A New Year of Ministry Together

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. – 1 Peter 5:1-4 ESV

With this month of January begins a new year of ministry together. What does that look like from the viewpoint of the pastor of FBC Waynesburg? How is the Lord leading this congregation to serve him for another twelve months? In typical preacher fashion, there are three things that come to mind.

First, engage in fervent Biblical discipleship. Through consistent expository preaching, sound theological teaching, and compassionate and accountable Christian community, the goal is to be thoroughly grounded in the truth of God’s word. A 2025 Ligonier study on the state of theology confirmed that many American evangelical churches and individuals lack a firm grasp of the essential Christian faith as revealed in the Scriptures. Without a deep grounding in the Bible, congregations have no reliable foundation. It’s not enough to be vaguely familiar with the Scriptures, believers must know them well. The ministry of the word was a top priority for the early church. It must continue to be a top priority for the church today.

Second, embrace historic Baptist beliefs. The theological heritage of Baptists is a rich treasure that offers much insight and wisdom. Baptist confessional statements such as the 1689 Second London and the New Hampshire Confessions of Faith offer great stability in a tumultuous age of conflicting Biblical interpretations. Time-tested Baptist distinctives such as Biblical authority, local church autonomy, priesthood of the believer, church ordinances, soul liberty and the separation of church and state all are found in these classic documents.

Third, strive for congregational ministry excellence. Whatever Christians do for the Lord, they should do it well.  Colossians 3:3-4 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Too often churches slip into a “sloppy agape” mindset when it comes to ministry. Because Christian brothers and sisters are so loving and forgiving of one another, frequently sub-standard performance is the result. While a high level of quality may be sought in the secular realm, when it comes to the church believers have a lower bar. The church must give its best to the Lord in all it does, because it is an act of sacrificial worship. It also represents Jesus to a lost world.

As 2026 begins, engaging in fervent Biblical discipleship, embracing historic Baptist distinctives, and striving for congregational ministry excellence all have a high priority. Putting these things into practice is impossible without the Lord’s help. With dependence on him, however, God will be glorified, others will be drawn to Jesus, and the church will be strengthened.

With a shepherd’s heart,

Pastor David