Throughout our anniversary celebration, I’ve been consumed with this thought; we are the inheritors and guardians of this 50-year legacy. It is a legacy built on vision, sacrifice, and bold, audacious faith. It’s a vision daring enough to dream of a building that accommodates three times the immediate need of our founding families. It’s an audacity to say a sacrificial yes to God to build in the midst of the severe economic recession of the Carter years. It’s the kind of faith in God’s word that refuses to falter, creating conditions for miracles! All that we are blessed with now was completed debt free as God moved on hearts and radical vision, generosity, and obedience was displayed. Now the weight of this legacy rests upon us! It is our duty to not just to preserve it, but to advance it and expand it.
This moment of duty is articulated in the vision to Build the Future which began as a seed planted in the heart of our congregation nearly 20 years ago. Then our children’s ministry was flourishing and we rightly decided to prioritize our kids making the decision to move them to a safer and more conducive space in the annex. But in doing so, our youth and college ministries were “temporarily” relocated to the gym. We knew we would need to build a ministry space for them to call their own. We compiled ideas and up plans but never felt the release to begin.
When the hospitality room was completed in early 2020, we asked a pivotal question: “What’s the next big thing God is calling us to do?” The church family responded. The answer was unmistakable. A compelling unity of replies led us to conclude that it was time to see the fruit of that seed for a next generation ministry facility to come forth. Much like the children of Israel in Egypt, the gym has been an incubator for growth and a place of multiplication. Yet, just as the Israel’s time in Egypt came to an end, it’s now time for our next generation ministries to step into a place of their own.
With much prayer and seeking the face of the Lord, our staff, elders, and deacons recognized the leading of the Holy Spirit. We embraced the opportunity to once again carry that mantle of courage, vision and audacious faith. We are believing to start this project spring 2025. You can see the plans at www.newlifepetersburg.com/about/build-the-future
Whether you’ve been at New Life Church for five decades or you’ve just joined our family, the call is the same. We are charged with carrying the Kingdom forward, expanding its impact, and ensuring that this church thrives to make and mature disciples for the next 50 years and beyond. Rarely in life are we given the honor to be part of something so monumental! This is our moment. Our mission. Our privilege.
But what can I do?” you may wonder. The answer is simple and powerful.
First, will you join us in prayer? We are stepping out in faith, needing $1.5 million for phase one and another $1.5 million for phase two. We believe God will provide all we need as we walk in obedience. Will you pray with us, asking God to meet every need as we follow His lead?
Second, will you seek how God is calling you to give with gratefulness and generosity? Radical generosity is not about the size of the gift, but the size of the obedience behind it. God used the widow’s mite. He multiplied the loaves and fishes. And He still works through obedience today. Will you pray about how you can give to Build the Future, and then act in obedience? Sunday, November 24, will be our Give with Gratefulness Sunday. We will come together to express our obedient hearts with grateful action during the service.
Third, will you prepare to offer your time and talents? We are blessed to have Dave Dixon as our general contractor. He will work to see the vision of the church become a reality ensuring we are wise stewards of God’s resources. We know much of the resources God has provided is resident within the talents and gifts of our church family. We will soon call upon plumbers, electricians, painters, and all those willing to lend a hand—from sweeping floors to attaching fixtures. Will you be ready to answer that call when the time comes? Let’s serve together for the generations to come!