From the Heart of the Pastor

          We are living in unique and challenging days.  The recent decisions of the Supreme Court to affirm, legalize, and in fact codify homosexual marriage; as well as its overturning of a good Texas anti-abortion law remind us that we cannot trust human governments to always do the God-honoring thing.  All of this not only affects the American political landscape, but it has immediate implications for the work of the church.

          Make no mistake, the mission of the church to live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the glory of God has not and will not change to the slightest degree.  On the other hand, we must prepare ourselves to be a prophetic minority in the culture rather than a moral majority as we may have been accustomed to.  I will say again, with even greater conviction than ever, that the church of today looks more like the First Century church than any century since.  We have to think biblically.  We have to be counter-cultural. 

          One of the ways this is manifesting itself at Oak Crest is through very direct changes in the way we allow use of our facilities to outside groups.  There are two significant changes that you should be aware of as we move forward.  First of all, we will no longer allow the use of our facility to any secular non-church related groups.  Of course, church members are still welcome to use the building for gatherings such as various celebrations or family reunions.  The building should always and only be used for purposes in accordance with our stated purpose.  This is not only good practice, but could potentially protect us from litigation at some point in the future.  Second, we are altering our wedding ceremony policy.  It is sad and tragic that we have to even consider such a thing, nevertheless these are the days we are living in.  We will no longer make our building available to any weddings that are not the weddings of our church members.  In the past, our beautiful sanctuary has been a draw for couples desiring such a space.  Now we feel it is in our best interest to cease this kind of use.  I would be happy to speak further about this with anyone.  May God grant us boldness in the bloody cross and the empty tomb in these urgent days.
 
In Christ,

Blain Craig

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