WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.000 I met in Nashville this past week and received a lot of media coverage, mostly negative. 00:00:08.320 --> 00:00:18.800 That's really to be expected when the mainstream liberal media covers a conservative Christian denomination like the Southern Baptist Convention. 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:26.980 I have attended most of these annual meetings over the last 40 years. 00:00:26.980 --> 00:00:35.539 And I must admit that we as Southern Baptists, we bring a lot of the negative publicity on ourselves. 00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:45.700 We have a track record of publicly arguing over denominational disagreements, airing our dirty laundry in public. 00:00:45.980 --> 00:00:46.760 That's not good. 00:00:46.759 --> 00:00:57.879 Years ago, one of my favorite columnists, Louis Grisard, described being in a tense meeting like this. 00:00:58.659 --> 00:01:01.659 There was enough tension in the room to have a Southern Baptist Convention. 00:01:03.500 --> 00:01:09.060 Now, if you know Grisard, you know he's a funny guy, but he always has a point. 00:01:10.280 --> 00:01:11.739 And he made his point. 00:01:11.739 --> 00:01:28.500 Last week, conservative Christian columnist, Cal Thomas, blasted Southern Baptists in a column that was published in the Greenville News this past Wednesday. 00:01:29.640 --> 00:01:38.579 I want you to look at what this very conservative Christian writer, commentator, had to say. 00:01:38.579 --> 00:01:47.439 Instead of obeying their professed leader who said, a new commandment I give you, love one another. 00:01:47.659 --> 00:01:51.319 As I have loved you, so you must love one another from John 13. 00:01:52.140 --> 00:01:55.140 They are bickering with one another. 00:01:56.019 --> 00:01:59.920 What a terrible witness this is to those who do not share their faith. 00:02:00.879 --> 00:02:04.019 Part of the conflict has to do with the interpretation of Scripture. 00:02:04.019 --> 00:02:12.479 Southern Baptists see other denominations that have gone theologically liberal and fear the same could happen to them. 00:02:13.400 --> 00:02:19.979 It is a legitimate concern, but the way it's being debated is embarrassing. 00:02:21.560 --> 00:02:25.740 And it's hard to argue with what he's saying. 00:02:25.740 --> 00:02:33.540 Now, since we, we, Pickens First Baptist Church, we're a part of the Southern Baptist Convention, 00:02:33.900 --> 00:02:37.920 we should care what is happening in our denomination. 00:02:39.300 --> 00:02:42.340 But we should never let it distract us. 00:02:43.600 --> 00:02:48.900 Our real focus needs to always be on Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:02:48.900 --> 00:02:56.120 Because the focus of the New Testament is always on the local church. 00:02:57.439 --> 00:03:00.379 There are no denominations in the New Testament. 00:03:01.700 --> 00:03:13.800 Denominations were formed by churches to help individual churches work together and do missions more effectively. 00:03:14.400 --> 00:03:16.319 And some other ministries. 00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:18.319 But I want to make it clear. 00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:22.739 Denominations are not essential. 00:03:23.639 --> 00:03:25.459 They're not essential to the kingdom of God. 00:03:25.560 --> 00:03:28.340 They're not essential to us as a church. 00:03:29.500 --> 00:03:34.560 The only required organization in the kingdom of God is the local church. 00:03:35.219 --> 00:03:36.340 The only one. 00:03:37.659 --> 00:03:39.879 And that is essential. 00:03:40.979 --> 00:03:42.620 That's what I want us to look at this morning. 00:03:42.620 --> 00:03:48.080 Last week, I told you that Billy Graham's final public statement was this. 00:03:48.759 --> 00:03:51.620 With all my heart, I want to leave you with truth. 00:03:53.039 --> 00:04:00.640 Well, I'm borrowing that statement as the theme of my final five messages as your pastor. 00:04:01.920 --> 00:04:05.759 My intent last week, this week, and the next three weeks. 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:08.740 With all my heart, I'm going to leave you with truth. 00:04:08.740 --> 00:04:11.740 Last week, we looked at the truth about the Bible. 00:04:13.180 --> 00:04:18.019 Jesus said, your word, speaking to the Father in prayer, your word is truth. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:21.720 Well, today, I want us to look at the truth about the church. 00:04:22.860 --> 00:04:29.540 Now, since this is my final message on the church, I want to call your attention to several things the Bible has to say about the church. 00:04:29.540 --> 00:04:34.520 But because of the time, you can't look at it all in detail. 00:04:35.400 --> 00:04:36.939 We're just going to hit some high spots. 00:04:37.920 --> 00:04:40.700 The first truth about the church is this. 00:04:41.400 --> 00:04:46.520 The basic nature of the church must never change. 00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:51.300 The basic nature of the church must never change with the times. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:58.259 You know, the owner and builder of the church must never change. 00:04:58.259 --> 00:04:58.920 That's Jesus. 00:04:59.920 --> 00:05:01.319 Jesus made it clear. 00:05:02.779 --> 00:05:03.779 The church belongs to him. 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:09.039 He builds the church with this statement to Peter and the other disciples in Matthew 18. 00:05:09.719 --> 00:05:16.279 I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:25.139 Now, when Jesus made that statement, he was actually referring to the universal church, which is made up of all Christians of all times. 