The Pastor’s Corner

Loving Like God, Not Like the World

In today’s culture, love is often portrayed as mere affirmation, agreeing with people, avoiding offense, and embracing all choices as equally valid. But the love of God, the love the church is called to embody, is far deeper, stronger, and holier than that.

God’s love doesn’t leave us where we are; it transforms us. It doesn’t just pat us on the back and say, “Do whatever makes you happy.” It calls us to righteousness, because true joy and peace are found in walking in His truth.

That’s why sometimes, love looks like slaying giants. Like David before Goliath, we are called to stand boldly against sin, deception, and the forces that oppose God’s kingdom. Love requires courage—courage to speak the truth in a world that often prefers comfortable lies.

Other times, love looks like flipping tables. Jesus, the very embodiment of love, walked into the temple and overturned the tables of corruption and hypocrisy. Love does not tolerate injustice, nor does it remain silent in the face of falsehood. It takes action to restore holiness where it has been compromised.

As the church, we must remember that our mission is not to reflect the world’s version of love but to reflect God’s. That means loving people enough to tell them the truth. It means standing firm on God’s Word even when it’s unpopular. It means offering grace while also calling people to repentance, just as Jesus did.

Love without truth is not love, it is enablement. And truth without love is not truth, it is self-righteousness. But when we embrace both truth and love as God does, we become the kind of church that doesn’t just affirm people but transforms them through the power of Christ.

A Vision for First Baptist Church Norfolk

 

First Baptist Church is called to be a true New Testament church—missionally minded, on fire for the kingdom, and fully devoted to God’s purpose. To step into this calling, we must let go of yesterday—both the successes and the failures—so we can embrace the future God has prepared for us. Failure in programs and ideas is acceptable; remaining stagnant is not. We die unless we continue to grow, and we grow only when we change. Change requires energy, and people often resist it because it is difficult to do something different. But if we remain where we are, we miss the opportunity to become who God is calling us to be.

Our mission is clear: Helping People Find and Follow Jesus. This is not just a statement, it is a calling that demands intentionality, sacrifice, and full commitment. Being a Christian is not a part-time endeavor but a lifetime commitment. We must give our whole selves to Christ and His purpose, both individually and as a church body.

To be successful in this mission, we must fully embrace both the Great Commandment—loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves—and the Great Commission—going into the world to make disciples. We are not here to simply maintain traditions or sustain programs; we are here to actively engage in God’s work, both in our community and beyond.

Our goal is not to copy another church’s model but to discover and incorporate the unique DNA of this body of believers. Each of us has a role to play, and together, we will build a church that is devoted to sound teaching, passionate worship, fervent prayer, and bold outreach. Coming together is the beginning; working together produces victory. Like the first-century church, we will be a people of action—empowered by the Holy Spirit, united in purpose, and unwavering in our faith.

This is our time to move forward with courage and conviction, stepping into the future God has prepared for us. May we fully commit to the mission, embrace the journey, and trust God to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

Church, the time for action is now. God is calling us to move, to grow, and to fully commit to His purpose. We cannot afford to stay comfortable or stagnant, we must step forward in faith!

I challenge each of you to take one bold step outside your comfort zone for the sake of the mission. Maybe that means reaching out to a neighbor who needs to hear the love of Christ, inviting someone to church, or joining a ministry where you can serve. Perhaps it’s dedicating time each day to fervent prayer, asking God to transform our church and community.

Whatever it is, make it intentional. Write it down, pray over it, and then do it. As we each take small steps, together we will move forward as a church on fire for God’s kingdom. Let’s embrace change, trust in God’s power, and boldly live out our mission to help people find and follow Jesus!  Are you ready? Let’s go!

 

In His Service,

 

Rev. Jason D. Owens

Senior Pastor

March 2025 Newsletter Article

Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. These 40 days invite us to slow down and draw closer to God, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter. It is a time to realign our lives with Christ’s love and mission.

