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Pastor's Page

Posted on July 25, 2006 ...

I am sometimes asked, How many ministries do you have at your church? That is a very interesting question. Do you know how many ministries we conduct at North Cleveland Baptist Church? To be honest, neither do I! Sure we can point to visible items like our worship ministry, Bible study ministry, prayer ministry, discipleship ministry, student ministry, and others. We can count the number of organizations, committees, and church officers to get a general idea. But the exact number of our ministries really goes far beyond that sum.

We need to understand that, every time a hand, a touch, a kind word, a ministry dollar, or any expression of grace can be traced back to our church family, it is another of our church?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s ministries. For example, this week, one of our ministries is conducting Mission Vacation Bible School in two communities in Gulfport, MS. By the way, thank you for praying for our team in our travels and in our work. We look forward to sharing a report with you about our week this Sunday night.

Ancient theologians used to debate about how many angels could dance on a pinhead. Of course, that is a question only God could answer. Likewise, the number of ministries in our church (or in ANY church) is known only to God, for He alone knows the many acts of mercy that are extended in His name by our church family. Still, a good church member will certainly want to be informed about as many ministries as possible that are a part of his or her congregation.

During our recent and forthcoming Wednesday nights, you have a unique opportunity to learn more about some quality extensions of our church ministries. Each of these ministries is included in our church budget and has a link to our church membership. Two Wednesdays ago, Brenda Hughes told about the Bradley Initiative for Church and Community. Last Wednesday, you heard from the wonderful work administered by Denise Kelly at the Council of United Services. In the weeks ahead, we will hear of a local ministry to middle school and high school students as well as the men?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s ministries of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Again, these are all part of the plethora of ministries supported by our church family. The more we learn of these activities, the greater our pride grows in what North Cleveland Baptist is doing in the name of our Lord.

Please pray for our mission team?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s safe return late Friday night. On Sunday morning, I will continue the series of sermons called How Great Is Our God. This Sunday, we will look at Psalm 100. See you there! Jay