I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. Romans 15:24-26
LOCAL CHURCHES, COOPERATING TOGETHER
God reveals in Scripture many examples of churches partnering together for the sake of the gospel. One case is cited above from Romans. Paul had collected an offering from churches around the Mediterranean region for the relief of believers in Jerusalem. Also, he was preparing the church at Rome to support him in his travel to take the gospel to Spain. There are many other examples of such cooperation across the New Testament. It glorifies the Lord and honors his universal church when we appreciate ministry beyond what is happening in our own backyard. Partnering with other churches (and networks of churches) widens and extends our gospel-eyesight. We become aware of what God is doing in other regions and needs that we can work together to meet. This past Sunday we were reminded of our own partnership with Jason Lee and Clarkston International Bible Church. We are working in cooperation to spread the gospel among the nations living in Atlanta! Consider going to Clarkson on Saturday, October 3, to take part in Serve Day (email cole@crestviebaptist.org for more info and to register).
THE FLINT RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
Another avenue of cooperation for Crestview is our local association of like-minded churches called the Flint River Baptist Association (FRBA). The FRBA is composed of about 50 churches in the greater Spalding County region. It exists “to facilitate and connect churches to partner and serving and fulfilling the Great Commission.” Over the last year, Dr. Frank Nuckolls, association mission strategist, has been leading the FRBA through a renewal of its vision and reorganization its mission focus. I am enthusiastic about the direction things are going.
There are a couple of ways for you to keep up with the FRBA. One way is to visit the WEBSITE and read the monthly newsletter, THE FORECASTER. Another way is to attend the annual meeting.
ANNUAL MEETING: SEPTEMBER 27
This year’s annual meeting of the Association is Sunday, September 27, at 6:00 PM, in the worship center of Oak Hill Baptist Church in Williamson. You will hear about our cooperative ministry, vision, goals, and updates on what our mission dollars are accomplishing. We will enjoy worship in song by Oak Hill’s worship team, hear an encouraging address by Dr. Nuckolls, and a missions sermon from Ken Adams, pastor of Crossroads Church in Newnan. I want to encourage you to mark your calendar and plan to attend. Every so often someone will ask me, “Why don’t our churches ever get together for a large worship service?” The answer is: We do! This is it - you are invited.
GIVING UPDATE
Last week I wrote asking you to generously supply the church ministry budget in the hope of creating a surplus of $11,000 by September 30. This will allow the breezeway project to begin. In only one week you are already responding! Giving to the budget this past week totaled $8,278, which should generate several thousand dollars of surplus as we close the books on August. Additionally, we had special gifts to the campus renovation fund totaling $5,500! This is an exciting start, and we still have one month to go! Continue to pray and give as the Lord enables. If we have generous hearts, perhaps the Lord will provide what is needed for the breezeway and more!
For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas