Creeds and Confessions

Twists and Turns VBS is underway!

We are having a fun week together, learning about the character of Jesus! Kids have learned that Jesus is holy and trustworthy, with three more nights ahead. Thirty kids participated the first two nights, along with forty volunteers making it all happen. It's still possible to join the fun. VBS starts at 6:00 pm and runs through Thursday night.

Creeds and Confessions

As I explained this past Sunday, the historic creeds and confessions of the church have been helpful tools over the centuries to assist believers in confessing the faith. There are examples of creed-like confessions of faith in the Bible. Two examples are Eph 4:4-6 and 1 Cor 15:3-8.

Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, encourages churches to utilize the historic creeds of the church for several reasons:[1]

• Creeds define, summarize, and articulate the Christian faith.

• They correct errors and serve as guide rails for the church.

• They teach the church how to worship and confess its faith.

• Creeds connect us with the faith of believers across the centuries.

When churches of various traditions confess these same creeds, they exhibit unity.

This Summer, in gathered worship, we will be utilizing the following as aids to confessing our faith together:

• The Apostle’s Creed (June)

• The Nicene Creed (July)

• The Athanasian Creed (August)

• The Chalcedonian Definition (September)

Wayne Grudem writes, “Students who take time to read these creeds thoughtfully will find that they provide excellent summaries of the doctrinal teachings of Scripture.”[2] Bible-believing, orthodox Christian churches of all varieties of denominational traditions, including Baptists, recognize and value these historic confessions.

Pew Reservations

Wednesday, June 7, is the deadline for members to reserve pews. After Wednesday, we open reservations to those outside our membership. Please use the online reservation form or call the church office.

Reservation Form:

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

[1] Albert Mohler, The Apostle’s Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity In An Age of Counterfeits (Nashville: Nelson, 2019), xv-xxiii.

[2] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 1168.

Women in the Church

Twists and Turns VBS – Starts This Sunday!

This Sunday night at 6:00 pm Twists and Turns VBS begins!  We are looking forward to an amazing time together. Please invite children to join us!

Women In The Church

A few weeks from now the Southern Baptist Convention will meet in New Orleans (June 12-14). One of the items I expect to be a topic of conversation at this convention will be the disfellowshipping of two church who have women pastors (Saddleback Church in California and Fern Creek Church in Kentucky). The convention’s statement of faith asserts: “While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture” (Article 6). It is my estimation that the convention overwhelmingly stands in agreement and will dismiss these churches.

There are many significant ways that women may serve, teach, and lead within the ministry of the church and its mission. I am wonderfully encouraged and exceedingly grateful for the women who serve and teach in various capacities within Crestview. However, the church is to recognize only biblically qualified men to function as pastors/elders. Only these men are to serve in the office and carry the title of “pastor” (whether lead pastor, associate pastor, or any other category of pastor).

The primary biblical text on this issue is 1 Timothy 2:8-15. A few years ago, when I was preaching through 1 Timothy, I devoted three sermons to the role of women in the church. In these sermons I explain this passage and address common objections raised against the Bible’s teaching. Below are links to these sermons:

Audio:

• Women of the Church, Part 1

• Women of the Church, Part 2

• Women of the Church, Part 3

Video:

• Women of the Church, Part 1

• Women of the Church, Part 2

• Women of the Church, Part 3

Pew Reservations

When the worship center update begins in July, pews will be made available to members of Crestview (one pew per family). In the event that there are extra pews, additional pews can be reserved. Please sign up here: Pew Sign-up. If you have difficulty signing up contact our office for assistance, and we will be happy to help.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Illustrations Of The Church

Illustrations of the Church

What comes to your mind when you think of “church”? We discovered three illustrations for the church from the Apostle Paul this past Sunday in Ephesians 2:19-22. The church is a new citizenship, a new family, and a spiritual temple built from living stones. These illustrations should shape our understanding and practice of being a church.

Lord’s Supper This Sunday

Come prepared to celebrate the Lord's Supper as we gather this coming Sunday. The Supper is a vital way of staying in alignment with the cornerstone of the church—Jesus Christ. As we eat together, we reaffirm our faith in him and continue identifying as members of his church.

