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The ABCs of Spiritual Growth. Friday, October 17, 2025
Coming off our most recent series, "He is Lord!"-we now turn our attention/focus on what making the decision "Jesus is Lord" is really attached to: our spiritual growth. You see, when we come into a decision and respond to God's grace, mercy, and love to be saved; we are forgiven, redeemed, and restored through God's gift of salvation. It is instantaneous. So is our initial sanctification; the imparting of His desire/empowerment/will to "set us apart" so that we can be "made in His image." It is a gift of God that comes by way of the Cross of Christ and through the Holy Spirit, to us.
But then, we come to know and learn, there is more. Much more! God has a plan for continued, sustained, transformative being and living, for the rest of our lives. For us to be made "in His image," we must come to terms that our Christian journey, where Jesus Christ is Lord, is a lifelong journey. Not a journey we make alone or in isolation; rather, one that is full of the Holy Spirit and His placement of others (who are connected/invested) in our lives. And yes, it is a lifelong, 24/7/365, journey with Jesus.
On Sunday 10/19/25, in this period of time God has given us together, we look at what this all means, why it's important, and what we can expect. We will trust our Lord to lead us, making sense of it all in accordance with His will. Our prayer is that by following Him in faith and obedience, He will show us His truth and we will not obstruct. Plan on joining us and being a part of this time we have together as we explore spiritual growth.
Why We Do What We Do. Friday, September 12, 2025
We are on the threshold of our Summer Summit 2025 (which is tomorrow 9/13/25). One question that seemingly comes up as we lead into these events, goes like this: "What is this about?" or "What is the purpose?" Good inquiries. No one wants anything in this day and age to be a waste of energy, resources, or time. As the saying goes: "nobody's got time for that."
Our Summits are to provide an opportunity and a resource for us to have open dialogue and discussion. A chance to gather and meet to figure out, really, why we do what we do. That is something that should, regardless of anything else, keep us on track in both ministry and mission. So really, another way to ask it goes a bit deeper: "Are we fulfilling our calling and God's commands for us?" While one summit for a few hours won't allow us to answer and solve everything, we can (and intend) to take some of the largest principles and priorities that Jesus gives us to self diagnose. Truth is: either we, His church, are taking seriously the Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission, or we aren't. So this Summit is desginated in helping us to ensure our outreach is sound and our methods are effective.
Above all else, however, let us be a willing people: willing to go, willing to love, willing to share His grace, and willing to share His Good News. This is what it's about: His Lordship and working that Lordship out. Our Summit is open to all, but our directors, leaders, lay and local ministers, and those serving in outreach and prayer, are needed. Hope to have you with us at Summer Summit 2025!
New Series. "He is Lord!" and indeed He is! Monday, September 1, 2025
While we are already a few weeks deep into this new series, it is not too late to join in. Yes, we have been building in each segment of this journey, but the reality is this: there is something new, each week, that the Lord is doing in our presence. He has been (and is) faithful in this regard. As long as we make Him and continue to make Him, Lord of our life and commit to His purposes, we absolutely have nothing to fear. Rather, we celebrate His will and work in our lives.
Let me also recommend that if at all possible, you join us in person. While we continue and provide the live stream for those who can't be with us; our hope is that you will. That with intention, obedience, and passion: you desire to be present with God, His church, and His people. That is a very essential part of being a Christ follower; knowing and practicing "not forsaking the gathering of the assembly," especially if you can/are able.
The church is the people, and without the people who give, invest, serve, and work (for His mission), we could not fulfill the roles and responsibilities God has given us.
Come and worship with us this Sunday, at 10 am. There are ministries and opportunities for everyone, no matter your age, giftings, or history. If we are going to be "better together" then we have to be "together." Our Lord is worthy of it all, and to Him we proclaim the undeniable truth: He is Lord!
Ministry and Mission, Matter. Saturday, February 22, 2025
In case we ever wonder: our seemingly small contributions to ministry and mission, matters a great deal. All that is required to believe this and see it, is to be involved. I was reminded of that once again, today. Back in the late summer of 2024, and out of the need and challenge to be "move actively and passionately involved" in our community: we launched a new ministry team here @ Bridgeway. It was named, "SERVE," and the whole intent and model has been built on serving others as Christ did. It is taking His example to people all along the Crystal Coast that we, in His power and strength, would demonstrate His hope and love.
To date, we have had 5 SERVE opportunities that have been outwardly (outside of the property/walls) focused. This morning, our team was put together within a 48-hour turnaround time to help an elderly man, in Newport (across the county from Beaufort), move out of his single-wide trailer after a fire had deemed it "unlivable." Trucks and trailers were made available quickly, but may I suggest: it was the hands, the hearts, and the willingness to be "Jesus' model" is what drove the desire. A real, practical, urgent need was met within a 2-hour window. That is what occurs when people, motivated by God's love and in His strength, come together for something bigger.
