THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 20, 1996 TAG: 9606190187
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 70 lines
RECENT BAPTISMS, new members and groundbreaking for a fellowship hall testify to steady growth of The Macedonia Baptist Church in the rural Hobson neighborhood.
The sparks of new life come as the congregation approaches its 96th anniversary celebration this summer.
The Rev. Bernard Thomas, pastor, said the church is experiencing spiritual growth as well. The congregation has 120 active parishioners.
Thomas believes in strong Biblical preaching. ``One of the greatest things I enjoy watching,'' Thomas said, ``is how the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ transforms people. ... It's thrilling to see others grow and how the Word of God has an effect on a person's life.''
``I believe in preaching the gospel, sharing it as it is given without holding back, and seeing the great things it does. It's just amazing.''
Macedonia has four choirs. Organist Arthur Harding directs them, and each group leads in worship twice a month.
``Music adds a great deal of flavor to our worship,'' Thomas said, ``but it can never replace the main part of the gospel.''
He said, ``Music and singing have always had a role, even in the early days of the apostles. And I think good music can be instrumental in building an atmosphere of good worship.''
Thomas also sees his congregation as a mission-minded group. Every fifth Sunday, the worship service is geared to mission emphasis. Senior missionaries of the church's Missionary Department or guest speakers then lead the service.
Thomas said local and foreign mission concerns are addressed during the sessions. The church also supports the Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Offering.
When Thomas answered the call to Macedonia nearly three years ago, he was assuming leadership of his first congregation. Before that, he gained experience as an active member and, for five years, associate pastor, of the Noble Street Baptist Church in Portsmouth.
``At 11, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior,'' Thomas said. From then on, he was active at Noble Street, interested in spiritual things and faithful in Christian service.
``But I always knew there was a higher calling on my life,'' Thomas said. He was licensed for gospel ministry in 1988, at age 29.
In 1990, Thomas received a certificate from the Evans/Smith Leadership Training Institute, an extension of the Virginia Union University School of Theology. Today he continues his studies towards a degree in theology while maintaining a second career as an insurance agent for United Insurance of America.
Beginning his ministry at Macedonia, Thomas sensed some past hurts and scars within the community that needed healing. ``I have felt led to preach many of my messages on the topics of forgiveness and love,'' he explained.
``I stress that it's very difficult to reach peace in the community and surrounding areas unless we reach peace among ourselves. I feel being unified in spirit and purpose is very important.''
Thomas has found the congregation at Macedonia warm and friendly, with a good blend of ages and interests among the group. ``The Lord is no respecter of persons, and neither am I,'' Thomas said, ``so we see every soul as special and valuable here.''
Thomas sees some of the pressing needs of his congregation in terms of community needs. Sewer lines to the neighborhood, better housing for some and a place of recreation for area children are among his top concerns.
To meet the spiritual needs of the local population, he prays that his own church will be a beacon of hope.
``I pray that our congregation might grow in every dimension - spiritually, physically, mentally and financially - that people might be drawn to us and the gospel for answers to their needs,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The Rev. Bernard Thomas is pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church. by CNB