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Education Ministry

Posted on September 10, 2003 ...

When I left home in 1985, it did not occur to me that I would not be going back; at least not to stay. Now, eighteen years later (almost half of my life), I get to see my parents only once or twice a year. Yet, thanks to modern technology, we are able to stay in touch on a weekly basis, and our relationship has continued to thrive. In many ways, I feel as if we are closer now than we have ever been. The only way I can account for this mutual desire to remain a part of each other’s lives is that we established a close relationship when we were together and we have chosen to maintain it through the years. We understand the importance of family and do what is necessary to protect it.

As you know by now, our church has just entered our Fall emphasis on the family. One of the motivations behind this is the idea that our home families and our church family are connected in many ways. Therefore, it is only natural to take concepts from our home family experiences and use them to enrich our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. I have decided to dedicate my article space during this family emphasis to explore some of these dynamics. It is my hope and prayer that these snapshots from my family album will lend to the portrait of the family of North Cleveland Baptist Church.

As a challenge, I invite you to direct your hearts and minds to your families, both at home and in the church. Look intently into the faces that make up our Family Portrait. Recognize your Christian brothers and sisters as true spiritual siblings. Ponder the reality that we will spend eternity together with our Father in heaven. Let the implications of all this draw you ever deeper into the fabric of this body of believers. With the biggest family holiday season just a few short weeks away, I encourage you to take advantage of this time that we may enter into the holidays fully prepared to Give Thanks, honor the birth of our Savior, and begin the New Year in a God-honoring fashion – as the true family of God.