Kicking Off A New Season

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NKJV)

As I’m writing this blog, a new season is about to begin. There’s crispness in the air. Faithful followers are getting excited. Inspirational words will be written and rehearsed in hopes that lives will be changed. Menus will be planned.

For Jesus followers, this new season refers to the Body of Christ known as the local church. New Sunday school classes and sermon series are starting. Homecomings and Gospel concerts are being planned. Pews are refilling after summer slumps and slow-downs.

For many folks, however, football will be the religion of choice. Tailgating will be the most frequent form of fellowship. Fight songs will be battle hymns and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the most familiar anthem.

I’ll be at both, attending church and cheering on my team, although there’s a big difference. On Saturdays, I’ll be a spectator. On Sundays (and when needed), I’ll be a participant, a volunteer, a team player, a servant leader if called upon. Unlike my stadium seat, which is reserved just for me, I’ll gladly give up my familiar church seat to a visiting guest. I love my alma mater. I love God’s church more. I want to see her grow. I would love to see her pews packed on Sunday like the stadium on Saturday. The gridiron is not my Holy Ground. The star quarterback is not my Savior. My favorite team doesn’t have a mascot. My favorite team worships Jesus.

Your Dover Baptist Association is kicking off a new season as well. We hope you will be part of our team. We hope you’ll be a participant, a volunteer, a servant leader if called upon. In September, Dover will begin hosting classes for those who desire a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in Theology.  We’ll fund scholarships and Bibles for missionaries and ministers.  We’ll provide specialized training for children, youth, and young adult leaders, including an emphasis on child abuse prevention. We’ll help train deacons and other church leaders.

In October, New Highland Baptist Church will host our 242nd Annual Meeting and Missions & Ministry Fair. There you will learn how lives are being changed, and how you can be part of the solution. We’ll help educate our seniors regarding long-term care. We’ll support our churches’ short-term missionaries. We’ll conclude what we hope is another year of record-setting support for our Watson Mission Partners.

Please check out this edition of our Dover Diary. This fall, I want to encourage you to “Get into the game!” This fall, I want to cheer you on, as you kick off a new season. God bless.