August Prayer - Day 12

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Grace Day

Happy Sunday! There's no new post today—take a moment to catch up on anything you may have missed, and spend time in God's presence. See you for worship at 10:45!

August Prayer - Day 11

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There is no Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for your are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

—Galatians 3:28-29.

No Lesser Christians

by Molly Tilley

It’s so easy to get caught up in our own “little” world that we forget the larger story of our heritage in Christ. If we belong to Christ then we are related to Abraham and part of the covenant family of God. This is a family where there is no favoritism based on gender, ethnicity or economic status. Christ as our covenant head made that possible for all of us who believe in him. Because of him we are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise. There are no lesser Christians! Praise God today that you belong to God’s eternal family. Take time to savor that truth.

How to pray today:

• Thank God for the many stages of life represented in our congregation: older, younger, single, married, single again, from children to senior citizens! Pray that all would truly find a home at LBC, and a place to belong, connect, and grow.
• Thank God for the early stages of ethnic and international diversity in our church family. Pray that we would grow as a faithful gospel community where people of all backgrounds can flourish as part of our community.
• Have you noticed the many senior adults in our church? Thank God for the rich inter-generational connecting in our church family. Pray that our older adults will not only feel welcome, but that they would be able to share their wisdom and maturity with us, leaving a spiritual legacy for the future.

August Prayer - Day 10

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Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the orphans and widows...

—James 1:27

Father to the Fatherless

by TJ Sellers

Nine years ago, I had the opportunity to help build an orphanage in rural Uganda. I remember feeling a deep sense of compassion each day for the children who would come out of the sticks to observe the construction of their future home. Now, I spend my days in a comfortable office building, often going months without even remembering there are orphans in the world. James reminds us of our Father's heart for the destitute and calls us to action. 

Pray that God would fill your heart with compassion for the orphans, widows, and oppressed around the world. Prayerfully consider what step you (and LBC) could take to care for those who are often overlooked. Perhaps that next step will include going on an upcoming mission trip to be reminded of the world's vast need for the hope of the Gospel.

How to pray today:

• Pray for our deacon team: Scott Crocker (chairman), Andy Vincent, Chris Kendall, Adam Mikkelson, Michael Ballenger, Drew Hallberg, Kyle Bourne, and Candice Holtz. Pray for them as they lead our church in deeds of love and mercy; congregational care; finances; volunteer teams; facilities; and global missions. Pray that God will continue to add new deacons and deaconesses to the team.

• LBC has sent missions teams to Baja, California, to partner with Peter and Jenny Boling, serving with Mission to the World. Praise God for raising up a church planting pastor for the new church plant in La Paz! Their names are Jose Luis and Ana Villasana and they arrive in La Paz on August 18th! Pray for them and their children: Jose Luis (19), Daniel (17), and Raquel (15), who will be making significant adjustments with the move to La Paz. Pray that the whole family will know God’s presence amidst all the challenges and difficulties.

August Prayer - Day 9

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Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.

—Proverbs 23:4-5

Treasure in Heaven

by Joe White

I love how practical the Bible can be. This is certainly true when it comes to its teaching on money. In addition to appealing to our hearts (“the love of money is the root of all evil”, for instance), passages like this in Proverbs 23 appeal to our logic. In effect, this passage is saying, “Why make the pursuit of wealth your goal when you’re not going to be able to take any of it with you?” Similarly, Jesus appealed to our left brain when he said, "Do not store up treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy… but store up for yourselves treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). So much of our energy is spent acquiring wealth that isn’t eternal. What if we shifted our focus toward storing up treasures in the kingdom? What if today we sought out ways to be generous for the sake of others? What if we leveraged the resources God has given us toward making an impact? What if our true treasure was the gospel of Jesus Christ? Let’s spend some time today praying toward that end!

How to pray today:

• From our deacon team and elders: pray that we would all grow in the grace and joy of generous financial giving. Ask God to provide full funding for all the ministries of Lake Baldwin Church.

