We did it!
Another Big Milestone
This chapter of our church plant is complete, now onto the next one!
Time to Turn the Page
Sunday night was a raging success!
Coram Deo Baptist Church had its last interest meeting. We had a heart-swelling amount of support and encouragement. The room was full of children’s chatter, adult chatter, and warmth. There’s something you should know about me (Chris), I love nothing more than being surrounded by people I love, having a good time. This is my happy place. This is, probably not very coincidentally, what I believe the vision of Christ’s church is in the Bible.
We couldn’t have done it without the wonderful service of our friends (my Rachel, Linda, Rachael, Connor, Matt, Leslie, Susan, and Sue). Between the food, audio video, worship, kids care, and hospitality, everyone created a really welcoming space for folks to settle into and enjoy themselves.
There were also plenty of great questions from those who came to learn about the church plant. It is such a joy when folks are engaged with the church, theology, and practice in a way that facilitates thoughtful discussion and questions. I was blessed by their sincere inquisitiveness, as well as a care for the well-being of this endeavor for the glory of Christ.
Now what?
As of the end of last night’s meeting, we had one person promptly express their desire to support and join our church plant. Praise God! We are trusting that God puts it in the hearts of those who He would have for us. So for the next three weeks, we will be praying for the Lord to bring them to us. We’ve shared, invited, and informed for months; now we wait on the Lord.
The door is open for any and all to meet with me to answer any questions as we prepare for our weekly meetings and training beginning the first week of February. This time will be dedicated to growing closer in fellowship, becoming well-rounded in theology, and understanding what makes a healthy church member.
I am beyond excited to begin meeting together in preparation for the launch of the church plant.
Shepherd to Shepherd
Tuesday marked the beginning of our monthly pastor gatherings for this region of the Northwest Baptist Convention. These run for a few months at the beginning of each year. This was the second round I have been a part of, and it has continued to be a source of encouragement and connection.
This year, the material we’re focusing on is the characteristics and pitfalls of pastoral character, as seen through the lens of the Sermon on the Mount. So far, it seems to be a great angle and has facilitated lots of good discussion amongst the pastors. I serve alongside many of the pastors gathered on the board of the Willamette Valley Baptist Association, so it’s especially encouraging to be able to strive together in this endeavor. There are certainly many pitfalls for pastors; they are men just like any other, and yet Christ intercedes for them and gives instruction from His Word.
Leadership Pipeline
Today, NAMB is putting on a leadership pipeline training in Eugene, which I’m looking forward to. How do we identify, equip, and release leaders within our churches to see the ministry fulfilled and the Gospel advanced? Well, I suspect some of those answers will be discussed today.
I’m thankful that this work I’m in is not one in which I labor alone. I’m thankful for the people God has and will continue to bring to His church to lead.
Prayer Requests
Living Hope (Shawn Snyder) in Corvallis is in the process of planting a church. Pray for unity, conviction, and overwhelming support for this endeavor.
Coram Deo’s planting team, that God would put it on the hearts of those He would have for us as we embark on this journey ourselves and that the training would be fruitful in building unity, conviction, and clarity before launch.
NAMB is praying for and seeking for a 1% impact in the PNW for the Gospel. We serve a big God who has tasked us all to be missionaries in fulfilling the Great Commission.
