Church Family,
A.C. Dixon, longtime pastor of Chicago’s Moody Church, once said, “When we rely on education, we get what education can do. When we rely on organization, we get what organization can do. But when we rely on prayer, we get what God can do!” As we start 2025, we want our church to be a part of what only God can do – getting the gospel message to millions, ministering to thousands of community needs, and continuing to build a disciple-making and church-multiplication movement in Middle Tennessee and beyond.
Our theme for 2024 was “the whole church in the whole word for a whole year,” and we saw God use our study of the entire Bible in powerful ways. As pastor, I felt led by the Spirit to guide our church to make 2025 a year focused on prayer, and our trustees and staff have affirmed this direction. We are blessed to have a gifted, creative, and talented church family that stretches across Middle Tennessee. Our campuses are growing, our ministries are healthy, and we are partnering with more churches and mission organizations than ever before. But if we aren’t careful, we begin to rely on our own strength instead of calling on the very power of God. The ministry of Jesus makes it clear: intentional and focused prayer is the non-negotiable constant of lasting and fruitful ministry.
We’re kicking the year off with a 40-day prayer emphasis. Why 40 days? In the Bible, the number 40 is always associated with spiritual transformation and breakthrough. As we call on the name of the Lord in our gathering, groups, and in our going, we are praying this will be a catalytic season of gospel impact. Our staff has developed this prayer guide so that you can pray into the priorities and opportunities God has placed before us. May His will be done on earth and through Brentwood Baptist Church as it is in heaven!
Remember, prayer isn’t an idea, it’s a practice – so let’s pray, church, that the Spirit of God will move in a fresh way among us, bringing renewal and revival!
You are loved and you are sent!
Pastor Jay