That is a good question. With everything around us in what seems like a perpetual state of change is our church changing too?
Well yes and no.
First the yeses. We are updating our website look, that is a change. We want it to be engaging and let people know who we are and encourage them to find ways to engage with us where they are. This change is more about the look and feel.
The other yes is the obvious one. I am stepping in as the new lead pastor for NTC. This is a change, a big change for many. Let us start by recognizing what a fabulous blessing our church has had to be led by the same pastor for the entire 45 years we have existed so far. This is a unique circumstance that very few places, church or secular, get to enjoy. How many of us who were alive in 1978 are doing the same thing in 2023? I would guess very few.
Now for the no. The church mission, our beliefs remain unchanged. As we look to employ 21st century technology and ideas our mission is very much a 1st century mission: reach people with the gospel and help them grow a personal relationship with Jesus. This is summed in our three-fold purpose: (1) To help bring people into a relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ; (2) To help people maintain, on a daily basis, their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ & (3) To provide people with the opportunity of ministry to the Lord Jesus Christ in a place where they are loved.
Note the focus on ‘help’ in the first two. We are merely coming alongside with the ultimate Helper, the Holy Spirit. It is He that adds to our church body. It is His work to convince people of their need for salvation and it is He that empowers us to walk this life with Him. We exist as a place for others to get to know Him and what His will is for their lives.
Some have come alongside us for a season in which God has shown them a call and they then set out to pursue that calling whether in specific ministry or just to be a light in their called profession we are very happy to have been a part of their spiritual journey. Many have come to New Testament and found a home. Whether this was the place they first found family or a reminder of the love they had growing up, these all became a precious part of our church family.
It is my hope, indeed all of ours, that you will find for yourself how great God is and how much our church family loves Him and you.
God Bless
Bro. Scott
Pastor