Yesterday marked what could be a day of celebration for thousands of churches around our country—Dr. David Gibbs’ birthday. Our staff was privileged to celebrate this special event during our annual staff training last week.

Dr. Gibbs was born August 22, 1944, in Alabama. He grew up on a farm in rural Ohio with godly Christian parents. As a young boy, Dr. Gibbs trusted Christ as his Saviour. After graduating from high school, he pursued a career in law. (more…)

It’s difficult to believe that 24 years have passed since that first summer of 1986 when Terrie and I first came to Lancaster Baptist Church. Today our church celebrates our 24th anniversary, and we praise the Lord for the victories and blessings He has given us. He has far exceeded our grandest imaginations.

As our church now begins our 25th year of ministry, we’re asking the Lord to continue to use us and to reignite our passion for His work. Like the early church in Jerusalem, we desire to continue steadfastly (Acts 2:42), consistently moving forward in the work of the Lord.

Last Sunday night, I shared with our church family three reasons, given in Acts 2:42–45, that the early church continued on. Any church who follows these principles can stand strong for the Lord in the years ahead. (more…)

I’m excited to see the final touches going into our new parking lot construction. Being finished just in time for Spiritual Leadership Conference, this project will provide us with about 200 new parking spaces and a four-lane driveway. These two lanes in and two lanes out of our campus will be a tremendous blessing for the many guests during our conference and greatly facilitate traffic flow for our church services as well.

Our church family has not only given sacrificially for this project, but they have prayed fervently for it to be completed this week. We appreciate the extra work of our contractors to get this project completed. (more…)

Twenty-four years ago today, Terrie and I drove into Lancaster with a Ryder truck behind us. Driving the truck was a man from our church who helped us move, and in the passenger seat was a teenager from the Christian school I had administrated—Cary Schmidt.

Cary helped unload the truck and then asked if he could stay and help us for a couple of weeks. For two weeks, Cary assisted me in soulwinnning and church renovation, and he played the piano for church services.

Four years later, with a Bible college diploma and a new bride, Cary returned to Lancaster—this time as staff. For twenty years, Cary and Dana Schmidt have labored with us here at Lancaster Baptist Church. This past Sunday night, we recognized their faithful service. (more…)

Using my time wisely means more to me than ever before. I’m realizing with greater intensity that I have just one life, and I want it to count for Christ. I’m never at a loss for how to fill my time, but I’m constantly choosing between good things and the best things.

One of the projects to which I’m delighted to devote my time is our annual Spiritual Leadership Conference. This is not just one more activity to fill a calendar; it is a highlight event designed to equip each person who attends to greater potential for service to the Lord. For our church, this conference is not one of many options on a calendar; I believe it is a “must have.” Following are 10 reasons why I believe we need Spiritual Leadership Conference: (more…)