2 years ago today, we had our 1st LiveStream only church service at Cropwell Baptist Church. There were 7 of us in the building that day and hundreds joining online. It has been amazing to see the Lord work in these past 2 years.
2 weeks prior to Covid closing us down, we had a special prayer service for our church and our community. Little did we know what was in store for all of us. We were already planning to start a LiveStream service before anyone had heard of Covid, so we were ready to launch it on March 22nd. We had 10 Sunday mornings when I preached to an almost empty room. We had hundreds who joined online every week. 2 years ago, our Facebook page had 390 “Likes”. Today, we have 793.
The 2 months prior to March 22, 2020, our average attendance was 400 on Sunday mornings. In the past 2 months, our average attendance has been 407! We have had 97 people join Cropwell in the past 2 years and dozens of new guests who haven’t joined yet. We still have many members who aren’t ready to return, but they join with us online faithfully every week. We have so many who are faithful to support the work of the Lord at Cropwell through their giving. Thank you!!
In the past 2 years we have taken 2 mission trips to Guatemala and are heading to New Hampshire next week! We have sent thousands of dollars overseas to provide food for people in two different third world countries. In one place, over 150 people (mostly buddhists) have come to know Christ through the food distribution we were able to provide!! Last year we adopted Williams Intermediate School. Williams has 650 5th and 6th graders. We began a clothing closet at Williams that has been a tremendous blessing for many children and their families. We have recently “adopted” the faculty and staff at Williams.
In the past 2 years we have had Disciple Now Weekends, Kids Camps, and Youth Camp all on schedule. In 2020 and 2021 we had Vacation Bible School with record attendance both years. The Church Staff, Deacons and an army of volunteers have gone above and beyond in ministering to our church family and community. We have seen the Lord work in so many different ways!
In hindsight, did we make every decision right regarding Covid? No. But, we had no playbook. Our philosophy was, “we’re open, come if you want to.” The past 2 years have brought so many unexpected challenges. Thank you, Cropwell Baptist Church for how you have responded and been faithful to do His work through it all!
A Pastor's Thoughts 