Pastor's Thoughts: January 2026

I love how the start of a new year brings with it a sense of renewal. It feels like an invitation to begin again. Perhaps there were goals you hoped to accomplish last year but did not. The new year gives us an opportunity to recommit. For others, the past year may have been difficult, and the turning of the calendar offers a fresh start.

What I love most about this sense of renewal is that it reflects the way God works in our lives. No matter how far we may feel from Him, when we turn to the Lord and call on His name, He renews our souls. Regardless of what happened in 2025—or what goals we did or did not achieve—let me encourage us all to make drawing nearer to the Lord our aim in 2026.

If you are looking for a Bible reading plan for the new year, we have one available in the NHBC app. We are beginning year two of a two-year Bible reading plan. If you did not participate last year, you will jump in at Isaiah 54. Please don’t let that discourage you—what matters most is that you are reading God’s Word.

There are many excellent reading plans available online. Some walk through the entire Bible in a year, while others focus on specific sections such as the Gospels, the Epistles, or the Minor Prophets. The important thing is not which plan you choose, but that as disciples of Jesus we are regularly in the Word—reading, praying, and growing closer to Him.

At our next Members Meeting on January 11, we will bring forward the motion concerning the Foundations Team that was presented at the October Members Meeting. At that time, the motion was tabled so that church members could ask questions and express concerns to the pastor or deacons before a vote. On January 11, the motion will be taken off the table, considered as Old Business, opened for discussion, and then brought to a vote.

Below is the motion, the projected process, and the purpose behind this recommendation.

The Deacon Body moves that the church task the Nominating Committee with selecting an ad hoc team, to be called the Foundations Team. This team will review, revise, and, when necessary, rewrite or create new documents for New Hope Baptist Church to ensure that all documents align with the teachings of Scripture. These documents will include the church bylaws, operational policies, and any other documents or policies deemed necessary.

Over the past two years, we have amended our bylaws several times to help New Hope operate in healthier ways. While these changes have been helpful, they have largely functioned as temporary fixes to a structure that needs a more thorough, prayerful rebuilding. The Foundations Team exists to help us create bylaws and policies that will protect and strengthen New Hope for years to come.

New Hope is currently operating under bylaws written in 1989. While they served our church well at the time, the world has changed significantly. Few could have anticipated the legal and cultural challenges churches now face, including issues related to marriage, gender ideology, and religious liberty.

If we are to remain faithful to Scripture and wisely protected as a church, we need governing documents that are thoughtfully and biblically crafted for today. This is why the deacons and I are recommending the formation of a Foundations Team.

This process is not only about protection—it is also about strengthening our future. Think of the Foundations Team as building a trellis: a strong, biblical structure designed to support the ministry God intends for New Hope to grow.

One significant aspect of this work will be transitioning to an elder-led congregational model. This means:

• A group of biblically qualified elders will lead and shepherd the church
• Elders will provide spiritual oversight and handle day-to-day leadership
• The congregation will continue to make all major decisions and remain the final earthly authority under Christ

This model reflects the New Testament pattern of plural elder leadership, encourages accountability, and provides a broader range of spiritual gifts for shepherding God’s people. No single pastor is gifted in every area, nor should he lead without faithful brothers walking alongside him.

The Foundations Team will help craft bylaws and policies rooted in Scripture and designed to support healthy, mission-focused ministry. Their goal is not bureaucracy, but faithfulness—providing clear, biblical structures that support discipleship, accountability, and long-term fruitfulness.
Please join us in prayer as we take this important step together. We believe the Lord is preparing New Hope for a faithful future, and this team will help build the framework to support the work He is calling us to do.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this day when we get to celebrate the new year. We recognize that every day is a gift from You. We worship You because You are the sovereign Creator of all things. We praise You because You not only give life, but You also give new life in Jesus Christ. We ask that You would bless our church this year. We pray that You would give us the boldness that we need to tell others about the gospel. We pray that You would build up Your church for Your glory. Father, help us be a healthy church that serves You and glorifies Your name.

In Christ,
Pastor Ben