Years ago we were blessed with having the Chinese Church of Charleston as a part of our church family. They stared here at JIBC with John and Yi Ling Pittman. YiLing was discipling two Chinese women she had led to the Lord. The group grew from 2 to 6 then 12, then 18. We kept providing them room and resources. That eventually birthed into the Chinese Church of Charleston. They were with us for years, meeting in the Fellowship Hall each week. They cooked lunch for their group every Sunday. We had the best smelling church in all of Charleston! Then, by God’s grace, they outgrew our space. They were having 100 adults, plus their youth, children and preschoolers. So, we help them transition back to our Mother Church, Citadel Square Baptist. They had a small chapel that could seat 200 or so. No surprise that I wept the Sunday they left. One of the Chinese leaders saw my tears and said with compassion “Pastor Tom, we will only be just down the street from you”. He was right, but I still mourned the necessary and positive decision to “send them out” that they could continue growing and reaching the Chinese community.
So, Scott and Lori will begin their new church assignment on Sunday, March 5. I know the Woodhaven Baptist Church will be thrilled for them to begin so soon. My understanding is they have been without a pastor for almost a year and a half. Scott has finished all his work here at JIBC. His last Sunday will be this Sunday, February 26. Three years has zoomed by and the next few days will be even quicker. If you happen to miss speaking to Scott this Sunday, remember the comforting words of my Chinese friends…”they are just down the road”. Ok, a long road, but just down the road none the less.
James Island Baptist Church is a healthy church. It is very unusual in a lot of ways. We have, no doubt, been blessed by Scott’s ministry here at JIBC. From a Pastor’s perspective, Scott has been abundantly blessed by JIBC. There is no doubt in my mind that he has never worked for a church like JIBC. He has had the opportunity to learn a plethora of things from you all. I hope, in the culture of Woodhaven Baptist, he can duplicate the things he saw and learned from you all: deep fellowship, accepting broken people, generous giving, love of people, willingness to risk for the Kingdom, etc.
When we miss someone, I think it is a craving for heaven…where we will never miss anyone again. Until that time, remember, “We are just down the road”.
Pastor Tom
PS. Back in October when we discovered Scott was looking for a Senior Pastor position, we began looking for a new Associate Pastor. We have received dozens of resumes and have talked with 5 that we have liked and are now talking with three that we think are really good prospects for us. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek for the right person to join our JIBC Church family.
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2023
God Is So Good
I love the little chorus that says: “God is so good, God is so good, God is so good He’s so good to me” Another verse says “He answers prayer”. God is so good and He has indeed answered prayer for Scott and Lori Blasingame. For over 5 months now, Scott has been seeking the Lord and trusting that our good and gracious Heavenly Father would open up an opportunity for Scott to be a Senior Pastor. The answer to that 5 month long prayer came this past Sunday. Scott and Lori have officially been called and have accepted the position as Senior Pastor of the Woodhaven Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Such a mix of emotions: So happy for Scott to pursue his desire to be a Senior Pastor and so sad for us to say goodbye to a friend and such a wonderful and talented staff person. He will indeed be missed.
Over the next few weeks, Scott will be wrapping up his duties and responsibilities here at James Island Baptist and beginning his new work at Woodhaven. We will look forward to having a celebration with them on Wednesday night, February 22. You can drop in any time from 5:30 -7:30. Please be in prayer for some of their biggest concerns: the sale of their house and the purchase of a new one; and a new teaching job for Lori. I have no doubt that our good and gracious Heavenly Father will meet those needs.
Looking ahead, we became aware that Scott was looking for a Senior Staff position 5 months ago. So, we began our search for a new Associate Pastor back in October, 2022. We have looked at maybe two dozen resumes and have had first interviews with five prospects. We have narrowed it down to three that we are setting up meetings with. The position we are looking for is an Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Small Groups and Administration. At this time, there is no plan for this person to be considered for the next Senior Pastor of JIBC. The position will be for a person that wants to be an Associate Pastor in Discipleship, Small Groups and Administration. No doubt, like Scott, they will fall in love with JIBC and that might lead them to want to lead a church like JIBC. But that is not in the plan. I have been asked more than once if the next Associate will be my replacement. The answer is I do not think so. That is not in the plans at this time.
