Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

Article about Sowing Seeds of Faith and Internet Ministry

“What Makes A Church Special?"

Recently, members of our church filled out a survey of what was especially meaningful for them during the past twelve months. The responses were encouraging and pointed to ten general areas.

Bible and Small Group Studies – Whether it was Experiencing God, Bible Study 101, a study on discovering your spiritual gifts or a Sunday school class… Bible studies and small groups were the overwhelming number one response on the survey. “Even a ‘Beverly Hillbilly Bible Study’ brought me to tears” was the comment of one participant.
Special Services – Our September 11^th Memorial service was frequently mentioned. Others were moved by Lent and Easter services. A Christmas Eve Candlelight service and a special Christmas Cantata service were mentioned. And of course, who can forget the arrival of the “Beverly Hillbillies” at our annual June “Beach Service.”
Music Ministry – Whether it’s one of our many choirs, a musical group or a talented soloist, music is a unique part of our church charm. Every week there is something to anticipate. In addition we have enjoyed outstanding guests from the Old Time Gospel Quartet to the African Children’s Choir to our own “Old Fashioned Gospel Sings.” We have been musically blessed.

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Church Growth – Every month, we have the opportunity to baptize and receive new members to our church family. From the time someone enters our sanctuary and receives one of our famous “red bags” full of gifts we do our best to make everyone feel welcome and loved. One person wrote, “It’s exciting to watch our church grow in such leaps and bounds that we had to expand the building to accommodate all of the special people in our family.”
New Sanctuary – Every Sunday morning, on the way to worship, people can’t help stopping by the construction site to see what progress has been made. Just as important as the building has been the attitude of those serving on the building committee. “I love how we all worked together as a team for God.” One goal was to finish the building and remain friends.
Ministries Galore – There is a ministry for almost any need. We have very large and active youth and children’s groups. You can join MOPS, (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) send your child to an early learning center or after-school program. There is a ministry for young adults, married and single and we’ve joined other churches in starting “Positively Single.”
“Seeds for Life” – The house was condemned and the woman who lived there would be out on the street. “Seeds for Life” formed by members of our church repaired the roof, the floors and the wiring. Youth from several churches painted the exterior. A Sunday school class sponsored a shower to provide new furnishings and appliances. “When we saw the before and after pictures… we could only gasp in dismay. It was a miracle!”
Lawyers Road Missionary Baptist Church – The newspaper pictured a church with both side walls and the roof completely blown away by a tornado. The following Sunday… we welcomed them to our building. They are still with us today. It was the right thing to do. My favorite comment: “I have never in my life been so proud to be a member of this church.”
Meaningful Messages – There was the “Hot Issues” series that dealt with some of the most important issues of our lives. There was the series on the Psalms: “You actually made the 23^rd Psalm even more meaningful for me.” Another wrote, “Your Associate Pastor, George Hatmaker touched my heart with his message on grace.”
Prayer – During the service we light a mountain of candles for those who need prayer. Every worship bulletin includes a page filled with prayer needs. Our internet site receives prayer requests from around the world and along with thousands of prayer partners we pray and offer encouragement through email. One person wrote: “The special requests and online prayer groups are phenomenal. This ministry has produced miracles and changed lives including the miracle healing of my niece. The outpouring of love and prayer is overwhelming.”

This response touched my heart: “Larry, I just wanted to write you a little note of thanks. My boyfriend came to church with me. After the service, he went home and wrote me a letter before taking me back to school. He was touched by what you said in your sermon. He always felt misjudged in church, but it wasn't like that for him this time. He knew he needed to thank God for the good in his life and for allowing the two of us to be together. However, it took going to church for him to realize it. I want to thank you because that Sunday, he took one step toward God but God took three steps toward him.”

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Last modified October 31, 2002.

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