Pastor's Page
This past Wednesday evening I began teaching a New Members/Discovery Class. This class is the introductory "onramp" to life and ministry here at ABC. Each time I teach this class I’m reminded again to "keep the main thing the main thing." The question then must be asked "What is the main thing?" Another way to lead us to the answer might be to ask "What do we want people to know first when presenting the ministry of Ankeny Baptist Church?" A variety of answers might abound: "Oh, that’s the church that’s all red !" (Only in our rearview mirror!) "Doesn’t their building look like a Pizza Hut with a cross on top." "Isn’t that the ‘Just North of the John Deere Factory Church?" "Oh man, you don’t want to go there! They’re really strict!" "Isn’t that the church with the really handsome pastor?" (I’ve never heard that!) The various identifications go on and on, some warranted and others just figments of imagination. Here is what I want people to know first about ABC: "WE BELIEVE THE GOSPEL THAT CHRIST DIED FOR SINNERS!" WE LIVE AND BREATHE TO KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN!" Corporate America repeatedly speaks of "core values." Understanding and articulation of "core values," life governed by core values should guide not only industry but life. What then might be identified as the "core values" of Ankeny Baptist Church? We value God’s glory and thus we believe the gospel and live "for His name’s sake." We have no greater joy than the promotion of God’s glory, God’s purpose and God’s gospel. We value the Word of God. It is God’s truth communicated without error. Therefore we believe the Bible and live by its teaching even when its message is contrary to popular human wisdom. We value the Good News that Christ died for sinners, providing our only hope of eternal life! Therefore we cling tenaciously in faith to this gospel, passionately preaching and teaching in every aspect of our church ministry. We value the immortal souls of people whether they live around the corner or around the world. Therefore we organize intentional church evangelism, hold one another accountable for personal evangelism and send missionaries to the furthest corners of the world to reach lost people. We value the local church, our local church. Therefore we promote its heath and reputation, living carefully in relationship with other believers. We value the joy of life with God. Because we find our great pleasure in life with God, therefore we give diligent effort to leading people to maturity as followers of Christ. We value the faith of our fathers. Therefore we name ourselves "Baptist," teaching, living and dying by these doctrines clearly delineated in Scripture. Put simply, Ankeny Baptist Church must be identified by the gospel, "Christ crucified" for sinners.
