I suspect I’m doing what a lot of folks are doing about now–reflecting on the past year. 2009 has been a remarkable year in our neck of the woods. Many things have happened over the last twelve months–some bad and some good, but all working for good. Isn’t it great to serve a God who is able to make that possible!

Durning this last year we celebrated our 40th anniversary as a church, went through a merger, sold our building, relocated to a new facility, and changed our name. We ended the year by odserving the Lord’s Supper last night and it was a very special service–as it should always be.

Now we face a new year and the many challenges that it brings. We have great blessings behind us, great opportunities before us, much hard work to do, and a great God who is for us! Although we have no way of knowing what the future holds, we are encouraged because we know who holds the future. We are confident that God will direct our steps, and supply our needs. Even as our beloved nation totters on the brink of destruction (I know that sounds like an over-statement to some, but I’m expressing my viewpoint) we believe God will do great things for us and through us. He who brought us thus far will not desert us now. While we hope for America, our hope isn’t in America–we trust in God!

It’s my prayer that each of you will enter this new year with that attitude and that you will be faithful to serve God day-by-day, with thanksgiving in your heart and a song on your lips. I have never been weaker in the flesh, stronger in the spirit, nor more excited about the future. I pray that God will richly bless you and your family. Happy New Year!

Well, now the un-scriptural practice of starting “satellite churches” has led to a new breed of multi-site churches. At first it was just a matter of location, now it is a matter of location and doctrine! Although they are in different locations and of different denominations they consider themselves to be “one church”.

 

According to an article by Lillian Kwon (12/22/09) on christianpost.com, “New Hope South Bay and Newsong (churches in southern California) merged—under the umbrella of Newsong to become one of Newsong’s multi-site campues—-“New Hope lead pastor Charles Lee said,” wanted New Hope to be a part of the formation of what multi-sites may look like in the future.”

 

More than twenty-five years ago I wrote about why I believe “satellite churches” are unscriptural. My article was a response to what Landmark Baptist Temple in Cincinnati, Ohio was doing. That resulted in John Rawlings attacking me from the pulpit, as he shook the paper in the air, saying,” That’s the little dogs barking at us big dogs.”

 

Since I heard no one else voicing any objection, I decided it was futile to say any more, so I kept quite and hoped it would be a passing fad that would soon go away. But it hasn’t. According to Lillian Kwon, “The number of multi-sites-one church in multiple locations-has jumped from 300 to some 3,000 over the past decade.” But the problem is getting worse in more ways than one. Now one church can have two campuses of two entirely different denominations! I guess the idea is-if you don’t like what we believe at one location you can attend our service at another location. It just keeps getting crazier all the time. And, still I hear no objections being raised. That amazes me.

 

It seems strange to me that the same people who used to disagree with the Catholics regarding their form of church government, etc. are now following in their footsteps. I guess the next thing will be a Baptist Pope, etc. I feel sure they could find several candidates who would gladly accept the position, since it would increase their attendance and line their pockets. That seems to be the only thing that matters to people like that. We already have “churches” with locations in different states and now it seems that the new trend will be to include different denominations. Think about it-the news paper ad will say,” Visit us at our Baptist-site in Calif. or our Pentecostal- site in Fla.” That’s crazy!

 

As smaller churches are increasingly being swallowed up by “Mega-churches”, it’s time that pastors warned their people before they become a casualty in this mad dash for recognition and the desire to become one of the biggest or fastest growing churches. Don’t wait until the doors are closed before you speak out. Pastor’s you can do what you want to do, but I’m going to make sure that our people understand that the whole concept of a “satellite church” is contrary to the scriptures. Instead of starting services or taking over churches in other areas, churches should be starting missions that are organized into self-governing churches. THINK ABOUT IT!

Last night was a truly special time. We had our annual Children’s Christmas Program and it was GREAT. Of course after all these years we expected that and we were not disappointed. Children really get a hold of your heart. Couple that with the tremendous message of Christmas and you can’t help but be blessed. Our program this year truly explained the miracle of Christ’s birth and the reason for His death. Every person present had an opportunity to receive the Gospel. Now we pray that none will reject it. As I reflected on the program today and thought about those adults who worked with them I was reminded of what a tremendous investment such work is. Their effort made a lifetime impression on some folks and I’m confident their work will be rewarded. So would your’s if you make such an investment in the life of others–don’t waste it. THINK ABOUT IT!