• Pray for those in our church family who are going through financial hardship or difficult medical challenges. If you can think of individuals, pray for them by name.

• Ed and Candice Holtz give leadership to Cru City, with a team leading ministries around the city. Pray for the development of “missional communities” among the homeless, high school athletes, business leaders, and more. Also, pray for the new podcast LiveAlive, which makes the Cru City witnessing training (Living and Telling) available to more people.

August Prayer - Day 8

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Lord you are my portion
    and my cup of blessing;
    you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me
    in pleasant places. 
Indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 

—Psalm 16:5-6

A Beautiful Inheritance

by Kayla Oliver

One of my favorite authors, Ruth Chou Simons, wrote, “I can’t drink from a cup that is already full of my own agenda and striving.” She got me thinking— How often do I try to fill my own cup with plans and expectations, only to become disappointed when my plans are thwarted and my expectations go unmet? You too?

Hopefully these verses represent good news! May we be encouraged by the truth that God holds our future. The cup he pours out is no longer a cup of wrath, but a cup of blessing thanks to Christ’s finished work. He himself is our inheritance! May we learn to deeply treasure the gift of Jesus, even as we wrestle to fully trust His plans. And may we rejoice with the Psalmist: “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (Ps. 16:11) This is a beautiful inheritance, indeed.

For prayer today:

• The elders have asked that we pray for the marriages at LBC. Our marriages are often under attack, and we all need to be strengthened. If you know of individuals going through family challenges, pray for them by name.
• Pray for our elders in their work of shepherding and giving oversight to our church: Richard Hostetter, Ed Holtz, Jim Cunningham, Mike Mikkelson, and Bart Johnson. Pray, too, for new generations of elders as we look to the coming years. Pray for individuals who meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3.

August Prayer - Day 7

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I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.

—Psalm 34:4

Prayer, the Antidote to Fear

by Richard Hostetter

I define fear as an assessment of our utter dependence on something outside of ourselves, which we cannot control and which threatens us. For me, it hits in the early morning when my defenses are low, or disengaged, or based upon some bad or potentially bad news. The antidote is prayer to our God and Father who controls every atom in the universe and knows our fears. He might not relieve the circumstances every time but He will relieve the fear when we seek him with all of our heart. My habit is first to praise Him for his mercy and to submit utterly to whatever His will may be. Then I cry out to Him to relieve me of the fear. Sometimes the relief is instant; sometimes He works relief in me by adjusting my thinking. Either way, HE IS FAITHFUL and will deliver us from all our fears.

For prayer today:

• Our growing youth ministry needs a new venue for Sunday nights! Mark’s efforts have been stymied so far, and he needs a breakthrough. Pray for a great place to meet!
• Thank God for the growing number of people in their 20s who have found a home at LBC. That said, we are in the early stages and we’d love to do a better job reaching and retaining people in this age bracket. Pray that God would turn these dreams into reality!

August Prayer - Day 6

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One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” —Acts 16:14-15

The Lord Who Opens Hearts

by Mike Tilley

This is the account of the conversion of Lydia, a business woman in the city of Philippi, selling purple goods. I like the phrase, “the Lord opened her heart.” Isn’t that amazing? The moment you and I believed in Christ for salvation, it was because the Lord opened our hearts. In Lydia’s case, God had been at work in her heart prior to her hearing the gospel. She had been a “worshiper of God” or a “God-fearer.” She had been curious about God and even attended services, but she still needed to hear the gospel message and embrace it. We might wonder if people around us will ever open their hearts, and this could discourage us. But let’s remember that God has others like Lydia out there, whose hearts will be opened by grace. And she and her household were baptized! Later she hosted the fellowship of believers in her home. May the story of Lydia inspire our prayers today.

 

How to pray today:

• Many in our church are longing for their friends and family members to come to faith in Christ. Pray that the Lord will open hearts and that we will have the joy of seeing many believe the good news and be baptized.
• Let’s be praying for business owners in Audubon Park, Baldwin Park, and around our city. Perhaps they, like Lydia, will have their lives transformed and re-directed by the gospel.

