The Gospel of Luke: Arrival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Creeds and Confessions

Twists and Turns VBS is underway!

We are having a fun week together, learning about the character of Jesus! Kids have learned that Jesus is holy and trustworthy, with three more nights ahead. Thirty kids participated the first two nights, along with forty volunteers making it all happen. It's still possible to join the fun. VBS starts at 6:00 pm and runs through Thursday night.

Creeds and Confessions

As I explained this past Sunday, the historic creeds and confessions of the church have been helpful tools over the centuries to assist believers in confessing the faith. There are examples of creed-like confessions of faith in the Bible. Two examples are Eph 4:4-6 and 1 Cor 15:3-8.

Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, encourages churches to utilize the historic creeds of the church for several reasons:[1]

• Creeds define, summarize, and articulate the Christian faith.

• They correct errors and serve as guide rails for the church.

• They teach the church how to worship and confess its faith.

• Creeds connect us with the faith of believers across the centuries.

When churches of various traditions confess these same creeds, they exhibit unity.

This Summer, in gathered worship, we will be utilizing the following as aids to confessing our faith together:

• The Apostle’s Creed (June)

• The Nicene Creed (July)

• The Athanasian Creed (August)

• The Chalcedonian Definition (September)

Wayne Grudem writes, “Students who take time to read these creeds thoughtfully will find that they provide excellent summaries of the doctrinal teachings of Scripture.”[2] Bible-believing, orthodox Christian churches of all varieties of denominational traditions, including Baptists, recognize and value these historic confessions.

Pew Reservations

Wednesday, June 7, is the deadline for members to reserve pews. After Wednesday, we open reservations to those outside our membership. Please use the online reservation form or call the church office.

Reservation Form:

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

[1] Albert Mohler, The Apostle’s Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity In An Age of Counterfeits (Nashville: Nelson, 2019), xv-xxiii.

[2] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 1168.

Women in the Church

Twists and Turns VBS – Starts This Sunday!

This Sunday night at 6:00 pm Twists and Turns VBS begins!  We are looking forward to an amazing time together. Please invite children to join us!

Women In The Church

A few weeks from now the Southern Baptist Convention will meet in New Orleans (June 12-14). One of the items I expect to be a topic of conversation at this convention will be the disfellowshipping of two church who have women pastors (Saddleback Church in California and Fern Creek Church in Kentucky). The convention’s statement of faith asserts: “While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture” (Article 6). It is my estimation that the convention overwhelmingly stands in agreement and will dismiss these churches.

There are many significant ways that women may serve, teach, and lead within the ministry of the church and its mission. I am wonderfully encouraged and exceedingly grateful for the women who serve and teach in various capacities within Crestview. However, the church is to recognize only biblically qualified men to function as pastors/elders. Only these men are to serve in the office and carry the title of “pastor” (whether lead pastor, associate pastor, or any other category of pastor).

The primary biblical text on this issue is 1 Timothy 2:8-15. A few years ago, when I was preaching through 1 Timothy, I devoted three sermons to the role of women in the church. In these sermons I explain this passage and address common objections raised against the Bible’s teaching. Below are links to these sermons:

Audio:

• Women of the Church, Part 1

• Women of the Church, Part 2

• Women of the Church, Part 3

Video:

• Women of the Church, Part 1

• Women of the Church, Part 2

• Women of the Church, Part 3

Pew Reservations

When the worship center update begins in July, pews will be made available to members of Crestview (one pew per family). In the event that there are extra pews, additional pews can be reserved. Please sign up here: Pew Sign-up. If you have difficulty signing up contact our office for assistance, and we will be happy to help.

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

Spring Quarter

Pray for the Lesotho Team

It is so exciting to have teams being sent out every few months to the nations!  Please pray for the team in Lesotho as they leave this Saturday, March 11, and returning March 22 (Doug, Alexis, Shelby, and Clint). Ask the Lord to continue to advance his word in the Senqunyane Valley.

