A Generous Church
In 2 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul commended the churches of Macedonia for their generous giving, in part because he considered their generosity a great inspiration for other churches. First Baptist Church, Kuttawa, is an inspirational church for the same reason. I was recently privileged to speak at the church’s 125th anniversary celebration that also featured a historical display, a meal for everyone and guest musicians. It was a wonderful time of celebrating the ways that God is working through this vital body of believers.
The church gives 18 percent of its undesignated receipts (a total of $55,091 this past year) to support missions through the Cooperative Program. Since the Cooperative Program began in 1925, the church has given more than $666,000 with 44 percent of that having been given in the last seven years.
Undesignated receipts have grown by 93 percent during the same seven-year period. This has enabled the church to construct a multipurpose building for worship and activities. The members helped to finish the interior of the gym, kitchen and classrooms and had the facility completely paid for within a few weeks of its completion.
The church is now looking to future growth. The members are currently conducting research and praying about the Lord’s will concerning the construction of a new sanctuary.
The church has also been generous of its own members. During my visit, I learned that First Baptist has had two of its pastors receive God’s call to international missions. The church also has six of its couples that are active Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers.
First Baptist is having a tremendous impact on its local community. Under the leadership of Pastor Carl Nelson, the church has grown in Sunday school attendance (126 average) and worship attendance (175 average). Nelson and his wife, Pam, have served at the church for seven years and God has blessed in so many ways.
More than 50 youth attend the Wednesday night and Sunday youth activities. The youth minister, Randy Wright, is part-time but has an active ministry. His home is very near the high school so his wife prepares breakfast for students on Thursday morning before school so the students can meet for prayer and Bible study.
The Bible study came about at the students’ request. It was gratifying to see the church’s youth seated down front on the Sunday I attended.
Music Director Bill Allen works with children and preschoolers and has served for about eight years.
I pray that the example of the First Baptist Church of Kuttawa will encourage and inspire other church members to support their church and missions joyfully and generously!
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posted by: Dr. Bill Mackey on September 23rd, 2008