June, 2006 Here's My Heart... Mr. & Mrs. Glen Sumner are special. They consistently bring smiles to our face, and they are always encouraging to their pastor. The Sumners were once members of First Southern Baptist Church, Clarksville, Indiana. Occasionally, they provide me a copy of "The Communicator", the weekly newsletter of that church. FSBC, Clarksville, is a church much like Dixie Lee. Bible Study and worship attendance are very close to ours (195-200 in Bible Study; 215-220 in Worship). Their weekly budget needs are even close to ours ($9,167.28 per week). And, they are entering a Building Program and Capital Stewardship Campaign. That, however, is where our similarities seem to part ways, and it is something I am pondering today. Listen to the first paragraph of the pastor's recent article: "We are on our way! Last night at the banquet, I had the great and exciting privilege of announcing that we have already committed $1,895,746.84 to our building expansion in cash contributions and three-year commitments. And 'Harvest Sunday' is yet to come! I am amazed and blessed by the commitment and faithfulness of our church family to stand up and move forward in following the will of God. I believe this type of commitment from our leadership is indicative of the type of commitment our church at-large will display. Please be much in prayer about your commitment, if you haven't already made it. Our 'Challenge Goal' is $2 million. Our 'Hallelujah Goal' is $2.5 million." What is different about this picture? I tried to imagine the "intangibles", like how fast the community was growing, how small the present facilities are, and how young their present membership is. I don't know these things, and I haven't asked. Then, I pondered the "intangibles", like their commitment to GOD'S will for their church, their willingness to give from heir hearts, and the apparent lack of disagreement. Oh, I'm under no illusion that everybody is supportive. After all, they ARE Baptists! But, it sure has been good food for thought. By the way, that article ends with this verse from Isaiah 42:5 - "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stake." Wow, what a verse! Something to ponder, huh? Jim Clayton, Senior Pastor