salvation, and our need to respond in repentance and faith. We should also speak the Scriptures through expository preaching, biblical theology, and Bible-guided discipleship. We should speak with humility, urgency, and gracious joyfulness (Col 4:3-6).

Weight yourself. Are you speaking the good news of Jesus to the world in the Spirit’s power? Are you modeling this characteristic of disciples for others? Are you training others to speak of Jesus to the surrounding world? May the Spirit strengthen our faithfulness to speak much of our savior!

Disciples Replicate

This coming Sunday, in the final message of this series, we will learn that Jesus’ disciples are to replicate. In the wake of our lives, one should find a steady stream of disciples whom we have helped to follow Jesus. Do you know someone who would benefit from these sermons on living as disciples? Invite them to come with you this Sunday!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Disciples Follow Jesus’ Commands In Spirit-Driven Faith (By Thomas Hill)

Yesterday, in the second message in our current four-part sermon series, Living as Disciples, we learned that disciples follow Jesus’ commands in Spirit-driven faith. Jesus emphasized this dedication when teaching the twelve the night before he was crucified: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:15-17).

Those who treasure Jesus above all express such love by following Jesus' teachings. But what's more, the Holy Spirit indwells disciples, providing us with the support and guidance we need to walk in obedience. Such God-pleasing obedience requires risk on our part, meaning that we step out in faith to obey our Lord's commands. We follow by faith not because it always makes sense to us but because we love him and he has spoken.

We should, then, ask: What are Jesus's commandments? His commandments include not only the imperatives found in the New Testament gospels but all of the Father’s revealed will. Here is a list of some of the most foundational commands that are important for both new and experienced disciples to follow:

1. Repent and believe: Mark 1:15

2. Be baptized: Matthew 28:19

3. Gather with the church: Matt 16:18, 18:17; John 13:34-35; Hebrews 10:24-25

4. Learn the Bible: John 5:39-40, 17:17; Luke 24:27

5. Pray: Matthew 6:9

6. Love one another: John 13:35-35

7. Eat the Lord’s Supper: Luke 22:14-20

8. Give time, talent, treasure: Matthew 6:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:6-8

9. Put off Sins & Put on Virtues: Luke 9:23-26; Ephesians 4:17-32

10. Make disciples: Matthew 28:18-20

Weight yourself. Does your life reflect consistency following Jesus’ commands in Spirit-driven faith.? Are you helping others to live as obedient disciples? May the Spirit strengthen our love for him as we delight in walking in his instructions!

Disciples Speak

This coming Sunday, in the third message of this series, we will learn that Jesus’ disciples speak the gospel to others. A reason the Lord has given you new life as his disciple is to make known to the nations that Christ has suffered, risen from the dead, and that he will forgive the sins of all who repent and believe. As caring disciples, it's our responsibility to invite others to experience this transformative message. Do you know someone who would benefit from these sermons on living as disciples? Invite them to come with you this Sunday!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

5 Habits of a World Christian (By Thomas Hill)

A big take away from Jonah is that we should share God's compassion for all people worldwide. We should rejoice as the Spirit uses the Word of God proclaimed by missionaries, pastors, and everyday believers to transform people of all languages and backgrounds.  Obeying the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) should mark each of our lives. Here are five habits of world Christians -- those who share God's heart for the nations (1):

1. Going: A world Christian is willing to go wherever the Lord sends. In some cases this means moving to a foreign land and learning a new language. But in all cases, we must speak the gospel to unbelievers around whom we live, work, and play.

2. Praying: A world Christian prays consistently for God's name to be hallowed among all tribes in the world. The needs of missionaries and the persecuted church are a daily part of intercession.

3. Giving: A world Christian generously supports global missions financially.

4. Hospitality: A world Christian provides gospel-centered hospitality to those from the nations who live in our community, such as refugee and English Language ministries.

5. Mobilizing: A world Christian labors to send workers out to the nations by providing prayer, financial support, and encouragement.

Let's cultivate these five habits of world Christians in our lives for the glory of Jesus Christ!

For His Glory,
 
Pastor Thomas


(1)  George G. Robinson, "What is the Responsibility of each Christian to the Great Commission?" 40 Questions about the Great Commission, 279.

Disciples Treasure Jesus Above All (By Thomas Hill)

Churches have historically tracked attendance and giving as measures of church strength. These metrics are not useless, and our church tracks them, but they do not quantify some of the essential attributes of growing believers and healthy churches. Dallas Willard proposes, “Instead of counting Christians, we need to weigh them.”[1] In our new sermon series, Living as Disciples, I aim for us to appreciate what it means to live as disciples of Jesus personally and identify biblical criteria for evaluating our practice of making disciples congregationally. Each Sunday, we are developing a "scorecard" for weighing how we are living as disciples who are making disciples.