“God is so good, He is so good to us”
See you Sunday,
Pastor Tom
Over the next few weeks, Scott will be wrapping up his duties and responsibilities here at James Island Baptist and beginning his new work at Woodhaven. We will look forward to having a celebration with them on Wednesday night, February 22. You can drop in any time from 5:30 -7:30. Please be in prayer for some of their biggest concerns: the sale of their house and the purchase of a new one; and a new teaching job for Lori. I have no doubt that our good and gracious Heavenly Father will meet those needs.
Looking ahead, we became aware that Scott was looking for a Senior Staff position 5 months ago. So, we began our search for a new Associate Pastor back in October, 2022. We have looked at maybe two dozen resumes and have had first interviews with five prospects. We have narrowed it down to three that we are setting up meetings with. The position we are looking for is an Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Small Groups and Administration. At this time, there is no plan for this person to be considered for the next Senior Pastor of JIBC. The position will be for a person that wants to be an Associate Pastor in Discipleship, Small Groups and Administration. No doubt, like Scott, they will fall in love with JIBC and that might lead them to want to lead a church like JIBC. But that is not in the plan. I have been asked more than once if the next Associate will be my replacement. The answer is I do not think so. That is not in the plans at this time.
“God is so good, He is so good to us”
See you Sunday,
Pastor Tom
Friday, February 10, 2023
How do you follow that?
Last week we shared the announcement concerning praying with and for Scott and Lori Blasingame.
I know that was a shock to most of us. When I found out back in October, I had no idea that Scott was wanting to leave his role as an Associate Pastor to be a Senior Pastor. The only advantage I had in knowing 4 months before you is that I was able to start grieving earlier.
I have consistently told Scott that he was among the best associates I have ever had. I feel like I am losing part of my left brain’s source of information and creativity. He has been wonderful to work with over the past 3 years. I agree with all who have said they will miss him.
In some ways, I do not blame him one bit in wanting to be a Senior Pastor. He has worked here for three years. It is easy to love JIBC and love the way we do church. In my opinion, he has been able to experience a church family quite different from any he has served before. He was able to love and be loved; serve and be served; encourage and be encouraged. At JIBC, he stepped into a church with a high value on trust; an openness to brokenness; a true multigenerational church. JIBC life is normal to us, but it is not the norm! I could not blame him for wanting to experience and lead a church like JIBC. My prayer is that our Good and Gracious God will grant Scott and Lori the desire of his heart.
This past Sunday we prayed for and blessed Scott and Lori. We gathered around them, laid our hands on them and ask God’s continued blessings of favor to be upon them. I know that is very unusual to pray for a staff member before they actually announce they are leaving. But they need prayer and guidance now as well as after the fact. We usually want someone to pray for us before our surgery/wedding,/big decision, etc. I would welcome prayer of thanksgiving after, but I would desire prayers of blessing before.
So, this Sunday, near the beginning of the worship service, we will pray again for Scott and Lori. I claim for them Philippians 1:6, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to continue that good work until Jesus comes again! I trust our Heavenly Father to continue to use Scott to bless that church in Rock Hill the way He used Scott to bless JIBC. And all God’s people said “Amen”.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
I know that was a shock to most of us. When I found out back in October, I had no idea that Scott was wanting to leave his role as an Associate Pastor to be a Senior Pastor. The only advantage I had in knowing 4 months before you is that I was able to start grieving earlier.
I have consistently told Scott that he was among the best associates I have ever had. I feel like I am losing part of my left brain’s source of information and creativity. He has been wonderful to work with over the past 3 years. I agree with all who have said they will miss him.