00:05:25.139 --> 00:05:27.819 Jesus was saying, I'm going to build my church. 00:05:27.819 --> 00:05:28.500 Not a building. 00:05:29.500 --> 00:05:31.379 I'm going to build my church. 00:05:32.479 --> 00:05:35.479 My gathered people. 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:39.180 My called out people of all time. 00:05:39.879 --> 00:05:44.240 I'm going to build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 00:05:44.240 --> 00:06:00.639 But the universal church that Jesus is talking about functions, only functions, as a local, individual church family like ours. 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:11.480 For example, most of the books of the New Testament are actually letters that Paul and some of the other apostles wrote to churches. 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:17.100 We spent a long time this year looking at Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. 00:06:18.540 --> 00:06:28.280 You're familiar with Paul, especially Paul's letters to the Romans, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, the church in Thessalonica. 00:06:28.340 --> 00:06:30.420 These are all local churches. 00:06:30.420 --> 00:06:43.740 The universal church functions as local, individual churches made up of people who are committed to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 00:06:44.879 --> 00:06:48.819 Jesus is the owner and builder of every local church. 00:06:50.160 --> 00:06:52.860 You know this, but let's just think about it. 00:06:53.600 --> 00:06:56.160 Pickens First Baptist Church is not my church. 00:06:56.160 --> 00:06:59.780 It's not any of the staff members' church. 00:07:00.580 --> 00:07:02.000 It's not the deacons' church. 00:07:02.660 --> 00:07:04.080 It's not your church. 00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:08.260 Pickens First Baptist Church belongs to the Lord. 00:07:09.820 --> 00:07:11.740 It's His church. 00:07:12.760 --> 00:07:15.460 We must never, ever forget that. 00:07:15.900 --> 00:07:18.879 We are the Lord's church. 00:07:18.879 --> 00:07:27.219 Now, as long as we understand that, it's very healthy and good for us to say, this is my church. 00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:34.339 For the past 25 years, I have enjoyed telling people, this is my church. 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:37.000 This is my church family. 00:07:37.740 --> 00:07:39.100 And I hope you think the same way. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:44.560 I hope you feel the same way and can talk about this church in a personal way. 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:48.439 It's my church, my church family, my brothers and sisters. 00:07:50.019 --> 00:07:54.879 But in big picture terms, never forget the church belongs to the Lord. 00:07:55.660 --> 00:08:09.699 Now, I hope that the Lord has used me for at least a little bit of good in the life of this church along the past 25 years. 00:08:09.699 --> 00:08:12.500 But I want to be real clear. 00:08:13.479 --> 00:08:15.079 The Lord is His church. 00:08:15.159 --> 00:08:15.979 He builds the church. 00:08:16.240 --> 00:08:22.480 And He's not going to miss a beat in doing what He's going to do after I'm gone. 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:27.399 So I want to say to you, stay faithful. 00:08:28.199 --> 00:08:29.779 Stay faithful to the Lord. 00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:33.519 Stay faithful to this, His church. 00:08:33.519 --> 00:08:42.899 And I want to encourage you, pray about how, where you should serve. 00:08:43.439 --> 00:08:48.399 And get involved with the spiritual gifts and talents and abilities that God's given you. 00:08:49.539 --> 00:09:01.340 And if you will do that, prayerfully, faithfully serving this coming year can be the best year in the life of this church. 00:09:01.340 --> 00:09:09.340 We, as God's people, if we really think rightly, if we understand this is the Lord's church, He builds the church. 00:09:09.580 --> 00:09:16.420 And if I will be faithful, if I'll do what the Lord has put me in the church to do, every year should be a better year. 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:20.740 We should be more spiritually healthy, vital. 00:09:21.660 --> 00:09:23.019 We should experience some growth. 00:09:24.019 --> 00:09:30.620 We should experience being a healthy, growing, maturing family of God. 00:09:32.180 --> 00:09:34.600 The owner and builder of the church must never change. 00:09:35.100 --> 00:09:35.740 That's the key. 00:09:35.940 --> 00:09:38.660 Number two, the foundation of the church must never change. 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:42.600 The church is built on the solid foundation of God's Word. 00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:46.200 I want you to look, if you would, Ephesians chapter 2. 00:09:46.259 --> 00:09:47.080 It'll be on the screen. 00:09:47.080 --> 00:10:01.680 Now, if you read through the New Testament, you've studied the New Testament, you know that the biblical writers sometimes use various metaphors, illustrations, examples to describe the church. 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:06.039 There's no one way that the church is described. 00:10:06.759 --> 00:10:17.339 But in this passage, I want you to note how Paul, in writing to the church at Ephesus, describes the actual foundation. 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:18.079 Look at it. 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:25.520 So then you are members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. 00:10:26.560 --> 00:10:34.920 Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure being joined together grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 00:10:34.919 --> 00:10:42.799 Jesus is described here as the cornerstone, the key part of the foundation. 