Posted: 4/29/05
| North Dallas residents mug for the camera at a 1980s-themed party sponsored by Biblical Community Church. |
Biblical commitment draws
nonbelievers, church leader insists
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
DALLAS–For Biblical Community Church, the name says it all.
The church that meets in the heart of busy North Dallas believes Christians motivated by biblical principles are attractive to those around them, Pastor Russell Diwa said.
Nonbelievers naturally are drawn to church members because their lives are different from everyone else, he stressed.
“If you have a follower who is biblically driven, you have a magnet in the (Dallas-Fort Worth) Metro-plex,” he said.
The “magnets” need biblical truth to function, Diwa noted. The Bible teaches lessons that alter a person's focus toward bringing others toward the gospel. Biblically grounded Christians radiate their faith naturally.
Because of this belief, the church emphasizes that Scripture continues to change lives, he continued.
Each Sunday, the church features a member giving a testimony that relates to the message. The church has small-group Bible studies throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The church has grown from about 35 members to nearly 150, and many of its outreach ministries serve many more people.
Each Valentine's Day, the church sponsors a large banquet for the community.
More than 300 people attended a 1980s-themed dance party. About 500 came to a love song-themed meal and gathering.
While the parties are fun, they are meant as “contact points” where the gospel can be presented. Diwa or artists share the Christian message during the events.
God is working through the ministry, Diwa said. Members have seen broken marriages restored.
A Romanian exchange student who used to promote atheism came to faith in Christ.
About 180 people made faith decisions during the love song gathering.
The pastor admitted these outreach events are different from those of other congregations, but he said his members are committed to sharing the gospel with non-Christians in any way they can. God has blessed that, he observed.
“The people are crazy enough for Christ to think of these things,” Diwa said.
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| The church has sponsored a variety of outreach events to attract non-Christians. |
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