And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.
Colossians 3:15

“BE THE CHURCH”

This Sunday, we will begin a new sermon series titled "Be the Church.” What does God call his church to be? What does it look like for believers to live together as Christ’s church? Over these next four weeks, we will be considering the purpose of the church by studying four decisive biblical passages:

Aug 8, Glorify the Lord: Colossians 3:12-17
Aug 15, Replicate Disciples: Matthew 28:18-20
Aug 22, Live in Community: Acts 2:42-47
Aug 29, Engage the World: Romans 10:1-17

Join me in praying for the Lord to use these messages throughout August to stir our hearts to “Be the Church” the Lord has called us to be.

COMMUNITY GROUPS RESUME THIS SUNDAY

Community Groups resume this Sunday at 5:00 PM. Every member is requested to consistently participate with one of these groups. The goal of these groups is to foster supernatural community by providing an environment where we can know one another better, grow in the faith, and better understand what it means to be entirely devoted to Christ in our lives. Your community group is where you will find love, accountability, and a place to care for one another. This group is designed to be the first line of response whenever a need arises within our church family. Community groups are at the heart of the shepherding strategy for Crestview.

So what can you expect? We eat dinner together (picnic style with each family bringing their own food), discuss and apply the morning’s sermon, and pray together. Groups are inter-generational. Families attend community groups together. We encourage students and older children to participate in all aspects of the group. During the discussion and prayer time, younger children may be able to play in a separate room. At least two adults will oversee these younger ones while discussing and praying together themselves. This responsibility rotates among the adults.

Community groups & meeting locations:

Barnes/Hill Group: 2nd Floor, Student Room

Ramseur Group: Fellowship Hall
Trice Group: Trice’s Home 1422 Zebulon Road, Griffin
Vaughn Group: 2nd Floor over Fellowship Hall and/or playground

Community Groups meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday night of the month at 5:00 PM.

Let’s “Be the Church!”

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

This past week the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention was held in Nashville. Cole and I were able to attend along with our wives. We had an enjoyable time together – but it was an exhausting 3-days! Before sharing a few of my reflections, remember that nothing happening in Nashville this week is more important than what the Lord is doing through Crestview every week. The day-to-day advancement of the gospel is happening in our church and multitudes of other faithful local churches around the world. Be encouraged! If you want more details about the week, please read: SBC 2021 Annual Meeting Wrap-up.

Now for a few of my reflections on the week:

We are Great Commission Baptists

The messengers at the SBC were unified around what is most important. This might not make the headlines and might not appear on social media. There is great unity in partnering among churches to obey the great commission. Monday night, we commissioned 64 international missionary families through the International Mission Board. We support almost 4,000 field personnel serving in many of the most unreached places on the planet. Through the North American Mission Board, 8,400 churches have been planted since 2010, almost 17% of all SBC churches. 54% of all Canadian Baptist churches have been started since 2010. The SBC family is broad, diverse, multi-ethnic, theologically sound, and driven by the commission. This is why we are seeing greater use of the official SBC moniker: Great Commission Baptists. It genuinely reflects who we are.

J.D. Greear was a model of leadership

As presiding SBC President, the pastor of The Summit Church in NC did an expert job leading a very busy, complicated, and at times contentious convention. He was a model of leadership, grace, and consistent humor. His sermon on Tuesday morning was on point and should be read by all. He identifies the strengths of the SBC and diagnoses problems that exist in the convention as well.

Ed Litton elected SBC President

I estimate that each of the 4 candidates is a good, orthodox man and could have served well. Ed Litton, the pastor of Redemption Church in Saraland, AL, was elected president (usually a 2-year term). For those who are not familiar with SBC elections, it is common to have run-offs and for elections to be close. Let’s pray for Litton to lead well.

There are concerns with the SBC Executive Committee

There were several decisions made that reflected concerns with the SBC Executive Committee. Messengers regularly supported decisions to limit the expansion of EC authority. In an unprecedented move, messengers voted to have an independent investigation of the EC’s handling of sexual abuse cases. We should pray for the truth to be made known so that any concerns can be addressed.

Non-binding Resolutions Approved

Resolutions are non-binding statements made by the messengers of a convention. They are not binding on any SBC church. Resolutions were approved on Unity, the Hyde Amendment, the Equality Act, Abortion, and others. Resolution #2 on the Sufficiency of Scripture for Race and Reconciliation addressed concerns directly related to Critical Race Theory. The resolution condemned “any theory or worldview that denies that racism, oppression, or discrimination is rooted, ultimately, in anything other than sin.” It received almost unanimous support from the convention.

In another unprecedented move, there were motions made to rescind several resolutions made by past conventions (Birmingham Resolution #9 among others). These were ruled out of order because it is impossible to erase non-binding, historical statements made by past conventions.

After spending three days with our larger family of Great Commission Baptists, I believe we are unified around what is most important. There are voices of discontent and social media gives everyone a microphone. So, be discerning. I was encouraged that even divisive issues were handled wisely and with great grace. I sat in the room and participated in all the business. It is phenomenal to see 15,000 people conduct a business meeting with decency and order. I was encouraged and proud of our convention.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

"Be the Church" & Community Groups Restarting

Reflections on SBC 2021