August Prayer - Day 5

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Grace Day

Happy Sunday! There's no new post today—take a moment to catch up on anything you may have missed, and spend time in God's presence. See you for worship at 10:45!

August Prayer - Day 4

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By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. —1 John 3:16-18

Good News for Imperfect Servants

by Katie Pollard

Let’s face it—Bringing “good news” to a city with thousands of unchurched people is daunting. The Kingdom assignment to care for the poor, fight injustice, and have a redemptive influence on society often seems like an impossible task. This passage challenges us to literally “put our money where our mouth is” and practice loving others by being generous with our resources. Open hands are a true indicator of an open heart.

What enables us to serve? Our best deeds and noblest intentions are still tainted by sin, but in Christ we have the perfect savior and servant. May we cling only to Jesus, who laid down his life for us. May we look to his faithfulness as we strive to lay down our lives for others. May we persevere with hope as we trust his promise to make all things new!

For prayer:

1. Thank God for our partnership with Glenridge Middle School, and the opportunity to assist their programs for homeless students. Take some moments to pray for the students who will receive backpacks and school supplies this month.

2. Often God allows our deacons to offer confidential assistance to individuals going through a medical crisis or a difficult economic season. Pray for our deacons as they use the deacons fund to offer a “cup of water” to people, all of whom are made in God’s image.

August Prayer - Day 3

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Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. —Hebrews 2.11

Good News for Black Sheep

by Tim Inman

Just about every family has a ‘black sheep’—Someone who has ruined the family’s good reputation, and used up their share of second chances. Maybe you’re the black sheep, with mistakes that still echo in your family’s life and shame from falling short time and time again. One of the most precious truths of the gospel is that Jesus calls us his family even though, in truth, we’re a church made up entirely of black sheep. In fact, He delights over us even now, as he is making us new—in fits and starts, two steps forward, one step back. To this black sheep, that’s some very good news.

For prayer:

• Many of our community groups will be going through the new Discover Grace course this year. Pray that God would use this material to ground our congregation in the foundational truths of living by grace.
• Thank God for the children God has entrusted to us as a church! Pray that our congregation will increasingly see serving in SPLASH as the easiest and best way to fulfill our vows as a covenant family.

August Prayer - Day 2

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Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.
—Proverbs 25:25

For the Thirsty

by Joe White

For every Christ-follower this is true: WE have the “cold water” thirsty people need. We have heard the good news—that God came to this world in the person of Jesus to live unto perfection, die unto sacrifice, and resurrect unto the making of a new world. Felt needs change as culture changes, but the deepest need within the heart of every last person we encounter is to know this good news. Lake Baldwin Church exists to proclaim this, not as put-together religious people, but as broken people who once were thirsty and have found in Christ the spring of living water. Today, pray for those at LBC who do not yet know Christ. Pray for your friends and families. And pray for the boldness to carry water to the thirsty, to carry the news from a far country.

How to pray today:

• Ask God, by His Spirit, to give us an increasing heart for those who do not yet know Christ. Ask him to give us the compassion of Christ.
• Many make a first-time commitment to Christ in their teen years. Pray that many teenagers will come to faith in Christ through our youth ministry in the coming year.

August Prayer - Day 1

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It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light to the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. —Isaiah 49:6

A Greater Plan

by Mike Tilley

The people of God in Isaiah’s day had a limited view of God’s salvation. They thought mainly of the twelve tribes of Israel being restored. But God had a greater plan, one that would be fulfilled by his “servant,” the Lord Jesus Christ. He would be a “light to the Gentiles” and bring a salvation that would reach to the ends of the earth. Now we as a church are caught up in a plan that is greater than ourselves. May our hearts be captured by God’s larger story!

 

How to Pray:

• Pray that our church would be a light in a dark world.
• Pray that the light of the gospel will bring salvation to people around us in Baldwin Park, Audubon Park, and wherever God has placed us around the city.

Listen: "Gospel Culture" by Ray Cortese

There was such an enthusiastic response to this message at the LBC Leadership Retreat that we wanted to make it available to the entire congregation. Ray Cortese is the pastor of Seven Rivers PCA Church in Lecanto, FL, and he recently spoke to 26 LBC leaders on the topic, “Gospel Culture.” This powerful message includes Ray’s personal story of gospel transformation. He also helpfully defines the gospel and then applies it to our hearts and to many aspects of church life.

The Future of LBC Youth

by Mark McKinney, Youth Director

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“Everything we do is about enabling, equipping and empowering young people to become Sons and Daughters of God by grace and live increasingly devoted to Him for the rest of their lives. The unbelievable privilege is that in Youth Ministry, we get to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of young people.”

I’ve always been drawn to the power of potential of what could be under God, and I’m looking forward to what 2018 will bring as we continue to move forward in Lake Baldwin Youth. It is an honor to come alongside young people, see them be continually impacted by the Gospel, and help show them what it looks like to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. My heart is for this youth ministry at LBC to flourish and be a place where young people find "life in all its’ fullness" (John 10:10).

As a team, we’ve spent the last few months learning, evaluating our current realities, and praying about our direction for the future. We are excited about our vision for LBC Youth this year and are eager to pursue this with passionate hearts for fulfilling the great commission.

“LBC Youth— Establishing young people as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, empowered to impact the world.”

— Mission Statement

There are three main areas of strategic focus for us that—in complete dependence upon God—I believe will bring us into an increasingly God-honoring future in 2018 and beyond! 

1. Healthy and high-impact Youth Volunteer Leadership Team

When a team of fully devoted disciples are serious about serving, giving their very best, using their spiritual gifts, and growing in personal leadership, we are in the best place for great gospel ministry. Developing, investing and empowering a team of leaders really matters. The team gathers every Sunday before Youth for prayer and planning, and we hold an additional monthly meeting to invest in leadership development and work through strategy for the future.

2. Engaging, relevant and life-changing ministry

This year the team will continue to focus on re-creating and investing in our Sunday night gathering, working to make that an increasingly engaging, relevant and deeply life-changing space. Our heart is to help young people establish a relationship with God through excellent and relevant Bible study, worship, prayer, and hanging out. The Youth Alpha series we’re currently in is really great, helping us engage with some of the basics of what it means to be a Christ-follower. I’m excited to see what God might do through this series.

We’ve been working on short- and long-term strategic plans that include Summer Camp, an increased number of social events, and evangelistic opportunities. My hope is to eventually establish separate middle and high schools ministries, although that’s way down the line! Getting creative with our meeting space has been a challenge, and we continue to pray for a venue that meets all our needs. 

3. Hearts of young people

Our objective is to ignite, equip and empower young people in faith through high-impact discipleship and evangelism. It has been very encouraging to see many new young people coming on Sunday nights and engaging with small groups. 

Discipleship is a relational process that takes place over a long period of time, so this year our team is driven to engage deeply in relational discipleship. The aim is to empower young people to walk in all the ways God has called them to. That’s why we take meeting with young people seriously, discipling and encouraging them in their faith journey. 

“But as for you… Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

— 2 Timothy 6:11

Of course, none of this is possible without the mighty hand of God and the phenomenal power of the Holy Spirit moving through LBC Youth. I’m always reminded how utterly dependent on God we are if we hope to see the lost come home and those who are part of the Kingdom live fully for God. Would you join us in praying for God to do a mighty work in middle and high school students? Under the One who is still changing lives, I’m excited to see what God has for us in 2018.

The Future of SPLASH Kids

by Heather Shiflett, SPLASH Kids Director

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“Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are.  And as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many… let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.”

— Governor William Bradford of Massachusetts

Small beginnings. At this writing there’s a “small beginning” sleeping on my lap... a precious and precocious little 3-year-old ready in his waking hours to take the world by storm. One of the wonderful privileges of parenting a 3-year-old alongside a 17-year-old is perspective. Perspective that brings comfort and hope on difficult days, reminding me that he’ll grow up all too quickly. Perspective that brings wisdom, reminding me not to waste this time with him. Perspective that knows the truth observed by William Bradford, a small candle has the potential to light a thousand. Perspective that whispers “start with the end in mind.”

God has used that phrase, “start with the end in mind,” not only in my parenting, but also as I’ve contemplated how to begin leading SPLASH and asking where He wants to take our children.

A volunteer helps a child pack a backpack at the 2017 SPLASHserves event

To start with the end in mind, one must ask, “What is the end goal?” What does the Lord want to accomplish with our children and youth? What does He want the hallmarks of Lake Baldwin Church children to be? When one of our sons or daughters leaves home for college, for what will they be known? 

We say at Lake Baldwin Church that we want to be characterized by hearts that beat for the good news of the gospel to transform the lost, the found, the city, and the world. If that’s where we’re headed as a church, why not start there? Why not begin providing opportunities for our littlest hearts to engage with the transforming power of the gospel for the lost, found, city and world?

After five months of prayer, I believe God is leading SPLASH to align with these four aspects of our vision statement. Throughout 2018, we will introduce four serving events: Serving Our Neighbor, Serving the Found, Serving the City and Serving the World.

Serving Our Neighbor

In the fall we intend to host a bridge-building event open to the community called a Science Lyceum where families can explore and observe the world of BUBBLES! Did you know you can observe the color a bubble turns right before it pops? Bubbles not only delight children, but present an opportunity to engage families who might not be ready to explore a church setting.

“Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  —Matthew 5:16

Serving the Found

In May we will host our first transitional class for kids graduating from SPLASH Kids and moving into the Youth Group and Worship Service called ANCHOR. Over a Friday evening and Saturday morning, we will celebrate the closing of one chapter and the beginning of a new.  Incoming 6th graders will be introduced to our Youth Director, Mark McKinney, and learn in a developmentally appropriate manner some of the special components experienced in a Worship Service, like the sacraments.

“We have this hope as an anchor for our lives.” —Hebrews 6:19

Serving the City

Building on our Secret Agent theme from last year, SPLASH Kids will continue investing in our host school by packing backpacks of school supplies this July for the 50-70 homeless families whose children attend Glenridge Middle School.  It is our hope through this project to begin instilling an "outward face" in LBC children.

“But when you give to those in need, give in complete secrecy.” —Matthew 6:3,4

Serving the World

On New Year's Eve we began introducing SPLASH Kids to LBC-supported missionaries! During the initial introductory phase we are learning about four families: the Jean-Rejouis family in France, the Bolings in Mexico, the Meyers in England and the K family in East Asia. After introductions have been made we will begin FaceTime/Skype interviews during SPLASH to increase familiarity with these families and their work. Later, we will culminate our year with Serving the World, a service day that will directly support our missionary families and their work overseas.  Our hope is to build familiarity with global missions in a way that makes going on a trip as a teenager/adult a completely natural next step for LBC children.

The Jean-Rejouis family, serving in Toulouse, France

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.” —Romans 1:16

If you’ve read this far, I hope you are excited about the plans God has in store for SPLASH. I know I am! 1 Samuel 12:16 says, “Now then, stand still, and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.” Next Sunday look into the eyes of a child and ask yourself, “Is he/she the ‘small candle that will light a thousand?’” Let’s kindle those little flames together. They are after all our future.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

— Zechariah 4:10, NLT

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Ready to get involved? Learn more about serving in SPLASH Kids!

The Future of Global Missions

by Mike Tilley, on behalf of the Global Missions Team

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LBC member, Brita Zuelkhe, on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua

Imagine a remote village in Nicaragua with no Wi-Fi, no Starbucks, and no access to the village except by river boat. Imagine that same village teeming with children and adults in need of medical and dental supplies and services. Several members of Lake Baldwin Church will partner with Team Nicaragua April 7-15 to serve the wonderful people of this remote village.

LBC member, Angela Robinson, on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua

In a world of turmoil it’s encouraging to know that people are willing to sacrifice their time, talent, and treasure to bring gospel hope and to make a difference.

The Global Missions Team of Lake Baldwin Church has a clear mission: to partner with the global church to bring the gospel to the nations.

While the challenges are daunting, the opportunities have grown because we live in a globally connected world with ease of travel, ease of communication, and fewer language barriers.

Thanks to trusted relationships with people around the world, our church has formed partnerships with missionaries serving in East Asia, Mexico, and throughout Europe. Beyond that, LBC members are connected to ministry efforts in Nicaragua, Japan, Africa, and the Middle East. We designate a portion of our budget for missions support, and we are currently supporting missionaries in La Paz, Mexico; London (working with the Bangladeshi community); Toulouse, France; and a remote people group in East Asia.

What can we look forward to in 2018?

LBC sent a team to La Paz, Mexico in July 2017

1. The medical mission to Nicaragua April 7-15, led by Brita Zuehlke, Angela Robinson, and Chris Kendall.
2. Encouragement of LBC members preparing to serve in Bangkok, Thailand and Senegal, West Africa.
3. Serving a Europe-wide retreat for pastors and families October 29-November 2 as part of International Christian Community.
4. A return trip to the church-planting effort in La Paz, Mexico (2018 or 2019) which has just secured a full-time Mexican pastor to lead the work—an answer to prayer.
5. Laying the foundation for work with international students right here in Orlando, led by LBC member and Jesus Film staff worker Don Dearing.

Why are we so hopeful as we take these steps? The first missionary, the Apostle Paul, spoke to skeptics in Athens and told them an astounding truth:

“And [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.”

— Acts 17:26-27

This truth can be seen vividly in today’s Europe, for example, where refugees and immigrants have come from Africa and the Middle East. These immigrants are “seeking God” in places like Athens, Geneva, Prague, Frankfurt, and other cities.

Whatever it takes, our dream is to work alongside front-line missionaries and pastors to plant thriving, gospel-centered churches among the nations.

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The Future of Serving Our City

by Joe White

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In Jeremiah 29, God tells the Israelites who are in exile in Babylon to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, though it was not their true home.  On this side of God’s renewal of all things, we too live in a world that is not truly home.  Yet the calling on the Christian is to likewise seek the peace and prosperity of the environments in which God has placed us, for his glory.  

Here’s how we at Lake Baldwin Church take this to heart: we want to be the kind of church that, were we to disappear tomorrow, would be missed by our city.  We want LBC to be known as a church that cares deeply about Orlando. 

But how do we do that?  What are some of the ways that we can express our heart for the city in 2018?

LBC Member Jack McGill, Founder and board member of Elevate Orlando pictured with students at the annual Elevate Orlando Vision Breakfast.

One way is to continue to highlight and champion our partner organizations, such as Elevate Orlando, Jobs Partnerships, 306 Foundation, and Grace Medical Home. (Learn more about our partners HERE.)  As a growing local church, we don’t have the expertise and experience that these organizations have, but we do have the opportunity (such a cool one at that) to partner up and support what God is doing through them.  Many at LBC already offer time, money, and volunteer support to these agencies.  Through increased Sunday morning exposure, and identifying a “champion” in the congregation for each organization, we anticipate even greater support and connection in 2018. 

LBC Member Lori Crocker, teaching a cake decorating class for students in the Toolbox4Life program. T4L is a life skills class offered by 306 Foundation, an organization led by LBC Members John and Jane Hursh.

Another avenue for seeking the peace of our city is through our Community Group ministry. While we love offering church-wide service opportunities throughout the year (more on that in a bit) we believe that there is something uniquely powerful about people in a community group brainstorming and praying about how God might use their group to care for the community.  

These “grass roots” efforts began springing up in 2017— I’m reminded of one group in particular.  After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, this community group, filled with people all across the spectrum in their faith journeys, decided to rally together to help pack meals through Feeding Children Everywhere.  Inspired by stories like this, other Community Group leaders have requested that we highlight serving opportunities for them throughout the year.  As a result, in 2018 all our group leaders will receive monthly updates featuring a variety of opportunities to care for our city together as a group.   

LBC Member John Hursh, founder of 306 Foundation, pictured with a student of the Toolbox4Life construction program.

In addition to community group initiatives, we have a goal of offering 2-4 church-wide opportunities this year.  Last summer, our SPLASH Kids program hosted a service day to donate and pack backpacks filled with school supplies for homeless and displaced kids enrolled at Glenridge Middle School.  It was an opportunity for the whole church to come together and be the hands and feet of Christ in our community. (Check out the video below.) More opportunities like that are in store for 2018!  

But there’s one more aspect to caring for our city that I would be remiss to leave out.  In a very real sense, God has been bringing the city to us.  

The needs are not only out there, but in here.  Because of this, we’re grateful for a growing Deacon team that offers assistance through the deacons' fund to care for those God brings our way.

As 2018 is already underway, would you join me in praying for, and engaging in, the mission that God has for us?  Ours is a mission to be a church not just for ourselves, but for our city.  To God be the glory.  

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Want to get involved?

Habitat for Humanity work day

Saturday, February 24th, 9:00-noon

This opportunity is limited to 10 volunteers from LBC, so email David Runnels today to sign up! Volunteers must be age 16 and older.

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The Future of Community Groups

by Joe White, LBC Assistant Pastor

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As we look back, 2017 was a BIG year for community groups at LBC.  Here are a few things worth highlighting:

• New Community Groups!  Brand new leaders have stepped up, opened up their homes to believers and seekers alike, and provided atmospheres where people can grow in their faith. A couple of the new groups I’m excited about are the “Family Community Groups”, also known as the “beauty in the chaos” groups, as parents bring their kids along with them! We’ve found this to be a rich relationship building time for the adults and the children. In addition, the kids get the rich experience of witnessing their parents study the Bible, a formative memory we hope will stick with them into adulthood.  
• Community Groups Serving!  Multiple community groups this year have participated in grassroots service opportunities. We love it when groups take the initiative to put action behind our vision to bring the good news of the gospel to our city.
• Community Group Leader Training!  As we do every year, in September we had two Community Group Leader Huddles for leadership training and alignment. These huddles were an exciting opportunity to put our heads together as leaders and better equip ourselves for the future.  

As we head into 2018, I’m excited about the future development of our groups ministry at LBC.  Our vision is to create environments where we Encounter Christ Together, Share Our Lives with One Another, and Love Our City Well.  

In addition to starting several new groups this coming year, we plan to implement our vision through a community group wide roll out of our “Discover Grace” class as a video series.  Our hope is that through this series, more and more folks in our church will come to experience the power of the means of grace in their growth process.  

If you’re reading this right now and you’re not yet in a community group, let me take this opportunity to encourage you to connect with one.  This is the best way to find family in LBC, and grow alongside brothers and sisters in Christ.  

As Scot Shiflett remarked last year, “Our community group is why we stuck at LBC.”  

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To learn more about how you can get involved, visit the online group directory:

The Future of Assimilation

by TJ Sellers

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Do you remember the first time you walked through the doors of a church? Did it feel awkward? Did you know anybody? Did you feel welcomed?  

Many people at Lake Baldwin Church (including myself) would say that the hospitality, warmth and friendship that our church body demonstrates to first time visitors is a key reason they came back for a second visit. This generates a positive buzz within our congregation about having a welcoming environment, and can leave us thinking that we have that box checked. However, the reality is we probably never hear the negative feedback from the people who slip through the cracks and never experience the connectedness that many of us cherish.

There is no doubt that LBC already has a welcoming environment that most people experience, but as the Lord continues to add to our number, maintaining this culture becomes increasingly challenging.

As we anticipate an even greater number of new faces visiting LBC in 2018, we are trusting God to grow our capacity to help each person connect into healthy relationships that will help them thrive spiritually.

To do this, we will be building on the already well-established assimilation plan that includes elements such as Sunday worship, welcome lunches, membership classes, community groups, and service. We believe that each of these are key steps to helping individuals become fully connected into the LBC community.

In 2018, a new Connect Team will form to focus on helping new attendees (and long-time attendees who are on the fringes) assimilate into the life of the church. The formal team will be small, but impact will be widespread as we aim to mobilize our entire congregation to participate in helping those around you connect into community, discipleship and service. The team will be responsible for refining and communicating the assimilation strategy to the congregation, managing our existing greeting team, expanding our “welcome” efforts to after the service, and developing a plan for following up with our guests.

Despite the growth of our staff team in 2017, the increase in attendance at LBC is outpacing the ability of our staff to follow-up with all new attendees. Similar to broad-based giving, we want our entire congregation to participate in our effort to help newcomers flourish at LBC.

What part could you play?

Often times, welcoming someone is as simple as extending an invitation to lunch after church, your next community group meeting or just introducing them to another member at LBC. When it comes to assimilation, many hands make light work.

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Do you have a heart for helping people feel welcomed and find their place at LBC? Contact TJ Sellers for information about the new Connect Team.

Telling God's Story

by Mike Tilley, LBC Senior Pastor

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Recently I was talking with someone who was new to Orlando, and I invited him to Lake Baldwin Church. He appreciated the invitation, but said,

“I can’t come, I’m not a Christian.”

I quickly replied, “You can come to our church even if you are not a Christian. We always have people come to our church who are simply exploring the faith.” Since then, my new friend has been attending the church, where he can meet people and explore the gospel at his own pace.

The message of Christianity is such good news that we want to be a place where people can be welcome in our church community even if they are simply seekers or even skeptics. 

In fact, we would love for the people of Lake Baldwin Church to help spiritually interested people get past religious stereotypes so that they can hear the simple, core message of the gospel. The New Testament gives some great advice for how believers can relate to people who do not yet have a personal faith:

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

— 1 Peter 3:15

As you can see, a little humility and respect can go a long way!

What might this look like practically? Most of us who are believes are not evangelists, but ordinary people with a faith story. Here are four things we all can do:

1. Friendships: I find it fascinating that Jesus was known as a “friend of sinners.” He went to their dinner parties, he served those who felt excluded from religion, and he showed tenderness toward people with a non-religious life. We can be friends without agenda, friends who aren’t lifestyle referees, friends who simply care and enjoy common interests. Once you get to know some people, your heart will begin to care, and you’ll want to do the next thing, which is to pray for them.
2. Faithful prayer: Most of us came to faith because God worked in our hearts, and not because someone pressured us. Some of our friends and family members might not feel a need for God at all, but we can simply place them in God’s hands. As you pray for people, God might work in their life and give them some spiritual interest. Once that spiritual interest bubbles up, you’ll want to be able to invite them to check out Christianity.
3. Forums: Many honest people are willing to learn and check out the faith if they are invited to a forum that is non-pressure and respectful of their process. In fact, we’ve learned that our Sunday worship service is a great place for that! It’s relaxed and the message is accessible without being watered down. We have other forums too, such as Youth Alpha, Christianity Explored, Beer With Dead Guys, Financial Peace University, and other special events. Once someone gains a positive exposure to the gospel, they will need a friend to help them begin a relationship with Christ.
4. Framework: By framework, we simply mean a clear outline of the gospel. I like to be able to ask people, “If you wanted to become a Christian, would you know how?” The ball is still in their court, but at least they would be informed. If someone were to ask you how to become a Christian, would you have a simple way of explaining the gospel? Over the years I’ve used a variety of outlines, but my favorite is the booklet, Would You Like to Know God Personally? It’s clear, succinct, and easy to share with someone.

Isn’t it great to know that you don’t have to be an evangelist or a salesperson to share your faith? In fact, God is often more likely to use the ordinary person who simply has a caring heart for people. And, if you experience a little fear as you take the next step, that’s okay. God has given his Spirit to be with us.