Thank you to our SERVE team for all of your help, passion, and willingness. We could not do this without you. It is my prayer that God will bless you richly for your investment in others, and that the Good News of Jesus would spread through you to others, like it did today.
Advent2024. Wednesday, December 11, 2024
We are right in the middle of Advent: a season of reflecting and remembering the anticipated arrival and coming,of our Lord on that 1st Christmas Day, over 2,000 years ago. During this 4 week period, the theme's of: Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy are honed in on and come front and center. It does us well to pause and pay special attention to 3 things:
- What God has done;
- What God is doing; and
- What God is going to accomplish.
Advent is a time when we not only recall the 1st coming of Christ, to His creation, but also anticipate His 2nd coming (which will occur in accordance with God's Plan). Though we may not know the day or the hour; we live in the expectancy of His arrival at any time. He is Emmanuel, God with us, and He can be trusted because He is trustworthy.
No matter what season you are in right now, and no matter what you are facing: God has a plan for you, for your life, and to draw you closer to Himself. One recommendation for Advent and this season: Find a way, or ways, to connect/reconnect with God. Reach out to others and ask those questions that you have. Give access to God and be able/willing to listen. You will be amazed at how His response, despite our condition, will come. His love, for us, is undeniable. He has truly loved us with an everlasting love.
Give Thanks. Thursday, November 21, 2024
With Thanksgiving coming, we are reminded that "giving thanks" is really more than a seasonal time of year or a special holiday. For the believer and receiver of God's grace, love, and mercy which has been shed abroad, we are to be a continually thankful people who gives God praise. It is the direct and supernatural response of a heart that is overflowing in gratitude from the realization/revelation of what God has accomplished and provided.
Yet, at times, we overlook this. We race toward the next thing to do. The next item that captures our attention. Let us truly pause so that the fullness of what being thankful, and offering our thanksgiving, is and represents. It does us good to not only reflect on this, but to actively be engaged in honoring God (daily, moment by moment). So in this next week leading up to Thanksgiving and then, Advent, may we be a people of gratitude and thanksgiving in this God-ordered, Jesus-led, Spirit-filled season, and may it be a part of our lives for the rest of our lives.
Quite a Week. Friday, November 8, 2024
It has been quite a week: Super Tuesday (Election Day) 2024. There is no one I know that doesn't show some sort of relief that the entire campaign is over. No matter who you are, one thing most of us can agree on is that with each cycle, these campaigns seem to be both longer in duration and more expensive in cost. No exceptions to this one. Has it been nearly 2 years? We do know from reliable sources that the Presidential Campaign will come in right around $1.5 billion.
Now that it's over, where do we go from here? How do we "heal" and offer "hope" amidst 1/2 of the nation (people we live, dwell, work with, and know) who voted differently than we did, no matter how we voted? It is a challenging question, yet, one we must not back down from as Christians, as Christ-followers. It is part of His mission and as a result, it must be part of ours (as His Church, as His people).
Jesus shared meals with sinners and tax collectors. He even went into their homes to have this connection and opportunity to engage. We follow His example. One thing we can/ought/should do is pray. Not a gloss over prayer, but a time and season of going before the Lord for our nation, our families, our leaders (who have been duly elected), and how we can be beacons of hope to others. No one says it will be easy, but one thing is for sure: it is required.
Romans 13 is a source of God's Word and truth that we should rely on and go to. It reminds us of Who is in control and Who appoints our governing officials. It is God Himself. It also cites what our response should be. I could quote a few of the verses here, but I sense it is important that as you read this, you go to this passage on your Bible app. on your PC, or in your hardcopy of the Bible. Glean it and read it yourself, and allow the Holy Spirit to work. He will. Then, pray for ways/means through which you can have dialogue and healthy, Christ-like talks with others. Even others you may not see eye-to-eye with. In the end, love wins. It always does. Let us be the vehicles that shows the love of God to the world.
Go and Serve. Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Sometimes our Christian service (for others) gets pushed aside, or we somehow overlook it. The fact is: it is so much easier and more convenient to gather, meet with, and disciple those who have been on the journey with us. We know them, we've build relationships and friendships with them, and there is less uncertainty. This is true for a lot of Christians and churches today. But were does that leave reaching the lost for Christ's Kingdom? When will we truly take the mission, seriously, "to go into all the world" (Matthew 28) and share the Good News with others, including our enemies?
Those are questions we must ask and confront, and we must do it sooner rather than later. Souls are perishing and lives are in the balance. The SERVE ministry (launched this month, in September 2024) will help us address this, face it, and go into our communities to give away Jesus. Through our initial Prayer Walk, we are intent on blessing this communty as we are able. Please be sure to stay tuned to the October 2024 Event and be a part of this mission. We are better together, for sure; and we are better together when we SERVE.