Lunch & Members Meeting This Sunday

This Sunday, following gathered worship, we will enjoy a covered dish lunch and hold our quarterly members meeting. Please bring food to share. Along with other important church business, we will answer questions and vote on the recommendation to proceed with the worship center project. This project is an exciting and significant step to strengthen the church’s ministry for years to come. Linked below is a copy of the document describing the recommendation.

Worship Center Project

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Worship Center Project

Engaging Neighbors, Saturday at 11 am

This Saturday is our monthly opportunity make contact with those who live in the neighborhoods around our church campus. Let’s exercise our faith and take the exciting risk of reaching out to our community. Rain or shine, we have a plan for the day. Meet in the fellowship hall at 11 am. We will finish by 12:30 pm.

Baptism again this Sunday

We kept the pool filled this week. Look forward to another baptism this Sunday!

Worship Center Project Recommendation

On Sunday you were able to hear the recommendation to move forward with the worship center project. This is an exciting and significant step to strengthen the church’s ministry for years to come. Linked below is a copy of the document that the facilities planning team presented Sunday. The color board is displayed on the wall near the office.

Remember, there are feedback forms located near the giving boxes for anyone who would like to submit a question or propose alternative ideas for the team’s consideration. Of course, you can always speak to any team member or elder. At the quarterly members meeting on May 21, the church will have the opportunity to approve the worship center project recommendation.

Worship Center Project Handout

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Baptisms

In addition to equipping courses and gathered worship, there are several special items to be aware of this Sunday, May 7:

Baptisms

This Sunday we will celebrate two public professions of faith: Eli Butler and Pam Ross. Hearing both of their testimonies will be a blessing to you. Please pray for these two and arrive on Sunday ready to celebrate with them.

Worship Center Project Recommendation

We will hold a called members meeting following gathered worship to hear a recommendation from the facility planning team and elders about moving forward with the worship center project. This project has been in planning for some time. We look forward to describing a plan to make needed updates to our campus that will strengthen the church’s ministry for years to come. This meeting will be information-only, no vote will be taken. The church will then have two weeks to consider the recommendation, ask questions, and supply feedback. Then, at the quarterly members meeting on May 21, the church will have the opportunity to approve the recommendation.

Diaper Shower for the Roberts

Please bring diapers and wipes this Sunday to bless Josh & Haley Roberts as they will soon welcome their newest addition. Please, leave items on the decorated table in the welcome center.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Worship Center Project

Baptism Opportunity

We look forward to filling the pool and celebrating baptism on May 7. If you know anyone who needs to be baptized, please have them speak with me. Bobby Jamison, in his booklet Understanding Baptism, describes baptism: “Baptism is a church’s act of affirming and portraying a believer’s union with Christ by immersing him or her in water, and a believer’s act of publicly committing him or herself to Christ and his people, thereby uniting a believer to the church and marking of him or her from the world.” Baptism is not only significant for the individual believer, but also for our entire church. Join me in praying for our church to freshly appreciate the blessing of baptism.

Worship Center Project Recommendation

We will hold a called members meeting following gathered worship on Sunday, May 7, to hear a recommendation from the facility planning team and elders about moving forward with the worship center project. This project has been in the planning for some time. We look forward to describing a plan to make needed updates to our campus that will strengthen the church’s ministry for years to come.

The May 7 meeting will be information-only, no vote will be taken. The church will then have two weeks to consider the recommendation, ask questions, and supply feedback. Then, at the quarterly members meeting on May 21, the church will have the opportunity to approve the recommendation.

Please pray for this project to be one that honors the Lord, displays unity, and furthers our ability to make disciples both here and worldwide.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Resurrection Sunday

Resurrection Sunday

As we approach the celebration of the resurrection this Lord’s Day, let’s pray for illumination to understand “the immeasurable greatness of [the Lord’s] power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead" (Eph 1:19–20). What a fantastic reality! We are recipients of the Lord's divine power, a power that is comparable to that which produced the resurrection. The Lord's power also made us alive when we were dead in trespasses and sins. We have a magnificent Lord to praise and the most excellent news to share! Sunday, the sermon text will be Ephesians 1:19–23, "Treasure the Greatness of Christ.”

