Things have been changing on the staff at Olive. Troy Bush took off for Baltimore a few weeks ago to lead Embrace Baltimore. This is a connection with NAMB and the Baptists of Maryland and surrounding area. Scooter Tucker has stepped in to lead our missions effort. This Sunday we say good-bye to Stan Lewis. He is off to Birmingham, Alabama’s First Baptist Church to serve as pastor beginning February 3. And on the last day of 2007, Vic Galloway stepped away from the leadership role with 55+ Ministry. After praying and thinking, I spoke with the personnel team a few days ago and brought a new title and person to the role. This week Kim Waters begins as Interim Director of Activities for 65+ Ministries. One of our 61-year-old deacons hugged me a few days ago and thanked me for making the age change. Guess it made him feel younger! 

As we prepared for the transition, I had the membership rolls checked and found we have 1,111 members 65 and older. The first name that came up was “Able” and the last was “Young.” That led the secretary to enlighten me with the statement, “This group is young and able.” Amen! 

On this Friday morning, you will find several of those in this age group working on the Charis House #2 project. They have 30 days to get the house finished and they will tell you that it will be done on time and under budget. Check out the kitchen on Wednesday evenings for supper and you will see many of these great servants working as volunteers. In fact, you will find them working in most every area of ministry at Olive. This generation leads the way. 

Yesterday I received an e-mail from one of our former members who now lives in Birmingham. This young man in his 20s told me he was working with inner-city people and sharing Jesus. I was thrilled to hear of his work for the Gospel. Then at 11:30 yesterday I had lunch with a young pastor from Tallahassee. He started a new church there just six months ago. They meet in Godby High School. They already have over 225 in attendance with 35 waiting to be baptized. I am grateful for the scores of people in our own college ministry and young adult ministries who are stepping out for Christ. 

The church is not about one generation or style. It is about all of us living for Jesus with a transformed life. How about you? Are you counting for Jesus? 

Pastor Ted Traylor 

Posted on Friday, January 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am.
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