Archive for November, 2016
This Week at Cross Church | A Historic Election and More
A Historic Election
Early yesterday morning, we watched history unfold before our eyes when we learned that our nation has elected Donald J. Trump to be our next president. In this undeniable and indescribable moment in American history, this is a time when leaders must rise from all across America and lead. More of my thoughts on this historic moment can be found in my article from yesterday.
Thankful for Fayetteville Campuses Over These Past Weeks
During the past several weeks, Dr. Nick Floyd and the entire staff team of our Fayetteville campuses have been engaged in a journey that has led them to make a three-year commitment to provide our greatest need in that city… a campus. Pastor Nick and the entire team have led well and I want to thank them. Additionally, we thank the lay leaders who have assisted them closely. Last Sunday, the church made their financial commitments with gifts that are over and above the first tenth of all God has given them. God is moving powerfully and this Sunday, we will announce their commitments to this significant experience. Again, thanks to our staff team, our lay leaders, and the hundreds of families who have made financial commitments to see this vision realized!
People Like Gayla Oldham Make This Ministry What it is Today
This week, we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of Gayla Oldham, my personal assistant, serving on our Ministry Staff team. Gayla has also worked an additional five years on our support staff team, having served Cross Church for a total of 20 years. She has paid a heavy price the past two years as I served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. While we do not recognize every anniversary publicly, I want our entire church to know of her significance. Surprise Gayla (she has not seen this before now) with a brief email of gratitude for her service to this ministry at gaylao@crosschurch.com. Jeana and I love Gayla. She is a tremendous asset to our lives and this ministry. We are thankful for Tony, her husband, who gives up some time with his wife so she can serve the Lord and this church through her job. They are great churchmen and we are thankful for Gayla and her family.
Blessing Basket Ministry… We Need Your Involvement!
Cross Church has been distributing Blessing Baskets to families in need for 24 years. A Blessing Basket provides a holiday meal to families who may not be able to afford one. Those who receive a Blessing Basket also hear the Good News of Jesus and have a chance to respond to Him and even be baptized. In order for Blessing Baskets to be a success, we need our Cross Church Family to give, and hundreds of volunteers to assemble 3,000 Blessing Baskets and work during Distribution Day. Will you volunteer to help or contribute to Blessing Baskets to help families have a holiday meal?
Assembly Day: Saturday, November 19, 9:00 a.m., Pinnacle Hills campus
Distribution Day:
Pinnacle Hills Campus – Saturday, November 19 at 12:30 p.m. (English and Spanish)
Springdale Campus – Sunday, November 20 at 1:30 p.m. (English and Spanish)
Fayetteville Campus – Sunday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m. (English only)
Neosho Campus – Sunday, November 20 at 2:00 & 4:00 p.m. (English only)
Fayetteville East Campus – Sunday, November 20 at 4:00 p.m. (English only)
Blessing Baskets is always a special time in our church, and we would love for you to engage. Go here to find out more information and learn how to volunteer and give.
This Past Sunday, We Were with Dr. Johnny and Janet Hunt in Atlanta
Last Sunday, Jeana and I were with Dr. Johnny and Janet Hunt, helping celebrate their 30th anniversary serving the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia, and his 40th anniversary in ministry. I had the tremendous honor of preaching the keynote message. Dr. Hunt has preached here a few times, and I want you to know of my love and appreciation for Johnny, Janet, and their church. Their 15-minute video of Johnny’s life and legacy was terrific. What a glory to God! You can see it here. We are so grateful for the friendship of Johnny and Janet. What a superb Sunday morning for Dr. and Mrs. Hunt and the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia.
I Will See You Sunday!
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
America Chose to Make a Historic Statement… Now What?
We have watched history unfold before our eyes. The faces of many we have watched in these last hours tell the story of surprise and bewilderment. The American people have spoken and resounded a message that is undeniable.
President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican House, a Republican Senate, and the Most Conservative Republican Platform in History
The American population has elected Mr. Donald Trump as the next President of the United States of America. President-elect Trump has captivated much of America and has been entrusted with leading our nation for the next four years. The “Trump Tide” has also moved Republicans to the majority in the U.S. House and Senate.
In this historic moment in history, millions of Americans are stunned with these results. When they realize the platform the Republican Convention adopted is one of the most conservative platforms ever adopted, they may become disenchanted.
This is a moment for America’s leaders to rise up and bring unity and change in our nation.
Leaders Lead… Let’s Change America!
America’s leaders must come together in both the House and the Senate, working with our president-elect, Donald Trump. This is a time to see Supreme Court Justices appointed who are conservative and strict constitutionalists, the kind of justices President-elect Trump promised to appoint. Additionally, this is a moment for us to stand for the sanctity of human life from the womb to the tomb, religious liberty nationally and globally, return to a deep belief in the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman, to honor and care for all people, giving them the dream of an America filled with opportunity and a future, recapture a strong commitment to the national security of our nation, and create a hope for the future for our nation that is so great, all Americans can come together.
In this undeniable and indescribable moment in American history, this is a time when the leaders must rise from all across America and lead.
Therefore, Pray for President-elect Donald Trump and the Members of Both the House and Senate
Please prioritize praying for President-elect Trump. He and his family will need our prayer support. Pray for Vice President-elect Mike Pence and his family. Pray for wisdom, future, security, protection, and leadership that will be extended to our nation. Pray for President-elect Trump as he selects members for his cabinet and begins the appointments of hundreds of people.
Members of both the House and Senate also need our prayer support. Pray for their wisdom, security, and determination to work together and to work with our new president.
Finally, pray for Secretary Hillary Clinton and her family. This has been a long campaign and she has given herself to it for a long time. Pray for all the candidates of all parties who ran for the Office of President but did not win. Each of these and their families need our prayer support because we need them to come together for America and our future.
Division must end. Unity must begin. Campaigning is not governing.
On January 20, our new president and every member of the United States House and Senate must begin to work together, governing our nation toward a common vision and hope.
Yes, America chose to make a historic statement. Therefore, in this historic moment…
Now is the Time to Lead,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.