An Open Letter to FBC Stanleyville:

Dear Church Family,

If I can think of one word to describe this next season in the life of our church it would be: CHANGE. Thom Rainer defines change as a simple word with a difficult meaning. Change is all around us whether in the change of the seasons, children graduating, construction or searching for a new Pastor change is inevitable. In this season of change may we all remember these three truths:

1) Trust in God: Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” During this season, we need to trust God. God loves First Baptist Church of Stanleyville more than we love FBC Stanleyville; therefore, we can trust the future of this church into His hands. God knows what He is doing and He can be trusted! When fear of the future and anxiety begins to rise inside of us we need to pause and give it over to God. Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything (future of our church), but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

2) Hard Work: Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Pastor Ed and I are committed to working hard to serve the church during this season. We are committed to taking on extra responsibilities to ensure that the church continues to thrive during this season. We are not going anywhere and we are committed to working hard and doing whatever is needed to ensure the success of FBC Stanleyville! We will work hard on the things we can control and what we cannot control we will trust to God. Psalm 90:17 will be our prayer, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

3) Thrive NOT Survive: Greater things have yet to come, Greater things are still to be done in this city and in our church. We do not want to survive this season we want to thrive in this season! Our finances are doing well, our church is growing and we have several events on the calendar to help us reach our community with the Gospel. We do not need to hit pause now! Let us continue to strive by God’s grace to gossip the Gospel and reach our neighbors, community and this world with the saving message of Jesus Christ.

I love you and I count it a high and holy blessing to be a part of the family of God at FBC Stanleyville.

Serving Him,

Pastor T Welch