00:10:43.399 --> 00:10:50.299 But at the same time, the apostles and prophets are described as the actual foundation. 00:10:50.299 --> 00:10:54.500 Now, the reason why here is described in the next chapter. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:56.000 Look at this, in chapter 3. 00:10:56.599 --> 00:11:16.979 He says, when you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 00:11:16.980 --> 00:11:25.060 He's saying that the Holy Spirit revealed to the apostles and prophets that there's only one way of salvation for all people. 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:28.340 There's not one way for the Jews and one way for the Gentiles. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:34.320 There's one gospel, one way of salvation for everybody. 00:11:35.580 --> 00:11:36.960 It's through faith in Jesus. 00:11:37.960 --> 00:11:40.019 Jesus said it to the clearest. 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:41.720 I am the way, the truth, and the life. 00:11:42.019 --> 00:11:43.700 No one comes to the Father except through me. 00:11:43.700 --> 00:12:02.320 Well, the truth about the Christian faith, comprehensively, was taught by the apostles and prophets, written down, and collected into the form that we call the New Testament. 00:12:03.440 --> 00:12:10.080 This means that Jesus is building his church on the foundation of Scripture. 00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:14.800 I emphasized last week that the Bible is God's inerrant word. 00:12:16.020 --> 00:12:24.360 And because of that, it must be our, as Christians, our authoritative guide for what we believe and don't believe. 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:28.379 And for how we live and don't live. 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:37.040 And just as God never changes, we can be certain his word will never change. 00:12:37.039 --> 00:12:40.159 What we believe, how we live, it will never change. 00:12:41.099 --> 00:12:43.539 God declares it, and God doesn't change. 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:55.659 What this means is that this church must continue to be a Bible-believing, teaching, and living church until Jesus comes. 00:12:57.559 --> 00:12:58.939 There is no other option. 00:12:58.940 --> 00:13:09.240 That's what every church that the Lord owns and builds should be known for above everything else. 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:14.900 Years ago, someone asked me what I thought was an odd question. 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:15.700 Everyone asked before. 00:13:17.280 --> 00:13:28.220 They asked me what we, as a church, were doing in the community that would be missed if our church just disappeared. 00:13:28.220 --> 00:13:37.740 What are we doing that would be missed if the church just vanished? 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:49.220 Well, the implication was, I took it, that we should be doing what organizations like United Christian Ministries and the Dream Center do. 00:13:49.220 --> 00:13:56.800 Now, these are great Christian organizations that help a lot of people in need, and that is a good thing to do. 00:13:58.019 --> 00:14:01.680 But that is not the mission of the church. 00:14:02.600 --> 00:14:09.139 Now, we support those organizations with some financial assistance. 00:14:10.180 --> 00:14:14.519 Some of you in this room, you are volunteers in those ministries. 00:14:14.519 --> 00:14:21.759 It is very good for individual Christians to serve in those kind of ministries. 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:26.360 But those ministries are not a local church. 00:14:27.899 --> 00:14:34.240 And they are not fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave His church. 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:42.700 My answer to that person who asked that question, what were we doing that would be missed if our church disappeared, was this. 00:14:43.539 --> 00:14:46.820 We are dispensing the truth of God's Word. 00:14:48.259 --> 00:14:55.039 We are seeking to be a spiritual wellness center, first and foremost. 00:14:56.700 --> 00:14:59.519 And I want to just make that real, as clear as I know how. 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:07.860 The purpose of the church is not to be like some social agency that just meets physical needs. 00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:23.039 The church is to be the Lord's body that is preaching and teaching the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:23.039 --> 00:15:30.740 Calling men and women to faith in Jesus and helping them to grow and mature in developing Christ-like character. 00:15:32.839 --> 00:15:43.279 We, as a church, our purpose in this community is to be a dispenser, first and foremost, of the truth of God's Word. 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:48.339 And we need to be at the top of our priorities. 00:15:49.419 --> 00:15:52.439 A spiritual wellness center. 00:15:53.839 --> 00:15:59.720 And that can't change in order to be faithful to the owner and builder of the church. 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:03.259 That's really a part of the next thing that must not change. 00:16:03.699 --> 00:16:05.659 The mission of the church must never change. 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:08.639 The mission that the Lord has given us. 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:10.059 So we don't decide our mission. 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:15.459 You don't get to sort of get groups together and dream up of what should we do as a church. 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:17.259 Jesus has already told us. 