shining light insight
a look into the life and ministry of our church
welcome
God has created each of us in such a way that we desire His acceptance and that of others. We want to know that we belong, that our lives are worthwhile and that we are a part of something that is real and is making a positive difference in our world.
At Shining Light Baptist Church, we are in imperfect people serving a perfect God. We believe that God’s Word is the light that we have been given to direct our pathways and strengthen our hearts. Our sincere desire is for you to know Christ as your Savior and to fulfill His purpose for your life. This viewbook will give you a glimpse into the ministry
opportunities God is allowing us to develop and provide in this place to help you know and do His will. I have been blessed with the opportunity to preach “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21) since I was a senior in high school in 1981. My family and I have had the privilege of serving the Lord and others here at Shining Light since March 7, 1990. Together, we invite you to come walk in the light with us as we give God the glory and honour due His name.
Sincerely,
Pastor Tim Cruse
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1
Pastoral Staff
“For we are labourers together with God...” – I Corinthians 2:9 God has sent men with a heart for Him to co-labour with our Pastor in leading our church forward. These men of integrity are trained in local church ministry, as well as other practical areas of interest and experience. They have families who are involved in serving others through our church. Please call the church office if our staff can be of assistance to you, for we are “your servants for Jesus’ sake.” – II Corinthians 4:5
truth
• leadership
•
compassion
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6
our purpose: • • • • •
to shine the light
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
to share the love
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:35
to show the liberty
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32
to sharpen the life
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17
to shape the land
“Ye are the salt of the earth...Ye are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:13-16
Overview of Weekly Schedule: Once you have trusted Christ as your personal Saviour, living the Christian life means that you follow Christ and grow spiritually throughout the week. To help with this daily growing process, there are varied opportunities for Bible study, outreach, fellowship, and prayer. Please call 704.283.1480 or visit shininglightmonroe.com for additional information.
Sunday
Wednesday
Weddington Park Chapel , 8:45 am
Teen Soulwinning, 3:00 pm
Union Park Chapel, 8:45 am
Wednesday Night @ Shining Light, 7:00 pm
ConnectPoint Bible Study, 9:30 am
Prayer Meeting and Bible Study
Morning Service, 10:45 am
Character Clubs
Spanish-Speaking Service, 1:00 pm Keys to Freedom Jail Ministry, 2:00 pm
Thursday
Section Prayer Meetings, 5:30 pm
Teens for Christ – Union Academy, 7:25 am
Evening Service, 6:00 pm
Monday Community Shelter (quarterly)
Tuesday Soulwinning and Follow-up Visitation, 6:30 pm Collegians for Christ - Wingate University
Friday Turning Point Bible Study, 7:00 pm
Saturday Soulwinning Visitation, 10:30 am Children’s Ministry Visitation
Weekly Preaching Services Through practical, Bible preaching, families are being encouraged, needs are being met, and lives are being changed. Every week God’s Word is opened and boldly proclaimed. Every week our singers and musicians gather to worship the Lord through Christ-honouring and heart-felt music. With our congregational singing, choir, special music, and instrumentalists, together we worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
“Pastor Cruse displays such loving leadership in his preaching... the vision he has for Shining Light Baptist Church is contagious.” –The Chris VonCannon Family
Bible Study and Sunday School finding the right fit Shining Light Baptist is a family! The Adult ConnectPoint classes are smaller families within that family. Because you are important to God, it is important to us that you find the class that is right for your season of life. By enrolling, you will connect with others like yourself for Bible studies, friendships, and fellowship opportunities. So regardless of your age or background, there is a class for you, and every class has a seat available and waiting for you on Sundays at 9:30 am!
student life ministries The teen years can be confusing, difficult, and challenging! But, they can also be amazing! Through Sunday School classes, weekly outreach, monthly activities, annual trips, retreats, and programs, the young people at SLBC are challenged and equipped to live for Christ while they are in their youth. By God’s grace, we do everything we can to provide the Bible-based wisdom that young people need, combined with the friendly atmosphere that young people enjoy!
just for kids Children are important in our church family! Children are soft and impressionable toward God, and from preschool through sixth grade, ministry at Shining Light Baptist is both fun and practical. Through the Sunday schools, activities, and other special ministries, our children learn to love and follow God early in life. With the help of crafts, games, activities, special treats, and loving teachers, each class is a fulfilling growth experience that builds Christian character.
kids events: Sunday
Children’s Classes: ages 3-grade 6 9:30 am Penny March offering to help other children
Wednesday
Children’s Choir – fall-winter 6:15 pm
Activities:
Junior Camp – summer grades 1-6 Monroe Athletic Club grades 1-6 Soccer Basketball Baseball
“...at Shining Light, children are cherished...” – Elmer & Alyce Elliot (retired public school teachers)
Everybody, Everywhere community outreach learn how to witness
Since 1962, hundreds of people have trusted Christ as their personal Saviour through our services, camps, and ministries. Each week many of our members participate in volunteer community outreach throughout Union County. Every outreach meeting consists of a brief training course, partnering with an experienced Christian, and time spent visiting and reaching people in the surrounding areas with the Gospel of Christ.
the children’s gospel hour
As many as 300 children and adults have been brought to our church on special days through our bus ministry. Many of these children live in challenging situations and the love of Christ that they receive through the bus ministry is the highlight of their week. This ministry is staffed by volunteer Christians who love people. To be a part or to help get someone a ride to church, call us today - (704) 283-1480!
Manila, Philippines
touching our world The Shining Light Baptist missions program currently supports over 100 missionaries around the world and has sent 12 men out into the gospel ministry. We are continually involved in helping to establish new independent Baptist churches. Our Pastor conducts foreign missions trips to train missionaries and national pastors and to help establish churches on foreign fields.
Shining Light Baptist Academy students K3–12
Since 2000, the Shining Light Baptist Church has helped families provide a strong Christian education. God has established the family as the principal entity to train children, with the church serving as a second platform of spiritual training. Shining Light Baptist Academy offers excellence
2009 & 2010 State Champions
in education for K3 through 12th grade. The school has a full program of education, Christian service, athletic and extracurricular opportunities.
facts about SLBA: • • • • • • • • • • •
Founded in August, 2000 Grades K-3 – 12 Internationally Acclaimed A Beka Curriculum Tuition financed Academic Pre-school Computer Classes Weekly Christian Service Opportunities Secondary Sports Program Annual Fine Arts Competition Piano and Instrument Instruction Summer Learning Program
• • • • • • • •
Dedicated teachers who are active members of the local church School board consists of the deacons of the church Member of North Carolina Christian School Association Registered with the North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education Exceeds the State of North Carolina Graduation Requirements Voluntary process of accreditation with American Association of Christian Schools begun 72-acre developing campus Future expansion includes new Classroom Building, Athletic and Events Center, and new ball fields
Dry Fork Christian Camp Juniors & Teens
Dry Fork Christian Camp @ lake minehaha
Each summer, Shining Light Baptist Church hosts two Junior Camps, two Teen Camps, a Basketball Camp, a Volleyball Camp, and a Soccer Camp. Young people are challenged to live a life that matters through daily personal devotions, chapel and evening services. They are also given various opportunities for fun and fellowship through a number of exciting games and lake activities. God has blessed our camp since its inception in 1984. There are many adults who give testimony of how God worked in their lives while attending our camp during the days of their youth.
Fresh Start of Union County Mission Statement
To be used of God to help take single mothers and their children from where they are to where He wants them to be by offering them a hand-up both spiritually and practically. to be completed on our lake property
“What we need is a fresh start!”
Need Direction? The windshield is bigger than the rear-view mirror because we are supposed to spend more time looking at where we’re going than where we’ve been.
Transitioning from a women’s shelter or a difficult divorce situation is a time of great challenge for a mother and her children. The financial challenges of starting over, coupled with confusion, hurt, anger, and fear, often bring mothers to the point of desperation and despair. They need someone to come along side of them and help them think clearly, and to begin anew with spiritual counsel and practical assistance until they can get “their feet back under them.” James 1:27 declares, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction...” God says that one of the purest expressions of genuine faith in Jesus Christ is demonstrated when we reach out to single mothers and their children in their time of need. Whether she is widowed or abandoned, God has a special place in His heart for her and her little ones. He promises in Exodus 22:23 to hear their cry and in Micah 2:9 to deal with those who cast them out of “their pleasant houses.”
Booklets
Preaching through Prints
Sermon Series
and much more...
Shining Light Publishing Shining the Light
Shining Light Inspirations Live it & Give it
We are sending out the gospel light through quality literature and audio sermon recordings. We also provide booklets, gospel tracts and other printed helps written by Pastor Tim Cruse to build and equip God’s people in the faith. “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” – Psalm 68:11
“Given to Us to Give to Others”
church ministries: There are currently many people serving in ministry every week at SLBC. These Christians are using their God-given gifts and interests to serve the Lord, our church family, and our community. In a growing church, there are countless and ever-expanding opportunities to serve God and others in ministry!
Here are some ministries you might be interested in being involved in: Academy
Orchestra
All Nations Baptist Mission
Radio Broadcasts - 88.1 FM
Bus Ministry
Senior Saints
Carrillon Assisted Living
Shining Light Publishing
Central Carolinas Youth Fellowship
Soulwinning
Choirs - Adult, Teen, Children
Sound
Collegians for Christ
Spanish Church
Community Shelter
Student Life
ConnectPoint Bible Studies
Sunday School
Crossway Discipleship Counseling
Teens for Christ
Dry Fork Christian Camp
Tot Town
Fresh Start of Union County
Turning Point Women’s Shelter
Heritage Baptist Church Plant
Union County Jail
Hospitality Team
Union Park Assisted Living
Kid Central
Ushers
Lawn/Maintenance
Weddington Park Assisted Living
Nursery
“It is not just a place to come on Sunday, but it is a family of believer’s who are willing to encourage one another...” –The Bradley Hagburg Family
find out more about our church:
•
what to expect in our services: The music portion of the service is alive, conservative, and Christ-honouring! Midway through the service an offering is taken for members or anyone who would like to honour the Lord with an offering. Please do not feel obligated to participate in the offering. Pastor Cruse then delivers a helpful and challenging Bible message and concludes by giving you the opportunity to respond in prayer to what you have heard. We encourage you to take advantage of our nice nurseries for your children during these services.
•
hospitality team Around the campus before each service there are greeters who want to meet and answer any questions you may have. Stop by our Information Center in the church lobby to pick up information, ask a question, or ask for assistance in choosing where to take your children. Ushers are also ready and equipped to serve you with your parking, classroom & childcare location needs.
•
childcare Our nurseries can be described as loving, clean, safe, and comfortable havens where our little ones can rest, learn, and play while mom and dad grow in God’s Word. Our staff of loving mothers is ready to assist you. Nursery care for infants through 4 years of age is provided for each service and for different activities. A pager system is provided for mothers of infants.
phone and fax phone.....................704.283.1480 fax.....................704.289.4945
email & internet church email...........................................................slbc@slbc.net school email...................................................academy@slbc.net publishing email.........................................publishing@slbc.net web addresses.......................... www.shininglightmonroe.com www.royalcrusaders.com
“After our first visit to Shining Light, we knew there was something special here...” –The Mike Gianpetro Family
www.shininglightpublishing.com www.dryforkchristiancamp.com www.shininglightinternetradio.com
God wants you to have life eternal and more abundant Love, worth, hope, and purpose are all found in Him. “...I (Jesus Christ) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Our sin has separated us from God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Jesus Christ paid sin’s penalty. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Salvation is by faith in Him. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” 1 John 5:12 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
Believing that He paid the penalty for your sin by His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead, call upon the Lord Jesus Christ right now. Ask Him to forgive your sin and give you eternal life. He has promised, “Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37 Honest questions? visit gothonestquestions.com Spiritual needs? Listen to...
88.1 FM CHRISTIAN FAMILY RADIO a ministry of Shining Light & fbnradio.com
“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.� Proverbs 4:18
2541 Old Charlotte Hwy. Monroe, NC 28110 704.283.1480 shininglightmonroe.com 88.1 FM Dr. Tim Cruse, Pastor