Build His Church | Week 4 | Pastor Ben Pierce
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness: A Year in Review at Generation Church
In this year’s End of Year Celebration, Pastor Ben Pierce reflects on the incredible journey of Generation Church, celebrating both the highs and lows of the past year. With a focus on God’s unwavering faithfulness, he encourages the congregation to embrace their mission and look forward to the future with hope and purpose.
The Mission of Generation Church
Generation Church’s mission is to empower every generation to find purpose in the message and cause of Christ. This mission is not limited to a specific age group; it encompasses everyone. Whether you are young, middle-aged, or elderly, you have a role to play in this mission. Together, we can change the world.
As a congregation, we are called to run with this vision. God provides the vision, but it is our responsibility to take it and make it our own. We need to set the pace and determine how we will implement this mission. Habakkuk 2:2 reminds us to write the vision and make it plain, so that those who read it may run with it. The question now is: how will you respond to this call?
New Year Greetings and Expectations
Happy New Year, Generation Church! As we embark on a new year, we have the opportunity to reflect on the past and set our expectations for the future. This is a time to come together as a community, recognizing the blessings we have received and the challenges we may face.
We are excited about what God has in store for us in the coming year. It is essential to remain open to His guidance and to be ready to embrace the changes that lie ahead. We encourage everyone to engage with the church community, whether in person or online, and to share in the journey of faith together.
Celebrating 2024: Highs and Lows
As we celebrate the year 2024, we acknowledge that it was filled with both highs and lows. Each experience, whether joyful or challenging, has shaped our community and strengthened our faith. It is vital to remember the victories and learn from the struggles.
Throughout the year, we witnessed remarkable transformations within our church. Many lives were changed, and families were restored. We celebrated significant milestones, including baptisms and salvations, which remind us of the impact we have on one another and the community.
Recognizing God’s Faithfulness
We must recognize God’s faithfulness in every season. Even in the face of adversity, He remains steadfast and true. Reflecting on the past year, we can see His hand at work in our lives and in our church.
There were moments when we faced challenges that seemed insurmountable. However, through prayer, unity, and faith, we were able to overcome these obstacles. It is essential to remember that God is always with us, guiding us through every trial and triumph.
Honoring Those Who Serve
We want to take a moment to honor those who serve in various capacities within our church. Whether you are a volunteer, a staff member, or part of our broadcast team, your contributions are invaluable. Your dedication and commitment to the mission of Generation Church have made a significant impact on our community.
Every act of service, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in fulfilling our collective mission. Thank you for your hard work and for embodying the spirit of service that reflects Christ’s love. Let us continue to support and uplift one another as we serve together.
Reflecting on Five Years of Growth
As we look back over the past five years, we can see remarkable growth in both our church and our community outreach. From humble beginnings in a storefront to our current facilities, God has been faithful in expanding our reach and influence.
This growth is not just in numbers but in the depth of relationships and the impact we have on those around us. We have witnessed countless transformations, and it is a testament to the power of community and faith working together.
Community Impact and Outreach
Our commitment to community impact and outreach remains a cornerstone of our mission. We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those around us. This year, we have engaged in various outreach initiatives that have touched many lives.
From food distributions to community events, we have sought to be a beacon of hope and support. It is essential to continue building these relationships and finding new ways to serve our community effectively.
Global Missions Support
Our church’s mission extends beyond local outreach; we are also committed to global missions. We have supported various initiatives worldwide, impacting lives in countries where the need is great.
In the past year, we contributed significantly towards missions in Pakistan, providing support and resources that help spread the gospel in challenging environments. Our partnership with organizations like the Children’s Cup and World Compassion enables us to reach people who may never hear the message of Christ otherwise.
Local Community Investments
Investing in our local community is crucial to our mission. This past year, we allocated over $200,000 to various local ministries and outreach projects. Our involvement in initiatives like food distribution, support for foster children, and community events demonstrates our commitment to the people we serve.