Please invite friends and neighbors to join us Sunday! We will follow our regular schedule, equipping courses at 9:30 AM and gathered worship at 10:30 AM. After the service, we will have a kids' egg hunt and a family photo backdrop. Remember to bring baskets for your children's eggs.

Twists & Turns VBS

We are gearing up for Twists & Turns VBS on June 4–8 and need members to volunteer to serve. Volunteer through Church Center or on the church website: SIGN-UP

Clarkston Trip

We will take a team of Crestview members to serve the refugee community in Atlanta from July 8–14. This trip is an excellent opportunity to participate in a trip with an international flavor without traveling overseas. Learn more and register through Church Center or on the church website: SIGN-UP

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

New Elders

New Elders

Praise the Lord for your affirmation on Sunday of two new elders: Rocky Stubbs and Cole Barnes, as well as your reaffirmation of Brandon Vaughn to continue serving as an elder! These brothers will serve as wonderful pastors who will bless our church. Along with David Trice and me, this brings the total number of Crestview elders to five. We will formally recognize these brothers as a congregation by ordaining them to this office in gathered worship soon.

I encourage you to pray for all of our elders. Elders are fundamental to the life and ministry of the church. Please, pray in these ways: 1) That we will pray continually for the church, 2) for our preaching and teaching, 3) for our shepherding activities of knowing, feeding, leading, and protecting this flock, 4) that we will watch over ourselves and our families, 5) that we will oversee the church wisely, 6) that we will set a good example, and 7) that we will raise up more elders.  

Resurrection Sunday

April 9 is Resurrection Sunday. Please invite friends and neighbors to join us that day! We will follow our regular schedule, equipping courses at 9:30 AM and gathered worship at 10:30 AM. After the service, we will have a kids' egg hunt and a family photo backdrop. Remember to bring baskets for your children's eggs.

Current versions of the constitution and by-laws, and finance policy, as well as all current policy documents, are posted on the church website: Resources/Policies

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Mission Efforts

The Lesotho Team Returns This Week

Thank you for praying for Doug, Alexis, Shelby, and Clint as they return from Lesotho this week. They should arrive home tomorrow, March 22. Pray for the Lord to cause his word to advance and bear eternal fruit.

North American Missions Offering

This week is our week of prayer for the work of the North American Mission Board. Through NAMB, we support thousands of church planters serving across the U.S. and Canada. The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is the unique offering our family of Great Commission Baptists receives each year to support NAMB. Please prayerfully consider how the Lord would have you participate. Sunday, April 2, is our giving day. Learn more: 2023 Prayer Guide.

Called Conference, Sunday, March 26

This Sunday, following gathered worship, will be a called conference. The church will be affirming elder nominees (Rocky Stubbs, Cole Barnes, and Brandon Vaughn), amendments to the constitution and by-laws, and updates to the finance policy. There may also be an update on the worship center project.

A few minor adjustments suggested by members have been made to the proposed constitution and by-laws. The most current proposed amendments are available: HERE

The proposed updated policy is available: HERE

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Spring Quarter

Pray for the Lesotho Team

It is so exciting to have teams being sent out every few months to the nations!  Please pray for the team in Lesotho as they leave this Saturday, March 11, and returning March 22 (Doug, Alexis, Shelby, and Clint). Ask the Lord to continue to advance his word in the Senqunyane Valley.

Spring Quarter

What a wonderful start to spring quarter we enjoyed this past Sunday!  As a reminder, here are several opportunities that are available to you: 

New Equipping Courses:

• Spiritual Disciplines (David Trice & Rocky Stubbs, 2nd Floor Student Room)

• Sound Doctrine: A Study of Crestview’s Statement of Faith (Cole Barnes & Josh Roberts, 1st Floor Classroom )

• The Gospel Project: Gospels (Lee Ramseur, Fellowship Hall)

• Ladies: The Gospel of Mark (Brenda Trice, Fellowship Hall Classroom)

• Men: The Gospel of John (Alan Hausser, Fellowship Hall Classroom) 

New Sermon Series:

• Ephesians: Living as Christ’s Church

Engaging Neighbors, Saturday, March 11, 11:00 AM

Join us this Saturday as we resume engaging neighbors with the gospel. Meet in the fellowship hall at 11:00 AM for training. We will finish by 12:30 PM. In the event of inclement weather, we will go to indoor locations. I hope to see you Saturday!

