By Dr. Robert C. Crowder
“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”— Psalm 126:3
Lakeview Church family, as we reflect upon the year 2025, we do so with grateful hearts, recognizing the many ways the Lord has continued to bless, grow, and strengthen the ministry of Lakeview Baptist Church. Throughout this past year, we have witnessed both spiritual growth and faithful service as our church family sought to walk together in obedience to Christ.
We began the year with the sermon series “Losing the Weight,” calling our congregation to spiritual renewal and deeper commitment. Early in the year, L.I.F.E. @ LBC launched with multiple discipleship opportunities, including Charting the Word: Unpacking the New Testament, Experiencing God, Foundations, and Genesis. These studies set the tone for a year marked by intentional discipleship and biblical teaching.
In February, our students gathered for Love Does D-Now Weekend, encouraging the next generation in faith and fellowship. During this same season, a new Adult Sunday School class, Son Life, led by Randy Ray, began meeting, expanding opportunities for connection and growth within our church family. We also concluded the month with a Phone Bank Outreach led by Charlie Robinson and faithful volunteers who shared encouragement and the hope of Christ throughout our community. Agape Fellowship Training also began, equipping members for intentional evangelism.
March was a month of service and vision. Under the leadership of Josh Flowers and the Leadership and Recruitment Team, Lakeview hosted its first Serve Fest, giving our church family a vision for the many ways they might invest their gifts in kingdom work. Thanks to the dedication of our Building Team, our parking lot renovation was completed, improving accessibility and stewardship of our facilities. During this time, the church also began reviewing plans for the future expansion of our Adult Education Wing. The Deacons hosted a church family softball fellowship, and we concluded the month with ABIDE, our Fellowship for Married Couples Ministry, along with the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
During the first quarter of 2025, the Lord added 20 new members to our fellowship, including four baptisms, a testimony to God’s ongoing work among us.
In April, we celebrated the beginning of our Handbell Choir following the generous gift of a beautiful set of bells. L.I.F.E. @ LBC continued to grow, and JAM became part of our Wednesday evening offerings. The month was especially joyful as we celebrated six baptisms, witnessing lives publicly dedicated to Christ week after week.
May brought our annual Baby Bottle Boomerang, supporting Hope Pregnancy Center and affirming our church’s commitment to the sanctity of life. We also honored our graduating seniors during Senior Sunday, celebrating both accomplishment and faithful discipleship among our students.
In June, we rejoiced together during Baby Dedication Sunday and hosted our first annual Backyard Praise outreach event. We had 331 visitors on our campus that day, welcoming our community for worship, fellowship, and gospel witness.
During the second quarter, the Lord added 21 new members to Lakeview Baptist Church: 10 by baptism, 6 by statement, and 5 by letter.
Summer ministry continued strongly. Following Backyard Praise and ongoing growth within our Children’s Ministry, Vacation Bible School welcomed an average of 110 children, filling our campus with enthusiasm, learning, and the message of Christ.
In August, we launched a new semester of L.I.F.E. @ LBC with expanded offerings. For the first time, Life-to-Life Discipleship Training and Agape Evangelism Training were offered concurrently, alongside new studies including a parenting class, Quest for Authentic Manhood, Wall Building Leadership, and the Pastor’s Bible Study through Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians, Walking Worthy. In total, nine classes were offered throughout the fall semester, reflecting a growing hunger for discipleship within our church.
We also celebrated the beginning of Faith, Forks, & Fellowship, a ministry for senior adults born from Byron and Cheryl Nelson’s vision and heart for fellowship. This ministry has already become a blessing, even partnering with our 317 Students ministry in intergenerational encouragement and prayer.
In September, our Ladies’ Ministry hosted a Women’s Conference featuring Reflection Ministry founder Lisa Bownds. Women from both our congregation and surrounding communities gathered for encouragement, testimony, and gospel-centered teaching.
By the close of the third quarter, 17 additional members joined Lakeview: 10 by baptism, 5 by statement, and 2 by letter.
October began with Harvest Fest, our annual Missions Banquet, where we welcomed Todd Blackhurst of Mission Taiwan along with several supported ministries. It was a meaningful reminder of Lakeview’s ongoing commitment to missions both locally and globally.
As we entered the holiday season, we continued to witness God’s faithfulness across every ministry. From Operation Christmas Child shoebox outreach, to fellowship gatherings, to the Sounds of the Season cantata, the life of our church reflected joyful service, generosity, and worship.
In the fourth quarter, 12 additional members joined Lakeview: 7 by baptism, 3 by statement, and 2 by letter.
Therefore, for the year we welcomed 70 new members.
Lakeview Church family, as we reflect upon the year 2025, we do so with grateful hearts, recognizing the many ways the Lord has continued to bless, grow, and strengthen the ministry of Lakeview Baptist Church. Throughout this past year, we have witnessed both spiritual growth and faithful service as our church family sought to walk together in obedience to Christ.
