20^th Anniversary

The Best is Yet to Come!

It’s hard for me to believe that 20 years ago this month, I left the Navy so Beth and I could move back home and begin Rock Bridge Community Church! We believed then—like we do now—that the local church IS the hope of the world! Why? Because we steward the Gospel message, represent Christ, and seek His Kingdom.

As we move toward this 20-year milestone, we believe this season should be more about the future than the past … that while we can and must thank God for what He has done, we know that He is not done with Rock Bridge! Rather than a season marked by reflection and nostalgia, we are praying this is a season of renewal and moving forward in fresh faith AND fresh power from God.

For this season (and God-willing, the favor and momentum that comes from it), we would aspire to the following:

• For a greater passion for the glory of God (Isaiah 26:8);
• For a fervent and fresh seeking of God (Psalm 105:3-4; Matthew 6:33);
• For the Holy Spirit to rest on us … to be at home in us … to work through us (Luke 11:13; 1 Corinthians 3:16);
• For a greater commitment to grow as disciples and followers of King Jesus (I Thess. 4:1);
• For salvations & conversions, for prodigals to return and for the disconnected to connect … and for us to have a holy burden for people far from God (Luke 19:10; Romans 9:1-3).

So here’s the gameplan for our 20 Year Anniversary as we aspire to all of the above.

• Wednesday’s at 6:33 pm: Fasting & Prayer → Seeking God …
  • Starting with First Wednesday in August (8/3) and going through First Wednesday in September (9/7), we will have six weekly worship & prayer services. Each will have a slightly different focus and theme.
  • Matthew 6:33 is our theme verse
  • We’ll encourage Rock Bridgers to fast from something each Wednesday and end that fast when we observe the Lord’s Supper together each Wednesday night
  • We’ll also have a Prayer Guide and encourage participation in the prayer text that is sent out each day. Text RBPRAYS to (888-744-0761) to receive it.
• The Word of God: a new series going through all of First Corinthians
  • Part of any spiritual renewal is a fresh commitment to God’s Word. We’ll kick-off a new series, “Ripple Effect”, on August 4^th (RB PM) and Sunday, August 7^th.
  • The structure, topics, and truth of 1 Corinthians will set the agenda as we walk through this incredibly relevant book for our times.
  • This will be the longest series I have ever preached as we submit ourselves afresh to the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word!
• Serve the City: living sent in the communities where we live
  • Dates and projects to bless our communities will be in September
• Anniversary Weekend on September 8^th & 11^th: INVITE A FRIEND!
  • Rock Bridge began the Sunday after Labor Day in 2002 so we’ll use this date as a time to encourage all Rock Bridgers to bring a guest to one of our services.
• All In: a revamped membership process to encourage spiritual growth as we love God, love others, and live sent as followers of Jesus

So would you please begin praying NOW for this season. Pray personally and pray corporately for renewal. Let’s sit on the edge of our seats for what God will do next …

Gracious God, we need your wisdom, favor, grace, and Holy Spirit for what comes next. We are grateful for the past as it reflects what only You could have done. Praise You!

Grant that Rock Bridge Community Church would also be a Christ-exalting, Gospel-centered, Spirit-empowered, Word-saturated, missions-mobilizing, soul-winning, praying, humble, loving church.

Inflame our hearts with a passion and zeal for Your glory.

Give us ears to hear Your authoritative Word correctly and apply it obediently.

Bless our communities through our good deeds.

Bring more people into Your forever family and eternal Kingdom through our witness.

Protect us and awaken us from lukewarmness, complacency, fear, and doubt.

Let Your truth hold sway and Your strength be ours for Your grace is sufficient.

O Lord of power, mercy, and grace,

The cattle on a thousand hills are Yours, all hearts are in Your hands, and all events are at Your disposal … let this 20 Year Anniversary be a season of renewal, of fresh wind, of new wine, and of new power … please set the seal of Your Spirit on Rock Bridge Community Church.

AMEN