Pastor's Thoughts: March 2026
As we step into March, there are several things on my heart that I want to share with you as your pastor.
Revial Is Coming
Revival is one of those words that can easily be misunderstood. For some, it brings to mind a series of services on the calendar. For others, it carries memories of powerful moments from the past. But at its heart, revival is not about a schedule or even a special speaker. The heart of revival is bringing life back to the church.
Revival is about God stirring His people again. It is about rekindled affection for Christ, renewed obedience to His Word, and a restored burden for the lost. When the church is revived—when we are walking closely with Jesus—then we are positioned to do the work He has called us to do in our community and among the nations.
I am grateful that the Lord has provided Dr. Carl Bradford to lead us this year. Dr. Bradford serves as the Dean of Texas Baptist College at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and I believe he will challenge and encourage us in faithful discipleship.
Our focus during this revival will be simple and direct: growing in our walk with Jesus Christ. We don’t need hype. We need holiness. We don’t need excitement for a few days. We need endurance in discipleship.
Revival will begin Sunday morning, March 15, and we will meet Sunday through Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm. I want to encourage you to prioritize these days. Pray now that the Lord would prepare your heart. Ask Him to search you, refine you, and draw you nearer to Himself.
Revival is about God stirring His people again. It is about rekindled affection for Christ, renewed obedience to His Word, and a restored burden for the lost. When the church is revived—when we are walking closely with Jesus—then we are positioned to do the work He has called us to do in our community and among the nations.
I am grateful that the Lord has provided Dr. Carl Bradford to lead us this year. Dr. Bradford serves as the Dean of Texas Baptist College at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and I believe he will challenge and encourage us in faithful discipleship.
Our focus during this revival will be simple and direct: growing in our walk with Jesus Christ. We don’t need hype. We need holiness. We don’t need excitement for a few days. We need endurance in discipleship.
Revival will begin Sunday morning, March 15, and we will meet Sunday through Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm. I want to encourage you to prioritize these days. Pray now that the Lord would prepare your heart. Ask Him to search you, refine you, and draw you nearer to Himself.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
Church family, it is time once again for our annual Community Easter Egg Hunt.
This event is not just something we do because it is fun—although it certainly is that. The purpose is to reach out and serve our community. We want to take this opportunity to connect with and genuinely love the people who live around our church. Many of them may never walk through our doors on a Sunday morning unless a relationship is formed first.
There will be food, games, inflatables, and, of course, Easter egg hunts for all ages. But more important than the activities is the opportunity. Opportunities to have conversations. Opportunities to learn names. Opportunities to pray with someone. Opportunities to extend an invitation.
Be sure to invite your family, friends, and neighbors. Let’s be intentional about using this event as a bridge for the gospel.
This event is not just something we do because it is fun—although it certainly is that. The purpose is to reach out and serve our community. We want to take this opportunity to connect with and genuinely love the people who live around our church. Many of them may never walk through our doors on a Sunday morning unless a relationship is formed first.
There will be food, games, inflatables, and, of course, Easter egg hunts for all ages. But more important than the activities is the opportunity. Opportunities to have conversations. Opportunities to learn names. Opportunities to pray with someone. Opportunities to extend an invitation.
Be sure to invite your family, friends, and neighbors. Let’s be intentional about using this event as a bridge for the gospel.
The War in Iran
First, I must admit my ignorance in this situation. I do not fully understand all that is happening, and I do not fully trust every report or every opinion that is circulating. There is much noise and much uncertainty.
Second, we should remember that war is, tragically, common to mankind. Human history is filled with conflict. In fact, only a small fraction of recorded history has been free from war. This is one of the clearest reminders that our world is broken and in need of redemption.
Third, our military members and the people directly affected by this conflict need our prayers. Behind every headline are families, fears, and lives that are forever changed. We must pray for protection, wisdom for leaders, and comfort for those who are suffering.
Fourth, and most importantly, we must pray that God would redeem this situation and be glorified. The Lord is not surprised by global events. He is sovereign even over the unrest of nations. We should ask Him to use even this for the advancement of the gospel and the display of His glory.
Church family, March will give us opportunities to be revived, to reach our community, and to intercede for a broken world. Let’s step into it prayerfully, faithfully, and with our eyes fixed on Christ.
Second, we should remember that war is, tragically, common to mankind. Human history is filled with conflict. In fact, only a small fraction of recorded history has been free from war. This is one of the clearest reminders that our world is broken and in need of redemption.
Third, our military members and the people directly affected by this conflict need our prayers. Behind every headline are families, fears, and lives that are forever changed. We must pray for protection, wisdom for leaders, and comfort for those who are suffering.
Fourth, and most importantly, we must pray that God would redeem this situation and be glorified. The Lord is not surprised by global events. He is sovereign even over the unrest of nations. We should ask Him to use even this for the advancement of the gospel and the display of His glory.
Church family, March will give us opportunities to be revived, to reach our community, and to intercede for a broken world. Let’s step into it prayerfully, faithfully, and with our eyes fixed on Christ.
Pastoral Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are awesome and full of majesty. You are the Lord our God, and we worship You. Lord, I ask that you would bring revival to New Hope. I pray that You would use Your servant Dr. Carl Bradford to bring Your Word to Your church. I pray that Your name would be glorified through our time as we worship Your great name. Lord, please lead us to be the church that you would have us to be for Your eternal glory.
In Christ,
Pastor Ben
You are awesome and full of majesty. You are the Lord our God, and we worship You. Lord, I ask that you would bring revival to New Hope. I pray that You would use Your servant Dr. Carl Bradford to bring Your Word to Your church. I pray that Your name would be glorified through our time as we worship Your great name. Lord, please lead us to be the church that you would have us to be for Your eternal glory.
In Christ,
Pastor Ben
Posted in Pastor\'s Thoughts
Recent
Archive
2026
2025
February
September
November
December
2024
January
October
November
December