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Blog Archive
December 24, 2018
Terry's Thoughts January 2019
It is incredible how fast a year can pass us by and yet we have completed 2018. Get ready my friends 2019 is about to begin. While we remember, with fondness, the various ways God has moved among us during 2018 we look forward to an even greater year in 2019.
I could spend time recounting each success of 2018 (there were several), loss of 2018 (Unfortunately far too many), tragedy of 2018 (Again too many), or miracle of 2018 (Many more than expected), however, I would rather build on what God began to do among us during 2018 in 2019. The most important thing accomplished in 2018 was many found a savior, therefore, in 2019 these new converts will need to be discipled as outlined in our 2018 annual meeting. In 2018 He restored broken relationships, healed old as well as new wounds, provided resources, and lead new friends/pastors to us as well as away from us. With this said we will, in 2019, concentrate more than ever on finding ways to assist His churches, here within the West Chowan Baptist Association (WCBA), to create “Christ Followers who Follow Christ.”
In addition to assisting the churches of the WCBA to produce new fruit we will, of course, serve our affiliated churches in the many other ways needed in 2019. Assistance such as programing that addresses each need, assistance with planning/vision/purpose/mission strategies, coaching of leaders, training with search teams/deacons/Sunday School leaders, mission as well as disaster relief efforts, and anything else that may surface as a need. One might ask how all of this assistance will be rendered. Once a church communicates their need with the association the staff, officers, and appropriate ministry teams will immediately spring into action. Therefore it is extremely important you to stay connected with and clearly communicate, with us, your needs. One further area of extreme importance the association renders assistance is during the time a church is without a pastor. When a church is without an under Sheppard ministry will continue to be conducted, therefore we stand ready to help when asked.
In 2019 we will continue to offer opportunities for our pastors to be refreshed, encouraged, trained, and challenged to serve Him and you in 2019. In 2019 we will be relevant, joyful, and efficient during our meetings and gatherings. In short we will work very hard, through our teams, to be all you and the pastors need us to be.
Times are difficult for many churches across our land, but we all believe God is NOT done with us, therefore, let us look forward to what He wants of us in 2019. Let us look for ways to make disciples every day of 2019, let us give money for the work to reach our world through our churches and association in 2019, let us give of our time as well as talents when possible during 2019, let us think only of others before ourselves in 2019, and finally let us surrender to Him every day during 2019. I am convinced if we will practice these things there will be very little time for conflict, disunity, or closing of churches due to apathy or inaction.
Finally, I ask each of you to pray for me, the new officers and leadership, the pastors within the WCBA, the leaders within the churches of the WCBA, and most importantly pray for opportunities to make disciples of those without a personal relationship with Jesus!!! Once again follow us on our website, read and distribute our newsletter, participate in our meetings, participate in our partnerships as well as mission opportunities during 2019, give financially to the work of your church and our association, and renew and strengthen our relationships with each other while doing His will here and across the world. Within the WCBA we have a great opportunity before us to see something special happen here. WHAT WILL YOU DO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?!
Terry