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:18.479 It's real clear. 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:19.579 Most of you know this. 00:16:19.659 --> 00:16:20.399 Matthew 28. 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:30.019 Jesus, just before He ascended into heaven, gave His church their mission, their purpose, their marching orders. 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:32.179 What they're to do until He returns. 00:16:32.819 --> 00:16:33.239 He said, 00:16:33.240 --> 00:17:01.639 Several years ago now, we put together a purpose statement. 00:17:01.639 --> 00:17:08.879 Based on how the early church was carrying out that great commission you see on the screen. 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:13.359 It's in Acts chapter 2, verses 42 through 47. 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:15.819 Luke is the author of Acts. 00:17:16.519 --> 00:17:20.720 And at the end of chapter 2, he summarizes what the early church was doing. 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:25.860 We, as a church, we had a lot of people involved in putting this thing together. 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:32.720 We came up with this to express how we're going to be faithful to our mission. 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:34.220 Look at it. 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:41.779 Pickens First Baptist Church exists to be a worshiping, evangelizing, learning, and loving, well, family of God. 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:44.559 Family of faith to the glory of God. 00:17:44.559 --> 00:17:57.299 When your next pastor comes, he may help you come up with a better way to express the mission or purpose of this church. 00:17:58.379 --> 00:17:59.460 And that's fine. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:04.559 You can say that in a lot of different ways, I'm sure. 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:11.679 And to change that, make it more memorable or something, that would be good. 00:18:13.679 --> 00:18:24.679 But the mission of the church that Jesus calls us to, charges us with, will never change because the Word of God will never change. 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:42.240 But the way churches explain and apply the truth of God's Word should always be changing in order to be able to communicate well to another generation, the next generation. 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:48.779 Life is all about change and the way we communicate things. 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:57.480 Now, it won't be any of my business at all how you express things in the future. 00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:02.879 You know, this time next year you come up with a new purpose statement. 00:19:03.940 --> 00:19:07.399 I may look at it and I may think, well, that's the dumbest thing that I've ever heard. 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:08.819 How in the world could they do that? 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:10.539 But you know what? 00:19:11.160 --> 00:19:12.519 I will never tell you that. 00:19:14.460 --> 00:19:16.259 Because it's none of my business. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:28.700 However it happens, whatever is said, be faithful. 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:31.859 Say it different ways. 00:19:33.460 --> 00:19:45.960 But it's always going to be my prayer that you, as a church, will never stop being a dispenser of the truth of God's Word. 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:56.860 It's my prayer that you'll never cease to be, first and foremost, a spiritual wellness center in this community. 00:19:57.600 --> 00:20:02.360 But do it whatever way you need to do it. 00:20:03.120 --> 00:20:06.880 Now, we're looking at things that must never change. 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:09.380 And these are hills you need to die on. 00:20:09.380 --> 00:20:14.100 Never change what we've looked at. 00:20:14.540 --> 00:20:18.160 The owner, the builder, the foundation of the church, the mission of the church. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:25.300 But some things should intentionally be changed from time to time. 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.280 So let's look at this. 00:20:26.840 --> 00:20:33.180 The programs and organizational structure of the church must intentionally change with the times. 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:37.620 This is where I'm going to make some people mad. 00:20:38.900 --> 00:20:40.080 And I understand that. 00:20:40.420 --> 00:20:41.660 Because change is hard. 00:20:42.160 --> 00:20:43.640 But listen with an open mind. 00:20:44.380 --> 00:20:51.180 Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Southern Baptists put together a strong organizational structure 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:57.580 that encouraged all Southern Baptist churches to have the same basic program. 00:20:59.080 --> 00:21:00.279 Do it all the same. 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:05.019 And most churches adopted this cookie-cutter structure. 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:06.579 It's all the same. 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.220 Wherever you go. 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:08.399 Whatever state you're in. 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:09.420 Whatever size of the church. 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:10.660 It's all the same. 