Multiply

One of the most natural occurrences in nature is multiplication. Our oak trees have been dropping acorns in my yard. Baby deer have been loosing their spots as they have grown up in the neighborhood.  I was able to hold a new born baby on Sunday who arrived safely into her family. Reproduction, multiplication, and replication is natural. Sustainability includes dropping seedlings for the future.

As a church, First Baptist Church Oakwood is considering the necessity of multiplication as we consider how to really thrive in the present and future.  Our 114 year old church has grown through the years and has helped generations of people know and follow Jesus.  As we grow, it is natural to also reproduce new ministries, churches, and leaders.  Like an oak tree standing steady through the years, it is the acorns carry the future.  This means we keep an eye on what is next and how to reproduce ourselves.

We are in discussions now about being the sending church for a brand new church being planted in South Hall.  Robby Williams, his wife and Amy, family and team of 20 are stepping out in faith to follow God's call to make disciples.  This seedling group is the beginning of a new "oak tree" that will grow and bless the generations to come in South Hall.  Our church has this opportunity to be a blessing to them.  How?

We can be a source of prayer support.  We may provide servant help in projects and events in the life of the new church.  The opportunity is before us to be a help in what God is doing to birth a new church.  Partnering with other like minded churches from all over we can network support and resources for the church to have the most fertile potential to be a great church.

Robby Williams, lead pastor and church planter, has been on staff as student pastor at Montgomery Memorial Baptist Church for 20 years.  He is faithful husband and father who has a reputable reputation among all who know him.  He loves Jesus and the people of Hall County.  That combination along with the specific call of God to plant is a recipe of success.

This new church is going to happen.  It is going to be a vibrant faith community.  Our church has this opportunity to be part of this birthing process. Multiply. Replicate. It is time.

Our staff and deacons have discussed this possibility and are excited to share this opportunity with our church.  We will be hearing from Robby Williams soon on a Sunday morning.  We will have a chance to formalize the relationship at our church conference on October 8.  As we look at plans and ministry budgets for 2018 we will consider how we can help this new church in multiple ways.

Multiply. Fidelity to the Great Commission. Make Disciples everywhere. Planting seeds for the present and the future.