What were you doing three years ago? Many of our current members weren’t around here three years ago, which is great in that we have lots of new folks. What’s not so great is that a number of members from 2006 have moved on. But, the main point to this post (for those who were here and those who weren’t) is that it was three years ago on March 16 that we formally implemented our constitution and elder leadership. We did not cross into some “promised land” when that happened, but we did enter a period of sustained spiritual growth and health for the church. With thanks to all those who shouldered the load with us, with thanks to all who have joined our band, and with all the glory to our Father . . .

I would like to point your attention to a series of blog posts over at 9Marks by our former Greg Gilbert entitled “Church Reform When You’re Not The Pastor“.  If you’ve been a member of this church for some time, some of these posts will bring back memories of former days here at 3ABC.  It’s been good to reflect on how these principles and practices proved true in the life of 3ABC.  But all-in-all it’s been God’s grace to see that 3ABC should prosper through a difficult reform.

I wanted to make an announcement about a special Third in Five session that’s going to be offered this Friday evening, 22nd, beginning at 6pm at the church. (Parking is available behind the church and enter through the backdoor.  We will also offer childcare and Starbucks Coffee.)  In this session, we are going to cover all three of the five required membership courses for those interested in joining in September.  Even if you aren’t interested in joining in Sept. but are wanting to know more about us then I would encourage you to come.  We will be discussing our Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, and answer the question “Why Join a Church?”. 

Third Avenue Baptist Church is now offering a pastors in training program called The PIT. The elders are very excited about this program. Please check out The PIT web page for details.

Last week I mentioned a new blog series of elder e-interviews. Here’s the introduction. This first interview is with Aaron Menikoff on “Aspiring Pastors and the Pursuit of a Ph.D”. (You will be able to find permanent links to these on our elders page.) So without further adieu…

The need or lack thereof for church “vision” statements has the potential for being a controversial topic. I’ll confess that I’m a bit allergic to them myself. You’ll be hard pressed to find one on our website and I think I would have difficulty articulating one. What I can point to is our governing documents, particularly our Church Covenant. We remind ourselves of it on first Sunday of every month before taking the Lord’s Supper. Our “vision”, therefore, is to live in accordance with the articles of that covenant.