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:18.279 Now, that organizational structure worked well back in the 1950s and early 1960s. 00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:25.480 And by the way, that's when Southern Baptist Convention was truly the strongest and continuing to grow. 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:31.960 But the Southern Baptist Convention has been declining now for over 50 years. 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:33.579 I want you to understand that. 00:21:33.819 --> 00:21:37.480 The Southern Baptist Convention has been declining for over 50 years. 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:45.480 Now, if you were really a committed Christian, you'd be involved in Sunday night services. 00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:46.400 We used to have them. 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:51.040 And you would know that statement because I said it before a few years ago. 00:21:52.080 --> 00:21:56.400 I did a study and talked about, showed you statistics and charts and all this kind of stuff. 00:21:57.120 --> 00:22:00.300 I just want to sort of bring a little bit back up right now. 00:22:00.640 --> 00:22:07.040 Ed Stetzer, who was the Southern Baptist Convention's leading researcher for years. 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:11.980 He described the decline five years ago like this. 00:22:12.799 --> 00:22:21.899 He said several years ago, our team, our team of researchers, brought attention to the fact that the Southern Baptist Convention was in a long-term decline. 00:22:22.619 --> 00:22:26.359 It was and remains a multi-decade decline. 00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:28.240 And it is accelerating. 00:22:29.099 --> 00:22:32.659 I wrote about it in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. 00:22:32.660 --> 00:22:39.259 As I had noted, the membership decline of the Southern Baptist Convention is not a matter of debate. 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:42.300 It is a matter of math. 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:45.860 Now, Stetzer wrote that in 2016. 00:22:47.600 --> 00:22:50.779 The Southern Baptist Convention is still declining. 00:22:52.440 --> 00:23:00.960 In fact, in that article, Stetzer quotes one denominational leader as saying Southern Baptists are shrinking faster than United Methodists. 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:02.840 And that's not good. 00:23:03.960 --> 00:23:09.700 Now, there are many reasons why our denomination has and is declined. 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:12.720 There could be a whole list of things. 00:23:14.120 --> 00:23:22.779 One that's on everybody's list who writes on this is that many churches have refused to change. 00:23:23.799 --> 00:23:26.380 I mean, they're just not going to change anything. 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:29.580 Now, Stetzer loves humor. 00:23:29.860 --> 00:23:41.560 If you've ever read or heard him, I've heard him say on several occasions that if we ever, if this country ever returns to the 1950s, Southern Baptists will be ready for it. 00:23:44.860 --> 00:23:47.560 We'll be ready for the 50s if they ever come back. 00:23:47.559 --> 00:24:00.000 Now, Stetzer and others explain some, not all, but some of our refusal to change is due to generational division. 00:24:00.839 --> 00:24:04.720 Old versus young versus medium age, middle age. 00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:07.059 Here's his explanation. 00:24:08.639 --> 00:24:13.319 Stetzer says, although generational division isn't as evident nationally today, 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:17.200 it still abounds in many places across the Southern Baptist Convention. 00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:24.379 Many younger believers have left the Southern Baptist Convention, but they aren't leaving the faith or becoming Wiccans. 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:33.419 They're becoming non-denominational evangelicals who still believe like us, but now want to go on without us. 00:24:34.159 --> 00:24:37.500 We should continue to ask why. 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:50.980 The Southern Baptist Convention needs to determine how to help all generations engage in the mission of God together before the Southern Baptist Convention grays even more. 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:54.720 I got gray hair so I can say this. 00:24:54.799 --> 00:24:55.420 Brian does too. 00:24:55.660 --> 00:25:03.819 So, you don't want to come to church and look out over a sea of gray or baldness. 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:06.019 You don't. 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:09.119 That'll be the last generation of the church. 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:12.420 Next generation will sell the building. 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:26.839 It is vitally important that we as a Southern Baptist church understand change must happen the right way, 00:25:27.759 --> 00:25:31.980 in a way that's biblically sound, or we won't survive. 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:36.200 Many churches at Southern Baptist Convention are closing every year. 00:25:37.900 --> 00:25:49.339 Some are merging, get this, some that refuse to change are either selling their building or letting a new contemporary church come in 00:25:49.339 --> 00:25:57.579 that will blow the glass out of the windows from their being so loud and so, you know, doing that contemporary stuff. 00:25:57.579 --> 00:26:03.839 And that church is letting them come in, take their building, buy their building. 00:26:03.839 --> 00:26:12.539 But they never would have gotten to that point if they had been willing to change a little bit over the years. 