Our ministry theme in Jackson for 2021 is “Connected.” By definition the word “connected” means brought together or into contact so that a real link is established, to be joined or linked together. Our prayer is that 2021 will be a year where our businessmen are more deeply connected to Christ, His church and community.
Our theme verses are found in John 15:4-5:
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
The connection that we desire in Jackson is with the vine (Christ). Unless we are connected first to Christ, nothing else really matters. As we are connected to Christ, we have to learn to abide in Him. To abide means to live, continue, or remain. It’s not hurried. Our desire is to see men connect with Christ for the first time and begin a relationship with Him. For those that are already in a relationship with Christ, our prayer is that they will learn what it means to abide in Christ in a greater way.
YBL loves and supports our local churches! Our desire is to see men connected to a local body of believers…His church. 2020 became the year of online church due to the COVID pandemic. Recent statistics say that many regular church attendees have stopped going to church in person and online. They have become disconnected from something so important. We will keep connection to the local church in front of our men and remind them to set the example of attending their local churches.
Finally, we want to be intentionally connected to community. Community, in this sense, means a few things. Connected to a YBL Bible study will help men foster community with other men. It also means connected to their community, that place where they live. Get to know and faithfully serve those in the community, praying for them regularly.
My prayer for you is that you will join our ministry in Jackson in connecting to Christ, His church and community in 2021.