In some ways, I do not blame him one bit in wanting to be a Senior Pastor. He has worked here for three years. It is easy to love JIBC and love the way we do church. In my opinion, he has been able to experience a church family quite different from any he has served before. He was able to love and be loved; serve and be served; encourage and be encouraged. At JIBC, he stepped into a church with a high value on trust; an openness to brokenness; a true multigenerational church. JIBC life is normal to us, but it is not the norm! I could not blame him for wanting to experience and lead a church like JIBC. My prayer is that our Good and Gracious God will grant Scott and Lori the desire of his heart.
This past Sunday we prayed for and blessed Scott and Lori. We gathered around them, laid our hands on them and ask God’s continued blessings of favor to be upon them. I know that is very unusual to pray for a staff member before they actually announce they are leaving. But they need prayer and guidance now as well as after the fact. We usually want someone to pray for us before our surgery/wedding,/big decision, etc. I would welcome prayer of thanksgiving after, but I would desire prayers of blessing before.
So, this Sunday, near the beginning of the worship service, we will pray again for Scott and Lori. I claim for them Philippians 1:6, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to continue that good work until Jesus comes again! I trust our Heavenly Father to continue to use Scott to bless that church in Rock Hill the way He used Scott to bless JIBC. And all God’s people said “Amen”.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Say it ain’t so!
One of the most famous quotes in sports history is “Say it ain’t so, Joe”. It was in reaction to the news of Shoeless Joe Jackson. The saying has been picked up and used in many settings. I am adding one more today. Say it ain’t so, Pastor Tom.
Pastor Scott and Lori may be leaving James Island Baptist in a matter of weeks. About four months ago Scott shared with the staff that he was feeling the desire to not be an Associate Pastor but rather to be the Senior Pastor. Because the Senior Pastor role at James Island Baptist is currently filled, by yours truly, staying here at JIBC was not an option. So he put his resume out back in September and waited to see what the Lord might open up. On Monday, January 23, Scott informed the staff that he was in the final negotiations with a church in Rock Hill, SC. You might remember that is where he was when he came to JIBC. They will be returning to the area where Scott spent most of his ministry. What a great God to add that beautiful touch!
He is scheduled to “preach in view of a call” on Sunday, February 12. They will likely vote on him that day and let him know that very day if the vote is positive. I cannot imagine a negative vote for someone as gifted as Scott. If the vote is to call him, he will be with JIBC only a very short time after that.
In many ways, Scott has been one of the best Associate Pastor’s I have had the pleasure of working with. He has proved to be a hard worker, creative in all things “techie”; one of the most “social butterflies” I have ever known. He never meets a stranger. He always has a willing heart to jump in and do whatever was needed. He is loved and will be missed.
In a traditional church, a staff member would often be “let go” as soon as it was known they were looking to move. JIBC is not a traditional church. You may remember we kept a staff member on a year so he could complete all his requirements to be a missionary with the North American Mission Board.
So why announce his decision this way instead of waiting until he is 100% sure the Rock Hill church is calling him? 1) The prospective church could still choose not to call him. So, let’s pray for favor with God and man. 2) He and Lori need and deserve our prayers. She has a new job to find and they have a house to sell and a house to buy. We believe in prayer. James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom, ask God. So, let’s ask for wisdom and guidance from our Father. 3) No one should have to make a life altering change without their church family praying with them. Whatever we are doing we can do better when God’s people surround us with prayer. 4) This is Kingdom work. It is not exactly like sending out a missionary, but we are, in fact, releasing someone who has worked with us for 3 years. JIBC is a part of the Kingdom, we are not THE KINGDOM. Scott is going to another church that is a part of the same Kingdom. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. This decision may have surprised me but it did not surprise God. He is still working on our behalf and knows exactly what we need.
