Angie and I recently attended a conference led by H. Dale Burke, Pastor of First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, California. (He followed Charles Swindoll as their Pastor.) Between the conference content and conversations in the hallway with dear friends, my heart was revived and encouraged. I was made aware of a comfort zone that I’ve kind of settled into of late.
Bethel is a great church filled with really good people, so it’s a happy place to minister. When people ask how things are going here, I tell them honestly, “We’re having a lot of fun!” Our numbers have been increasing. In fact, we’ve spent the last four Sundays over the 200 mark in attendance with near-record Sunday School numbers as well. Each of our Sunday School classes is adding members and we’re enjoying a long-term journey through God’s word together. Still, something has been missing.
When Angie and I first came to Bethel two years ago, we sensed that although the church needed a different direction and a fresh vision under new leadership. We dreamed and desired of taking Bethel to new places, all the while respecting the traditions that have been inherited by those of us who have come along after fifty years of ministry to the community.
We initially implemented some new ministries and techniques, which God has blessed greatly. But somewhere along the way, I fell into a comfort zone. Some of the changes were slightly uncomfortable for some. Mind you, nobody has been “upset” about anything, just slightly uneasy with change. Frankly, it’s always easier to avoid pushing the envelope when you know you’re making people uncomfortable. Meanwhile, I think we’ve begun to neglect the needs of the next generation. We’ve slowed down in our adaptation of the truth of the gospel to our kids and grandkids.
God has reminded me of why He brought us to this place. It was to reach lost people with the good news and to build them up in the faith. It’s not enough to have our membership rolls swell with newcomers, though we love having them. We must concentrate also on reaching out to those on the outside of the Christian faith who are looking in.
I want us to continue our commitment to the exposition of the Scriptures, unchanged. Our journey through the Word will not stop until the last verse has been explored (which will be long into eternity, by the way). The Sunday sermons will continue to be a length that allows time to expound God’s truth, with emphasis given to the original context and the modern, everyday-life application.
I also want us to start thinking more about our teenagers. Our youth leaders met this past Sunday morning and hatched some plans for a remodeled youth room. We launched a new site for Bethel Teens. We’re planning events, trips, fundraisers, etc. but we’re also praying about how our teaching and discipleship of teenagers can be more effective. Further, we’re going to do an occasional worship service with teens in mind.
We’re also going to continue to focus on the elements missing from many Baptist churches today; the joy of living the Christian life, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the freedom we have in worship. We’re going to continue to ignore any pettiness that may arise along the way, and we’re going to keep fixing broken lives by the power of God.
I’m fired up, and I hope you are too!
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Brandon is first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. He's a husband to 