We began the year with the sermon series “Losing the Weight,” calling our congregation to spiritual renewal and deeper commitment. Early in the year, L.I.F.E. @ LBC launched with multiple discipleship opportunities, including Charting the Word: Unpacking the New Testament, Experiencing God, Foundations, and Genesis. These studies set the tone for a year marked by intentional discipleship and biblical teaching.
In February, our students gathered for Love Does D-Now Weekend, encouraging the next generation in faith and fellowship. During this same season, a new Adult Sunday School class, Son Life, led by Randy Ray, began meeting, expanding opportunities for connection and growth within our church family. We also concluded the month with a Phone Bank Outreach led by Charlie Robinson and faithful volunteers who shared encouragement and the hope of Christ throughout our community. Agape Fellowship Training also began, equipping members for intentional evangelism.
March was a month of service and vision. Under the leadership of Josh Flowers and the Leadership and Recruitment Team, Lakeview hosted its first Serve Fest, giving our church family a vision for the many ways they might invest their gifts in kingdom work. Thanks to the dedication of our Building Team, our parking lot renovation was completed, improving accessibility and stewardship of our facilities. During this time, the church also began reviewing plans for the future expansion of our Adult Education Wing. The Deacons hosted a church family softball fellowship, and we concluded the month with ABIDE, our Fellowship for Married Couples Ministry, along with the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
During the first quarter of 2025, the Lord added 20 new members to our fellowship, including four baptisms, a testimony to God’s ongoing work among us.
In April, we celebrated the beginning of our Handbell Choir following the generous gift of a beautiful set of bells. L.I.F.E. @ LBC continued to grow, and JAM became part of our Wednesday evening offerings. The month was especially joyful as we celebrated six baptisms, witnessing lives publicly dedicated to Christ week after week.
May brought our annual Baby Bottle Boomerang, supporting Hope Pregnancy Center and affirming our church’s commitment to the sanctity of life. We also honored our graduating seniors during Senior Sunday, celebrating both accomplishment and faithful discipleship among our students.
In June, we rejoiced together during Baby Dedication Sunday and hosted our first annual Backyard Praise outreach event. We had 331 visitors on our campus that day, welcoming our community for worship, fellowship, and gospel witness.
During the second quarter, the Lord added 21 new members to Lakeview Baptist Church: 10 by baptism, 6 by statement, and 5 by letter.
Summer ministry continued strongly. Following Backyard Praise and ongoing growth within our Children’s Ministry, Vacation Bible School welcomed an average of 110 children, filling our campus with enthusiasm, learning, and the message of Christ.
In August, we launched a new semester of L.I.F.E. @ LBC with expanded offerings. For the first time, Life-to-Life Discipleship Training and Agape Evangelism Training were offered concurrently, alongside new studies including a parenting class, Quest for Authentic Manhood, Wall Building Leadership, and the Pastor’s Bible Study through Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians, Walking Worthy. In total, nine classes were offered throughout the fall semester, reflecting a growing hunger for discipleship within our church.
We also celebrated the beginning of Faith, Forks, & Fellowship, a ministry for senior adults born from Byron and Cheryl Nelson’s vision and heart for fellowship. This ministry has already become a blessing, even partnering with our 317 Students ministry in intergenerational encouragement and prayer.
In September, our Ladies’ Ministry hosted a Women’s Conference featuring Reflection Ministry founder Lisa Bownds. Women from both our congregation and surrounding communities gathered for encouragement, testimony, and gospel-centered teaching.
By the close of the third quarter, 17 additional members joined Lakeview: 10 by baptism, 5 by statement, and 2 by letter.
October began with Harvest Fest, our annual Missions Banquet, where we welcomed Todd Blackhurst of Mission Taiwan along with several supported ministries. It was a meaningful reminder of Lakeview’s ongoing commitment to missions both locally and globally.
As we entered the holiday season, we continued to witness God’s faithfulness across every ministry. From Operation Christmas Child shoebox outreach, to fellowship gatherings, to the Sounds of the Season cantata, the life of our church reflected joyful service, generosity, and worship.
In the fourth quarter, 12 additional members joined Lakeview: 7 by baptism, 3 by statement, and 2 by letter.
Therefore, for the year we welcomed 70 new members.
Looking back over 2025, we give thanks for every life changed, every family strengthened, and every opportunity to proclaim Christ. The Lord has been gracious to Lakeview Baptist Church, and we move forward into 2026 with humility, unity, and anticipation for what He will continue to accomplish through His people.
With gratitude for God’s faithfulness and confidence in His continued work among us, we look ahead to another year of serving Christ together.
Looking back over 2025, we give thanks for every life changed, every family strengthened, and every opportunity to proclaim Christ. The Lord has been gracious to Lakeview Baptist Church, and we move forward into 2026 with humility, unity, and anticipation for what He will continue to accomplish through His people.
With gratitude for God’s faithfulness and confidence in His continued work among us, we look ahead to another year of serving Christ together.
