GOD’S CHURCH…ONE BODY...MANY PARTS!!!

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV). Everyday is a new day that is filled with many new experiences and new challenges for everyone. In any situation, I can reflect on the saying that what you “ARE” determines what you “SEE” and what you “SEE” determines what you “DO!” First of all, I give thanks and praise to God for you, the members of The First Baptist Church Family of Junction City, for allowing me to serve as your official pastor after serving as your Interim Pastor for over a year and a half. You have truly been a blessing from the Lord! Leadership in God’s Kingdom is different from leadership in the world. Therefore, I am humbled to say that this is a great godly honor bestowed upon me that I cannot and will not take lightly. We praise God for equipping each of us with gifts and talents to serve Christ, each other, and others in His world. Also, I do believe that each of you have received spiritual knowledge of how much I enjoy ministry,  pastoral care, and ministering to this congregation. Since that first day in August 2005, when you opened your church, hearts, and homes to receive me, I have truly been blessed to be here as a member in the family of God and in this great community. “And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22 NIV).

I am very excited about where God will lead us as one in the body of Christ in the years to come, with emphasis on continued growth as a healthy Christian church by “Fulfilling His Great Commission in Unity.” As baptized believers in Christ and according to the Gospel’s instructions, I see my responsibility to God as a “F.A.T.” (Faithful, Available, and Teachable) Christian Minister. Therefore, I see my pastoral duties as revealed in the following Scriptures:  #1>To administer the ordinances (Matthew 28:19-20);  #2>To be a man of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1);   #3>To warn the flock (1 Timothy 4:1,6);  #4>To study the word (2 Timothy 2:15);  #5>To preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2 and Acts 6:2-4);  #6>To exhort and rebuke (1 Thessalonians 5:12 and Titus 2:15);  #7>To watch over souls, my own, and those of the membership (Acts 20:28-31; Colossians 4:17; 1 Timothy 6:11; Hebrews 13:17);  #8>To feed and lead the flock (Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2);  #9>To be an example to all (1 Corinthians 11:1;  Philippians 3:17;  2 Thessalonians 3:9;  1 Timothy 4:12;  Hebrews 13:7;  1 Peter 5:3);  #10>To be a good leader (Jeremiah 23:1- . Let us continue to pray daily for God to bless our church as we seek His loving guidance. God lives in His church and in His body of believers. In Christ Jesus, we are part of His family as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His  incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19 NIV).  God is preparing us for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

I am thankful to God for everything…and for His laying upon the hearts of everyone involved on every level with granting me the privilege to serve as the “under-shepherd” of His church body. Prayer and praise is an important part of our church worship and ministries. Luke’s Gospel has been called a Gospel of prayer, showing us how Jesus prayed. He shares information on Jesus’ prayer life and His life-changing teachings concerning prayer. The church has been described in many ways (Acts 2:42). We should be obedient followers of Jesus Christ and devoted to the apostles’ teachings, to the fellowship of believers in Christ, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer as vital signs of a healthy church. I give thanks to God for the church memberships’ faithful Christian service through their dedication, determination, and discipline with a passion for prayer and a heart for serving others. I am ready to serve with much love, joy, and hope for a most rewarding experience. Please continue to pray for God’s strength and encouragement for me and for all pastors in His work. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and I thank Him for the gift of grace. With thanks to all of the membership: “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:1-3 NIV). Amen!

JAMES H. CALLAWAY, PASTOR