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:22.440 I don't know about you, but I don't like the idea of going down on a sinking ship that refuses to bail water and repair the leaks. 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:28.200 Now, I'm talking about the denomination as a whole. 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:35.880 I truly believe that the ship called Pickens First Baptist is not a sinking ship. 00:26:36.420 --> 00:26:38.400 We're not taking on water. 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.400 There's no need to bail. 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:45.779 But we've got to be alert. 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:54.519 We've got to be willing to do what's necessary to be strong and healthy and thrive. 00:26:54.519 --> 00:27:00.240 Now, when you call a new pastor, I say all this, I'm getting to a point. 00:27:01.319 --> 00:27:12.220 Be open to changing the programs and the organizational structure that will help you to be more effective in making disciples. 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:18.460 Some things, you know, some things have to change in order for you to be well. 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:25.500 Well, some things have to change in order for the church to be or stay well. 00:27:25.500 --> 00:27:43.059 As I look back over the 25 years that I've been pastor here, I have very few regrets about the changes or the maintaining of programs and organizational structures that we've done. 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:46.799 Very few regrets about what we've changed, what we didn't change. 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:50.220 But I have one real regret. 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:57.460 About 20 years ago, when Chris Gray was our youth pastor, he wanted to start Awana. 00:27:58.119 --> 00:28:01.279 And we talked about it, had some meetings with people in church and things like this. 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:06.819 I thought it would be good for our church to do that. 00:28:06.819 --> 00:28:16.399 But at the same time, I thought there might be a battle with people who were involved in RAs and GAs because you can't do everything. 00:28:18.099 --> 00:28:22.119 Now, believe it or not, I didn't want to do battle. 00:28:23.419 --> 00:28:26.799 I didn't want the controversy over that. 00:28:27.439 --> 00:28:30.859 But looking back, I was wrong. 00:28:30.859 --> 00:28:43.000 I think right now the makeup of this church would be we would have more younger families and more children today if we had made that change to Awana 20 years ago. 00:28:46.979 --> 00:28:49.099 Let me clarify something. 00:28:49.099 --> 00:29:00.899 There's a lot of faithful Christians in this church and in other churches that have really put their time and life into RAs and GAs and things like that. 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:05.679 And that's something good to serve the Lord in that kind of way. 00:29:05.680 --> 00:29:25.480 But those kind of programs have never really taken off, been as effective as Awana in reaching children, helping children to memorize God's Word, grow in their faith. 00:29:27.100 --> 00:29:35.320 Just here in our church, in one year that we had Awana, and start back this fall, but in the one year we had it, 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:40.099 we had 50, 60, 70 kids here on Wednesday nights. 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:46.480 Without Awana, when it's just RAs and GAs, maybe two handfuls. 00:29:49.119 --> 00:29:50.480 Do the math. 00:29:52.659 --> 00:29:54.139 As Ed Stetzer says. 00:29:55.619 --> 00:29:56.139 Now, 00:29:57.039 --> 00:30:00.659 I should have said this 20 years ago, 00:30:01.659 --> 00:30:03.899 but I'm going to say it now. 00:30:03.900 --> 00:30:06.640 For the benefit of the church and the new pastor. 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:09.440 You don't have to have a, quote, 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:13.100 missions education program today 00:30:13.100 --> 00:30:18.420 to get people thinking about and possibly involved in missions. 00:30:19.340 --> 00:30:20.820 Are you aware that 00:30:20.820 --> 00:30:24.800 the current Lifeway Children's Sunday School literature 00:30:24.800 --> 00:30:27.800 has a missions education component? 00:30:29.019 --> 00:30:30.560 A Sunday school teacher told me that. 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:34.359 The most effective mission education, 00:30:35.359 --> 00:30:37.839 or the most effective way to do missions education today 00:30:37.839 --> 00:30:42.700 is to get adults, youth, and children involved in hands-on mission projects 00:30:42.700 --> 00:30:43.899 and mission trips. 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:52.100 A lot of the old way of doing mission programs in the days gone by, 00:30:53.100 --> 00:30:55.780 it was designed for when, like WMU, 00:30:56.720 --> 00:30:58.040 most women didn't work. 00:30:59.340 --> 00:31:01.380 And they had the time to be 00:31:01.380 --> 00:31:03.540 coming to the church during the middle of the week 00:31:03.540 --> 00:31:05.120 and meeting and doing these things. 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:08.880 Life was much simpler in the 1950s and 60s. 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:13.020 Life is very, very different today. 00:31:14.280 --> 00:31:17.540 And a lot of the old programs of various natures 00:31:17.540 --> 00:31:20.040 don't work today. 