2010 Passion
Passion. Webster says that the word can imply a compelling emotion or love. As I’ve prayed about our goals for 2010, I’ve discovered that most of them center on this concept. What do I need most personally? What do we need most corporately? A renewed passion. It begins with an intense desire for God Himself, a longing that can only be met by the deepening of our relationship with Him. Let’s pray that such a passion will consume us this next year, and let’s commit to passionate practices within three specific areas:
A Renewed Passion for God’s Word
Historically, we Baptists have been referred to as a “People of the Book,” a title that indicates our insistence upon the Scripture’s authority in faith and practice. Next year, we want that passion to overflow within our congregation. I want to challenge every member to read with us through the Bible daily. We will post the daily reading schedule in various forums (e.g. in the weekly bulletin, online). Together, we will read God’s Word faithfully.
A Renewed Passion for God’s Mission
The message of Christmas is that God descended to earth to provide salvation to a lost and dying world. The Lord is a missional God, and He calls His people to be on mission with Him. This year, we have multiple mission opportunities planned - in Zachary and beyond. I want to challenge every member (who is physically able) to commit 2% of your time (which translates into about one week) to a mission opportunity outside of the Zachary area.
A Renewed Passion for God’s Family
As we renew ourselves, we also want to recommit ourselves to our church family. I want to challenge every member to commit to a Sunday School class in order to experience intense fellowship and encouragement. Some of you have already made such a commitment, but I hope you will take that commitment to a new level.