ESL Class begins March 20, 6:30 PM

If you want to befriend international students, consider serving with our new ESL ministry (English as a Second Language). Classes start on Monday, March 20, from 6:30 PM–8:00 PM and continue each month's 1st and 3rd Monday evenings. ESL class will meet in the fellowship hall. This class aims to teach conversational English and improve speaking proficiency. We can use you if you can speak English and be a Christ-like example.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Tricia Hill at triciadhill@gmail.com.

Foster Care Night

On Friday, March 24, from 5:30 PM–9:30 PM, we will provide a parent's night out for local foster families. Our church is coming alongside Families for Families, a local foster care ministry lead by Brian and Ivy Scoggin, to serve fostering parents. We will provide child care at the Crestview campus while parents get a much-needed night out.

You must be certified through Crestview's Ministry Safe program to volunteer for this opportunity. If you still need to be certified, you can start the certification process now and be ready to serve by the 24th.

For more information or to volunteer, text Angela Lawrence at 770-307-8027.

Elder Nominees Question & Answers

Thanks to everyone who too the opportunity to participate in the elder Q&A session this past Sunday. If you missed it, an audio recording is available: Elder Nominee Q&A

Updated Constitution and By-Laws Amendments

Minor adjustments have been made to the proposed Constitution and By-Laws Amendments. The most current proposed amendments are available: HERE

Proposed Updated Financial Policy

The proposed updated policy is available: HERE

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

New Spring Quarter Opportunities

New Spring Quarter Opportunities

This Sunday, March 5, there are several new opportunities the Spring quarter begins:

 New Equipping Courses:

• Spiritual Disciplines (David Trice & Rocky Stubbs, 2nd Floor Student Room)

• Sound Doctrine: A Study of Crestview’s Statement of Faith (Cole Barnes & Josh Roberts, 1st Floor Classroom )

• The Gospel Project: Gospels (Lee Ramseur, Fellowship Hall)

• Ladies: The Gospel of Mark (Brenda Trice, Fellowship Hall Classroom)

• Men: The Gospel of John (Alan Hausser, Fellowship Hall Classroom) 

 New Sermon Series:

• Ephesians: Living as Christ’s Church

ESL Class begins March 20, 6:30 PM

An excellent opportunity for cross-cultural evangelism and ministry is working with internationals who live in our community. Do you know that most internationals who visit America to study are never invited into the home of an American, much less a believer? I have heard stories of some who bring suitcases of gifts from their country of origin, excited to share them with new friends in the U.S., only to discover that no one cares for them after arriving. Crestview has been given a unique opportunity to provide ESL classes for international students studying at UGA Griffin.

If you want to befriend these students, consider serving with our new ESL ministry (English as a Second Language). Classes start on Monday, March 20, from 6:30 PM–8:00 PM and continue each month's 1st and 3rd Monday evenings. ESL class will meet in the fellowship hall. This class aims to teach conversational English and improve speaking proficiency. We can use you if you can speak English and be a Christ-like example.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Tricia Hill at triciadhill@gmail.com.

Foster Care Night, March 24

On Friday, March 24, from 5:30 PM–9:30 PM, we will provide a parent's night out for local foster families. Our church is coming alongside Families for Families, a local foster care ministry lead by Brian and Ivy Scoggin, to serve fostering parents. We will provide child care at the Crestview campus while parents get a much-needed night out.

You must be certified through Crestview's Ministry Safe program to volunteer for this opportunity. If you still need to be certified, you can start the certification process now and be ready to serve by the 24th.

For more information or to volunteer, text Angela Lawrence at 770-307-8027.

Elder Nominees Question & Answers

After gathered worship this Sunday, there will be a question and answer panel with the elder nominees: Rocky Stubbs, Cole Barnes, and Brandon Vaughn. This panel is an excellent opportunity to learn more about elder ministry, our church, and these men.