00:31:22.380 --> 00:31:24.200 Whoever you call as your new pastor, 00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:28.300 he will most likely come from a church 00:31:28.300 --> 00:31:32.600 that no longer uses those old programs and structures 00:31:32.599 --> 00:31:37.959 because fewer and fewer churches are actually doing that. 00:31:39.059 --> 00:31:42.019 He will most likely think of teaching missions to all ages 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:44.740 by encouraging members of this church of all ages 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.659 to go on mission trips. 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:50.740 To do things like have an annual church missions conference 00:31:50.740 --> 00:31:53.079 like we do, like Jeff has brought about here, 00:31:53.139 --> 00:31:53.779 a good thing. 00:31:55.379 --> 00:31:56.279 He'll probably talk about, 00:31:56.359 --> 00:31:58.399 you can teach about missions and missionaries 00:31:58.399 --> 00:32:00.599 through Sunday school and other organizations. 00:32:00.599 --> 00:32:05.619 You know, I am very thankful for the changes 00:32:05.619 --> 00:32:07.699 we have made in our programming 00:32:07.699 --> 00:32:10.500 and organizational structure over the past 25 years. 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:13.119 A lot of things have changed in this church. 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:16.039 You know, Brian has done a great job 00:32:16.039 --> 00:32:18.639 in helping us make positive changes 00:32:18.639 --> 00:32:20.939 in the way we worship. 00:32:22.139 --> 00:32:25.959 I appreciate a lot of the things he has done 00:32:25.959 --> 00:32:27.419 to bring about change and singing 00:32:27.419 --> 00:32:30.079 more contemporary type songs and stuff like that, 00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:32.500 but I appreciate especially the way he has involved 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:35.839 people of every age in our music ministry. 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:41.639 Just this morning, middle school, high school, college, 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:46.179 young adults were up on this platform leading. 00:32:47.179 --> 00:32:48.439 When I first came here, 00:32:50.099 --> 00:32:55.079 nobody of that age was on the platform leading. 00:32:55.079 --> 00:32:59.759 When you look around, 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:01.539 look up here now, 00:33:03.099 --> 00:33:06.379 the look of this platform has changed drastically 00:33:06.379 --> 00:33:07.259 since I've been here. 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:10.099 Some people would say, 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:11.679 yeah, you cluttered it up. 00:33:12.500 --> 00:33:14.960 Look at all this stuff up here. 00:33:15.759 --> 00:33:17.240 Used to be all nice and neat 00:33:17.240 --> 00:33:18.480 with the organ and the piano 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:19.859 and little benches up here 00:33:19.859 --> 00:33:21.899 and everything this neat and tidy and everything. 00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:30.339 But think about how few people were involved. 00:33:32.179 --> 00:33:33.599 Nobody was playing an instrument 00:33:33.599 --> 00:33:34.599 other than piano and organ. 00:33:36.740 --> 00:33:39.379 Nobody was standing up here in a group like this 00:33:39.379 --> 00:33:40.799 we had of all ages 00:33:40.799 --> 00:33:43.419 singing and leading us in praise and worship. 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:47.180 Let me tell you this from the bottom of my heart. 00:33:47.500 --> 00:33:51.220 I love this crowded, junky, cluttered place up here 00:33:51.220 --> 00:33:55.940 because it represents people involved in leading us 00:33:55.940 --> 00:33:59.620 and helping us worship Almighty God every Sunday. 00:34:02.420 --> 00:34:05.440 This church was not built to be a doggone museum. 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:10.639 It was built, designed, made for people, 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:12.559 got people to come together and worship God 00:34:12.559 --> 00:34:14.519 in a way that people of this day 00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:16.980 can be involved, participate, understand, 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:18.980 and get a lot out of it. 00:34:22.820 --> 00:34:25.500 We've broken some barriers to change 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:27.079 over the last 25 years 00:34:27.079 --> 00:34:28.360 and I thank God for that. 00:34:30.860 --> 00:34:31.659 And like I say, 00:34:31.740 --> 00:34:33.079 I'm not going to be here in the future. 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:36.159 But I want to pave the way 00:34:36.159 --> 00:34:38.819 and help the next pastor, 00:34:39.579 --> 00:34:40.559 help this staff, 00:34:41.519 --> 00:34:43.779 help our church leaders of the day 00:34:43.779 --> 00:34:46.799 make more changes in the programs 00:34:46.799 --> 00:34:48.319 and organizational structures 00:34:48.319 --> 00:34:50.480 that need to take place. 00:34:51.500 --> 00:34:53.219 Some that maybe don't need to take place today 00:34:53.219 --> 00:34:54.739 will in five years. 00:34:58.039 --> 00:34:59.659 These kinds of changes 00:34:59.659 --> 00:35:00.920 that I've been talking about, 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:02.699 they need to change. 00:35:04.079 --> 00:35:05.239 It needs to happen 00:35:05.239 --> 00:35:06.460 until Jesus comes back. 00:35:06.699 --> 00:35:07.259 Change. 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:09.579 But, 00:35:10.159 --> 00:35:11.199 the truth of God's word 00:35:11.199 --> 00:35:12.039 will never, 00:35:12.920 --> 00:35:14.019 must never change. 