Last Sunday night, I taught another Class 101: Discovering Membership at James Island Baptist Church. We had 17 sign up and 17 show up. It was a great night with a wonderful and varied group of people. We have people attending from sister churches, from different denominations, different ages and stations in life, differing degrees of spiritual maturity and faith. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to have “face time” with those I usually only say hello to in passing. I love the wonderful variety God brings to our church family. It is a beautiful box of crayons!
Last night, we had 17 people who allowed me to share their entire afternoon and part of their evening. In case it has been a while, let me remind you what we cover. First, we go over God’s plan of salvation. We give every member an opportunity to hear me present a clear and simple plan of how to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. We then go over the meaning of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Second, we review what God’s Word says about the 5 purposes of the church. We exist to join in the mission of God by being a church that brings people into the family of God, helps them become more like Jesus, involves them in service to the family of God, equips them to live on mission and to honor God with a life of worship. Third, we cover how we operate as a church family. In some ways, I love this part the best. It is what keeps us on focus and allows us to rise above selfishness and self-centeredness. We cover why we do what we do.
So far, of this group of 17, we had 8 that joined. Others may join at a later date. Welcome to our church family: Tonya Broome, Wayne and Kathy Clark, Sherl Gaskins, Paul and Melinda Norris, and Fred and Frances Pooser. We welcome you all to the family of God known as James Island Baptist, The Church at Riverland Terrace. We welcome you to become fully devoted followers of Christ seeking to love Him and serve others.
I love being a part of His work. See you Sunday, good Lord willing.
Pastor Tom
