This past year we focused our HRBC  mission and ministry around the theme of “Make a Difference.”  It has been a good year of understanding what that means and of putting it into action.  Our mission and ministry theme for the upcoming months is: “Be. Love. Serve. Repeat.”

The purpose of a theme is to give us a common thread to tie together who we are and what we do together for the Kingdom of God.  It isn’t enough for Christian people to “be good” or for Christian churches to “do good.”  There needs to be intentionality and direction for us to fully live out our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ.

This year’s new theme will lead us as the family of God to explore more deeply who we are, how we live, and what we do.  It is far better that we explore and discover these truths for ourselves than to allow the world around us to shape us in its own image.  How much better that we invite God to shape us and then use us as God sees fit!

As we study the Gospel of Luke this year (and we will do so throughout 2010), let us be open to seeing in the life and ministry of Jesus what it means to “be, love and serve,” repeatedly.

As we live into the theme, we should grow in Christ-like faith, discipleship and service.  So let’s get started!

I am looking forward to the first Sunday in October when we will begin what I hope will be an enjoyable and in-depth three month Bible study journey together. The scripture passage studied in Sunday School each week will also be the central text for the sermon that day and then the topic for discussion in the following Wednesday night adult Bible study.

This will afford each of us the opportunity to consider Biblical passages, topics and themes in a variety of settings, in a variety of ways and from a variety of perspectives. Hopefully, what will emerge is a deeper understanding of scriptural truth for all who participate.

We will begin with a five-week focus on Baptist distinctives. This will be followed by three sessions dealing with our stewardship of self and of our resources. Late November and the month of December will feature Advent and Christmas passages for consideration.

The way to enjoy the richest experience will be to do the following:
Commit yourself to study of the Sunday School lesson.
Participate in your Life Community’s consideration of each passage.
Actively listen to the sermon on the topic.
Discuss and offer feedback in the Wednesday night Bible study time.

We will have a great time in God’s word, together!

We are about to enter the final trimester of the calendar year.  It is also the beginning of the new church year.  The calendar year to this point has been filled with opportunities for ministry and missions service.  The new church year promises yet more ways to act on God’s call to serve in his name. 

There are several ways to respond to the call to be on mission.  We can ignore the call; we can run the other way; we can complain about what we are being challenged to do; we can say, “Here am I, send me!”  

Each of the above-mentioned responses is found at least once in scripture: for example, a rich young ruler ignored the call of Jesus to become a follower; the prophet Jonah ran away from God’s call; Moses whined, on several occasions, about the people he was called to lead and about the expectations of God concerning his leadership; Isaiah heard God’s voice and said, “I’ll do what you need done.” 

Followers of God in Christ have a clear call to impact the world by living, being, announcing and doing the good news.  I hope you are growing in your faith walk with God, first of all.  As that happens, you will see before you people and needs that God has called and equipped you to impact.  These are the specific ways you can make a difference in someone’s life and in circumstances where the love of God is needed. 

Make a difference!  In doing so, you will represent God, be used by him, and honor his holy name.