A Letter to SBCAC

To my brethren in Christ at the local assembly in Carson (soon to be Long Beach),

First of all, I want to express how much I have been blessed by your acceptance of me and all my faults. I haven't been the best intern, I've biffed many a sermon, and I know that I've offended quite a few of you unknowingly. Yet, despite my shortcomings, you have been so gracious in allowing me to serve alongside you at this local church; and for that I am grateful.

The church is in the middle of some exciting times, and I am truly excited. Who knows what the Lord has in store for us at Long Beach. Things like new ministry or new members are just a couple of possibilities that the Lord may grant us in the future. Even the thoughts of a future Bible school makes me eager to finish seminary faster. And I would be lying to you if the whole "mega-church" mindset wasn't popping in every once and while (I know, it's sinful. j/k). But it is clear, excitement is in the air at SBCAC and we are all intoxicated by its joyful aroma.

Yes, the excitement over the possibilities is a good thing, but I pray that our minds would stay sober in the midst of this celebration. May we never forget who exactly gave us this reason to celebrate. Christ has granted us every good gift, and this new location is a very good gift. But let us take heed to brother Job as he reminded us that the one who gave bountifully also reserves the right to take away as He sees fit. We also must listen to the Apostle Paul who encouraged us to be content in all things and in every circumstance.

It is very possible for our congregation to blow up into the triple digits. It is also possible for us to lose all the people that we have gained since December. And it is also possible for us to stay exactly the same until the Lord's return. Anything can happen. We don't know what will happen! But one thing we do know: if we are content in all things and in the steadfastness of Jesus Christ, numbers and results won't be the foundation of our joy in life and our drive to serve; Christ will be.

In all the joy, we have to remember that there is work to be done. It's a bitter-sweet moment for us as a church because, amidst the celebration, there are so many that are hurting within our walls. Broken families and sin-strugglers are rampant within the body and it breaks my heart because they are those who are ONE with us in Christ. When they hurt, then we hurt as well.

We are not a perfect church yet God is blessing us. We are seasoned sinners, yet God is still using us. Brethren of SBCAC, let's be excited over this new chapter of church history. But when the excitement ends and depression is fighting to take over, remember that ministry is worth the struggle to the very end.

It's worth it to get that crown. It's worth it to see your brother restored. It's worth it to please God when nobody else wants to.

So I end with this encouragement. Endure and keep serving our brethren selflessly. And, together, in our service and our evangelism, we shall upset the world with the Gospel.