Called Conference Moved to March 26

As explained Sunday, the called conference initially announced for March 19 is being moved to March 26 to allow 30-day notice.

Updated Constitution and By-Laws Amendments

Minor adjustments have been made to the proposed Constitution and By-Laws Amendments. The most current proposed amendments are available: HERE

Proposed Updated Financial Policy

The proposed updated policy is available: HERE

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Elder Nominees

Church Family,

Welcome New Members

This past Sunday, we received two new members: Josh and Mindy Griffis. Josh and Mindy have four children: Ruth, David, Nathan, and Abigail. Thanks for making the Griffis family welcome!

Elder Nominees

On Sunday, the elders nominated the following men to the congregation to be recognized as elders: Rocky Stubbs, Cole Barnes, and Brandon Vaughn (reaffirmation). If the church approves, these three men will join David Trice and me to comprise a five-person pastoral team overseeing Crestview. 

Elders are biblically qualified men, affirmed by the church, who provide spiritual and administrative oversight. Crestview refers to this office as “elder." Other synonymous words the New Testament uses are “overseer, bishop, shepherd, and pastor.”

Elder nominations are essential in the life of our church, and need your prayers. If anyone knows why any of these men would not be biblically qualified to serve, please speak to them directly, or come and speak with David, Brandon, or me.

Following gathered worship on Sunday, March 5, we will hold an elder nominee question and answer session. At this round-table discussion, nominees will field questions from the congregation related to elder ministry.

On Sunday, March 19, there will be a special called conference following gathered worship to vote on the nominees.

Proposed Constitution and By-Laws Amendments

On Sunday, the elders submitted amendments to the constitution and by-laws to the congregation. The reasons necessitating these amendments were outlined in the members meeting. These amendments effectively entail the following: (1) The role of associate pastor is added, (2) the associate minister role is not an elder, (3) the title of senior pastor is changed to lead pastor, (4) deacon service is removed as a requirement for lay-elders, and (5) the requirement for a majority of the elders be lay-men is removed. If anyone has questions about the proposed amendments, please talk to any elder. The congregation will vote on the proposed amendments at the March 19 called conference. The proposed amendments are available: HERE

Proposed Updated Financial Policy

Additionally, on Sunday, the elders and finance team submitted to the congregation for consideration an updated financial policy. The need for an updated policy was explained in Sunday’s meeting. In short, our current financial policy needs to be updated to reflect the church's organizational structure and the sound financial practices we are following. If anyone has questions about the proposed policy, please get in touch with any elder or finance team member. The congregation will vote on the proposed policy update at the March 19 called conference. The proposed updated policy is available: HERE

Roof Work is Underway

Roofing work is underway! Praise the Lord!

Let’s be faithful to pray for all these items.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

A Special Day

Lord’s Supper & Members Meeting this Sunday

We should always prioritize gathering with the church each Lord's Day. But the days we celebrate the Lord's Supper and have our quarterly members meeting, like this coming Sunday, should have a particular priority.

Our faith grows as we eat the supper, obeying Jesus's command to remember him in this way. As we eat, we testify to our incorporation into the Lord’s church (“The bread that we break is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” 1 Cor 10:16). What a privilege to gather and eat!

Congregationalism is a conviction that comes with certain obligations. Under the Lord, each Crestview member not only shares a common faith and doctrine but is also tasked with the responsibility to hear the updates from your leaders and participate in decision-making. Remember, the local church is the sum of its members. Unless providentially hindered, I hope we will all display the biblical conviction of living congregationalism this Sunday by being present.

Adjustment to our Saturday Service Day Efforts

The time has come to adjust to our Saturday service days. We are not making immediate plans to organize a Crestview-specific service team each Saturday. In its place, we will encourage volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse. Many want to continue serving with storm cleanup. Samaritan's Purse intends to continue operating out of Oak Hill Church until at least March 11. They have a good list of homes, tools, and staff to assess needs. Training begins daily at 7:30 am and 12:30 pm, including Saturdays. Let’s continue to pull together Crestview folks and use this avenue to serve neighbors and share the gospel on Saturdays (or other days).

