1. Celebrating Dr. Gibbs’ Birthday

    August 23, 2010 by Paul Chappell

    celebrating Dr. Gibbs' birthday

    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…)


  2. The Convictions of a Soulwinner

    July 31, 2010 by Paul Chappell

    Have you ever considered the basic convictions that motivate a soulwinner to be faithful? Convictions are the spark plugs that keep the engine of faith going forward. And biblical convictions regarding the eternal souls of men and women move us forward in reaching the lost for Christ. (more…)


  3. Celebrating the Past & Reaching toward the Future

    July 28, 2010 by Paul Chappell

    This past Sunday I was privileged to preach the 50th anniversary services of the Grace Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. What an honor it was for me to stand in the pulpit of the great men of God who started and have pastored this church—Moody Roberts, Marshall Godfrey, Floyd Paschall, Dr. Clayton Shumpert, and, my good friend and mentor, Dr. Bob Kelley. Brother Bill Egerdahal currently serves this church as pastor. (more…)


  4. Thankful for the Schmidts’ 20 Years of Service

    July 6, 2010 by Paul Chappell

    Cary and Dana Schmidt

    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…)


  5. 4 Steps in New Testament Church Building

    May 1, 2010 by Paul Chappell

    In just a week and a half, West Coast Baptist College seniors will be graduating and going out into the harvest field to serve in and plant local New Testament churches. The local church is the vehicle God has chosen through which to deliver His Gospel to the world. Christ promised that He would build His church, but, as we’ve taught our students, He’s chosen to do it through us. Here are 4 steps He has given us in New Testament church building: (more…)