Obeying the Spirit's Direction

"As I approach my year anniversary, I  must tell you that I have been wrestling with God over many things that God has put on my heart concerning our church, our facilities, and the future.  I am burdened in my soul because we have lost ground on the devil.  God has burdened me with urgency for us as congregation to get our focus on reaching people, and to do whatever it takes to reach people."

I preached those words approximately nine years ago to the congregation of First Southern Baptist Church in Bryant, Arkansas.  I was approaching my first anniversary with the church and God was putting a burden and vision in my heart for the future.

One of the challenges I had was discerning what God wanted the church to do with two properties.  One property was located near the highway and the other south of town.  The highway property was the future vision of the church under a previous pastor.  The southside property was going to be sold, which resulted in a property that wasn't being maintained very well (This was another challenge).

It became apparent within the first year that God was impressing me to lead the church to stay put at the south property.  For several years the church had sold out to the former vision of moving north, but now God was leading a different direction.

When I finally communicated the vision of staying at the south property, God affirmed the direction most effectively, unknowing to me at the time. The Bryant School District purchased the Hill Farm, just south of the church, and was planning on building a new elementary and junior high in the future.

The future is now. I have been driving my wife to the bus lot, which is located on the old Hill farm property.  I am in awe of the new elementary and junior high (pictured above).  But mostly, I am in awe of how First Southern Baptist Church is strategically positioned to be a great witness in the area.

God kept that congregation there for a reason, to introduce as many people as possible to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. I continually pray for FSBC to make an impact for Jesus.