00:35:15.039 --> 00:35:16.639 And the church must always be faithful 00:35:16.639 --> 00:35:17.739 to believe it, 00:35:18.059 --> 00:35:18.480 teach it, 00:35:18.599 --> 00:35:19.460 and live it. 00:35:20.920 --> 00:35:22.719 Never even consider changing it. 00:35:23.380 --> 00:35:24.159 I want to close this morning 00:35:24.159 --> 00:35:25.279 by asking you to make 00:35:25.279 --> 00:35:26.079 the following commitments 00:35:26.699 --> 00:35:27.559 to God 00:35:27.559 --> 00:35:29.319 and to this, 00:35:29.539 --> 00:35:30.539 your church. 00:35:30.539 --> 00:35:31.139 Listen, 00:35:32.519 --> 00:35:33.759 will you commit yourself 00:35:33.759 --> 00:35:35.079 to standing firmly 00:35:35.079 --> 00:35:36.820 on the truth of God's word 00:35:36.820 --> 00:35:39.340 as your ultimate authority 00:35:39.340 --> 00:35:41.239 for what you believe 00:35:41.239 --> 00:35:42.900 and how you live? 00:35:43.400 --> 00:35:44.079 Will you do that? 00:35:44.920 --> 00:35:45.320 Number two, 00:35:45.539 --> 00:35:46.420 will you commit yourself 00:35:46.420 --> 00:35:47.219 to doing your part 00:35:47.219 --> 00:35:49.079 to make sure Pickens First Baptist Church 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:51.300 always looks to the Bible 00:35:51.300 --> 00:35:53.739 as the church's source of authority 00:35:53.739 --> 00:35:55.619 for what you teach 00:35:55.619 --> 00:35:58.679 and for how you actually practice ministry? 00:35:58.679 --> 00:36:01.440 Number three, 00:36:01.819 --> 00:36:02.900 will you commit yourself 00:36:02.900 --> 00:36:04.259 to making and supporting 00:36:04.259 --> 00:36:04.980 the changes 00:36:04.980 --> 00:36:06.079 to the programs 00:36:06.079 --> 00:36:07.519 and organizational structures 00:36:07.519 --> 00:36:10.539 that the leaders of this church, 00:36:11.339 --> 00:36:12.139 your new pastor, 00:36:12.460 --> 00:36:13.339 staff members, 00:36:13.739 --> 00:36:14.239 deacons, 00:36:14.239 --> 00:36:16.979 that they present 00:36:16.979 --> 00:36:18.639 is what they believe 00:36:18.639 --> 00:36:19.719 God has called them 00:36:19.719 --> 00:36:20.599 to implement 00:36:20.599 --> 00:36:23.239 for the overall health 00:36:23.239 --> 00:36:24.779 and growth 00:36:24.779 --> 00:36:26.239 of the church? 00:36:27.839 --> 00:36:28.899 And finally, 00:36:29.899 --> 00:36:31.000 will you commit yourself 00:36:31.000 --> 00:36:31.679 to promoting 00:36:31.679 --> 00:36:32.319 and building 00:36:32.319 --> 00:36:33.859 the unity of the church 00:36:33.859 --> 00:36:35.739 and do everything 00:36:35.739 --> 00:36:36.739 that you can 00:36:36.739 --> 00:36:37.719 to prevent 00:36:37.719 --> 00:36:39.479 or heal 00:36:39.479 --> 00:36:40.919 the vision? 00:36:40.920 --> 00:36:44.099 We're looking at this morning 00:36:44.099 --> 00:36:45.720 the truth about the church. 00:36:47.079 --> 00:36:48.240 Some things 00:36:48.240 --> 00:36:50.000 never can change, 00:36:50.639 --> 00:36:51.780 but some things 00:36:51.780 --> 00:36:52.720 can and should 00:36:52.720 --> 00:36:53.920 and must change. 00:36:54.880 --> 00:36:55.659 I encourage you 00:36:55.659 --> 00:36:56.539 make the commitment 00:36:56.539 --> 00:36:57.800 to God in this church 00:36:57.800 --> 00:36:59.280 to do your part 00:36:59.280 --> 00:37:01.440 to never change the truth, 00:37:02.440 --> 00:37:03.920 but to be always willing 00:37:03.920 --> 00:37:05.840 to change the methods 00:37:05.840 --> 00:37:07.820 of communicating that truth. 00:37:08.400 --> 00:37:08.920 Let's pray. 00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:10.280 Dear God, 00:37:10.280 --> 00:37:15.000 work in the lives 00:37:15.000 --> 00:37:15.460 of every person 00:37:15.460 --> 00:37:15.880 in this room 00:37:15.880 --> 00:37:18.540 to help them 00:37:18.540 --> 00:37:20.060 to know 00:37:20.060 --> 00:37:20.680 the importance 00:37:20.680 --> 00:37:21.880 of this church, 00:37:22.120 --> 00:37:23.220 the local church. 00:37:26.640 --> 00:37:27.620 Help them, dear God, 00:37:27.640 --> 00:37:28.360 to be committed 00:37:28.360 --> 00:37:30.120 to you 00:37:30.120 --> 00:37:31.820 and this church family. 00:37:34.280 --> 00:37:35.519 Make it clear, dear God, 00:37:35.600 --> 00:37:36.960 what must never change, 00:37:38.960 --> 00:37:39.480 but dear God, 00:37:39.480 --> 00:37:41.099 make it equally clear 00:37:41.099 --> 00:37:45.420 what can and should change 00:37:45.420 --> 00:37:46.619 as needed 00:37:46.619 --> 00:37:48.699 for the church 00:37:48.699 --> 00:37:49.740 to effectively 00:37:49.740 --> 00:37:52.699 reach people 00:37:52.699 --> 00:37:53.340 with the gospel 00:37:53.340 --> 00:37:55.500 and help Christians 00:37:55.500 --> 00:37:56.860 to grow and mature. 00:37:58.199 --> 00:37:58.619 Let's just, 00:37:58.699 --> 00:37:59.400 in an attitude of prayer, 00:37:59.539 --> 00:38:00.420 listen to the Lord 00:38:00.420 --> 00:38:02.599 and respond to Him. 00:38:03.340 --> 00:38:04.579 You respond to Him 00:38:04.579 --> 00:38:06.300 as He speaks to you. 00:38:06.300 --> 00:38:07.380 for the Lord. 00:38:09.640 --> 00:38:11.760 from heaven卓 00:38:11.760 --> 00:38:14.539 and put will be 00:38:14.940 --> 00:38:16.720 Shane 00:38:16.800 --> 00:38:17.019 to to heaven in turn 00:38:17.580 --> 00:38:17.820 and find that 00:38:17.820 --> 00:38:18.440 God 00:38:18.440 --> 00:38:19.300 unto you 00:38:19.300 --> 00:38:19.640 of the temple 00:38:19.640 --> 00:38:21.880 to have a 00:38:21.960 --> 00:38:22.440 very competent 00:38:22.440 --> 00:38:22.460 to help Silhnize 00:38:22.480 --> 00:38:23.960 during the time 00:38:23.960 --> 00:38:25.220 that children 00:38:25.220 --> 00:38:25.340 from boozer surf 00:38:25.340 --> 00:38:25.800 and theippi 00:38:25.800 --> 00:38:26.860 and to be 00:38:26.860 --> 00:38:27.240 helpful, 00:38:27.240 --> 00:38:27.580 on the food 00:38:27.760 --> 00:38:28.920 and it affects Him