The Thursday Update

SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

Lakeshore Friends,

A number of years ago, I heard someone say something that has stuck with me ever since he said it. He said, “You’re either growing or dying.”

In effect, what he was saying is that we’re either growing and getting better or we’re dying and in some type of decline. That’s a very black and white statement. There’s no room in the middle for staying the same. And I know that we can only tread water for so long before we drown. So is that true? I think the answer is yes, we’re either growing or dying in most areas of life. I think it’s especially true of your spiritual growth and development in the faith.

I see lots of people growing in their faith these days. I see them at church virtually every week. They worship God when the music gets them to think about how great He is. They drink in the messages being offered as they reflect on the biblical truth being taught. They are hungry to know God and the Bible more each day. They give generously, serve passionately, and so much more. Unfortunately, I also see lots of people “dying” in their faith. They do the exact opposite and pretty soon, you don’t see them very much at all. It’s sad to behold.

One thing I rarely see is someone staying somewhere in between growing and dying. Mediocrity and Christianity don’t play nice together.

In light of the Charlie Kirk assassination last week (I’m glad we had great attendance last Sunday so that many of you could hear what I had to say about it), I’m reminded that life is too short to spend it with half-hearted commitment to the things of God. Like Charlie, I want to be found growing and faithful to God when my time on earth is over (or the Rapture of the church occurs!).

How about you?

Our church is growing in attendance more than it has in any of the past 21 years. Just as importantly, many of you are growing along with it too. This Sunday, we’re kicking off a new series to help you grow even stronger called, “From Believing To Becoming”. We want to keep growing! It’s only by the grace of God that we aren’t dying, we’re growing.

Let’s grow together. It beats the alternative.

Warmly,

Vince
Senior Pastor