We have been blessed by Scott’s ministry for 3 years. Now, we seek to send him and Lori off with prayer, love and gratitude in hopes that they will be a blessing to others. This Sunday, February 5th, during our Mission and Ministry Moments, we will be praying over Scott and Lori. Join us as we ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7), trusting our Father to continue to lead and bless. To God be the glory.
“Say it ain’t so, Pastor Tom”. But it is so. Romans 8:28 would be an appropriate Bible verse right here: “For we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”
Love you all.
Pastor Scott and Lori may be leaving James Island Baptist in a matter of weeks. About four months ago Scott shared with the staff that he was feeling the desire to not be an Associate Pastor but rather to be the Senior Pastor. Because the Senior Pastor role at James Island Baptist is currently filled, by yours truly, staying here at JIBC was not an option. So he put his resume out back in September and waited to see what the Lord might open up. On Monday, January 23, Scott informed the staff that he was in the final negotiations with a church in Rock Hill, SC. You might remember that is where he was when he came to JIBC. They will be returning to the area where Scott spent most of his ministry. What a great God to add that beautiful touch!
He is scheduled to “preach in view of a call” on Sunday, February 12. They will likely vote on him that day and let him know that very day if the vote is positive. I cannot imagine a negative vote for someone as gifted as Scott. If the vote is to call him, he will be with JIBC only a very short time after that.
In many ways, Scott has been one of the best Associate Pastor’s I have had the pleasure of working with. He has proved to be a hard worker, creative in all things “techie”; one of the most “social butterflies” I have ever known. He never meets a stranger. He always has a willing heart to jump in and do whatever was needed. He is loved and will be missed.
In a traditional church, a staff member would often be “let go” as soon as it was known they were looking to move. JIBC is not a traditional church. You may remember we kept a staff member on a year so he could complete all his requirements to be a missionary with the North American Mission Board.
So why announce his decision this way instead of waiting until he is 100% sure the Rock Hill church is calling him? 1) The prospective church could still choose not to call him. So, let’s pray for favor with God and man. 2) He and Lori need and deserve our prayers. She has a new job to find and they have a house to sell and a house to buy. We believe in prayer. James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom, ask God. So, let’s ask for wisdom and guidance from our Father. 3) No one should have to make a life altering change without their church family praying with them. Whatever we are doing we can do better when God’s people surround us with prayer. 4) This is Kingdom work. It is not exactly like sending out a missionary, but we are, in fact, releasing someone who has worked with us for 3 years. JIBC is a part of the Kingdom, we are not THE KINGDOM. Scott is going to another church that is a part of the same Kingdom. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. This decision may have surprised me but it did not surprise God. He is still working on our behalf and knows exactly what we need.
We have been blessed by Scott’s ministry for 3 years. Now, we seek to send him and Lori off with prayer, love and gratitude in hopes that they will be a blessing to others. This Sunday, February 5th, during our Mission and Ministry Moments, we will be praying over Scott and Lori. Join us as we ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7), trusting our Father to continue to lead and bless. To God be the glory.
“Say it ain’t so, Pastor Tom”. But it is so. Romans 8:28 would be an appropriate Bible verse right here: “For we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”
Love you all.
Pastor Tom
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
COULD IT HAVE BEEN ANY MORE BEAUTIFUL?
This past Sunday, was a spectacular Sunday in many ways. I know, I say that so often…sorry, not sorry. So, we gather together on a rainy day and a day that was forecast to be a hard rainy day, and we have a packed house. Yep, the extra crowd was there to see the babies and the children.
We had 7 beautiful families coming to bring 9 beautiful children for the Parent Child Dedication Service. They had family members coming to celebrate and participate. All nine of those precious little ones were great. What a privilege to pray for them all. Kat Cumberledge did a great job in presenting the legacy gifts and leading in a deeply meaningful prayer. To God be the glory. We pray for these children and their parents as they become fully devoted followers of Christ and lead their children to be the same.
