Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Neese, Georgia

By Jonathan Tolbert

Two weeks ago, the following excerpts were part of an article entitled “Comeback Churches” from a leader in our denomination.

FACTOR 1: Renewed belief in Jesus Christ and the mission of the Church

Comeback leaders helped people know and experience the reality of Jesus Christ in their lives. Comeback churches made the hard decision to love the lost as much as Jesus did. Comeback churches also focus outward. We know that Jesus came to seek and save people who are lost. The need to reach them in whatever condition we find them often requires us to make changes in the way we do things. We have to find ways to love people the way they are, and that’s often messy work.

To God be the glory, VBS was a tool for PGBC to do just that!

• Jesus was the central message of our Bible Study time. Four children expressed interest in becoming a Christian. One girl trusted in Christ and there are 3 who are wanting to be baptized!
• God lead us to be “On Mission” as we reached out to new families and were able to build relationships with them as well as strengthen already established ones.
• We made changes to accommodate our limited people resources and limited financial resources: we met outside for music and bible study; we reused previous curriculum; and we borrowed water slides at no cost from a sister church in our Sarepta Association.
• VBS was a tool for us to love children and families through: ministry of food, ministry of physical activity, ministry of the Gospel, ministry of Christian love expressed through hugs, smiles, encouragement; ministry of transportation as we picked up those needing a ride.
• We got messy as we… listened to hurts, prayed for children’s families, and showed equal love to people from all kinds of backgrounds, socio-economic situations, and cultures.
• Leader development. Several adult volunteers served as music leaders, craft servants, food servants, transportation servants, registrars, and recreation servants. We also were helped in a huge way by 3 of our youth, Caitlyn, Justin, and Cody. Thank you all!