Pastor’s Column in The Informer (FBC’s Newsletter) – published March 2008
I had the privilege of attending the New Baptist Covenant Celebration in Atlanta at the end of January, and I was greatly inspired by the experience. It wasn’t so much because of the “big name” speakers, although they brought wonderful messages. No, it was the mere fact that I was in the same room with nine thousand other Baptists, spanning many geographic, racial, political and cultural divides, worshipping and praising God together. During those three days, I felt a spirit of unity based on our common commitment to Jesus Christ even in the midst of our diversity. It made me glad to be a part of the larger body of believers who call themselves Baptist. But after that meeting, a question remained: “What now?”
Then I returned to Farmville and found our town reeling from the fatal shootings and the car accident involving the Prides and Baxter Stegall. That Sunday afternoon, I attended a community-wide prayer vigil service at First Baptist Church on behalf of the victims. In the midst of our tragedy, I witnessed a sanctuary packed with fellow believers spanning geographic, racial, political and cultural divides, worshipping God in Christ and praying together. I felt a movement of God’s Spirit that unified us despite our deep differences. But after that meeting, a question remained: “What now?”
I’m happy to report that after the prayer vigil service, a small group of local pastors, African-American and Anglo (and one Asian!), decided to meet to plan other joint services to gather the community together. We feel that God’s Spirit is leading us first to establish trust, friendship and love among ourselves, and then to lead our congregations to do the same. I will keep you posted as plans materialize. In the meantime, pray for us pastors as we seek to join in what God is doing here in Farmville to unify us all in the love of Christ.
Yours in Christ, Michael