And then add the baptism of two children. What a joy to see young people make a public profession of their desire to follow Jesus. Family gathered for this meaningful event. It was a day of celebration for sure! Perhaps we will remember this day when we see the little one who were dedicated to the Lord one day follow Him in believers’ baptism! Oh, what a day that will be. May we all be blessed to see the fruit of your prayers, invitations, Bible Studies, nursery duties, Children’s Ministries, etc.
The day continued Sunday at 5:30 as we met for Celebrate Recovery. We had maybe around 20 people in attendance. Our Kitchen Krew and volunteers are the best. Everyone had an opportunity to enjoy a hot, delicious meal. The Charleston Center sent 7 of their patients…you know they appreciated the good food! Pastor David and the CR Praise band led in powerful worship. After one of the songs, one of our CR leaders turned to the Praise Band and complimented them for what he said was one of the most meaningful songs he had ever heard.
Then, the Student Ministry had 15 in attendance. That is great. Thank you Logan, Lily and your team for reaching this generation of students. I pray every parent of a teen will work as hard as they can to get their students involved in a positive, Christian fellowship group like the one Logan and his team are creating.
Could it have been any more beautiful? Maybe, but this was surely a beautiful day!
Pastor Tom
We had 7 beautiful families coming to bring 9 beautiful children for the Parent Child Dedication Service. They had family members coming to celebrate and participate. All nine of those precious little ones were great. What a privilege to pray for them all. Kat Cumberledge did a great job in presenting the legacy gifts and leading in a deeply meaningful prayer. To God be the glory. We pray for these children and their parents as they become fully devoted followers of Christ and lead their children to be the same.
And then add the baptism of two children. What a joy to see young people make a public profession of their desire to follow Jesus. Family gathered for this meaningful event. It was a day of celebration for sure! Perhaps we will remember this day when we see the little one who were dedicated to the Lord one day follow Him in believers’ baptism! Oh, what a day that will be. May we all be blessed to see the fruit of your prayers, invitations, Bible Studies, nursery duties, Children’s Ministries, etc.
The day continued Sunday at 5:30 as we met for Celebrate Recovery. We had maybe around 20 people in attendance. Our Kitchen Krew and volunteers are the best. Everyone had an opportunity to enjoy a hot, delicious meal. The Charleston Center sent 7 of their patients…you know they appreciated the good food! Pastor David and the CR Praise band led in powerful worship. After one of the songs, one of our CR leaders turned to the Praise Band and complimented them for what he said was one of the most meaningful songs he had ever heard.
Then, the Student Ministry had 15 in attendance. That is great. Thank you Logan, Lily and your team for reaching this generation of students. I pray every parent of a teen will work as hard as they can to get their students involved in a positive, Christian fellowship group like the one Logan and his team are creating.
Could it have been any more beautiful? Maybe, but this was surely a beautiful day!
Pastor Tom
Thursday, January 19, 2023
WORSHIP! Why, Yes, thank you.
Worship is not the only thing the church does. It is however a main thing, a priority among the things we do. We also make disciples; serve others using our spiritual giftedness; reach people who need to know Him; go outside the church campus to reach the lost. And we worship. I think of worship as the enabling power that fuels all that we do. We might be able to do outreach, ministry, fellowship and discipleship without worship. But these is no doubt we can do these things better when inspired by, encouraged by and fueled by our regular genuine encounters with God through worship. Those times of worship can be weekly as we gather or daily as we seek and surrender to Him. We also remember that our lifestyle is in some ways an act of worship.
