Driving FBC Down the Lord’s Road

Posted by Jennifer Baldwin

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Governor Heineman delivered the State of Nebraska to the Legislature and the people last week. The State of the Union will be delivered by President Obama to Congress and the people next week. In the midst of our study of Paul’s letter to Titus, as he left him in Crete to help put the churches in order, Faith Bible Church paused to consider the State of FBC on Sunday.

Glancing in the rear view mirror at 2010, several events serve to remind us of the road we’ve traveled together.

1. Michael Krause was called to the FBC team as youth pastor. (This guy has not only poured his heart into our youth, but he’s very capable of pouring his soul and wisdom into the adults from the pulpit.)
2. We purchased land for a church and home for Jorge’ in Mexico. (The Lord’s hand in those efforts can now be seen as Jorge’ plans to marry and grow the church.)
3. The First German Congregational Church in the near South became part of our local body. (It was difficult to send Pastor Robb Rexilius as the teaching pastor and several of our families, but we are excited to see how things are developing)
4. Two services at FBC were combined into one. (What a pleasant surprise to enjoy being together as one body, but we’re already running out of space.)

Looking at the road ahead, several things are appearing on the horizon that give us confirmation that we’re on the right road.

1. We’ve grown our Elder team with men who are dedicated to helping shepherd the congregation.
2. Our ministry teams have been organized so that each Elder is involved as an overseer and a champion.
3. Every member of FBC will have a shepherd. We encourage everyone to participate in a flock.
4. We want to be proactive about our future. Even as we sent a number of families to help grow First German (now known as First Street Bible Church) our “tin barn on the hill” is stretched to capacity. Here are some alternatives we’re considering...

• Divide 2 Grow - Restore the two service model
• Build 2 Unite - Build a new worship center to handle everyone
• Send 2 Multiply - Continue to plant churches in and around Lincoln
• Seed 2 Strengthen - Get involved and support like-minded fellowships
• Squeeze 2 Die - Buy more chairs and a giant shoehorn. While this is listed, we don’t consider it an option. 

      5. Our attention to missions across the city, the United States, and around the world will continue...

• Planting churches and strengthening like-minded churches.
• We’ll exhibit compassion to those in need whether they be seeking help at the City Mission or on the streets of Katmandu. 
• Those among us who feel called to go will do so with our prayers and financial support when and where possible.

As we continue our study in Paul’s letter to Titus, we feel we’re on the right road and we don’t expect Titus to show up anytime soon to put things in order at FBC. Thank you for your personal, prayerful and financial support.