This past Sunday, we learned that disciples treasure Jesus above all (Matt 13:44). Practically, this shows up in our lives in four ways:

1.      Satisfying our faith in Jesus (Mark 1:15; Matt 11:28-30)

2.      Abiding with Jesus (John 15:4-8)

3.      Conforming our lifestyle to Jesus (John 13:34-35)

4.      Joyfully enduring loss for Jesus’ sake (Mark 13:34-35)

 Weight yourself. Does your life reflect such treasuring of Jesus above all? Are you helping others to live as disciples with these priorities? May the Spirit strengthen within us a white-hot passion for the Lord above all!

Disciples Follow

This coming Sunday, in the second message of this series, we will find that Jesus’ disciples follow his commands faithfully. In the pages of the gospels, we will discover ten essential commands that Jesus-treasuring disciples follow in Spirit-driven faith. Do you know someone who would benefit from these sermons on living as disciples? Invite them to come with you this Sunday!

 For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

[1] Robby Gallaty, Marcs of a Disciple, xvii.

God’s Word Builds His Church (By Thomas Hill)

Do you trust God's word to build his church? This question is a massive one! The answer deeply shapes our church's philosophy of ministry. We operate with this leading conviction: The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to transform ungodly sinners into mature disciples of Jesus Christ.

Don’t take my word for it – this is what the Lord revealed to Paul:

“Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

The sacred writings, that is, Scripture, are the Spirit’s inspired instrument for salvation and sanctification. Everything you need to mature as a follower of Jesus comes from learning, interpreting, and applying the Bible in your life by faith.

As I stated, this has massive implications for how our church carries out ministry. We must feature God's word in our ministries if we are to see people born again and maturing as disciples. Here are several ways we depend on God to build his church through his word:

1.      Expositional preaching: preaching in which the point of the sermon is the point of the biblical text.

2.      Word-centered worship: worship elements are shaped deeply by Scripture and the directives of Scripture.

3.      Bible-guided discipleship: using the Bible as our primary resource for training disciples to learn to obey Jesus.

We believe that the Holy Spirit uses God’s word to build his church. Let’s pray for strong appetites to encounter God daily and congregationally each Sunday in his word.

Jonah 3: Obeying & Relenting

This Sunday, we will see what happens within Nineveh when Jonah preaches to the pagan city. What would you expect? Antagonism? Persecution? Laughter? Nineveh's quick repentance stands as a stirring example that challenges all to have consciences that are tender to God’s word. Pray for the preaching of the word this Sunday, come with warm hearts ready to worship, and bring an unbelieving friend to hear the gospel.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Illustrations Of The Church

Illustrations of the Church

What comes to your mind when you think of “church”? We discovered three illustrations for the church from the Apostle Paul this past Sunday in Ephesians 2:19-22. The church is a new citizenship, a new family, and a spiritual temple built from living stones. These illustrations should shape our understanding and practice of being a church.

Lord’s Supper This Sunday

Come prepared to celebrate the Lord's Supper as we gather this coming Sunday. The Supper is a vital way of staying in alignment with the cornerstone of the church—Jesus Christ. As we eat together, we reaffirm our faith in him and continue identifying as members of his church.

Lunch & Members Meeting This Sunday

This Sunday, following gathered worship, we will enjoy a covered dish lunch and hold our quarterly members meeting. Please bring food to share. Along with other important church business, we will answer questions and vote on the recommendation to proceed with the worship center project. This project is an exciting and significant step to strengthen the church’s ministry for years to come. Linked below is a copy of the document describing the recommendation.

Worship Center Project

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Worship Center Project

Engaging Neighbors, Saturday at 11 am

This Saturday is our monthly opportunity make contact with those who live in the neighborhoods around our church campus. Let’s exercise our faith and take the exciting risk of reaching out to our community. Rain or shine, we have a plan for the day. Meet in the fellowship hall at 11 am. We will finish by 12:30 pm.

Baptism again this Sunday

We kept the pool filled this week. Look forward to another baptism this Sunday!

Worship Center Project Recommendation

On Sunday you were able to hear the recommendation to move forward with the worship center project. This is an exciting and significant step to strengthen the church’s ministry for years to come. Linked below is a copy of the document that the facilities planning team presented Sunday. The color board is displayed on the wall near the office.

Remember, there are feedback forms located near the giving boxes for anyone who would like to submit a question or propose alternative ideas for the team’s consideration. Of course, you can always speak to any team member or elder. At the quarterly members meeting on May 21, the church will have the opportunity to approve the worship center project recommendation.

Worship Center Project Handout

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Baptisms

In addition to equipping courses and gathered worship, there are several special items to be aware of this Sunday, May 7:

Baptisms

This Sunday we will celebrate two public professions of faith: Eli Butler and Pam Ross. Hearing both of their testimonies will be a blessing to you. Please pray for these two and arrive on Sunday ready to celebrate with them.

Worship Center Project Recommendation

We will hold a called members meeting following gathered worship to hear a recommendation from the facility planning team and elders about moving forward with the worship center project. This project has been in planning for some time. We look forward to describing a plan to make needed updates to our campus that will strengthen the church’s ministry for years to come. This meeting will be information-only, no vote will be taken. The church will then have two weeks to consider the recommendation, ask questions, and supply feedback. Then, at the quarterly members meeting on May 21, the church will have the opportunity to approve the recommendation.