Of course, if a specific home needs help, we can always organize a Crestview-specific effort through our deacons.

Roof Work Starting Soon

Weather permitting, and Lord willing, we hope to start roofing work next week!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

90-Day Discipleship Challenge

90-Day Discipleship Challenge

Sometimes it takes a challenge and a goal to begin a new habit. I am inviting anyone not in a discipleship group to join me for a 90-Day Discipleship Challenge starting February 1. Those who take up this offer will experience what it means to be a disciple who makes disciples. We will meet each Wednesday at 6:30 PM over these 90 days. Ask yourself: Do I have a plan to strengthen my obedience to Jesus by May? This challenge is one way to answer "Yes!" to this question. 

Saturday Service Days:

For the upcoming weeks, at 9:00 AM on Saturdays, we are organizing workdays in the community to help neighbors with storm clean-up. We will meet at the Crestview campus. Members and friends are welcome. Bring gloves, rakes, chainsaws, wheelbarrows, and other tools that may be helpful.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:

Samaritan’s Purse at Oak Hill Church plans to continue operating until the second week of February if you have time during the week. Volunteer to serve on clean-up teams Monday through Saturday. Trainings begin at 7:30 AM and 12:30 AM daily.

Crestview Camping Trip: March 31-April 2

Sign up in the Church Center App or follow this link for Information and Registration

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Church Family,

One of my daily Bible reading tracks this morning was in Luke 10:25-37. Jesus answered a lawyer's questions about eternal life with the parable illustrating the necessity of loving one's neighbor. In the parable, a Samaritan crosses social, racial, and religious barriers to show compassion to a seriously injured man. The story's point is powerful; those who hope in the Lord for the grace of eternal life must show compassion to those around us in the here and now. In the aftermath of the tornadoes, there are opportunities around us to love our neighbors. Praise the Lord for the chance to be his hands, feed, and mouthpiece in our city!

Schedule for this Week

Wednesday: Normal mid-week schedule

Sunday: Normal Sunday Schedule

The Developing Leaders Breakfast scheduled for Saturday, Jan 21, is canceled. We will be organizing work teams to go into the community on Saturday.

Saturday Service Day:

At 9:00 AM on Saturday, we plan a workday in the community. We will meet and get organized at the Crestview campus. Members and friends are welcome. Bring gloves, rakes, chainsaws, wheelbarrows, and other tools that may be helpful. Bring plenty of water and a sack lunch.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:

I hope you will be part of the ongoing relief effort underway in our community. We are learning that it helps to work through personal relationships with property owners or work through one of the organized relief efforts at the Senior Center or Samaritan's Purse at Oak Hill Church. This way, you will go to a property where the owner has requested help.

• Volunteer at the Senior Center: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.

• Volunteer at Samaritan’s Purse at Oak Hill: Monday through Friday, trainings begin at 7:30 AM and 12:30 AM daily.

Ongoing Donation Needs:

Below is a list of items needed by GA Baptist Disaster Relief and Rushton’s Hope. You may deliver items to the Crestview Office during office hours. We will see they get where they need to go (M-Th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM): New blankets, canned goods, nonperishable snack items, yard trash bags, flashlight, pet food, personal care items, toilet paper, medication, first aid items.

For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

International Missions Offering Total

Today I received the final total for the International Mission Offering (Lottie Moon) given in December: $6,700! Praise the Lord! It is a privilege to reach the nations of the world together with sister churches through the International Mission Board. Let's continue engaging in God's global purpose by going, sending, praying, and giving.

Doctoral Update

On Wednesday, I will be back on campus at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, for my final in-person seminar for my Doctor of Ministry program. This seminar is Foundations in Disciple-Making with Dr. George Robinson and Dr. Mark Liederbach. For three intensive days, I will be learning along with a cohort of ten other pastors. Thanks for your prayers! I will be traveling back Saturday evening and will be here to worship with Crestview on Sunday.

Finishing my final seminar marks a transition point in the program. From this point on, I will be researching and writing for my project/dissertation. The title is Developing a Strategy for Using the Bible as the Primary Resource for Disciple-Making. I aim to finish writing by September to graduate this December. Please keep this as a matter of prayer and encouragement over the coming months! I will continue sharing the fruit of my learning along the way.

