In our Church Board meeting for April, I introduced the idea of Another Generation with the hope of continuing to inspire our church leadership in thinking about ministry and our mission. Since we are a multi-generational church with those gathering for worship on Sundays with ages spanning from newborns to those in their 90’s, we truly have reason to celebrate.

The challenges before us are great as we seek to settle the issues that have caused us to introspectively realize where we are, where we have been and where we are headed. We are also continuously looking at the facilities that we have and realize that there a constant need for maintenance, but there are great opportunities to adapt to the needs of those that are coming. There is great potential in the Education Building as we first dream the opportunities for ministry and then fit our space to those needs.

Programmatically, we are always seeking to reach individuals with the Gospel – sometimes we do that through the way that we live and other times through what we teach – always, we want to be ready to share what God is doing through us.

It is my hope that that we are all seeking another generation of ministries that will touch another generation of people, that will shape the next generation of facilities. I believe that there are great things that we can accomplish together and there is a great revival within us. I believe that the most important part of that revival is spiritual and it begins within our own hearts and minds which are waiting to be turned loose for His work.

I was reminded recently of the Apostle Paul and his ministry. He was one whose passion for the Gospel got him into all sorts of troubles – yet he lived the example of ministry to another generation. (II Timothy 2:2, And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.)

I am reminded not to simply be the teacher, but to be the student too. I am challenged by the thought of another generation. It is not about a targeted age group, and it is not about a specific type of ministry. It is about creating a future that will not only move us forward, but will continue to be the foundation for what comes after that.

I am excited about the future of Columbia Street Baptist Church – because the mission lives on as we seek to serve another generation.

Blessings,