Sunday Night, September 28th, 2014
Today was just unbelievable.
Having the privilege of seeing 21 people make “their 1st step their NEXT step” through baptism has just blown my mind. Our church has been praying throughout the month of September for our “2″ people that need Jesus. #2for21 What we have seen is nothing short of miraculous. My mind is racing… my heart is full… and I am so proud of all of the people who make Vertical Church, “vertical”. From the parking lot to the stage and everything in between,
YOU ARE HELPING PEOPLE WHO DON’T LIKE CHURCH MEET GOD!
Let me take a moment to reiterate a few things that I shared with our church today (and repeat a few things I said to you after last Sunday):
- You are responsible. If you have a friend that you brought to Vertical the last few weeks who met Jesus they need you to be there for them. Help them grow in their faith. Make sure they are going through the “Now What?” 7 day booklet they received when they were baptized. Do it with them if it would be helpful. You brought them to this point, you are responsible that they continue to take next steps.
- Make sure they have a Bible and a reading plan. Of course they can download the bible app on their phones ** And I would encourage them to download it if they don’t have it and teach them how to use it well ** but there is something about having that physical copy. If they did not get a “Now What?” book, or a bible, or a reading plan you can stop by Vertical Headquarters and get any or all of them for them.
- Get them to Vertical this Sunday!! We are beginning our new series, “Altar Ego”, where we will learn become the person God says that we are. One of the best practices for a new believer is CONSISTENT CHURCH ATTENDANCE (Heb 10:25). They need to meet people, learn to worship, hear God’s teaching and be in the presence of the Lord. I promise: this weekend will be helpful.
- Encourage them to share that they met Jesus with someone. A co-worker, family member, neighbor. The best thing that we can help new believers to do is to share their decision to follow Jesus with someone. I saw some posting it on Facebook last night – the responses to them were SO encouraging. Remember “Foolish Encouragement”? You are Barnabas!
I am so thankful for God’s blessing on our church. Remember friends, this is not normal. May we NEVER take it for granted.