Despite the rumor that we were no longer meeting, we celebrated one year of worship together. A part of me wanted to preach a typical message that was about high numbers and all the bragging rights that many new churches (especially splits) have. We didn’t split. I didn’t try to steal anyone from another church. I have actually tried to discourage people from coming if I knew they were looking for a particular church model. I would rather have a small, unified group than a bunch of people that had some pot-stirrers in the mix who were set out to sabotage what God laid out for the ministry. I tell people that if they want a traditional model church with committees, business meetings, and voting privileges from the type of toilet paper (1 ply or 2) to whether a church should have playground equipment for children, there are plenty in the county that fit the bill but we are not one of them. I am kind and gracious, but I want us to be focused and intentional.
Today was different. We had a live musician for the first time since last February. We had one of our highest attendance numbers which included one family who was there for the first time. I preached a message that was gospel-centered and brought us back to our initial vision which has not changed. Naturally, we celebrated with a meal afterward and it was great to look around the room and see what God is doing.
While we have not had any significant growth within the last year, I have learned a lot. My resolve is still the same. I have not wavered. I was thinking about what I prayed in the months leading up to our first Sunday as I was trying to discern if this is what God wanted. I said, “God, I don’t want to build a fly-by-night organization that draws a large people initially and dwindles immediately. I want You to slowly build a healthy body of believers that will last and something that will outlast me.” God is doing that.
Many of you have been very encouraging in this last year. I can’t thank you enough. Your prayers and words of encouragement mean a lot. Please keep praying and join me in believing that God will make a mighty army of disciples in Oconee County, South Carolina that will spread the gospel around the world.
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
Congratulations on one year
Thank you! God is so good!
All the time
I believe that it’s great that y’all are small. That’s the best ain’t it? I mean when numbers grow, the ability for all in the ekklesia to really minister to one another has to diminish proportionally doesn’t it?
If it grows beyond that intimate ability, then that would perhaps be a marker to split and multiply to not lose that closeness would it not?
So I would look at it as a blessing to be where y’all are. Think of it in a Romans 8.28 kind of way Matthew. ☺
I actually have a vision to get to a certain size and plant another church in our area. I would like to see healthy churches with the same vision across our area.
This is so amazing! Happy anniversary to your “outside-the-box” type of church. I believe your second year is going to yield tremendous results of transformation and change. May God continue to increase you and your ministry! God Bless! – Sherline 😀
Thanks! I’m believing the same.
Yesssssssssss!!! In Jesus Mighty Name he will! Amen! Decree and declare it! Congrats to you and your church! Go forth and continue to make them disciples! 🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌!! You’re in my prayers always! Xx
Thanks, Tammy!
You’re welcome much!
God bless your efforts for Him!! Yay!😄❤
Happy One Year Anniversary! What a wonderful milestone! God will continue to bless your faithfulness and perseverance in the coming year! I’m sure of it. 🙂
Congrats, brother! It looks like God is doing some amazing things with your church; I will keep you in my prayers, and I hope that you will be blessed with steady continuous growth.
Happy One Year Anniversary!
Thank you!
Happy Anniversary!! “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Phil 1:6, NLT
Thank you for the encouragement, John!