To The Church That Raised Me

Dear Faith Community Church,

Church is not just a building. Church is not a social club. Church is a community, centered around Christ. You, Faith Community – leaders and members alike – have been for me a family deeper than blood. For 24 years you have taught me the truth, trained me for ministry, and been the loving family of God for me. You have shaped me to be who I am today, and I am so grateful for how you have poured into me.

You have taught me the truth. My theological roots and foundations were laid by this church. I have learned along the way from dozens of Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, and pastors who have faithfully taught the truth, centered on Christ and the gospel. While Bible college filled in some of the details for me, the overall shape and outline of understanding of Scripture was formed by the teaching of Faith Community Church. I clearly remember being taught how to study the Bible in 5^th grade. I remember specific details from sermon series over the years, and phrases like “hesed,” “chiasm,” and “hyperexaltation” that I learned from these sermons. Week after week, I have been fed with solid, Christ-centered teaching. What a blessing!

You have shown and taught me how to live the gospel in ministry. First, through the missionaries this church has always faithfully supported. Their example has had a profound impact on my life. Second, you have given me countless opportunities to learn how to do ministry as I have served alongside so many of you – from being a student helper in fifth grade, to teaching my own Sunday School class, to directing a Christmas program, to serving on the GO Team. You have chosen not to look down on me because of my youth, but instead to entrust ministry opportunities to me. And, finally, you have supported me in each of my short-term missionary endeavors, coming alongside me in prayer in and financially, eager to see how God would shape me through these service opportunities. What I have learned about ministry, I have learned from serving alongside you, Faith Community.

You have taught me how to love the family of God. Church family took care of us as kids when younger siblings were born. Church family loved us when our grandma passed away. Church family showed up in the rain the night our family got into a car accident. I have seen you rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Faith Community has always been a church that is ready and eager to meet a need. Whether that’s a meal, a ride, a trip to the grocery store, or moving assistance, this church jumps to meet a need. I have learned what it looks like on a practical level to care for one another like family.

Now, I am looking ahead. I’m about to embark on a new season of ministry, planting myself in a new church family in Oregon. I will take a piece of Faith Community Church with me. You have nurtured me and shaped me. My theology, my ministry, and my vision for loving the family of God will be forever impacted by the things I learned here at Faith Community Church.

I am so grateful for you, Faith Community. I pray that you would continue to teach the truth. Proclaim Christ in all areas of ministry (1 Corinthians 2:2). Don’t be tossed to and fro by the world’s philosophies (Ephesians 4:14). Continue to be a pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). I pray that you would continue to model ministry well and train the next generation of leaders and Sunday school teachers and pastors and elders (2 Timothy 2:2). And I pray that you would continue to love the family of God. Continue to be eager to meet needs and to love extravagantly (Galatians 6:10). As Paul encourages the Thessalonian church, I encourage you to “do this more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12).

Thank you, Faith Community Church, for modeling these things and being God’s instrument to nurture them in my life.

Grace and Peace to you,

Bethany