Spring Quarter

What a wonderful start to spring quarter we enjoyed this past Sunday!  As a reminder, here are several opportunities that are available to you: 

New Equipping Courses:

• Spiritual Disciplines (David Trice & Rocky Stubbs, 2nd Floor Student Room)

• Sound Doctrine: A Study of Crestview’s Statement of Faith (Cole Barnes & Josh Roberts, 1st Floor Classroom )

• The Gospel Project: Gospels (Lee Ramseur, Fellowship Hall)

• Ladies: The Gospel of Mark (Brenda Trice, Fellowship Hall Classroom)

• Men: The Gospel of John (Alan Hausser, Fellowship Hall Classroom) 

New Sermon Series:

• Ephesians: Living as Christ’s Church

Engaging Neighbors, Saturday, March 11, 11:00 AM

Join us this Saturday as we resume engaging neighbors with the gospel. Meet in the fellowship hall at 11:00 AM for training. We will finish by 12:30 PM. In the event of inclement weather, we will go to indoor locations. I hope to see you Saturday!

ESL Class begins March 20, 6:30 PM

If you want to befriend international students, consider serving with our new ESL ministry (English as a Second Language). Classes start on Monday, March 20, from 6:30 PM–8:00 PM and continue each month's 1st and 3rd Monday evenings. ESL class will meet in the fellowship hall. This class aims to teach conversational English and improve speaking proficiency. We can use you if you can speak English and be a Christ-like example.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Tricia Hill at triciadhill@gmail.com.

Foster Care Night

On Friday, March 24, from 5:30 PM–9:30 PM, we will provide a parent's night out for local foster families. Our church is coming alongside Families for Families, a local foster care ministry lead by Brian and Ivy Scoggin, to serve fostering parents. We will provide child care at the Crestview campus while parents get a much-needed night out.

You must be certified through Crestview's Ministry Safe program to volunteer for this opportunity. If you still need to be certified, you can start the certification process now and be ready to serve by the 24th.

For more information or to volunteer, text Angela Lawrence at 770-307-8027.

Elder Nominees Question & Answers

Thanks to everyone who too the opportunity to participate in the elder Q&A session this past Sunday. If you missed it, an audio recording is available: Elder Nominee Q&A

Updated Constitution and By-Laws Amendments

Minor adjustments have been made to the proposed Constitution and By-Laws Amendments. The most current proposed amendments are available: HERE

Proposed Updated Financial Policy

The proposed updated policy is available: HERE

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

New Spring Quarter Opportunities

New Spring Quarter Opportunities

This Sunday, March 5, there are several new opportunities the Spring quarter begins:

 New Equipping Courses:

• Spiritual Disciplines (David Trice & Rocky Stubbs, 2nd Floor Student Room)

• Sound Doctrine: A Study of Crestview’s Statement of Faith (Cole Barnes & Josh Roberts, 1st Floor Classroom )

• The Gospel Project: Gospels (Lee Ramseur, Fellowship Hall)

• Ladies: The Gospel of Mark (Brenda Trice, Fellowship Hall Classroom)

• Men: The Gospel of John (Alan Hausser, Fellowship Hall Classroom) 

 New Sermon Series:

• Ephesians: Living as Christ’s Church

ESL Class begins March 20, 6:30 PM

An excellent opportunity for cross-cultural evangelism and ministry is working with internationals who live in our community. Do you know that most internationals who visit America to study are never invited into the home of an American, much less a believer? I have heard stories of some who bring suitcases of gifts from their country of origin, excited to share them with new friends in the U.S., only to discover that no one cares for them after arriving. Crestview has been given a unique opportunity to provide ESL classes for international students studying at UGA Griffin.

If you want to befriend these students, consider serving with our new ESL ministry (English as a Second Language). Classes start on Monday, March 20, from 6:30 PM–8:00 PM and continue each month's 1st and 3rd Monday evenings. ESL class will meet in the fellowship hall. This class aims to teach conversational English and improve speaking proficiency. We can use you if you can speak English and be a Christ-like example.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Tricia Hill at triciadhill@gmail.com.

Foster Care Night, March 24

On Friday, March 24, from 5:30 PM–9:30 PM, we will provide a parent's night out for local foster families. Our church is coming alongside Families for Families, a local foster care ministry lead by Brian and Ivy Scoggin, to serve fostering parents. We will provide child care at the Crestview campus while parents get a much-needed night out.

You must be certified through Crestview's Ministry Safe program to volunteer for this opportunity. If you still need to be certified, you can start the certification process now and be ready to serve by the 24th.

For more information or to volunteer, text Angela Lawrence at 770-307-8027.

Elder Nominees Question & Answers

After gathered worship this Sunday, there will be a question and answer panel with the elder nominees: Rocky Stubbs, Cole Barnes, and Brandon Vaughn. This panel is an excellent opportunity to learn more about elder ministry, our church, and these men.

