Why We Pray For Other Churches

When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he said, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). He saw every church and every believer as a partner in the gospel, not as competition. That same spirit of partnership is what we want to cultivate at Lake Lynn.

Each Sunday we are praying for two churches in our local association and for The Crossings Community Church in Brunswick, Maryland, where my family and I served before coming here. These prayers remind us that we are not alone in this mission. We are part of something bigger, something God is doing across neighborhoods, counties, and nations.

We are not trying to “outdo” another church. We are asking God to bless them. We want every church around us to grow, to see people come to faith, and to thrive in their calling. When one church sees a person come to Christ, heaven rejoices, and so should we.

The New South River Baptist Association has nearly one hundred churches. That means nearly one hundred pastors, families, and groups of believers doing the same thing we are doing: trying to point people to Jesus. We are teammates in the same kingdom cause.

This Sunday, we’re praying for Agape Fellowship Baptist in Hope Mills, Antioch Baptist in Falcon, and The Crossings Community Church in Maryland. Pray that God encourages their pastors and volunteers, strengthens their witness, and brings new families into their fellowship.

Gratitude starts with seeing others as partners in God’s work. When we celebrate the victories of other churches, we are celebrating the work of the same Savior who loves us all.

Come home to a bigger vision of the Church.