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Ever wanted to visit Ephesus, Rhodes, or maybe Cyprus? How does a 10-day guided tour cruise sound? Bible Land Cruise 2010 takes you on a guided tour of many key Biblical locations in the Mediterranean Sea. For more information, check out the web site.
Bible Land Cruise 2010
 
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OBC Ordains a New Pastor
On Sunday, April 25th, Occoquan Bible Church held its first ordination service, ordaining Ben Purves, our Director of Student Ministries into the pastorate. Ben was examined before an ordination council on Friday, April 23rd, who after examination voted unanimously to ordain him to the pastorate. Those who sat on the council were: Dr. Kyle Austin (OBC), Dr. David Schnittger (OBC), Pastor Pete Theodore (Wye Bible Church), Dr. Wayne Strickland (Multnomah University), Dr. George Harton (Grace Baptist Church), Pastor Lynn Hall (Gunston Bible Church), Pastor Bruce Forsee (Alexandria Bible Church), Pastor Steve King (Cherrydale Baptist Church), and Pastor Robin Bayles (New Covenant Fellowship). Ben will now serve at OBC as the Pastor of Student Ministries.
Celebrating 15 Years of God’s Faithfulness
On Sunday, May 2nd, Occoquan Bible Church celebrated its fifteenth anniversary! This year we were honored to have Dr. Iain Duguid (Grove City College) visit and preach to us about God’s faithfulness from Numbers 33.
Starting in 1995, the church had humble beginnings with four families meeting in a living room. Over the life of the church we have seen God’s faithfulness as He has provided facilities, attendance has grown, and pastoral staff have been added. Until our current building was completed in 2005, past meeting locations included Rockledge Elementary School and Woodbridge Middle School. We are amazed by God’s faithfulness and provision over the years!
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We are currently seeking adults who love kids and love the Bible to teach, assist, and help with crafts for both the 9:30 and 11am hours. Curriculum and training are provided. If interested, write "kiids ministry" on a blue card and place it in the offering basket on Sunday morning or call Jared Bridges at 703-910-4388 |
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"Follow me and I will make you fishers of men". Matthew 4:19
Jesus was walking along side the Sea of Galilee when He saw Peter and Andrew and used these words to invite them to a new life and experience. The multitude of fish that the disciples would later catch would be captured in nets. Obviously, Jesus used a double entendre here to refer to human "fish" that needed to be caught. As we think about that, we see that two legged fish also need "nets" to corral them into church life, discipleship, and Christian growth in grace. In John 10 Jesus calls His followers sheep who are protected in a pen, a flock or a fold so that thieves or wolves do not hurt or attack them.
It would be a daunting task to catch fish without the use of a net. It would be a dangerous thing indeed to be a sheep outside of the pen vulnerable to alll kinds of predators, and thieves. Fish need to be in nets and sheep belong in a flock. Said another way, Jesus told his followers to MAKE DISCIPLES by going, baptizing and teaching others to obey His commands (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus gave us these marching orders just before He returned to the Father in heaven. Disciple making involves "netting" fish and grooming sheep to the point that they are mature and seasoned in the study of the scriptures, praying effectively for others, worshping, and sharing their faith with others.
This type of discipleship or spiritual growth occurs best in the care, protection, and purposefulness of a shepherding pen or net! What does a shepherding net look like in Northern Virginia in 2010? How can we encourage discipleship and growth in grace and faith in the six hundred plus people in our church directory who call Occoquan Bible Church their church home? It's becoming more and more obvious that a pastor, a pastoral staff, and a team of elders cannot effectively shepherd a church of this size ALONE! Shepherding nets are becoming more important and much more neccesary if we are to fulfill Jesus' command to make disciples. These "nets" are small groups we call Sunday school classes or FLOCKS that meet in homes throughout the week, or support groups like Grief Share. These groups are led by pastors, elders, deacons, and those who are deacon qualified to shepherd, equip saints for ministry, and provoke the relational process of discipleship within the life of the local church.
So, are you a healthy fish or a growing sheep or are you wandering around perilously outside a fold or net? It's in these small groups that you will form meaningful relationships for spiritual growth, see examples of Christian living, and find resources in time of need! Listings of these "shepherding nets" can be found at the ministry center in the OBC foyer, at the guest window, or on the website. I pray all of us would find peace, satisfaction, and spiritual purpose within the protection of one of these "shepherding nets".
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