There is no one way or right way to worship. We all may have our favorite styles and traditions on how we worship. Some are quiet and serene while others are loud and celebrative. Worship comes in many styles and, traditions. I tend to think God is worthy of all of them. To me, the key to worship is that you are seeking to encounter our Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ. We seek to worship Him in spirit and in truth. I think I can be at home with any believers, even if they are worshipping in a way that is new or foreign to me. The goal is to worship: exalt His Name; praise and adore; celebrate and confess; pray and listen. Some traditions may help you do these things easier than others. Just remember, the worship is not about what you like. It is about what He likes. So, let us stay in the Word of God seeking “direction” from His book on worship. Let’s seek to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Our worship should be as important and as connected as our discipleship, our fellowship, our service, and our mission. It is a good quote: the reason we go on mission is because they don’t have Worship. Once they have worship of the True and Living God, our mission changes direction.
Worship? Why, yes, thank you. I love worshipping with JIBC. This past Sunday was a delight for my spirit. Out praise team and tech team were outstanding. Their service to Him helps us to entering into a worshipful spirit. May our Father in Heaven be pleased and may He be blessed.
See you Sunday as we continue through Romans 8.
Pastor Tom
There is no one way or right way to worship. We all may have our favorite styles and traditions on how we worship. Some are quiet and serene while others are loud and celebrative. Worship comes in many styles and, traditions. I tend to think God is worthy of all of them. To me, the key to worship is that you are seeking to encounter our Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ. We seek to worship Him in spirit and in truth. I think I can be at home with any believers, even if they are worshipping in a way that is new or foreign to me. The goal is to worship: exalt His Name; praise and adore; celebrate and confess; pray and listen. Some traditions may help you do these things easier than others. Just remember, the worship is not about what you like. It is about what He likes. So, let us stay in the Word of God seeking “direction” from His book on worship. Let’s seek to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Our worship should be as important and as connected as our discipleship, our fellowship, our service, and our mission. It is a good quote: the reason we go on mission is because they don’t have Worship. Once they have worship of the True and Living God, our mission changes direction.
Worship? Why, yes, thank you. I love worshipping with JIBC. This past Sunday was a delight for my spirit. Out praise team and tech team were outstanding. Their service to Him helps us to entering into a worshipful spirit. May our Father in Heaven be pleased and may He be blessed.
See you Sunday as we continue through Romans 8.
Pastor Tom
Thursday, January 12, 2023
FOUR SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD PRACTICE
Spiritual Disciplines are habits we can develop that will make us more like Jesus, draw us closer to God, can be improved and can be taught to others. There are many more Spiritual Disciplines than the ones I will mention today. But today, I want to mention four of the primary disciplines and focus particularly on one. The Four Spiritual Disciplines every believer needs to know in order to grow are: 1) Time in God’s Word 2) Prayer 3) Generous Giving/Tithing 4) Fellowship with believers.
Today, let’s talk about The Discipline of being into God’s Word. Remember the Bible is God’s Holy Word; it is like a love letter from our Father; it is the way God reveals Himself to us. “If you continue in my Word, then you are really my disciples indeed and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
How can we practice the spiritual discipline of being in God’s Word? First, we need to HEAR God’s Word. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17. Second, we need to READ God’s Word. “Happy is the one who reads this book…and obeys what is written in it.” Revelation 1:3. Third, we need to STUDY God’s Word. The Berean Church in Acts 17:11 received the Word eagerly and studied it every day. Fourth, and here is the hard one…we need to MEMORIZE God’s Word. “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11. Fifth, we need to MEDITATE on the Word of God. Psalm 1:2-3 carries a promise to all who would meditate on Scripture. It is worth the effort. Last, but not least, we need to APPLY God’s Word. Impression without expression leads to depression. What will you do with what you have read?
I am in a teaching series on Romans 8. I will be going verse by verse through one of the greatest chapters in the Bible. Along the way, I will be encouraging you to memorize several verses from the majestic chapter. The first one is Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is what I call a “Hallelujah and Amen Verse”. You will need this verse or someone you love will need this verse. Let’s get ahead of the curve and hide this one in our heart right away!
The past week I taught on Romans 8:1-4. This week I will pick up on Romans 8:5 and go a few more verses into this most inspiring chapter of God’s Word. See you Sunday, good Lord willing!
Pastor Tom
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