Ever talked to a financial advisor?

Years ago, the Lord allowed my wife and me to start investing money into a retirement account. At least once a year, I would talk to our advisor, and it always seemed like his response was, "Remember the power of investing over time."
So, if it was a good year, "Remember the power of investing over time."
If it was a bad year, "Remember the power of investing over time."
Whatever was taking place in the world around me or in our account, I could pretty much count on that being said at least once in our conversation.

This week, I have reflected upon this principle and its eternal significance in Gospel ministry due to three situations.

#1 – This November will mark 10 years since my family moved to Ohio. It was an unusual time in the church's history with many challenges. People had ideas of what the church was and was not doing well, whether they had or had not just experienced a split, how many people actually attended or were members, and if the church was in a spiritually healthy situation. The next five years would prove to be exceedingly difficult, particularly "behind the scenes." Through those years and to today, there are so many faithful members who have continued the mission of edifying the saints for the work of the ministry and evangelizing people in our area (and beyond through missions). Now, I am in a new phase of blessing for me as a pastor—getting to pastor young adults who were kids when I moved here. While I could probably write articles for weeks about what a blessing the past 10 years have been and what the Lord has done, I will simply say, "Remember the power of investing over time."

#2 – This week, bro. Tyler will lead a group of young men to the mission field in conjunction with Pastor David Robart (Open Door Baptist Church). This delights my heart for a few reasons. First, Pastor David was the first staff pastor we hired with the goal of "Come, grow, go" as a philosophy. He and his family were a huge blessing to FBC before being sent out to lead the revitalization at Open Door. It has been a difficult journey for the Robart family and the faithful members of Open Door, but years later there is a stable, healthy church that just recently added another pastor and is embarking on their first mission trip out of the country. Second, the group from FBC does not have one person over 30 years old going... read that again. While partially scary, it is incredible to think about this many young men using time and money to serve on the foreign field for a brief stint. Third, it is incredible to see bro. Tyler have the opportunity to not only lead the trip but partner with someone else a decade older than him who also has ties to FBC. I will simply say, "Remember the power of investing over time."

#3 – This week, Grace Church received tough and unexpected news that the building they rent from the city would have to be shut down for an undetermined amount of time due to a... bat infestation. I mean, you cannot make some stories up in the journey of a church plant! That said, a church across the parking lot from them is experiencing a transition of sorts and is letting Grace Church meet in their building for the foreseeable future! The "same team" outlook of the other church/pastors not only encouraged Pastor Jordan & Grace but was an answer to an unexpected prayer request they would have! The Lord has also been bringing in new people all summer at Grace during a time when churches typically experience very few guests. In two years they have gone from a group sent from FBC and a few people from the community to a church averaging 65 people from the community! The future is bright and exciting!
"Remember the power of investing over time."

Let me conclude by saying, "Thank you & praise God!" It is my privilege to get to be a member here at FBC and one of the pastors. I am thankful for each of you and how God is using you to accomplish His Gospel work through our church (and beyond). Also, God be praised for what He does through our frail efforts. He does not expect perfection from anyone; He simply expects yieldedness. When yielded wills embrace the grace of God, over time, fruitfulness abounds!

Serving together,
Pastor Paul