The Lord has been moving mightily the past year in the life of His church here at Stonebridge! We have seen the Lord save the lost, grow the saved, transform lives, produce a growing love and unity that glorifies Him, open doors to minister to people groups in our communities, and we have seen the Lord draw seekers and people hungry for the Word of God to our campus. 

We are seeing families and children and youth and young adults and different people groups all connect with our church, and, we are seeing people growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is nothing short of beautiful and stunning to see!

All of this is very humbling because all of this is God's Gracious Hand on us. We cannot take credit for anything He is doing. It is all Him, and that is the way it should be. I am thankful for all that God has done and is doing. I am thankful for this church family, brothers and sisters who are learning to love well, who are committed to the authority of God's Word, to the timeless Truth of Scripture, and, to being on mission for Him in the communities, and the world. 

This past Sunday, we unanimously voted to move forward with an architect from the state convention who will develop a long-term facility usage plan for the church. We have had good 'problems' on Sundays, namely, there is no space. We are making some temporary adjustments that will help alleviate that situation, but we realize that we are at the point now where we must expand and look at our options so we can best equip the people God has brought to us, and, best minister to our growing community. 

As we move forward in faith, the trustees and church leadership will continue to keep the congregation informed and involved in the process. We are a body of believers, and this process will involve all of us. We must stay in prayer, and, we must stay focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, and, stay rooted in His Word as we continue to move forward. 

It is important to reiterate a few things you've heard several times as we do move forward. We have no desire to become a 'mega church.' We are not concerned with creating a 'brand,' or any such thing. Our commitment is to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, to the authority of His Word, the primacy of prayer, being on mission in our communities and the world and equipping the saints. These are non-negotiables. We will not compromise to 'draw more people.' 

We believe that the maximum size we are to grow is around 500. That will allow us to do certain things in ministry to minister to more people, but, it is difficult to effectively shepherd more than 500 people, so, we will be committed long-term, at that point ,to starting more churches and possible satellite campuses. We are not here to be a church that 'attracts spiritual consumerism,' rather, we want to be a church that glorifies God and grows mature followers of Jesus Christ. 

We have much ahead. We have much to look forward to, and, there will be times of testing and trials. Our confidence is not in ourselves or our abilities, but in Christ and Christ alone. 

Let us stay in prayer and in the grace He provides, run the race well that is set before us! What an amazing Lord we serve!

I am thankful to be your pastor and your brother in Christ!

Grace to you,

Pastor Kevin