First Baptist Church of Whiteville

CHURCH

On Sunday morning we were able to experience Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Whiteville.  Fred, a retired army chaplain and pastor spoke to the mission group.  He spoke of wisdom vs. knowledge and shared his own experience as he gathered army men from all different denominations together in a united service under the same God with the same goals of Christlike love.  He has come to the understanding as a baptist that all people who strive to follow Christ are united.  Each group may have their own traditions, specific rituals or doctrines, but all are united in the same Christlike purpose of love.  

After Fred’s sunday school message, we went into the sanctuary to hear from Pastor Ryan, the pastor at the church.  It was a service similar to a presbeterian church we attended downtown Fort Wayne.  There was a childrens’ ministry up at the front, 2 little babies were all dressed up in their blessing outfits and were dedicated to the Lord during the service.  There were Christmas hymns and organ music, and very friendly families greeting us and thanking us for joining with them this day.

Pastor Ryan’s message was also very inspiring.  He spoke of a worldwide and church wide lack of trust and faith in leadership and organization, that churches are losing sight of Christ.  When he spoke of “the church” I realized he was referring to all followers of Christ in every denomination.  He did not single out baptists as “the church,” but referred to all denominations as included in “the church.”  That was fascinating.  He made an analogy of an Amber Alert.  When there is an amber alert and we hear it on our phone, we stop, read it, and have an emotional moment of wonder and fear and sadness.  When Jesus was lost from his parents, they experienced the same feelings.  When we lose Christ from our life we also experience those feelings.  So we must always be seeking Him, keeping Him close, and following His example.  It was a wonderful message to lead into 2019.