A Moment With Pastor Fred
Today after the service we will conduct our annual business meeting. We’ve asked before – “what is essential for our church to be a Bible-based, gospel-driven church?”
First, we must be God-centered in our worship. We do not believe we gather each Sunday to be entertained, but to participate in singing, prayer, giving and practicing the directives of baptism and communion. We gather not to necessarily evangelize the lost (though that occurs), but to edify the saints. Secondly the church must be committed to doctrinally sound teaching-preaching. We come not to hear personal opinions or creative helps but to hear the Word of God. Number three: sanctifying relationships. While we are thankful for the technology that allows shut-ins and those unable to come currently to stay connected, ultimately the church cannot be virtual. We need each other to develop Christlikeness. Servant leadership is also vital for the church to be biblical. Elders and deacons must exhibit the spirit of Jesus in serving. This doesn’t negate leaders leading, but it does reject a narcissistic attitude in many church leaders today. And finally, the church must be committed to biblical evangelism. That’s not just in foreign missions, like supporting the Bells and others, but also right here in the greater Lansing area. Each of us are called to be witnesses.
These are the non-negotiables. This is to what we believe God has called us to be at Holt Baptist Church. We are striving to be fruitful disciples of Jesus for God’s glory.