Diaper Shower for the Roberts

Please bring diapers and wipes this Sunday to bless Josh & Haley Roberts as they will soon welcome their newest addition. Please, leave items on the decorated table in the welcome center.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Worship Center Project

Baptism Opportunity

We look forward to filling the pool and celebrating baptism on May 7. If you know anyone who needs to be baptized, please have them speak with me. Bobby Jamison, in his booklet Understanding Baptism, describes baptism: “Baptism is a church’s act of affirming and portraying a believer’s union with Christ by immersing him or her in water, and a believer’s act of publicly committing him or herself to Christ and his people, thereby uniting a believer to the church and marking of him or her from the world.” Baptism is not only significant for the individual believer, but also for our entire church. Join me in praying for our church to freshly appreciate the blessing of baptism.

Worship Center Project Recommendation

We will hold a called members meeting following gathered worship on Sunday, May 7, to hear a recommendation from the facility planning team and elders about moving forward with the worship center project. This project has been in the planning for some time. We look forward to describing a plan to make needed updates to our campus that will strengthen the church’s ministry for years to come.

The May 7 meeting will be information-only, no vote will be taken. The church will then have two weeks to consider the recommendation, ask questions, and supply feedback. Then, at the quarterly members meeting on May 21, the church will have the opportunity to approve the recommendation.

Please pray for this project to be one that honors the Lord, displays unity, and furthers our ability to make disciples both here and worldwide.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Resurrection Sunday

Resurrection Sunday

As we approach the celebration of the resurrection this Lord’s Day, let’s pray for illumination to understand “the immeasurable greatness of [the Lord’s] power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead" (Eph 1:19–20). What a fantastic reality! We are recipients of the Lord's divine power, a power that is comparable to that which produced the resurrection. The Lord's power also made us alive when we were dead in trespasses and sins. We have a magnificent Lord to praise and the most excellent news to share! Sunday, the sermon text will be Ephesians 1:19–23, "Treasure the Greatness of Christ.”

Please invite friends and neighbors to join us Sunday! We will follow our regular schedule, equipping courses at 9:30 AM and gathered worship at 10:30 AM. After the service, we will have a kids' egg hunt and a family photo backdrop. Remember to bring baskets for your children's eggs.

Twists & Turns VBS

We are gearing up for Twists & Turns VBS on June 4–8 and need members to volunteer to serve. Volunteer through Church Center or on the church website: SIGN-UP

Clarkston Trip

We will take a team of Crestview members to serve the refugee community in Atlanta from July 8–14. This trip is an excellent opportunity to participate in a trip with an international flavor without traveling overseas. Learn more and register through Church Center or on the church website: SIGN-UP

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

New Elders

New Elders

Praise the Lord for your affirmation on Sunday of two new elders: Rocky Stubbs and Cole Barnes, as well as your reaffirmation of Brandon Vaughn to continue serving as an elder! These brothers will serve as wonderful pastors who will bless our church. Along with David Trice and me, this brings the total number of Crestview elders to five. We will formally recognize these brothers as a congregation by ordaining them to this office in gathered worship soon.

I encourage you to pray for all of our elders. Elders are fundamental to the life and ministry of the church. Please, pray in these ways: 1) That we will pray continually for the church, 2) for our preaching and teaching, 3) for our shepherding activities of knowing, feeding, leading, and protecting this flock, 4) that we will watch over ourselves and our families, 5) that we will oversee the church wisely, 6) that we will set a good example, and 7) that we will raise up more elders.  

Resurrection Sunday

April 9 is Resurrection Sunday. Please invite friends and neighbors to join us that day! We will follow our regular schedule, equipping courses at 9:30 AM and gathered worship at 10:30 AM. After the service, we will have a kids' egg hunt and a family photo backdrop. Remember to bring baskets for your children's eggs.

Current versions of the constitution and by-laws, and finance policy, as well as all current policy documents, are posted on the church website: Resources/Policies

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Mission Efforts

The Lesotho Team Returns This Week

Thank you for praying for Doug, Alexis, Shelby, and Clint as they return from Lesotho this week. They should arrive home tomorrow, March 22. Pray for the Lord to cause his word to advance and bear eternal fruit.

North American Missions Offering

This week is our week of prayer for the work of the North American Mission Board. Through NAMB, we support thousands of church planters serving across the U.S. and Canada. The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is the unique offering our family of Great Commission Baptists receives each year to support NAMB. Please prayerfully consider how the Lord would have you participate. Sunday, April 2, is our giving day. Learn more: 2023 Prayer Guide.

Called Conference, Sunday, March 26

This Sunday, following gathered worship, will be a called conference. The church will be affirming elder nominees (Rocky Stubbs, Cole Barnes, and Brandon Vaughn), amendments to the constitution and by-laws, and updates to the finance policy. There may also be an update on the worship center project.

A few minor adjustments suggested by members have been made to the proposed constitution and by-laws. The most current proposed amendments are available: HERE

The proposed updated policy is available: HERE

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas