Prestonwood recently passed 27,000 members. This is a number which represents a remarkable story of faith. The church is determined to continue reaching and teaching people for Christ and nurturing them in Christian growth and service. Our mission at Prestonwood Baptist Church is to glorify God by introducing Jesus Christ as Lord to as many people as possible and to develop them in Christian living using the most effective means to impact the world, making a positive difference in this generation.
Church membership is often diminished and even disregarded by some—but it is a clear core value we find in the New Testament. While it is clear that numbers should never be the focus, it is equally clear that membership matters as every person matters to God. What is the value of church membership?
The Church is a place to BELIEVE…where faith is born and nurtured. We are baptized in confession of faith and identify with His Body on earth. In the church, we commit together to worship and discover truth for living. We bring ourselves under the authority of church government and mutual accountability.
The Church is a place to BELONG…because we need one another. Some move from church to church and never experience a real spiritual home for themselves and their family. This is contrary to the practice of New Testament believers who identified with local congregations, practiced ordinances, enjoyed fellowship, and ministered to one another. The idea of believing in Jesus without belonging to His Body—the church—is never taught in the Word of God.
The Church is a place to BECOME…we are called to grow together, advance the message of the Gospel, exercise spiritual gifts in service, invest personally and financially in the work of Christ, experience community in the teaching of the Scripture, and become more and more like Jesus as His representatives in the world.
The 27,000-and-growing membership of this church is a testimony to the grace and glory of God and an opportunity for every member to effectively change the world. If every member would become a minister, just imagine the impact we could make for the Word of God and testimony of Jesus!
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3 comments:
Pastor Jack, awesome testimony to what God is capable of doing. Many are uncomfortable with largeness, but in celebrating smallness, we really ignore the great commission. Thanks for your example of growth - looking forward to hearing you in October at Engage.
Thanks for your words today. I love reading your blog, and I look so forward to hear what God puts in your heart to teach us each Sunday. Thank you for following His will for your life because you are touching and changing so many lives! My husband and I will be joining the church this Sunday actually! We've been going there for awhile, and are ready to make the 1st step in becoming a part of this wonderful church!
Congratulations, dear friend. It is always a joy to see how God is using you to reach this generation. I know 30,000 is just around the corner!
Blessings to you, the Graham family and the people of Prestonwood.
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