I am thankful for the top-notch education, biblical integrity, and Great Commission focus at Southeastern. I am proud of the seminary training I am receiving through one of our SBC seminaries. Additionally, most of my tuition has been covered through generous scholarships and grants from the Keesee Foundation and Flat Creek Baptist Church. I am also grateful for the encouragement I am receiving from Tricia, my children, and Crestview's staff and elders.   

Gathered Worship this Sunday, Dec 15

This Sunday morning, Brandon Vaughn will be preaching Matthew 4:12-25, “Jesus Begins His Ministry.” Additionally, our congregation will recognize and reaffirm four deacons and their wives for ministry. Please make a special effort to be present for this service on Sunday.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Walking Wisely

Happy New Year!

As we begin 2023, let's do so with attention to walking with the Lord. The Lord invites us to give thought to our plans for using time:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil (Eph 5:15-16).”

The start of a new year is a prime opportunity to evaluate and reset areas where wise walking is needed. I am working on a new personal journaling approach to beneficially read in all four tracks of my daily Bible reading plan and convert the SPECK questions into prayer. It is off to a good start! How about you? Are there ways you are evaluating and resetting to make “the best use of the time?”   

Resuming Wednesday Night Ministries This Week, Jan 4

Wednesday at 6:30 PM, we resume our regular Wednesday night ministry activities: Kids, Students, & Adult Discipling. Join us!

Regular Sunday Schedule this Week, Jan 8

This Sunday, January 8, we return to our regular Sunday Schedule. We will resume the 2 Samuel sermon series: “The Return of the True King,” 2 Samuel 19-20.

Community Groups

Community Groups meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday nights of each month. We are encouraging current groups to remain together for winter/spring (because some groups we just organized at the end of the year). Do you want to connect with others for a meal, sermon discussion, and prayer? Pursuing fellowship is essential for the life of the church. See any elder if you need assistance finding a group, or see the Community Group information on the bulletin board. 

Thank you, Gayle!

This Sunday, Jan 8, we will recognize Gayle Kelley as she retires after ten years of service to Crestview as our financial administrator. The church will present her with a retirement gift. Members who would like to show their appreciation with cards are welcome.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Why Jesus Came

Why Jesus Came

The angel that appeared to Joseph emphasized the meaning of Jesus’ name: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). “Jesus” from the Hebrew Joshua, means “Jehovah will save.” The name is a testimony to God’s salvation. Jesus himself, would be the embodiment of salvation.

After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter emphasized the importance of Jesus’ name: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

What an amazing statement this is! It destroys the popular sentiment that there are many was to be right with God. There is only one way, and that way is Jesus. No religion, no philosophy, no ceremony, and no good deeds can obtain salvation. Only one name under heaven has been given by which salvation is offered. It is Jesus. The one who is Immanuel, “God with us.” The one who came to save his people from their sins.[1]

International Missions Offering

Thank you for giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering! We do not have the final totals yet, but gifts received to date are over $5,000. Praise the Lord! You may continue to give to this offering through the end of the year.

Candlelight Service: Saturday, Dec 24, 5:00 PM

Join us for a casual evening of family-friendly Christmas hymns and Scripture reading. This is a wonderful gospel opportunity for family, friends, and neighbors. The service will be about 45-minutes in length. We plan to make the service available via life stream on the Crestview YouTube channel as a ministry to our homebound members.

Christmas Day Gathered Worship: Sunday, Dec 25, 10:30 AM

Plan to gather with the church on the Lord’s Day for a service that will focus on the incarnation of the Lord Jesus. There will be no coffee corner, equipping courses, or nursery.

New Years Day Gathered Worship: Sunday, Jan 1, 10:30 AM

Plan to gather with the church on the Lord’s Day for a service that will focus on the glory of the Lord Jesus. This is an ideal way to bring in 2023. There will be no coffee corner, equipping courses, or nursery.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

[1] Adapted from John F. MacArthur, Jr., The Miracle of Christmas (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1989), 60.