Called Conference Moved to March 26

As explained Sunday, the called conference initially announced for March 19 is being moved to March 26 to allow 30-day notice.

Updated Constitution and By-Laws Amendments

Minor adjustments have been made to the proposed Constitution and By-Laws Amendments. The most current proposed amendments are available: HERE

Proposed Updated Financial Policy

The proposed updated policy is available: HERE

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Elder Nominees

Church Family,

Welcome New Members

This past Sunday, we received two new members: Josh and Mindy Griffis. Josh and Mindy have four children: Ruth, David, Nathan, and Abigail. Thanks for making the Griffis family welcome!

Elder Nominees

On Sunday, the elders nominated the following men to the congregation to be recognized as elders: Rocky Stubbs, Cole Barnes, and Brandon Vaughn (reaffirmation). If the church approves, these three men will join David Trice and me to comprise a five-person pastoral team overseeing Crestview. 

Elders are biblically qualified men, affirmed by the church, who provide spiritual and administrative oversight. Crestview refers to this office as “elder." Other synonymous words the New Testament uses are “overseer, bishop, shepherd, and pastor.”

Elder nominations are essential in the life of our church, and need your prayers. If anyone knows why any of these men would not be biblically qualified to serve, please speak to them directly, or come and speak with David, Brandon, or me.

Following gathered worship on Sunday, March 5, we will hold an elder nominee question and answer session. At this round-table discussion, nominees will field questions from the congregation related to elder ministry.

On Sunday, March 19, there will be a special called conference following gathered worship to vote on the nominees.

Proposed Constitution and By-Laws Amendments

On Sunday, the elders submitted amendments to the constitution and by-laws to the congregation. The reasons necessitating these amendments were outlined in the members meeting. These amendments effectively entail the following: (1) The role of associate pastor is added, (2) the associate minister role is not an elder, (3) the title of senior pastor is changed to lead pastor, (4) deacon service is removed as a requirement for lay-elders, and (5) the requirement for a majority of the elders be lay-men is removed. If anyone has questions about the proposed amendments, please talk to any elder. The congregation will vote on the proposed amendments at the March 19 called conference. The proposed amendments are available: HERE

Proposed Updated Financial Policy

Additionally, on Sunday, the elders and finance team submitted to the congregation for consideration an updated financial policy. The need for an updated policy was explained in Sunday’s meeting. In short, our current financial policy needs to be updated to reflect the church's organizational structure and the sound financial practices we are following. If anyone has questions about the proposed policy, please get in touch with any elder or finance team member. The congregation will vote on the proposed policy update at the March 19 called conference. The proposed updated policy is available: HERE

Roof Work is Underway

Roofing work is underway! Praise the Lord!

Let’s be faithful to pray for all these items.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

A Special Day

Lord’s Supper & Members Meeting this Sunday

We should always prioritize gathering with the church each Lord's Day. But the days we celebrate the Lord's Supper and have our quarterly members meeting, like this coming Sunday, should have a particular priority.

Our faith grows as we eat the supper, obeying Jesus's command to remember him in this way. As we eat, we testify to our incorporation into the Lord’s church (“The bread that we break is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” 1 Cor 10:16). What a privilege to gather and eat!

Congregationalism is a conviction that comes with certain obligations. Under the Lord, each Crestview member not only shares a common faith and doctrine but is also tasked with the responsibility to hear the updates from your leaders and participate in decision-making. Remember, the local church is the sum of its members. Unless providentially hindered, I hope we will all display the biblical conviction of living congregationalism this Sunday by being present.

Adjustment to our Saturday Service Day Efforts

The time has come to adjust to our Saturday service days. We are not making immediate plans to organize a Crestview-specific service team each Saturday. In its place, we will encourage volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse. Many want to continue serving with storm cleanup. Samaritan's Purse intends to continue operating out of Oak Hill Church until at least March 11. They have a good list of homes, tools, and staff to assess needs. Training begins daily at 7:30 am and 12:30 pm, including Saturdays. Let’s continue to pull together Crestview folks and use this avenue to serve neighbors and share the gospel on Saturdays (or other days).

Of course, if a specific home needs help, we can always organize a Crestview-specific effort through our deacons.

Roof Work Starting Soon

Weather permitting, and Lord willing, we hope to start roofing work next week!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas