The Future of LBC Youth
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).
by Mark McKinney, Youth Director
“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.”
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.”
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
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?
by Heather Shiflett, SPLASH Kids Director
“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.”
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.”
Ready to get involved? Learn more about serving in SPLASH Kids!
The Future of Global Missions
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.
by Mike Tilley, on behalf of the Global Missions Team
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
- The medical mission to Nicaragua April 7-15, led by Brita Zuehlke, Angela Robinson, and Chris Kendall.
- Encouragement of LBC members preparing to serve in Bangkok, Thailand and Senegal, West Africa.
- Serving a Europe-wide retreat for pastors and families October 29-November 2 as part of International Christian Community.
- 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.
- 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.”
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.
The Future of Serving Our City
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.
by Joe White
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.
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.
The Future of Community Groups
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.
by Joe White, LBC Assistant Pastor
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.”
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit the online group directory:
The Future of Assimilation
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?
by TJ Sellers
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.
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
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.”
by Mike Tilley, LBC Senior Pastor
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.”
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The Future of Worship: 3 Reasons to Sing
Even when you don’t feel like it, sing. Even when it’s hard, sing. Even when you don’t know if you really believe these things, sing, because singing will help stir the affections of your heart and confirm to you and those around you that these things we hold to are true.
by Joel Pollard, LBC Director of Worship
In 2017, we saw God bless our congregation in a myriad of ways, but I’m specifically thankful for his continued provision for our worship services. We continue to have more musicians than I know what do with and we’ve seen and heard how greatly we’ve been blessed. I’m thrilled to be able to continue to lead and serve with so many wonderful people. As a way to incrementally move the needle on the quality of our worship, I was able to purchase a new keyboard and new drums this year. I believe you’ll notice, even if you aren’t a musician, the improvement in sound from these purchases.
Looking ahead in 2018, my biggest goal is to see our congregation engage even more in congregational singing. I hope to one day look out and see everyone singing! Now, I know some people might ask why I make such a big deal out of singing and I have a couple of answers to that question.
First, singing is important because God himself is a singer.
As his image bearers, we are to reflect his character back to him. In Zephaniah 3, the Lord is described as loving his people so much that he sings loudly over them. If singing is important to God and a way that God himself expresses his love and delight for us, then perhaps we should take note and sing back to him.
Some might say “Well I don’t sing because I’m not a good singer.” I know it may be uncomfortable, but I invite you to consider the way the Bible talks about worship. The Bible says in a lot of places to sing, but it never says you have to be a skilled musician or that only the talented people should participate. But it does say in a lot of places to make a joyful noise. One of my favorite memories about this from growing up was hearing a certain man in church sing. He was a former Marine and the local high school wrestling coach. You get the image. Not the guy you’d picture loving to sing. But there he was, every Sunday, singing his heart out. And whether that sound is musically beautiful or not, God loves it.
Second, singing does something to the human heart that few other actions can do.
I think part of our God-given design is to connect our hearts and minds through singing. It’s why every culture on earth has some form of music. It’s why countless numbers of people go to concerts, listen to music throughout their workday, or use music as a way to mourn or grieve, as well as celebrate. Through singing God’s truth, we connect what's in our heads with our hearts, and so we are able to more wholly believe it.
A great illustration for this is in the movie Elf. At the end of the movie, after Buddy the elf and his dad help Santa fix his sleigh, there’s a group of people who break out into caroling. But Buddy’s dad doesn’t sing, even though he just saw Santa with his own eyes. He doesn’t connect his head with his heart until he starts singing.
Finally, singing in a congregational setting isn't only about you.
When we gather to sing together, one of the things we’re doing by singing is saying to everyone around us that we truly believe these things, even enough to put our self-consciousness aside and sing. It’s one of the unique things about Christian worship, this singing we do together.
When a person who doesn’t know God is in our midst and sees a bunch of people wholeheartedly singing together about our faith, he’s bound to ask questions. But if we stand around and don’t sing, what questions will that same unbeliever ask?
For that matter, what about the believer who is struggling or grieving? Just as Moses needed help from his friends to hold his arms up, we hold up and support one another by affirming that God's promises are true and trustworthy.
Even when you don’t feel like it, sing. Even when it’s hard, sing. Even when you don’t know if you really believe these things, sing, because singing will help stir the affections of your heart and confirm to you and those around you that these things we hold to are true.
Let’s make 2018 a year of singing. Because God is good and kind. Because he’s king. Because singing changes us from the inside out. And because singing about what we believe might be the means God uses to draw that person sitting next to you to himself.
Want to get involved? If you have musical or A/V gifts to contribute to the worship at LBC we'd love to hear from you! Contact Joel Pollard.