Back to Church Sunday. Thursday, September 5, 2024
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, we will celebrate National Back to Church Sunday. This is an annual event that invites churches to be a part of a movement to see the unchurched and de-churched encouraged and welcome to come and encounter God, with us. Our part is to be a bridge and a vessel to help support this initiative, and to allow the Holy Spirit to be the draw. If you have family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors who could use some encouragement and support, this is a great way to invite them to come. Let us know how we can support you and those in your sphere of influence, so that this day can be an introduction (or re-introduction) to church and faith. Let's make this effective for His glory and the expansion of God's Kingdom.
Back on the Blog. Tuesday, February 27, 2024
There really isn't an excuse for being so long between blogs. I admit that and apologize for it. I will do better as we move forward and see mission expand. There can be no doubt, however, that things have been happening at Bridgeway on nearly every front. That is a good and God-ordered thing. In this past season, since really last fall (of 2023), we have been on the receiving end of some major things that God has provided. Yes, there are still challenges and some very desperate situations, but over and over again, God has been "better than we deserve." From His provision and restoration to His healing and divine power: God is for us (we know). One thing I will highlight and continue to feature is our upcoming Annual Church Meeting. Why?-you may ask. Because it is the time and opportunity for us to celebrate, recall, and reflect on what God has done, together and in person. Please jot down, mark, and plan to be a part of this as both reports and testimonies are shared on the 2023-2024 year. This year it is: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 @ 6 pm in the Worship Center. It will be worth it and we hope you will join us. The church is a body, a family, a people of faith and we must celebrate His grace, love, and mercy. Until then: stay tuned for more details, even on this blog. Thank you!
Mission Forward. Friday, May 19, 2023
It's been just over a month since the last posting. Not intentional, there has just been much going on in ministry, in mission, and for His Kingdom. That is a blessing. It is during some dormant cycles when we might wonder if anything is happening; or if anything "good" is happening at all. I believe that is a normal reaction. Yet, God acts, speaks, and works during all seasons: when things are seemingly quiet and when things are downright hectic. His presence remains and His will is being done.
Moving Mission Forward is essential. In the Great Commission, Jesus states: "Go into all the world, and make disciples of all people..." This was given and entrusted to those who remained: his disciples/followers, and the church that would launch into a cold, dark, Roman controlled world. No opt-outs. No claiming things were too busy and hectic. No excuses contained within. We could take His command as simply: "Go!" This is why we are committed to moving mission forward: Our Lord told us to, and that is enough.
I am grateful and humbled to serve alongside a community, a people, a Jesus-loving workforce that takes this passionately and in/with great faith. Through the year, we have opportunities to connect, fellowship, join together, learn, pray, serve, and witness to God's grace, love, and mercy. I am grateful to the Lord for leaders and servants who take His command seriously, and give so very much to give Jesus away...to lift Him up...to expand His Kingdom on earth. Together, let us continue to move this mission forward!
Prayer Mobilization Effort. Monday, April 17, 2023
From Easter to Pentecost, our region's focus is on prayer with over 500,000 praying each day for mobilization and mission. So much can be said about prayer: what it is, why it's important, how the Lord taught us how to pray, etc. Oswald Chambers once stated: "Prayer doesn't prepare us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work."
We have to be/become more disciplined in the action of prayer. It is essential and as Christ followers, we must be a praying people after God's own heart. So while we emphasize prayer and put it into focus during this season: it is a way of life. As we pray and seek to come closer to God, this is our prayer for today: "Lord, help us to become a praying people; that we would have your heart and vision for the lost, the broken, the rejected, and the world. May we not only seek Your plan and purpose, but may we truly be Your salt and light in action and in love. May Your Spirit fill us as we go and share and give away Your Good News! In Jesus Name. Amen."
Worship is... Sunday, April 16, 2023 @ 6:15 am
Over the years (decades now), it seems that a lot of effort has been placed into trying to define/redefine what Worship really is. Some have said a format, a style, and even a specific genre or type. So much is spent in transitioning to the "greatest" and "latest" in systems and technology. To a large extent, whether we admit it or not, like it or not, we have (in part) made Worship into an experience and we gauge it by how people react/respond.
In the Word of God and from His teaching: we see this truth: God is the audience of our Worship. That is, it is not about us; it's about Him. As His children, His church, His followers: we bring, deliver, and give our Worship to Him. When we get this, it changes our view and our perspective. Sure, we are built up and encouraged when our Worship magnifies Him, and He will use it to bring us closer to Himself. This is, in part, why we put priority on corporate Worship. His presence is manifested in ways we won't know of otherwise. God is faithful and when Worship and our desire to exalt Him is a part of our desire and everyday life, it will be evident.
Worship isn't an option. It's not based on how we feel or how things are going in our lives. Likewise, we shouldn't condition it on the subjective matters. Rather, it is to come from the heart, from the overflow of the heart, for Who God is and what He has done. As the songwriter wrote: "I worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You!" Amen!
