I have a concern that this series will offend area ministries two different ways.

The first is that I will offend because of misunderstanding. This series is not to slam local churches. It is to celebrate them and the diversity we all bring to the table. We can’t be diverse if we are all the same. When I say I don’t want The ROCK to be ____________ church, it is not an insult. If you are named in the series, it is because I have a deep respect for what you are doing in our city.

The second way this series may offend is by omission. If I don’t name your church, does it mean I don’t think you are making an impact? NOOO! There are many great churches going big for God. However, I will only highlight a few of the churches that I know what you are doing in our city to make God’s name great.

Today’s churches that I don’t want to be are First Baptist and Lifepoint.

Dr. Mike Queen and the team over at First Baptist will forever be close to our hearts. When our church burned in October 2000, Dr. Queen and his amazing church made their activity center available to us to meet. They were an amazing blessing to our church. Even though our churches are very different, they reached out to us in our time of need.

First Baptist Church was organized some time prior to October 1, 1808 and has a rich heritage in our city. One of the great things about First Baptist is that they do not stand on the merits of their history. They are making a significant impact in downtown Wilmington and many people are coming to know Christ through their ministry. I am proud to serve in the same city as First Baptist, but God didn’t call us to be First Baptist, He called them. I want our city to know that The ROCK loves First Baptist Church.

Do you want to know one of the reasons I don’t want to be Lifepoint Church? Here it is… they’re still portable. We have been portable twice in the history of our church and both times were by God’s direction and provisions. But, it is nice to be able to come in on Sunday mornings and just turn lights on.

Want to know one of the main reasons I love Lifepoint? The people. Jeff, Daryl, Drew, Dave, Tiffany and Brad are incredible. Their church is growing like crazy because they are crazy about God and their heart burns for this city. Jeff and his team are willing to take tremendous risks for God.

I am praying for God to bless them with their own building, more financial resources than they know what to do with and growth beyond what they have dreamed. God did not call Jeff and Daryl to Wilmington to plant a southern campus for The ROCK. He burned a vision for Lifepoint.

The ROCK is strengthened because of First Baptist and Lifepoint. God, thank you for letting me serve in the same city with these churches!