The Lamp Post

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What?  Last Sunday we proposed a merger between FBC and HCC!  The official proposal is: "To merge Haverhill Community Church, with all of her staff, members, assets and liabilities with First Baptist Church with all of her staff, members, assets and liabilities into one united church.”  Both congregations will vote on it come this May!

How?  In addition to a united membership, we would welcome their two pastors: Dave Herring as Pastor of Systemsand Structure and Mike Sperring as Pastor of Worship and Care.  I would continue on as Pastor of Vision and Preaching.  
Why?  With a combined staff, membership, and resources, we hope God will enable us to reach Haverhill more effectively with the gospel of Christ.  This was an amazing kingdom opportunity, that we just felt like we couldn't pass over.  It was born out of much prayer, conversation, and listening to Scripture.  God is doing something good for His Name here in Haverhill!  Bring it on Lord!



Update:

Why are you a Christian?  It seems as if people give one of four answers to that question:

A. Evidence - You were convinced by the evidence for God, particularly the evidence of intelligent design and the evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus

B. Experience - Your personal subjective experiences led you into believing that Christianity is true.

C. Relationships - Someone you know demonstrated Christ-likeness to you and was so influential over your life that you came to faith in Christ yourself.

D. Scripture - You started reading the Bible and you were convinced that it is the Word of God.

Each one standing alone has its weaknesses.  If your faith is based on evidence alone, what happens when some seemingly novel piece of evidence comes along that makes you question your faith?  If it is based on your experiences, what happens when you have some other experiences that seem to point in another direction?  What happens when you begin a relationship with an atheist or a Muslim who seems c…