A Church That GOes
During one of the first sermons I remember hearing Pastor Harrison preach, and he said something that has really stuck with me. I’m not sure Pastor Harrison intended this phrase to carry as much weight as I have given it, but that is often how the Holy Spirit will work through a sermon.
“If someone really wants to go to church, there are plenty of churches to go to.
But, there are not many churches that people actually want to go to.
And there are even less churches that actually want to go to people.”
As we have come to the end of the school year, I have been able to participate in a number of events that reminded me of something really special about our church:
We are a church that GOes to people
We are a church that goes out into our communities with a desire simply to serve, bless, and share the story of Jesus. And in doing so we are really fulfilling a couple of concepts from our mission statement to “empower communities” and “launch the next generation”.
Youth Dodge Ball Tournament
On Wednesday, May 3rd Pastor Bryce and the Radiate Youth hosted a Dodge Ball tournament at the gym in Steamboat. It was a ton of fun with teams dressing up in creative uniforms, playing competitively, and even an adult team working hard to keep up with the youth!
There were some adults and students who participated who had minimal connection to our church but responded to someone inviting them to come have some fun playing dodgeball. During half-time, Bryce had asked two upper-classmen to share testimony of the work Christ has been doing in them. It was powerful and meaningful. And FUN!
Alpha Retreat at the State Training School
This spring, chaplains, and volunteers at the State Training School ran students through the Alpha program. This program (which we have done with our youth at SRBC) provides students space for discussions on faith, life, and purpose, while clearly teaching the Gospel of Jesus.
On Sunday, May 7th, I got the chance to go lead a time of worship as the chaplains and volunteers wrapped up the Alpha curriculum with the students. Adam & Sara Zellmer and Scott & Monique Dorrow were among the leaders actively pouring into these students and helping them see the redemptive power of Christ available to them.
I’m aware of at least one student who made a recommitment to their faith as a result of the work of these chaplains and volunteers. I pray that they will continue in their faith as they are discharged back into their own community.
Senior Celebration & Baccalaureate
As seniors in our Youth Group were approaching their graduation, Pastor Bryce hosted another really meaningful Senior Celebration up in the Youth Loft. Parents got a chance to share memories and encouragement for their graduating child. And, depending on the relationships and family dynamics, this was likely the most clear and public display of encouragement and affirmation that these students had ever received from their parents.
Then in the following week, Pastor Bryce and myself helped provided a Baccalaureate Service for the South Hardin families while Pastor Harrison went to Ackley to help serve in a similar capacity for the AGWSR Baccalaureate. Students and parents at the SH auditorium circled together in prayer for the next season for the graduates.
These were very meaningful experiences that helped me see how the Gospel and power of Jesus is moving within the walls of our church, and even within the walls of our local schools!
GO Day
Coming up in the 2nd week of June, we will have an Eldora-focused Go Day. The team has been hard at work coordinating projects that will bless the community of Eldora. I would encourage anyone willing to sign-up at steamboatbaptist.org/go-show-share
What is really encouraging about this endeavor is that we are partnering with existing local organizations. We are not swooping in thinking we have all the answers on how to “fix” things, rather we are coming alongside organizations who are already at work in the community to help them meet needs.
Places like the Community Garden, the Food Shelf, Hardin County Helps, and Little Rock Ministries. These organizations and ministries are already doing great work. And we have the chance to come alongside them and add fuel to their engines!
A Song to Sing
As I have been reflecting and praising God for the work He’s been doing, I have been regularly singing a song that is new-to-me called “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me”. This song beautifully articulates a life with Christ as we endeavor to GO and Follow Jesus Further.
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
