PRIORITY #1

Theological Values

1.       God is Creator, Savior, Sustainer, Lord

2.      The Bible is God’s Word without error, never failing, never changing.

3.      Prayer is seeking His power, seeking His provision, seeking His purpose, giving Him praise.

4.      Evangelism is sharing the Gospel, supporting missions, meeting needs.

5.      Discipleship is teaching, training, mentoring, coaching.

6.      Stewardship is giving time, talents, treasures.

7.      Fellowship is nurturing relationships, encouraging believers, meeting needs, strengthening the church.

Operational Values

    Following Christ’s example, we will:

1.       Seek and follow His direction in our lives.

2.      Preach, teach, and apply the Word to transform lives.

3.      Continually pray and seek His will and purpose in our lives.

4.      Reach the world through missions and evangelism.

5.      Baptize, teach, and nurture believers.

6.      Cheerfully return to God that which He has entrusted to us.

7.      Commit to love one another and nourish our relationships in Christ.

Purpose Statement

   The purpose of First Baptist Church is to exalt the Savior, evangelize the lost and equip the saints.

Vision Statement

   Impacting our world with the Gospel of Christ.

I vote for and stand for ALL the above statements and values; and had they been Priority 1 on the report from our Long Range Committee, I think the discussion would have gone differently; and had the priorities listed under those statements not been listed as priorities but as recommendations or considerations for the future, the discussion would have gone differently. 

The vote last night was “to accept the Report of the Committee.”  My opinion and my vote was against the wording of the priorities of the report.  I have not listed the priorities on purpose.

God’s Will

We prayed for God’s will before discussion and voting, so should we accept the results to be His will?  At first thought, I say “yes” because it is done and “God does work all things together for good…to those who love God and are called according to His purpose...to be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:28-29)  Those who love God and are conformed to the image of His Son will put action to that report according to the virtues and statements listed first. 

The problem – We are self-willed at heart!  We are not the church that began at Pentecost with the out pouring of the Holy Spirit of God.  They were ALL in one accord.  There was way too much difference in the voting to say we came anywhere near united.

My prayer and desire is that we make Priority #1 to put into action the virtues and statements listed first and The Holy Spirit will be evident and we will be in unity seeking Jesus, The Head for His will.  We can begin by reading John Chapter 17 again.

Shared prayers of others:

O Lord, the wonder of being one with You as You are one with The Father!  Grant us this oneness for Your glory, and to that end lift up the light of Your countenance upon us and give us peace.

Lord, I know that You have asked The Father to make us all One so I have to believe it’s possible and Your will.  Oh, how I desire it, too.  What am I doing that prevents it?  Cleanse me and fit me for Your holiness.  Protect me from the evil one as You also prayed so that I can be filled only with Your Spirit revealing Your Presence and bringing You glory.

Lord, help us to turn to You; forgive us for turning away.  Amen.