"It's not about a number; it's all about souls." This has been the focus
of Blackshear Place Baptist Church in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Two years ago, the church was under an extreme makeover, adding 80,000
square feet of preschool and children's space, increasing circulation,
and renovating the worship center. It was in the middle of construction
chaos that Pastor Jeff W. Crook challenged his church family to reach
and baptized 100 people in 100 days. And on day 100, September 11,
2006, the waters of baptism had been stirred by 126 souls.
In May 2008, Pastor Jeff returned with a similar challenge: "No crazy
gimmicks, no week-long crusades, let's just see what God's people will
do when challenged to reach the lost." Remember, it's not about a
number; it's all about souls. In fact, it has been about 191 souls
stirring the waters of baptism in 100 days. And if those still awaiting
baptism follow through in the next few weeks, the church is on track to
baptize well over 300 this year.
Starting with VBS the week of June 1st and culminating with a lake
baptism celebration in Lake Lanier on Sunday, September 7th, God has
done amazing things. There are stories of executives coming to Christ
and stories of hopeless drunks. There is the little girl that has grown
up in church and the 70-year old grand-father who had come to visit with
relatives. All have experienced the life-changing power of the gospel.
" Anybody can do this," Pastor Jeff commented. "It doesn't matter if
your church runs 70 or 7,000. All you need is a heart for souls. The
harvest is plentiful. We just need more laborers."