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August 7, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Keeping the Spotlight on Christ
The piano is tuned, every word rehearsed, every voice ready, and still, the most important question a worship team member can ask has nothing to do with sound. Who is this for? Worship Is More Than Singing When most people hear the word "worship," they think of the songs sung before the sermon. But worship is much more than that. Singing, preaching, praying, and giving are all acts of worship, and every one of them can be offered to God in sincerity, or to self in pride. A pastor can study over a sermon to be admired for his insights rather than to feed the flock God has entrusted him with. A giver can drop an offering in the plate to be seen as generous rather than out of love for the Lord, a danger Christ addressed directly: Matthew 6:1
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. A worshipper can lift hands or sing loudly not from a heart stirred by God, but from a desire to appear spiritual to those nearby. Wherever a person serves in worship, pulpit, platform, offering plate, or the seat, the same temptation is there: to turn an act meant for God into a performance for man. John the Baptist stood at the peak of his ministry, with crowds gathering and people following, and said this of Christ: John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease. That single sentence defines the calling of every person who serves on a platform. Any Ministry that puts attention on the servant instead of the Savior has already missed the point. The Danger of a Watching Crowd Scripture warns plainly about the pull toward performing for people rather than for God. In John 12, even some of the chief rulers believed on Christ, yet would not confess Him openly: John 12:43
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. A worship team stands in a uniquely exposed position. There is a congregation watching, a sound system amplifying, and a camera live streaming. None of that is wrong in itself, but it creates real temptation to serve the eyes in the room rather than the throne of God. The desire to be noticed or complimented can quietly replace the desire to glorify Christ, and the shift rarely announces itself. It creeps in through small compromises, a note held for effect rather than for the Lord, a subtle seeking of praise from people that outweighs the joy of pleasing God. The Standard Is the Heart, Not the Performance When Samuel was sent to anoint a king, he was reminded of an unchanging truth: 1 Samuel 16:7
For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. A congregation can only judge the outward appearance, tone, timing, technique. God alone judges the heart behind it. A technically flawless song offered in pride is not acceptable worship. A simple song offered in humility, aimed entirely at the glory of God, is. Paul gives the team the standard that settles every motive question: 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Keeping the Spotlight Where It Belongs Practical tips for the platform: Examine motive before rehearsal, not just during it. Ask privately whether preparation is aimed at excellence for God's glory or excellence for personal recognition. Refuse the compliment trap. Receive kind words graciously, but redirect the credit quickly and genuinely to the Lord. Guard against comparison. Comparing gifting, placement, or attention with other team members feeds pride and steals joy from service. Remember the unseen Audience. The congregation may never know the difference between worship and performance, but God always does. David wrote plainly:
Psalm 115:1
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory. This posture David is highlighting, should be present in every faithful servant from any stage. We offer our skills without reservation, surrender the credit without exception, and Christ alone is left standing in the spotlight.
August 6, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Master Clubs Is Relaunching September 16
Faith Baptist Church is excited to announce the relaunch of Master Clubs on Wednesday, September 16. This ministry has long been a vital part of how our church disciples the next generation, and this season brings fresh leadership and a full return to the mission that makes it so special. What Is Master Clubs? Master Clubs is a Bible-centered discipleship program for children age three through sixth grade. Unlike programs built around community service or achievement, Master Clubs is built entirely around Christ. Children earn badges for Scripture memorization, Bible knowledge, and Christian service, all while learning to walk with the Lord in practical, age-appropriate ways. Each week includes: The Master Clubs key verse — "For one is your Master, even Christ" (Matthew 23:10) Singing and devotions to prepare hearts for the Word Table time, where children work with their leaders toward Scripture memory and badge work Group games and activities that reinforce the lesson in a fun, memorable way Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. New Leadership Bro. Brad and Jaime O'Dell have accepted the responsibility of leading Master Clubs. The O'Dells previously served in Master Clubs for over 15 years and bring that experience back with them after over a decade of leading our Worship Ministry. We are confident the Lord will use their experience to strengthen this ministry for your children. How to Get Your Children Involved If you have children age three through sixth grade, we would love to have them join us for the Master Clubs relaunch on September 16. No prior experience is necessary, and children are welcome to join even after the year begins. We are looking forward to what the Lord will do in the hearts of our children this year through Master Clubs.Register your Children Now!
August 5, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
The Answer for a Discouraged Soul
Last Sunday evening, we began walking through Psalm 42 and considered the subject “Thirst for God.” The Psalmist described his longing for God with these familiar words: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” We were reminded that the greatest evidence of spiritual health is not that we believe in God, but that we continually desire God. The Psalmist did not just want relief from his circumstances. More than anything else, he wanted renewed fellowship with the Living God! Tonight, we will return to Psalm 42 and continue into Psalm 43 as we consider the subject “The Answer for a Discouraged Soul.” Although the Psalmist genuinely thirsted for God, he was also deeply discouraged. He was separated from the house of God, overwhelmed by sorrow, mocked by his enemies and struggling with what appeared to be the silence of God. Again and again, he asked himself: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?” But he did not allow discouragement to have the final word. He answered his troubled soul with this declaration: “Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.” That repeated statement forms the heart of tonight’s message. Biblical hope is not pretending that everything is fine. It is not ignoring pain, denying sorrow or refusing to admit that we are struggling. Biblical hope is the confident expectation that, even when our soul is cast down and God seems far away, He is still faithful and we must praise Him. The Psalmist teaches us that we do not have to just listen to our discouraged hearts. We can speak truth to them. We can remember God in the middle of the storm. We can bring our hardest questions to Him. We can ask Him to send out His Light and Truth. And we can trust that the God who sees our discouragement is still able to lift our soul. You may be walking through a difficult season tonight. Your soul may feel heavy. Your prayers may seem unanswered. You may know what the Bible says while still struggling with what you feel. Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 give us a message for moments like these: You may be cast down, but you have not been cast away. You may feel overwhelmed, but you are not outside the reach of God’s lovingkindness. You may be walking through the night, but morning is coming. You may not understand the road, but His light and truth will lead you. Come prepared tonight with your Bible open to Psalm 42 and Psalm 43. My prayer is that God will strengthen discouraged hearts and teach each of us to say with confidence: “Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Can't make it tonight? Watch Live HERE!The Answer for a Discouraged Soul
August 2, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Grandparents Day at Faith Baptist
Some gifts skip a generation. Others are meant to be passed down. On Sunday, September 13, 2026, our whole church family will pause together to give thanks for one of God's most precious gifts, the heritage of faith carried from one generation to the next. The Psalmist wrote, "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4). That is the heartbeat of Grandparents Day at Faith Baptist. Faith is not meant to end with us. It is meant to be spoken, modeled, and handed down. Scripture reminds us how important it is: Proverbs 17:6
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. 2 Timothy 1:5
I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Timothy's faith did not begin with him. It was planted by a grandmother, watered by a mother, and it grew into a life the Lord used greatly. That same kind of legacy is being written in homes across our church family right now, whether through a grandparent who walked faithfully before you, or grandchildren who remind you why it all matters. Join Us This service will be centered around honoring that legacy, with the entire ministry family gathering together to celebrate. When: Sunday, September 13, 2026 What: A ministry-wide service honoring the gift of generational faith Send an Personal Invitation Beginning August 9, 2026, greeting cards will be available in the lobby for you to personalize and send to a grandparent or grandchild. Take some home, write a word of encouragement, and remind them of the faith that connects your generations. Whether your name is on the card as the one who prayed first, or the one still learning to pray, your legacy matters to the Lord, and it matters to us. Download this digital invitation Share with your grandparents or grandchildren!
July 30, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
What Does It Mean to Be a Church Member?
The word "membership" gets used for all kinds of things; gym memberships, subscription memberships. None of those come close to describing what it means to be a member of a local church. Church membership is not a card in your wallet or a name on a roll. It is a covenant commitment, made before God and before a body of believers, to walk together in the work of the gospel. At Faith Baptist Church, we believe church membership is an expression of a Christian's commitment to Christ and to the local church family. It reflects the pattern of the early church, where believers were devoted to one another in a way that went far beyond simply attending the same meeting. Membership is not a formality. It is a meaningful way of living out our faith together. Here is what that commitment looks like. We Commit to Attend Church Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Faithful attendance is not about filling a seat. It is about showing up for one another, being present to encourage, to be encouraged, and to stand together as the day of the Lord draws near. We Commit to Care for One Another 1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Caring for one another is central to what it means to belong to a church family. This kind of care is best built in smaller settings, which is why joining a Bible Study class is such an important step for every member. We Commit to Serve 1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Every member has been given spiritual gifts for the profit of the whole body. Membership is an invitation to use those gifts. During the membership interview, our pastoral staff and deacons are glad to talk through where you might serve and grow. We Commit to a Godly Life 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. We are called to live holy lives, not to earn favor with God, but because we have already been washed, sanctified, and justified. A holy life pleases God, helps our brothers and sisters, and brings honor to Christ. We Commit to Give Malachi 3:10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. II Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. The tithe gives us a starting point rooted in the Old Testament pattern. The New Testament calls us further still; to give cheerfully, generously, and sacrificially, not out of a sense of obligation, but out of love for the Lord. We Commit to Keep the Peace Ephesians 4:2-3
