by Randy Harp
Growing up, one of my favorite comics was Calvin and Hobbes. I remember one year, about this time, Calvin having a pretty heated discussion with Hobbes, his sardonic stuffed tiger. “Resolutions? Me? Just what are you implying? That I need to change? Well, buddy, as far as I’m concerned, I’m perfect the way I am!” For many people, the New Year is a time to take a hard look at themselves and evaluate their lives. It is a time to establish goals and a vision for the coming year.
Our theme for this Tribune is vision. You will hear that word often and in several different contexts. I adapted a sermon preached during a Fellowship meeting on the topic of having unity through a compelling vision. I asked Sean Sears to adapt the breakout session he led at this past September’s Fellowship meeting on your church’s unique vision. Mission Director Jon Konnerup shares from his recent trip to Japan. Pastor and founder of Bod4God, Steve Reynolds, writes on being a healthy pastor. Each of our Fellowship leaders and regular columnists also discuss vision. Even as you read through the news section and Afterwords, you’ll see vision as church plants are forced to relocate due to growth and pastors celebrate 30, 40, and 50 years at their churches.
In this issue you will also find two new features I hope will become regular additions. Each month “In the Trenches” will be thematic and provide insight from various ministries. This month you will hear from a pastor, a worship pastor, a youth pastor, a children’s director, a missionary, and a pastor’s wife on the topic of vision. The second new feature is called “The Right Angle: Biblical Wisdom in a Contemporary World”. The BBFI is blessed with many certified biblical counselors. Now, you have the opportunity to submit questions for a counselor to provide a biblical response. In this issue, Kevin Carson, chair of the Biblical Counseling Department at BBC, gives a response to the Syrian refugee crisis.
I am excited about this coming year. For me personally, it offers new challenges and new opportunities. I look forward to seeing all God has in store for both my life and for the BBFI. I consider myself fortunate to be where God has placed me. I appreciate your prayers as we start this new year together. If I can pray for you, you can email me at raharp@tribune.org or direct message me @randyharp. One other thing you can do. As you find great resources that may be a benefit to others in our Fellowship, share them on Facebook or Twitter and use the hashtag #bbfiorg.
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You will also notice on page seven our advertisement for the February Tribune Offering. This has been an important part of the Tribune for years, but with the expansion we are making with the Communication Office of the BBFI it is more important than ever. The reality is, the Tribune budget provides for exactly what it has been. If we are going to expand and do more, we must expand our financial base as well. This requires new partners and an even stronger commitment from existing partners. I am counting on you as we work together to make more disciples for Jesus Christ.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve Christ as I serve you.