Christian Broadcasting Network Speaks to Us about the Impact of a Genuine Friend

Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping. 

John 4:35-36 TLB

When Jesus looked at the world around him, he saw endless possibilities. He saw souls thirsty for hope, and he saw opportunities to change people’s lives by bringing them the power they were looking for.

Bringing spirituality to a non-religious world: Our executive minister, Russ Ewell, recently spoke on the topic of bringing spirituality to the world on an episode of Christian Broadcasting Network’s Quick Start podcast. He got to share with CBN’s global audience of over 168 countries and territories about the ways God is leading us at the BACC to reach those who aren’t inspired by religion but are searching for spiritual answers. We do this through building relationships, meeting needs, and growing more spiritual ourselves.

Why religious ‘nones’ matter: We have been talking a lot about religious ‘nones’ lately, and you may be wondering why. ‘Nones’ are people who say “nothing in particular” when asked about their religious affiliation, and their population has been sizable in the U.S. for some time now. 

Some people in the religious world might be worried about this group and what it means for the future of the Church.

But we aren’t. 

Why?

While some may see Christianity declining, we see souls in search of spiritual answers. In the U.S., 41% of adults say they have become more spiritual over time, not less.

Christianity is deeply spiritual, and we hope to make the power of God known to the world around us through our personal connections, our efforts to do good, and our personal spiritual growth. 

The impact of a genuine friend: In this podcast episode, our executive minister, Russ Ewell, describes his experience as a former ‘none.’ He learned his mistrust wasn’t toward God, but toward institutionalized and organized religion. “The thing that changed me was really a relationship and time,” Russ remarks. Each of us can learn from this that we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those around us by simply being a genuine friend. 

Meeting needs in the Bay Area and beyond: San Francisco is one of the most religiously unaffiliated metropolitan areas in the country, and we were faced with the need to reach ‘nones’ earlier than many other places. We want Christianity to be accessible, not limited by the veil of religiosity that may turn those unfamiliar with church away from God. With the rising prevalence of loneliness, suicide, and mental health challenges, our church aims to meet the needs of the communities around us with no strings attached or any judgment. 

This is why we support programs that promote inclusion for people with special needs, like E-Sports and E-Life. This is why we create sensory-friendly egg hunts at our Easter services so that every child can enjoy the fun. This is why we build relationships with people in our neighborhoods and communities simply for the sake of being a friend. 

The Word of God gives us power and answers

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.”

Matthew 7:24-25 NLT

Our desire to build relationships, meet needs, and grow spiritually is rooted in our core belief that the Bible is a bedrock. It gives us power and has answers for everything we go through. God and his Word help us not only weather the storms we face, but also develop purpose and empathy for others as we go through them.

Because we have experienced God’s power in our lives, we desire to share this power with everyone we meet.

So today, get inspired about the power of your faith and relationships. Who has God put in your life to befriend? Make a choice to believe today that your spiritual friendship does make a difference. Listen to the podcast on Spotify.

Until next time!

BACC Staff