9.29.26
Hello, Beloved.
If we closed our doors tomorrow, what would our community miss? It’s not a question I enjoy thinking about, but it can be valuable because it motivates us to reflect on our God-given assignment and purpose in the lives of people and our community. Would people miss a building, or a Sunday event, or a few familiar faces? Or would they lose something they did not know they needed?
After 36 years of following Jesus, I have had to ask myself some honest questions. “Has what was once sacred become familiar? Have unanswered prayers and disappointments with the church made me cynical about the people Jesus loves? Do I still believe in the church, or is this just a job?” The answer is yes: I believe in His church because Jesus said, "I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).
Here is why I keep pressing on this. As your pastor, part of my role and calling is to preach the gospel of the Kingdom and teach the whole counsel of God's Word. Helping us understand biblical ecclesiology, the study of what the church is and how it functions, is essential. What we believe about the church influences how we show up as the church, what we expect, and how we partner with God in His building of the church. If we get it wrong, we may limit our understanding of the church to simply a service we attend, a social club, or just another organization to help lift others in times of need. If we get it right, we will live as a people, gathered by God, to God, for one another and the world. We will live as God’s redeemed people. We will grow and mature by the fact that we are the living, breathing body of Christ, filled with His Spirit, empowered to be His ambassadors, and remain faithful to Him and His church even when our witness is mocked, dismissed, misunderstood, or persecuted.
Every word is important when Jesus said, "I will build my church."
His commitment: I will.
His work: build.
His Lordship/ownership: my.
His people: church.
The church is not our invention to improve for our tastes and traditions. It belongs to Him. He is its head, He loves it, and He gave Himself for it.
So why does the church matter? Because God chose a people to reveal and reflect His good and loving character and nature and share in His empowered work. Christ's victory at the cross is decisive, even though we live between the cross and His second coming. And in that in-between space, we are sent to the world, and the church is the people through whom Jesus makes His restoration of all things visible.
The Lord and His peace be with you and those you love!
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience God, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others.)
SUNDAY SERVICE:
CHURCH: People. Purpose. Participation, Part 2 — Entire Service or Teaching Only
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Click here to learn more about Greater Things (our accelerated mortgage elimination commitment) and participate.
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed: $21,500)
September 6:$23,496.61
September 13: $21,024.49
September 20: $22,411.84
September 27: $12,245.59
Greater Things YTD 2026: $62,529.54
Current Mortgage Balance: $239,585.89
Take care and stay hopeful. We can’t wait to see you soon.
Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com