Richard Ray: Learning from an innovative, creative congregation

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I had the privilege to attend Cove Korean Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, helping them celebrate 34 years of service to our Lord. This church offers worship in both Korean and English languages, all under the same roof.

richard ray130Richard RayThe English-speaking worship service is for spouses who do not speak Korean. I attended the English service, led by Pastor Dillard Fisher Jr., while Pastor David Lee led the Korean worship service.  I fellowshipped with both congregations during their celebration as they came together to eat food prepared and served by the Korean congregation.  

In speaking with both pastors, I came to understand their passion and support of one another, learning the Korean congregation is sponsoring the English Mission congregation. To witness two congregations from two cultures coming together to minister to one another as they reach out to their community and world for Christ was an inspiration to me. I came away from that visit with a desire to see more churches and cultures unite for the cause of Christ.  

As Pastor Fisher stated in his morning message, “Are you Willing?” most churches and ministers are able and are capable, but they are not necessarily willing to move outside their comfort zones, but instead remain steadfast in tradition and culture.

Cove Korean Baptist Church is breaking down barriers and building bridges by removing cultural lines and creating opportunities for all to hear the message of Christ and his love, regardless of the language barrier or cultural differences.  They have come to realize when Christ is preached and lived out in the lives of God’s children, then there are no differences, only peace and harmony.  

To have a Korean Church sponsor an English mission in the state of Texas tells me God does not look at demographics or statistics. He is not interested in church tradition or how a church should be organized, but rather, God’s desire is to love us as we are, so he can mold us into his image and not the image that the world or sometimes the church tries to create for us.      

texas baptist voices right120So if God is leading you or your church to do something different, something that might be a little unusual, just remember these words from 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people….” The question I would ask is “Are we peculiar enough?”

Until next time, remember God has called you to serve, but he has not called you to serve alone.  Visit our website, www.bivocational.com, for more information on how the Bivocational/Small Church Association can minister and pray for you.

Richard Ray is executive director of the  Bivocational/Small Church Association and director of missions for Tri-Rivers Baptist Area.


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