Throughout Scripture, we see that transformation happens in the wilderness. Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days before beginning His ministry. The Israelites wandered for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land. Lent is our own journey—a time to surrender distractions, seek God in prayer, and open our hearts to His refining work.

What is God calling you to lay down or take up in this season? Maybe it’s stepping away from the noise of social media, committing to daily Scripture reading, or reaching out to someone in need. Whatever it may be, know that small acts of faithfulness draw us deeper into His grace.

As we journey through Lent together, may we embrace the beauty of repentance, the power of God’s mercy, and the hope that Easter brings. The cross comes before the empty tomb—but resurrection is coming!

 

Walking with you in faith,

 

Pastor Jason

February 2025 Newsletter Article

As we step into the month of February, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for what God has in store for us. Our mission as a church remains clear and unwavering: Helping people find and follow Jesus. This is not just a statement; it is the heartbeat of our community, the foundation of our ministry, and the vision God has given us.

Fulfilling God’s vision requires each of us to be intentional in our walk with Him and in our relationships with others. It means stepping out in faith, reaching beyond our comfort zones, and embracing the call to be His hands and feet in the world. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing our testimonies, or simply being a light in our workplaces and neighborhoods, we have countless opportunities to reflect Christ’s love.

This month, I encourage you to ask yourself: How can I personally contribute to fulfilling God’s vision for our church? Perhaps it means joining a ministry, volunteering in outreach efforts, or investing more time in prayer and Bible study. Each step we take in obedience brings us closer to seeing God’s plans unfold in our midst.

Let’s also remember that fulfilling God’s vision is not something we do alone; it is a journey we take together as a church family. Let us support and encourage one another, building a community rooted in love, unity, and a shared passion for spreading the Gospel.

I am grateful for each of you and the unique gifts you bring to our church. Together, let us continue to pursue God’s vision with unwavering faith and dedication.

 

In His Service,

Pastor Jason

If We’re Not Growing, We’re Dying:

Embracing the Future Over Yesterday

 

In the end, the question we must all face is: Are we willing to let go of what was in order to embrace what God wants to do next? Growth requires change, and change requires a willingness to leave behind what no longer serves the greater purpose.

If we’re to live as Christ intended—vibrant, growing, and reaching out to the world around us—then we must commit to continually moving forward, trusting that the best is yet to come.

Stop Coming to Church; Start Being the Church

As a pastor, I often hear people talk about “going to church.” It’s a phrase so ingrained in our culture that it rolls off the tongue without much thought. But here’s a challenge: What if we stopped thinking about church as the place where we go and started living as the church we are called to be?

The Bible doesn’t describe the church as a building. It describes the church as a people—God’s people—on mission together. When Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), He wasn’t talking about a sanctuary with stained glass windows. He was talking about us: believers who are united by His Spirit, equipped to carry His message of love, grace, and redemption into the world.

The Problem with Just “Coming to Church”

When we reduce church to a Sunday routine, we risk missing the bigger picture. Sitting in a pew or chair once a week doesn’t automatically make us disciples of Christ. It’s possible to attend services faithfully but remain spiritually stagnant. Worse, it can create a consumer mindset where church becomes just another product to consume—something we evaluate based on how it meets our needs rather than how we can contribute to God’s kingdom.

Even more concerning, we’ve fallen into the trap of cultural Christianity. Too often, church becomes a social club rather than a place of transformation. We treat it as a venue to network, maintain appearances, or check a box for our spiritual “to-do” list. But Jesus didn’t call us to a comfortable, cultural faith. He called us to die to ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him.

Service, too, has been tainted by the desire for convenience. True service is about sacrifice, not comfort. It’s not about fitting God into our schedule but allowing Him to set the agenda. Jesus Himself modeled this when He washed the feet of His disciples—an act of humility, discomfort, and love. If we want to follow His example, we must embrace the messiness, inconvenience, and selflessness of serving others.

Start Being the Church

Being the church means embracing our identity as the body of Christ. It means asking ourselves, “How am I living out my faith Monday through Saturday?” Are we serving others? Are we showing the love of Christ to our neighbors? Are we living in community, supporting one another in prayer, accountability, and encouragement?

