Another Field Trip

I finally accomplished my goal that I set in 2015. I visited the last of the regional campuses of Brentwood Baptist Church, located in East Nashville and known as The Church at Lockeland Springs. That goal will probably need to be amended when the next regional campus starts in Nolensville, but until then– mission accomplished!

I had help from a new app called Waze. It’s like your ordinary GPS app that gives directions, but this one has the option of Mr. T telling you when and where to turn. My personal favorite is him yelling at me to “TURN LEFT, SUCKA!”

I made it, thanks to Mr. T and Waze. I knew immediately I was going to like this place. It had the smell of a very old church building and looked very inviting. The worship service was spot-on in theology and practicality.

I love how the Church is made up of churches that all express different facets of the body of Christ, yet are all each the body of Christ. Each of the regional campuses has taken on the nuances and flavor of their communities and each reaches out to a different segment of Nashville’s population.

Of course, since I was already in the neighborhood, I had to stop by The Pharmacy for one of their amazing burgers. The one I consumed was called The Farm Burger and had bacon, ham, and a fried egg on it (and it was delicious). I truly appreciate the animal sacrifice that went into the making of this fine creation.

I believe that occasionally, it’s good to break up the routine and do something that’s different. That could mean going to a different church or checking out a part of town that you’re not used to.

I’m thankful for the inspiration to visit all five of the regional campuses. It definitely opened my eyes to the fact that not all of the body of Christ looks and functions like my church. There’s lots of room for every kind of person in God’s kingdom.

 

My Plan for 2016 — The Saga Concludes (Or Does it?)

As you probably know by now, I made it a goal of mine to visit all the regional campuses of Brentwood Baptist Church in 2016.

As of today, that mission is accomplished. That is, until the next regional campus springs up into existence.

I really liked everything about The Church at West Franklin. The music was great, the people were warm and friendly, and Matt Pearson is a fantastic communicator of God’s Word.

I’m thankful that I was able to see each of the campus pastors when I visited their respective campuses. I’m even more thankful that Brentwood Baptist Church is able to reach such a diverse group of people with these campuses that share the same message of hope but convey it in different ways.

In Nashville where 95% of churches are in decline, it does my heart good to see that all these campuses are growing and thriving and each making inroads in their communities.

I can’t wait to see what God does through the next regional campus (possibly in East Nashville). I have my GPS and I’m ready to travel, especially if the new campus is close to The Pharmacy (one of my favorite burger places in the world).

Speaking of good places to eat, I managed to end up at the Henpeck Village Market after church services for some quality brunch buffet. It was every bit as good as I had been dreaming it would be.

I still love that every new day can be a new start. You may not be able to make a new beginning, but you can always start toward a new ending and change the current chapter you’re in. God is always willing to work in the life of the man or woman who can offer even the most hesitant of surrenders and gives Him even the tiniest of places to start.

So, this concludes my updates on visiting all the regional campuses of BBC. For now.