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Members are called to live out the gospel in their relationships with one another, choosing humility and patience over division, and unity over strife. We Commit to Pray Ephesians 6:18-20
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. We hope every member is praying daily for Faith Baptist, and especially for other members and our pastoral staff. One of the best ways to grow in this is to join us for our weekly prayer meeting each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Not a Formality, but a Family Church membership at Faith Baptist is not about adding your name to a list. It is about joining a family, a body of believers who have committed together to attend, to care, to serve, to live godly lives, to give, to honor leadership, to keep peace, and to pray for one another. This is the pattern we see in the early church in the book of Acts, and it is the pattern we want to live out today. Who Can Become a Member? Membership at Faith Baptist is open to anyone who can testify to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Specifically, we ask every prospective member to affirm three things: A clear testimony of salvation - a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ alone, by grace through faith, as the only way of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Believer’s baptism by immersion - having been scripturally baptized by immersion following salvation, in obedience to Christ’s example (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:36-39). If you have not yet been baptized this way, our pastoral staff would love to talk with you about that next step. Agreement with our Statement of Faith - a willingness to affirm what we believe the Bible teaches, as outlined in our church constitution, and to walk in unity with this local body under that agreed understanding of Scripture. Membership is not reserved for the mature believer or the lifelong church attender. It is for anyone the Lord has saved who is ready to commit to walking this road together with this church family. The Process of Membership A) Meet with a Staff Member The first step is simple: reach out to one of our Pastoral Staff. We will schedule a time to sit down together, hear your testimony of salvation, walk through what membership means, and answer any questions you have along the way.Learn more about what we Believe B) Meet with a Deacon Next, you’ll meet with one of our deacons. This conversation continues the process, giving you a chance to talk through your baptism, your walk with the Lord, and where you might serve and grow as part of this church family — and giving our deacons the opportunity to know you and pray for you as you take this step.Learn about our Deacons C) Publicly Join Once these conversations are complete, you’ll be presented to the church family and publicly received into membership — usually during a Sunday service. This is a joyful moment where the whole church gets to welcome you and commit, alongside you, to walk together in the work of the gospel. Interested in becoming a member? We would love to talk with you about taking this next step. Reach out to one of our Pastoral Staff, and we will schedule a time to hear your testimony and walk through what membership means together.Want to Join? Let's Talk!
July 27, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Finding God’s Presence Through Grief
Isaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. There are several words that stick out to me in this passage, the first one is not a word of comfort in the way we might first expect. The word is when. The Lord does not say, “If thou passest through the waters.” He does not offer a conditional promise, reserved only for those who might happen to face hardship. He speaks with certainty. The waters will come. The rivers will rise. The fire will burn. Believers are not exempt from grief and loss; they are a part of life in a world marked by sin. The context of Isaiah 43, God spoke this word to Israel in the hardship of exile, it reveals His character, that He does not abandon His people during trials but walks through it with them, is the same character He shows to every believer today. The Certainty of Grief Scripture never hides this reality from us. Job was a man described by God as perfect and upright, yet was not exempt from devastating loss. Job 14:1
Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, though sinless, was not shielded from grief. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus, entering fully into the sorrow of those He loved. John 11:35
Jesus wept. If the Son of God was not exempt from grief, His people should not expect to either. The promise of Isaiah 43:2 is not that trouble will pass us by, but that when it comes, and it will, we do not face it alone. The Promise of Presence The second word worth noting in Isaiah 43:2 is through. God does not promise a detour around the waters or a shortcut past the fire. He promises to walk with us through them. This is not a passive presence but an active sustaining. The waters do not overflow. The flame does not kindle. Something is preserved in the midst of the trial, and that something is the soul of the believer, held fast by the hand of God. The psalmist understood this same truth when he wrote of walking through the darkest valley: Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Notice again the word through. Not around. Not stuck within. Through. The valley has an end, and the Shepherd walks every step beside His sheep. A Present Help The Lord does not offer His presence only in joyful seasons. He identifies Himself as a refuge specifically during times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. For the believer walking through grief today, whether from the loss of a loved one, the weight of a difficult situation, or sorrow that has no easy explanation, this promise stands firm. The waters have not overtaken you.
The fire has not consumed you. The Lord who spoke this word to Israel is the same Lord who still upholds us now. A Place to Walk Through It Together Grief was never meant to be carried in isolation. Starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026, we will be launching a GriefShare ministry, a place where those walking through loss can find fellowship with others who understand, along with the steady hope found only in God’s Word.Learn more about GriefShare
Copyright Faith Baptist Church 2026