Whether you have been on this journey with us for many years or have recently joined the family at NSBC, you have probably noticed the incredible growth that God has brought over the past few years. We have seen a tremendous number of new members and many who have come to faith in Christ for the first time. We have also seen the multiplication and growth of our Core Groups and the start of a second campus at Spring Creek, providing an opportunity to reach the southern part of the county. Of course, this growth is an incredible blessing but also brings with it some new challenges.

Therefore, we are entering into a new phase in our history, and I believe that God is calling us to steward this season well. There are many property and ministry-related needs that need to be addressed in the coming months and years. Faithfully meeting those needs will take all of us seeking God’s will together and doing what He is calling us to do. But is this even possible? Let me respond by saying enthusiastically, yes! If we trust in the abundance of our Lord, are faithful to His calling, and are obedient to follow Him every step of the way, I believe that He will bless us in ways that we have never seen. So, I want to challenge you to be faithful in this season. Remember, “giving is a part of growing, because stewardship is a part of discipleship.”

“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”- Ephesians 3:20-21 (CSB)

Dr. Jim Thomas
Senior Pastor

As we study the book of Nehemiah, we recognize the truth that God is an abundant God and calls His people to live out of His abundance for His glory and the good of others. The significant growth we’ve experienced over the past several years, along with the exciting opportunities the Lord has placed before us recently, has created the need to raise capital to address these projects comprehensively.

The campaign begins on Sunday, January 18th, with 40 days of prayer and fasting, and will conclude with a celebration on Sunday, March 29th, where totals will be announced. The purpose of this campaign is to raise funds to complete a variety of projects, including those listed below:

We are in the design phase for most of the improvements and will soon receive a precise bid for each. Our estimated improvement costs range from $4M to $5M, depending on timing and market conditions. Any funds not needed for projects will be used to reduce our debt.

The duration of the campaign will be three years; however, donations may also be made as one-time or annual gifts.

Pastor Jim and the Executive Team will be visiting several small gatherings between January 26th and February 9th, so you can learn more about the program and projects and ask any questions you have. We will share the location and times for these gatherings through the bulletin, email, and Core Group leaders. If these opportunities don’t work for you, or you would like to speak with someone one-on-one, please contact Pastor Keith.

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During the summer message series Deeper, Pastor Jim reminded us that fasting is one of the three spiritual habits Jesus teaches on in the Sermon on the Mount.ⁱ We also see in the Gospel of Luke that Jesus Himself fasted (Luke 4:2), and in Matthew 6:16–18, He teaches in a way that assumes His followers will do the same.

As Pastor Jim shared, fasting can open the door for God to do a deeper work in our lives, strengthening our prayer life and bringing clarity as we seek the Lord’s guidance and direction.ⁱⁱ

Over the past year, we observed a significant spiritual response to our request for corporate prayer as we released our Core Group strategy and launched the Spring Creek campus. Therefore, we want to build on a strong foundation of prayer as we seek the Lord’s provision and trust Him for the continued growth and expansion of our ministries.

Typically, fasting is a voluntary choice to go without food, or some other regularly enjoyed, good gift from God, for a specific period and for a spiritual purpose. The practice of fasting is counter-cultural in our time, even among believers. Fasting helps us temporarily set aside our desires to intensify our desire for God, resulting in an attitude of trust and dependence upon Him.

It is essential to begin with the understanding that fasting is hard! Most of us rarely miss a meal. Putting this extra effort into your spiritual life may affect your mood. Remember, nothing worthwhile comes easily. Consider the last time you intentionally took a step of faith outside your comfort zone. Was it easy? Probably not. For many, a 24-hour fast will be the most significant spiritual step they’ve taken in a long time.

By participating in a 24-hour fast, you commit to missing two meals. For example, you would eat dinner one night, and then not eat again until dinner the next night (thus, missing breakfast and lunch).

To help you take this step of faith, below you’ll find some suggested best practices. These seven basic steps will help those new to fasting (most of us!).ⁱⁱⁱ

i Dr. Jim Thomas, Deeper – Session 5, June 29, 2025.
ii Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, pp. 156-157.
iii Adapted from an article by Jim Leggett, How to Conduct a 24-hour Fast, www. strategicrenewal.com