Our Blog

Worship - August 2019

Church Family,

This month, I want to leave you with an article written by a man named David Santistevan, who serves as the Worship Pastor at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh. In his article, he writes about the importance of corporate worship, and why we all need the Church. I would invite you to read this article, and to consider the role of corporate   worship in your own life. We all need the Church! Here is his article:

“More than a few times I’ve heard from people who don’t care to attend church because they can have their “time with Jesus” at home. There’s nothing wrong with “Jesus time” at home. But if it’s a replacement for the gathered singing of the people of God, it is a problem. And I don’t think Jesus would be happy with your decision.

But let’s be honest. Sometimes connecting with God is a challenge in church. Sure, it’s amazing when you’re in a room full of passionate people pursuing an all-glorious Savior. But there’s something beautiful and necessary about the mess of your church on Sunday. It’s awkward. It’s inconvenient. And it’s beautiful.

Of course, it doesn’t look like a Casting Crowns tour. Your band isn’t that good. Your production isn’t that good. Your budget isn’t that big. But do you know what makes the CHURCH impressive? It’s not necessarily the creativity and production. It’s the fact that we are the BRIDE of Jesus – the inheritance of an all glorious, Savior. We are misfits from many walks of life gathered under ONE NAME. We are sinners who’ve screwed up our lives, gathered under ONE CROSS where there is mercy. We are orphans embraced under ONE FATHER, now called sons and daughters.

We are the large, we are the small. We are the rich, we are the poor. We are the smart, we are the uneducated. We are the talented, we are the glossed over. We are the brilliant, we are the broken. We are the church.

And we need your voice in the corporate gathering. And you need that beautiful distraction in your life. It’s a fairy tale to only listen to Bethel records in the comfort of your home. Whether you like the songs or enjoy your band or not, you need Church. And the Church needs you.”

If you would like to read more from this author, visit www.beyondsundayworship.com. See you Sunday!

In Christ,
Jared

Spiritual Development - August 2019

Dear Church Family,

As I’m writing this article I’m sitting in O’Hare International Airport in Chicago waiting at the gate for our flight to Tokyo. We’re both so excited for this amazing opportunity to go and participate in the work that God is already doing in Japan through the efforts of faithful pastors, church leaders, and missionaries.

One thing that has been weighing on me as I have been preparing for this trip is that no matter how much time we spend preparing for something that God is calling us to do, we will  never eliminate the need for faithful trust in Him. It is true that whatever God calls you to do He will provide what is necessary in order to complete it to His satisfaction. But even in knowing that I still feel so inadequate for this trip. I’ve spent countless hours researching Japanese culture by reading books, blogs, and articles. I’ve watched many videos of people talking about life in Japan. I’ve talked with people who have lived in Tokyo. I’ve even examined how to effectively share the gospel in the cultural context of Japan. But all of these things haven’t been enough to take away the fear and anxiety that are present within me. That’s because God does not ultimately want us to be knowledgeable above everything else. He wants people full of faith in Him. So please pray for me that I would be trusting in the power, the grace, and the love of God as I attempt to winsomely share the Good News with those who we are going to meet.

God is calling for all of us to trust Him in this way. And not just in the explicitly spiritual parts of our lives, like going on mission trips. No, He wants us to trust Him in all areas of our lives. Whether we find ourselves getting up on Monday to the same routine as the last week, or if we find ourselves sitting at an airport gate getting ready to embark on a new adventure, God’s power is sufficient to meet our needs each day, His grace is sufficient to see us through challenges and difficulties, and his love for His children will never fade. God is so good to you and to me.

Another sweet blessing that the Lord has graced me with on this trip is the presence of my wife, Melissa. In many ways, I look to her as an example for my faith, namely for her passion for sharing the gospel with others, her desire for  personal holiness, and her tender heart for those who are in need. God surely equips every believer individually with the gospel and the ability to make disciples, but its so much better to do it with someone else by your side. We need our brothers and sisters in Christ. They encourage us when we are tempted to despair, they help bear the burdens of ministry and everyday life, and they compensate their strength for our weaknesses. I’m happy that I have the opportunity to share this trip with Melissa, not only because she’s my best friend, but also because I know that God will use her to help the  mission of our trip be successful.

I could keep going, but it’s about time to go. By the time you read this we may be back. But please know that without your prayer and support up until this point, we would not have been able to be here sitting with the assurance that our church family loves us. We are so happy that you value sending people to share the gospel with others who otherwise might not have an opportunity to hear it. We hope to honor the Lord in our efforts and bring back news of how the Lord is working on the other side of the world.

We love you and thank God for you,
Nick and Melissa Scott