Each investment we make is an investment in our lives. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and through these efforts, we can bring hope and healing to those in need.
Financial Stewardship and Giving
At Generation Church, we believe in the power of financial stewardship. Our commitment to giving goes beyond mere obligation; it is a reflection of our faith and our desire to impact lives. Each tithe and offering contributes to changing lives and ministering to those in need locally and globally.
Our church gives over 10% of its income to various communities and outreach initiatives. This practice supports our mission and encourages individual members to take that step of obedience in their financial journeys. If you haven’t yet begun tithing, we encourage you to consider it and witness its transformative effects on your life.
Plans for Expansion in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a new campus in the Stewart area. This expansion is a testament to the growth we have experienced and our commitment to reaching more people with the message of Jesus. We are also exploring opportunities to enhance our current Jupiter location, ensuring we maximize our impact.
With the growth of our congregation, we are launching several new ministries designed to meet the diverse needs of our community. We encourage everyone to engage with these ministries, which can provide vital support and connection.
The Story of Joseph: Lessons in Faithfulness
The story of Joseph serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness through trials and tribulations. Joseph faced numerous challenges, from betrayal by his brothers to wrongful imprisonment. Despite these hardships, he remained steadfast in his faith, trusting that God had a purpose for his life.
Joseph’s journey teaches us that even when circumstances seem dire, we can hold onto the promise that God is always working for our good. His ability to maintain hope and celebrate God’s past faithfulness is a lesson for us all.
God’s Faithfulness During Betrayal
Betrayal is one of the most painful experiences we can face, yet it is often in these moments that we discover God’s unwavering faithfulness. Joseph’s brothers betrayed him, throwing him into a pit and selling him into slavery. In the depths of despair, he could have lost hope, but instead, he chose to trust in God.
Even when people fail us, we must remember that God’s plans are greater than our circumstances. He can use betrayal to position us for greater things, just as He did with Joseph. We must keep our eyes on God’s faithfulness, even when others are unfaithful.
God’s Faithfulness Amid Mistakes
We all make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes can lead us into difficult situations. Joseph found himself in prison due to a false accusation. However, even in his failure, God’s plan was still at work. Our mistakes do not disqualify us from God’s promises; instead, they can become part of our testimony.
Joseph’s time in prison positioned him closer to his ultimate purpose. God was using every moment to prepare Joseph for the role he was destined to fulfill. We must remember that God’s faithfulness is not contingent upon our perfection but is rooted in His character.
God’s Faithfulness When Overlooked
Feeling overlooked can be disheartening, especially when we believe we have contributed positively. Joseph experienced this when he helped the cupbearer interpret his dream, only to be forgotten for two years. In those silent years, God was still at work, orchestrating events behind the scenes.
It’s essential to remember that just because we may feel invisible or overlooked, God sees us and is actively working for our good. Joseph’s story reminds us that our time in obscurity can lead to divine opportunities when we least expect them.
Celebrating God’s Provision and Purpose
As we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we must celebrate His provision and purpose in our lives. Joseph’s journey culminated in a position of great authority, allowing him to save many during a famine. His faithfulness to God and his ability to remember God’s past provision enabled him to step into his purpose.
In our lives, celebrating God’s goodness fosters gratitude and encourages us to trust Him for the future. When we acknowledge His provision, we build a foundation of faith that empowers us to face new challenges with confidence.
Prayer for the Congregation
As we close, let us take a moment to pray for our congregation. We acknowledge that many may be facing challenges, betrayals, mistakes, or feelings of being overlooked. But we believe in a God who is always faithful, and we want to lift up those who are struggling.
Heavenly Father, we come before you today, asking for your comfort and guidance. Help us to remember your faithfulness in every season of life. May we cling to the hope that you are always working on our behalf, even when we cannot see it. We pray for healing, restoration, and renewed faith for each member of our congregation. Amen.