When a year ends numerous lists are produced. The "best of" and "worst of" lists propagate the internet. We now all know everyone's opinions on the best movies, best celebrity weddings, most inspirational stories and worst plastic surgeries of 2011.
As I look back at 2011 I too can come up with some lists. Here are some FIRST BAPTIST BEST OF 2011 highlights (inb no particular order):
- Increased mission giving through the Global Mission Fund. Through the faithful giving of FBCOP members, we were able to give even more financial support to missions (Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, Maguire State Missions Offering, and local community missions.)
- Celebrating the graduation of Brandon Phillips from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Supporting church plants in Arizona (Legacy Church), Iowa (River City Church) and even here in Orange Park (Mission Church).
- A banner year for camps - Preteen, Junior High & Senior High
- Upward Sports offering full scholarships for all children at one of our local elementary schools. This was a one time gift from Caz McCaslin of Upward Sports and enabled us to engage more families for the Gospel through basketball & cheerleading in 2011.
- Rebirth and renewal of the Heart Matters Women's Ministry. This included hosting our first women's retreat in years.
- Battle Ready Men's Retreat. Last year's retreat has been affirmed by many attendees as the best yet. Looking forward to number ten, this year.
- Broader influence in missions. This is evident in our increated mission journeys in 2011 to places such as China, Honduras, Haiti, Cuba, Wales, and New Orleans.
- Numerous baptisms. Baptisms are a public profession of a personal response to Christ. We celebrate every one of these as a testimony to our great God.
- Saved marriages. I won't list the names here, but rest assured there were numerous couples on the verge of divorce who are prayerfully "working it out" even n0w.
- Adoptions. Two of our pastors and their spouses adopted children this past year (the Rouse's and the Rodgers').
- Ryan Rouse's fifth anniversary as Student Pastor.
- Worship Ministry featured on First Coast News. This may seem like a small thing, but being able to boldly proclaim Christ in song on television is amazing, especially when it's on the local news and not on a pre-paid televised church service.
- Buying a car. We were able (actually without using any church funds at all, but through the donations of church members) to purchase a vehicle for a Green Cove Springs family of girls who had just lost their mother to murder.
- Gifting ministries with thousands of dollars. We stepped into a place of stewardship we, as a church have never been before in 2011. By September, we found ourselves with a great surplus of money as compared to budget expenses. Rather than sit on it, we gave away over $50,000 to church plants, orphan-care ministries, and sex trafficking rescue ministries.
- Paying off debt. In addition to giving away funds, we were able to pay off the loan on our church bus. What a relief!
- Increased staff. We have been blessed to be in a position to add ministry leaders to our staff. Kaytee, Kenzie, Jordan and Caleb have stepped in to serve in areas of great need.
- Intentionally Gospel-Centric Messages and Ministries. We've always been here, but it seems over the past six months we have sharpened the tip of this arrow. The Gospel is the center of God's story and we are unashamedly telling this story.
There are many more things that could be listed. Yet, even in a year where some incredibly awesome things have happened, there are some . . . well, we'll call them challenges. This may be the "WORST OF" list.
- Funerals. There were many. Some were the home-going celebrations of believers. Others weren't so celebratory. Yet, as Solomon says, it's good to go to a funeral every now and then. It's a great reminder of what life is really all about. It can be called good, but it's very difficult, especially for family members and loved ones. Yet, it's during these times God uses His church to bring comfort. First Baptist has done this and continues to.
- Broken marriages. Not all couples "work it out." This is heartbreaking.
- Lost jobs. We saw a great increase of church members and community friends who have been suffering financially thi past year. We have numerous people every day come by the church office for a referral to the Orange Park Clothes Closet. This doesn't even count the church members who are struggling. Many we help (actually, we help all we can.) Others we cannot. Some never let us know.
- Lies. Even with God moving greatly in our midst, some just cannot celebrate. They're bitter. They're angry and they create stories to support their feelings. Fortunately, there are more who are walking in the Light than these who are sliding into the darkness. However, every now and then, the lies are heard. Mostly they're about me. I get that. It comes with the territory. Praying for these who were previously respected as "good Christian men" to come back to the Light.
- Brandon Phillips leaving. I put Brandon's graduation on the "best of" list, and on this list only as a selfish issue. We truly are excited that Brandon and Jenna are serving on staff at FBC Ruidoso, New Mexico. It's just I hate to see anyone go. Yet, we sent him with our blessing and God is honored. So, even though this is on the "worst of" list, it could also be on the "best of" list.
- Baptisms. Even though we celebrate the baptisms symbolizing new life, I can't help but think that there are so many more in our community who have yet to hear the truth. I pray we are never satisfied with our "numbers" and continually share the truth of the Gospel to all we encounter.
- Hurt pastors. I'm not referencing the men serving here at First Baptist but a few of my peers who have been serving in "toxic fellowships." Some have had to resign. Some are contemplating getting out of ministry. They're broken. I believe God is desiring to use us as a healing station for these men.
Looking back on 2011, whether good times or hard times, whether "best of" or "worst of" items, the reality is that for every bullet point (even those on the "worst of" list) we must say "TO GOD BE THE GLORY."
We have not orchestrated any program or implemented any ministry strategy that does good. It is all God. As we look forward to what He will do in 2012, I pray that we will keep our focus, our perspective and our purpose clear. We are here to serve Him, to glorify Him, to celebrate Him.
That should be our resolution, not for 2012, but for each day.
Stay focused.
Thank you for sharing those! To God be the Glory!
Posted by: Patrick | January 04, 2012 at 05:11 PM