May 27, 2002
A man named J. W. Stevenson, in his first pastorate, came to a church in the Scots Highlands. As a result of his experiences there he wrote a book entitled "God In My Unbelief." I presume the title comes from the gripping story in Mark 9 where Jesus, coming down from the mountaintop of transfiguration encountered a family in need that the disciples had been unable to help. Presumably an epileptic, Jesus response to the need was to say to the father (vs 23,) "All things can be done for the one who believes," and the father responds, "I believe; help my unbelief!"
In his moving book Stevenson defines the true church in these words. "The true Church is the fellowship of people in whom the old human life is breaking down and the new life in Christ is being formed. We must have understanding and nearness to encourage each other when the defences are crumbling and we are not yet sure of what is to come, when we are like the potters vessel which must be broken and made again." In addition "we are not to be a settled company with established ways, shaped to a pattern from which we fear to depart. We are to be a people of God perpetually giving new shape to our fellowship by what we are learning of Christ in His saving work."
I do not believe it is an "Impossible Dream" for First Baptist to be this kind of a fellowship. You are welcome to help us.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
201 Oak St.
Mauston, WI 53948-1333 608-8474555
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