Dennis Jennings  Pastor Cherry Street Baptist Church

We were not saved alone. Yes, we are saved as individuals. But someone, maybe many others, shared the Gospel with us. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” (Romans 10:17). 

Sadly, the experience of most pastors, church staff members, missionaries and other Christian workers is that sometimes we feel like we are trying to do it alone. Sometimes it feels like we are the only one in our corner of God’s vineyard with a desire or passion to make a difference. 

We are not the first to feel that way. On Mt. Carmel, Elijah said “I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD...,” (1 Kings 18:22). The psalmist felt alone in the midst of trials and said, “I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top,” (Psalm 102:7). Even Jesus in Gethsemane left behind the twelve and agonized in prayer alone.  We read in Luke 22:44 “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

We have never really been left alone. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promised the coming of the Comforter (paraklete), referring to the Holy Spirit . The word literally means, “called to alongside for help.” You are not alone. It is important to remember that.  It is important to remind others of that same truth. We are not alone.

We were not saved to serve the Lord alone. The New Testament is full of “one another” and “together” instructions. For instance, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, (Philippians 1:27).  

As Biblical, Balanced Baptists, we are not alone. The Baptist Church Ministry Network (BCMN) exists to keep us connected. In the BCMN, you will find others who share your love for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word; who are committed to taking the Gospel to every person without regard to age, race, or socioeconomic status, both in their “Jerusalem” and to the “uttermost;” and who are unashamedly Baptist.

Although you might sometimes feel like you are fighting the “good fight of faith” alone, we want to introduce you to some pastors, church staff members, missionaries and evangelists who are co-laborers in the harvest through the Baptist Church Ministry Network. We are growing, adding new members on a regular basis. Make plans to attend a regional meeting as they come near you. Join us for the big October meeting in Canton, Ohio. Check the Events page here for information on upcoming meetings. 

You were never intended to do ministry alone. Come together with us. We look forward to seeing you and encouraging one another.

djennings@mycsbc.com