Almost two months ago I wrote concerning my place within the non-denominational context of Christianity. I was in a place where I really needed to consider where God was calling me. Though Calvary Chapel Poulsbo will always be the place I call home; the place where I consider to keep my roots. I found that -in my l i m i t e d experience- it stood out as unique. It was a church that reached in to its own, and out to its community. From them I learned the importance of fellowship, I experienced -as receiver and giver- the love of God we are called to have for one another. I learned solid theology and witnessed it put into practice. The church invited my family, and every family there, to be active participants. It was a family and a truly wonderful expression of the Body of Christ.
It was, for me, a rare experience within the non-denominational context. Later on I would come across other individuals and groups that would solidify my -by and large- discomfort with the non-denominational community.
Like I have discussed in my prior post, I have been praying for the Lord to guide me to where He would have me. Not something “better”, but something that was right for me. Something that honors God and honors His Word. Something with a focus on loving God with all of our hearts (that is all we are), all of our strength (that is all that we have), and with all of our minds (that is in everyway we think and live). Something that would include the comfortable and the uncomfortable. Something that would encourage us to educate ourselves and study beyond the surface and the elementary.
After some time I found myself in the most unlikely place with the most unlikely people. A place I was certain that in no conditions or terms I would ever find myself in, but here I am. It started with the teachers that I found myself studying from: John Piper, John MacArthur, Paige Patterson, Ergun Caner, Emir Caner, David Allen, Danny Akin, Albert Mohler, and many, many, others. Then someone made a comment -which may have been a little more prophetic than he may have realized. Then I was blessed to work with some amazing representatives of this denomination first hand. Then I met several members belonging to this denomination.
I found that this was a denomination whose Faith and Message statement I could really get behind.
With the help of an amazing chaplain and pastor, as well as the warm welcome of a very kind church, I find myself in a place where I am happier, healthier, and able to let go of old hostilities so that I can focus on the Lord.
My name is Michael W. Brewer Jr., Christian, and Southern Baptist.
