God working in the church

[JonC]

With all of the negativity often heard about declining church membership and decreasing numbers of baptisms, I thought I'd share a praise. If you have similar experiences in your church, or encouragement, I'd love to hear.

Sunday before last we baptized 12 people. This past Sunday we baptized 5, and we have one that I know of being baptized next Sunday. The youngest was a high school young man, the oldest in her late 80's (most have been middle aged adults+). This church is in a small community (a church of about 250 people). This past Sunday we also ordained one of our members to the ministry (he has been called to pastor a small church in the county).

I just wanted to mention this because it is easy to form a picture of the church (and the health of the church) based on popular opinion. God is in control, and God is working in and with his people.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

With all of the negativity often heard about declining church membership and decreasing numbers of baptisms, I thought I'd share a praise. If you have similar experiences in your church, or encouragement, I'd love to hear.

Sunday before last we baptized 12 people. This past Sunday we baptized 5, and we have one that I know of being baptized next Sunday. The youngest was a high school young man, the oldest in her late 80's (most have been middle aged adults+). This church is in a small community (a church of about 250 people). This past Sunday we also ordained one of our members to the ministry (he has been called to pastor a small church in the county).

I just wanted to mention this because it is easy to form a picture of the church (and the health of the church) based on popular opinion. God is in control, and God is working in and with his people.

After you Baptist them, what’s next?

 

[JonC]

After you Baptist them, what’s next?

Then they dry off.

We actually have a good discipleship program. Everyone is encouraged (and expected, to some degree) to be an active member of the church. When we first joined we were invited to help out in several ways (fall festival, bible readings, helping with the youth). I could not teach until I had been a member for a year and the church tested my views, but after that I've had the opportunity to preach and teach.

We have Bible study Sunday morning followed by service, and then a study followed by service in the evening. There is a study on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, followed by a prayer meeting on Wednesday (the focus is prayer, not a "worship service"). The youth have other things in between, as do some of the adult classes. This is one of the few churches I know of that still meets this much without the teacher speaking to the air. But it is a small community (I suppose there isn't much else to do but go to church).

Last year we had a church missions trip to help a family in need within the state. This involved the whole church. Those who could do construction worked on the home. Others watched children, cut hair, etc....what ever the need was. Backpacks were given out - the only thing one girl wanted was a toothbrush and tooth paste (someone went to the closest town and bought some for the children). The gospel was shared as physical needs were met. Those who could not go on the trip packed backpacks, helped load up, prayed, what ever could be done.

Plus, the church is a bit informal. What I mean by this is that if your wife wears orange tennis shoes one night you are probably gong to get called out by the preacher Sunday morning (in jest). Or you get to see the preacher scolded by an elderly lady for saying he hates okra (having never tried her okra). It is about loving each other, caring for each other, and maturing as the body of Christ as we function both as individual members and as a whole for the Kingdom.

I am looking at moving in a couple of months. I really hate to leave the church. I've spent most of my life looking for a congregation that tossed aside the superficial, and now that I've found one it hurts to leave.

 

[JonShaff]

So let's give all the Praise and Glory to God Most High! Christ is worthy of all glory and praise! He is the Lord! I'm so glad to hear that God is working mightily at your fellowship @JonC

Here is a brief summary at our fellowship:

We started shepherding a church with 3 people 3 years ago. Last week we had about 40 in attendance. It has been an awesome and laborious 3 years. We've seen many saved and baptized. We've seen several come and go. God is so Good...He builds the work. We care about maturity and not numbers, however, healthy organisms grow.

We are truly a congregation that loves and cares for one another. It's pretty incredible. God's love knitting together the hearts of His children is truly a beautiful thing.

Please pray for us if you get the chance. Thank you!

 

[JonShaff]

Here is our page

With the pics and vids and posts it kinda shows what we're all about.

First Free Will Baptist Church of Sapulpa

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Then they dry off.

We actually have a good discipleship program. Everyone is encouraged (and expected, to some degree) to be an active member of the church. When we first joined we were invited to help out in several ways (fall festival, bible readings, helping with the youth). I could not teach until I had been a member for a year and the church tested my views, but after that I've had the opportunity to preach and teach.

We have Bible study Sunday morning followed by service, and then a study followed by service in the evening. There is a study on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, followed by a prayer meeting on Wednesday (the focus is prayer, not a "worship service"). The youth have other things in between, as do some of the adult classes. This is one of the few churches I know of that still meets this much without the teacher speaking to the air. But it is a small community (I suppose there isn't much else to do but go to church).

Last year we had a church missions trip to help a family in need within the state. This involved the whole church. Those who could do construction worked on the home. Others watched children, cut hair, etc....what ever the need was. Backpacks were given out - the only thing one girl wanted was a toothbrush and tooth paste (someone went to the closest town and bought some for the children). The gospel was shared as physical needs were met. Those who could not go on the trip packed backpacks, helped load up, prayed, what ever could be done.

Plus, the church is a bit informal. What I mean by this is that if your wife wears orange tennis shoes one night you are probably gong to get called out by the preacher Sunday morning (in jest). Or you get to see the preacher scolded by an elderly lady for saying he hates okra (having never tried her okra). It is about loving each other, caring for each other, and maturing as the body of Christ as we function both as individual members and as a whole for the Kingdom.

I am looking at moving in a couple of months. I really hate to leave the church. I've spent most of my life looking for a congregation that tossed aside the superficial, and now that I've found one it hurts to leave.

You have found the real thing brother .... congratulations