The past twenty-four hours have been a vital time of training for our staff. It’s been thrilling for me to share the goals the Lord has placed on my heart for the coming year with a group of like-minded servants. We’ve all been encouraged and greatly challenged also by the teaching of Dr. David Gibbs and his assistant, Brother Steve Kluth. I’m thankful they would give of their time to us.
In these hours, I’ve shared much in the way of philosophies and implementing strategy, but during the lunch break today, I saw what captures the heart of our entire time of training. A group of staff members were gathered around a large map of the Antelope Valley that we’ve yearly displayed. They were identifying the areas their adult classes are given to reach with the Gospel and were, no doubt, praying for the Lord to give a harvest of souls. Even with binders full of notes, ideas, and lists, their focus was on reaching the lost.
One of the purposes for staff training is that we might each grow in our skills and thus strive for greater excellence in ministry. But the bottom line of ministry is always soulwinning—fulfilling the Great Commission. I’m thankful for a staff that whole-heartedly invests themselves in winning the lost and training others to do the same (2 Timothy 2:2).
I’m humbled and very grateful for the team the Lord has coalesced here—people with a genuine heart to serve the Lancaster Baptist Church and a burning passion for souls in the Antelope Valley. It’s a joy to serve with them. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to use our church to reach our community in the days ahead—by His Spirit.
