First Baptist Church Amsterdam-Cloverdale

 Hello Family!

 

I greet you all in the name above every name, Jesus Christ!

 

I am humbled and excited you thought well of us to stop by and check out our website, thank you!

 

The bible says, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrew 10:25, NRSV). When I invite someone to church, it's not an invitation to a social club. No, not at all!

I extend an invitation so you may be a part of a living community willing to partner in fellowship, education, ministry, worship and praise! In my opinion, I believe, if the church is going to be the church there must be a commitment to gather for the purposes of serving God and others. I have learned that making a commitment usually consist of verbal agreements, however, keeping a commitment usually takes consistent action (this is true in all areas of our lives). We here at First Baptist Church Amsterdam are striving to do the same and would love for you to join us on this incredible journey of commitment and service.

 

Jeremiah 2:2 says, “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown” (NRSV). I care deeply about the youth!

 

At age 35, I am still young myself. I can recall how excited I was to turn 18 years old. Why? Well, I felt like I was grown enough to make the decision not to attend church. I thought I found freedom and peace by separating myself from the church and doing whatever I felt like on Sundays, for example, sleeping in. The only reason why I rebelled against going to church was because I felt like I was forced by my parents to go.

 

Slowly, I learned that church wasn't the problem or my parents weren't the problem but my perspective about church was the problem. The absence of church did not make me grown, in fact, it only revealed my lack of commitment. I have learned that the church is  a vibrant community and it is a place I don't want to leave anymore. I make it a point to encourage the Millennials and Generation Z to stay in church because there are so many benefits available for their growth and development in life. I challenge them to remember their love for God and trust God with all areas of their lives.

 

Dear Youth, church may not be perfect, however church is so worth it!

 

Finally, my preaching and teaching would be nothing without much prayer to God and guidance from God’s Spirit.

 

My philosophy for preaching and teaching is found in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free...” (NRSV). 

 

Additionally, I believe preaching and teaching should not be a source of entertainment but should be biblical, contextual, instructional, informational, motivational and transformational to those who listen.  In order to accomplish these things, I believe on my part there must be a commitment to serious scholarship/studying in order to craft sermons that will be relevant to the awaiting congregation.

 

God has touched my lips to preach and teach so that people can be set free and lives are changed!

 

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Sean D. Burch, M.Div.