A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
What’s happening at The Rock?
This question has been asked over and over as people are noticing activity around The Rock Church building. The answer is that God is doing something at The Rock, and we get to be a part of it. The story will take more space than I have here, but I will do my best to hit the highlights.
Late last year the saints at The Rock contacted me asking for help. Our conversation did not begin or end with that one meeting. We have been talking for years about how churches in our association exist to glorify God by working together for His kingdom. To that end, I assured the members of The Rock that Centennial would help. My first step was to contact pastors who had expressed a desire to help hurting churches. The discussions began, and in May we all met together with Bob Bickford who was here to lead us at Elevate. The results of that meeting were some clear steps forward regarding what it looks like to replant a church.
The Rock suspended services and voted to allow a board of elders made up of pastors from Centennial to make day-to-day decisions. That included everything from cutting the grass to hiring a new pastor. I am extremely thankful for the courageous step these dear saints made in placing their faith in us and in the Lord to guide us. They have entrusted us with their history and their future, and we do not take that lightly.
In June the Lord sent us a team of 45 people from North Highlands Baptist Church (Hueytown, Alabama) to help renovate the church. The following week, the students at EQUIP Missions painted, cleaned, and installed carpet. We are still working on getting the work done, but it has been a blessing to see God pull people together.
As you read in the last newsletter Wesley Lassiter is the new pastor of The Rock Church. Marty Gilow will lead worship. Some of our churches have committed to sending members and funds to support this work. The Georgia Baptist Mission Board is also partnering with us to provide some funding. The core group comprised of the existing church members and some new families will begin meeting this week. We plan to begin worshipping together in September, with a goal to launch in January.
Although we probably won’t have everything quite ready for the public, we have made plans for The Rock Church to host our CBA Annual Fall Meeting on October 22. Come and hear more of this story and see how your church can pray with us. The Fall Meeting is always a great time to hear how God has worked through the churches of the Centennial Association. As always, let us know how we can be a part of what God is doing in your church.
