DARING FAITH

This Sunday is the introduction to the Church Wide Daring Faith campaign. We are undertaking quite a bit over the next two months. First, we are continuing all the missions and ministries that reflect the values of James Island Baptist. That is a very full schedule of making our community a better place to live by being salt and light. Second, we are attempting to raise faith and funds, over the next three years, to complete some much needed and long overdue renovations. I compare this to my daughter getting ready to sell her house. In order to sell your house, to make the best impression and to attract potential buyers, you want to make your home looks as attractive and appealing as possible. So, you focus on your curb appeal; you repair your roof; you fix any soft spots in the floor; add some fresh paint. You do whatever you need to do to make the house seem like a home.

Church renovations are kind of like that. We must care about curb appeal. Landscaping and signage are not that big of a deal to us, but to the newcomer, first impressions are lasting impressions. The roof is repaired because we had serious leaks that could be seen in the ceiling tiles. Our main hallway bathrooms have not been updated in over 40 years. The need for an elevator is becoming greater as these baby boomers start aging out! You get the picture. If I want my house and home to look good, why would I not want the House of the Lord to also look good. Some of the renovations we are hoping to make may not be of direct concern to many of us who are already active committed members. It may make all the difference in the world to potential members. We want the first impression to be a positive one…from signage, to fresh looking parking lots; from safe floors to elevators to the top!

That is one of the things that sets healthy churches apart. Why do you do what you do? Who are you doing it for? We are growing to believe that the most important member of the church is not even a member yet. When we reach them and invite them and they honor us by coming…we want to put our best foot forward. May they see our good works…our discipleship, our generous giving and our stewardship of the building and grounds…and give glory to our Father in Heaven.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Tom