Christmas Happenings

Christmas Happenings

• Caroling & Chili Supper: Sunday, Dec 11, 4:00 PM

Cook your best pot of chili and meet at the fellowship hall this Sunday at 4:00 PM. Groups will go caroling to senior members of our church, including those who are homebound. Afterwards we will enjoy chili together. As always, a select cohort of culinary judges will award the best chili(s).

•  Kids Christmas Party: Wednesday, Dec 14, 6:30 PM

•  Student Christmas Party: Wednesday, Dec 14, 6:30 PM

•  Legacy Plus Christmas Luncheon, Dec 20, 12:00 PM

Retirees, please join us and bring a friend for a Christmas theme luncheon. All food will be provided: ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potato pie.

• Candlelight Service: Saturday, Dec 24, 5:00 PM

Join us for a casual evening of family-friendly Christmas hymns and Scripture reading. This is a wonderful gospel opportunity for family, friends, and neighbors. The service will be about 45-minutes in length.

•  Christmas Day Gathered Worship: Sunday, Dec 25, 10:30 AM

Plan to gather with the church on the Lord’s Day for a service that will focus on the incarnation of the Lord Jesus. There will be no coffee corner, equipping courses, or nursery.

•  New Years Day Gathered Worship: Sunday, Jan 1, 10:30 AM

Plan to gather with the church on the Lord’s Day for a service that will focus on the glory of the Lord Jesus. This is an ideal way to bring in 2023. There will be no coffee corner, equipping courses, or nursery.

International Missions Offering: Week of Prayer

Each day this week we are praying for International Missions. Through the International Mission Board, our fellowship of churches have sent over 3,650 missionaries serving in 116 countries. They serve in many of Earth's hardest, darkest, least-reached places. As you pray this week, please consider how the Lord is inspiring you to support this work. Sunday, December 18, will be our giving emphasis day.

Members Meeting Update

Praise the Lord for the wonderful members meeting this past Sunday. You heard important updates and made significant decisions. I highlight several here. We received two new members, both recently baptized, Cooper McLean and Addy Butler! The church affirmed new deacons: Doug Lawrence, Clay McLean, Reese Simmons, and Grayson Webb. We also affirmed the proposed 2023 Church Ministry Budget. Praise the Lord!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

International Missions Offering

International Missions Offering

A ministry endeavor worth noting in the New Testament is the collection of funds from predominantly Gentile congregations by Paul to support the largely Jewish churches in Jerusalem. This cooperative offering is mentioned in Acts, Romans, and 1 & 2 Corinthians. In fact, the occasion when the authorities arrested Paul in Acts 24 was the delivery of these funds to Jerusalem. This offering is an example of churches working jointly to fund God-honoring ministry.

In this same spirit, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions is a joint effort of Great Commission Baptist Churches to provide funding to spread the gospel of the grace of God to all peoples around the world. Through the International Mission Board, our churches have sent over 3,650 missionaries serving in 116 countries. Over 90% of these missionary teams actively engage at least 1 of over 7,000 unreached people groups. These are OUR missionaries! They serve in many of Earth's hardest, darkest, least-reached places.

Please prayerfully consider how the Spirit of the Lord is stirring you to make a generous contribution to this year's offering for International Missions. As you do so, know that our church is one of the thousands of sister churches working together in this God-honoring ministry. This Sunday, December 4, we will begin our week of prayer for International Missions. Sunday, December 18, will be our giving day emphasis.

Members Meeting this Sunday

This Sunday, following gathered worship, will be our quarterly members meeting. In this meeting, you will hear essential updates on the church, add and remove members, and make several decisions. One decision will be to affirm the men whom the elders and deacons recommend serving as deacons: Doug Lawrence, Reese Simmons, Grayson Webb, and Clay McLean (Reaffirmation). Another decision will be the affirmation of the proposed 2023 Ministry Budget prepared by the elders, finance team, and staff: Proposed 2023 Ministry Budget

Welcome Alexis Lawrence

I am happy to announce that Alexis Lawrence has begun working in the office as our new ministry assistant. Over the next month, she will be transitioning into Gayle Kelley's role. Gayle will be retiring at the end of the year. Please, take the opportunity to thank Gayle for her service and welcome Alexis to our staff.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas