Friendship for the Journey

As I reflect on this calendar year of ministry, I thank God for the friendship, partnership and camaraderie of the people of Faith Baptist Church. Though God gives pastors to churches, he also gives churches every member to minister alongside pastors to get the work of the ministry done.

"And he gave some ... pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry..." (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Words cannot express my deepest appreciation for the many friends who have joined with me in this year of ministry for Christ. Together we have searched the Scriptures, offered up prayers, served those in need, exchanged our perspectives and reached out to our greater New York City community with the good news of Jesus Christ. As a result of our friendship, we have witnessed the growth of a work of God, and we're not done!

As a result of our friendship, we have witnessed the growth of a work of God, and we’re not done!

While God is adding new members to our congregation, he is also increasing a heart of honesty, humility and obedience in all of us. By doing this, he is strengthening our mutual friendship for years to come. As a church, we are on a journey together, the journey of a lifetime. It is not for the faint of heart. It is for those with a heart of faith in the unchanging character and promises of God.

"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13)

The congregation of Faith Baptist Church reminds me of Romans 16:1-27, and many similar passages of Scripture, where Paul names some of the many people who partnered with him in ministry. It is relationships like these that forward the cause of Christ. May the friendships we are forging stand the test of time. And on this journey of faith, obedience and service to Christ, may we share the joys of an ever expanding work of God and a pathway to even more victorious generations.