“How's it going?” That's a common greeting on Sunday morning isn't it? Of course, most of the time folks aren't really asking for an up to the minute status report. In fact, if you do launch into a lengthy monologue of all the happenings in your life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, it won't be long before people quit asking! But six months into this unusual year of 'firsts' at First Baptist it feels appropriate to invest at least a few lines in a brief update of 'How's it going.'
Worship Attendance: Last year at this time our average worship attendance was 3180 people. This year, our average attendance is 3176.
Sunday School Attendance: First Baptist has always been a strong Sunday School church. Last year our average attendance at this time was 2698. This year it's 2623.
Budget Giving: Our offerings this year are very close to what they were last year, approximately $150,000 per week. I'll share a closing thought on this below.
Day to Day Doings: Last year at this time we were recovering from an outstanding week of VBS, contacting new and returning deacons, beginning the budget preparations for the new year, planning for a new Sunday School year, beginning the recruiting for our committees, trying to keep up with where our children and student ministries were taking kids this week and next, and the next. All of those things are taking place this year as well, and all of them with a renewed commitment to the significance of all that we do.
No one would have asked to walk through this year of 'firsts' at First Baptist. It was not our plan. We would all much prefer the opportunity to sing happy birthday to Bro. Glenn this Sunday morning and to celebrate Father's Day together. But God has shown Himself still faithful through His people, His church, and His Spirit. The sky didn't fall when the Lord reassigned Bro. Glenn to a new home in Glory. In fact, twenty years of Christ-honoring ministry established a solid foundation upon which to build the next level of ministry, a new phase of ministry for this new community taking shape in Southwest Sumner.
God has shown Himself so faithful in this year of 'firsts', and He continues to do so.
Ed Stetzer continues to challenge and bless and remind us of God's best for us individually and as a church family.
Our mission teams continue to serve, across the street and around the world to share love and hope in Christ Jesus.
The Pastor Search Committee continues with all humility before God to seek God's man for His ministry at First Baptist.
Your church staff continues to serve the Lord with an outward focus and a sincere love for this dear church.
Our guests continue to share how they appreciate and admire the warm reception they continue to receive every week.
As we continue to move through this year of 'firsts' please continue to keep your church family, your staff, your Pastor Search Committee, and Ed, Donna, Kristen, Jaclyn, and Kaitlyn Stetzer in your prayers.
Please continue and renew your commitment to give to the ministries of First Baptist this 'first' summer. I remember in one of Bro. Glenn's sermons on giving he compared our tithes and offerings to a bologna sandwich (that 'ought'a be baloney, shouldn't it?). I remember he said something like, “God doesn't need your old bologna sandwich…but you need to give it!” We are continuing the ministries of this church, just as we said we would nine months ago. And six months into this new year, we are still doing that. Thank you, in advance of the rest of this summer, for continuing to be faithful in giving. The ministries of First Baptist Church haven't stopped. And they won't stop till Jesus comes. Please stay faithful to Him who has shown Himself faithful through this year of 'firsts' at First Baptist.
So, 'How's it going?' It's going good, and it's getting better. Stay faithful and live sent.
See you Sunday
Bob Landham
Executive Pastor