Over the past few weeks, as we’ve celebrated our church’s 25th anniversary, a few people have asked me, “What will the next twenty-five years be like?”
I think they understand our philosophy of ministry enough to know that the basics—biblical preaching, soulwinning, and developing hearts for God through discipleship—are not likely to change anytime soon! I think that what they are really asking is, “What do you see for the future? What do you envision happening during the next twenty-five years?”
I’m excited about the future! I’ve shared with our church family some of the new ministries, classes, and buildings we hope to begin. And I believe God to do even more than I’ve dreamed of—“exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
But what actually happens in the future is determined today. The future fruit that God desires to bring through any church depends on its members’ daily responses to Him. It is determined day-by-day, week-by-week as we yield to His Spirit and allow Him to work in and through us. Conversely, it is limited as we resist His Spirit and live or serve in the power of the flesh.
My desire is that God would continue to work in and through our church. I long for Him to continue to use us—in a greater way even than we have seen in the past. I’m thankful to pastor a church family who truly does yield to the Lord and strive together “in one spirit, with one mind…for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).