The early church in Acts gives us a beautiful example:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)

This was a movement, not a meeting. A lifestyle, not a location.

Practical Ways to Start Being the Church

1. Engage in Your Community

Find ways to serve outside the walls of your church. Volunteer at a shelter, mentor a student, or simply reach out to someone who’s hurting.

2. Build Genuine Relationships

The church isn’t just a crowd; it’s a family. Invest in the lives of those around you. Share meals, pray together, and walk through life’s ups and downs as a community.

3. Be the Light Wherever You Are

Whether at work, school, or home, you carry the presence of Christ with you. Let your words and actions reflect His love and truth.

4. Live Missionally

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is a call to go. Don’t wait for people to come to you. Take the gospel into your everyday interactions, sharing the hope you’ve found in Jesus.

Final Thoughts

God never intended the church to be confined to a building. He created us to be His hands and feet, actively participating in His mission to restore and redeem. So, let’s stop coming to church and start being the church. Let’s shift our mindset from “What can I get?” to “How can I give?” Let’s move from attending to abiding, from consuming to contributing.

And as we do, let’s leave behind cultural Christianity. Let’s stop treating the church like a social club and start embracing it as the living, breathing body of Christ. It’s not about our comfort or convenience; it’s about living boldly for the One who gave everything for us. Remember, service isn’t about what’s easy or fits our preferences—it’s about sacrifice, just as Christ sacrificed for us.

You are the church. Go and live it.

January 2025 Newsletter Article

 

Dear Church Family,

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I am filled with hope and excitement for what God has in store for us. A new year is a fresh start, and I believe God is calling us to grow together in two vital areas: prayer and outreach.

This year let’s commit to becoming a powerfully praying church. Prayer is essential to our relationship with God and to seeing His will done in our lives and community. I encourage you to join us every Monday evening at 7:00 PM for a time of united prayer. Together, we will lift up our families, our church, and the city of Norfolk, seeking God’s guidance and blessing. To help strengthen your personal prayer life, we’ll also provide monthly prayer guides.

Outreach will be another central focus for us in 2025. Norfolk is our mission field, and we are called to share the love of Christ with our neighbors. As part of this, I am challenging each of us to invite someone new to Sunday morning worship every week. This could be a family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor—anyone who needs to experience the hope and joy found in Christ. Alongside this challenge, we’ll be organizing service projects, partnering with local organizations, and hosting events to connect with our community in meaningful ways.

Additionally, I want to invite you to join a special Scripture reading challenge this year. Together, we’ll journey through the entire Bible in chronological order, exploring God’s story from beginning to end. This challenge will deepen our understanding of God’s Word and draw us closer to Him. Reading plans will be available at church.

As we commit to these goals, I am reminded of the promise in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” I believe that as we focus on prayer, outreach, and Scripture, God will do amazing things in our church and community.

Thank you for being part of this church family. I am grateful for each of you and look forward to seeing how God works through us in 2025. Let’s seek Him wholeheartedly and step out in faith!

In His Service,

Pastor Jason

December 2024 Newsletter Article

 

Advent: A Season of Hope and Anticipation

Dear Church Family,

As we enter December, we begin the season of Advent—a time of reflection, waiting, and preparation for the coming of Christ. “Advent” means “coming,” reminding us not only of Jesus’ birth but also of His promised return.

Throughout the Advent season, we focus on hope, peace, joy, and love, symbolized by the lighting of candles each week. I encourage you to reflect on these themes in your daily life and family traditions, whether through prayer, an Advent wreath, or quiet moments of gratitude.

Amid the busy preparations for Christmas, Advent calls us to remember the true gift: Emmanuel God with us. Christ came to bring hope and salvation to our broken world, and this season invites us to seek His presence more deeply in our lives.

May this Advent season be a time of intentional preparation, where we reflect on the wonder of Christ’s coming and share His love with those around us.

In His Service,

Pastor Jason

November 2024 Newsletter Article