Celebrating 45 Years of Faith and Unity

 

Summary

Celebrating 45 years of Del Sol Church is a testament to God's faithfulness and the dedication of our church community. Today, we reflect on our journey, beginning with the vision of the El Paso Baptist Association, which purchased land on the outskirts of town to reach more people for Christ. This vision was supported by Scottsdale Baptist Church, leading to the birth of Del Sol Church on March 23, 1980. From a small gathering of 50 people in a house, our church has grown into a multi-site community, impacting various parts of El Paso and beyond.

Our journey has been marked by significant milestones, including the leadership of our first pastor, James Roberts, and the long tenure of Walter Mueller, who served for 36 years. Under their guidance, and with the support of Texas Baptists, we expanded our facilities and embraced a multi-site strategy, establishing campuses in the Northeast, East Montana, and South El Paso, among others. Each step of our growth has been driven by the Great Commission, the call to make disciples of all nations, as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20.

Unity has been a cornerstone of our church's success. Despite the challenges and changes over the years, we have remained united, avoiding major divisions. This unity is rooted in our commitment to reconciliation and the teachings of Jesus, as highlighted in our original church covenant. As we look to the future, we are inspired by the promise of Ephesians 3:20-21, believing that God has immeasurably more in store for us.

Our mission remains clear: to spread the gospel and make disciples, expanding the love of Christ in our community and beyond. As we honor the past, we also embrace the future with faith, knowing that God will continue to work through us to bring about transformation and hope.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Vision and Faithfulness: The founding of Del Sol Church was rooted in a vision to reach more people for Christ, supported by the faithfulness of the El Paso Baptist Association and Scottsdale Baptist Church. This vision has guided us for 45 years, reminding us that God's plans often start small but grow through faith and dedication. [26:24]

2. The Great Commission as Our Mission: The Great Commission, as stated in Matthew 28:18-20, is central to our church's mission. It calls us to make disciples and spread the gospel, providing meaning and purpose to our lives. This mission is a gift from God, centering us on the reality of His kingdom and grounding us through life's challenges. [35:32]

3. Unity as a Foundation for Growth: Unity has been vital to our church's growth and success. Despite differences in opinions and preferences, we are called to be one body, united in Christ. This unity requires effort, humility, and a willingness to prioritize the kingdom of God over personal opinions. [44:09]

4. The Role of Leadership and Service: Leaders like Cheryl Reed have played a crucial role in our church's mission, particularly in reaching children for Christ. Her dedication and service exemplify the impact of faithful leadership. As she retires, we are reminded of the importance of raising new leaders to continue the mission. [49:30]

5. Looking Forward with Faith: As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, we look forward with faith, believing that God has immeasurably more in store for us. Our mission to expand the love of Christ and make disciples remains as vital as ever, and we are committed to being used by God for His glory. [59:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction and Special Guests
- [02:30] - Worship and Gratitude
- [05:15] - Prayer of Blessing
- [07:00] - Fun Quiz and Historical Context
- [10:45] - The Birth of Del Sol Church
- [14:30] - Growth and Expansion
- [18:00] - Multi-Site Strategy
- [22:15] - The Great Commission
- [26:24] - Leadership Transitions
- [30:00] - Unity and Reconciliation
- [35:32] - The Role of Service
- [40:00] - Looking Forward with Faith
- [44:09] - Ephesians 3:20-21
- [49:30] - Closing Prayer and Communion Preparation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:18-20
- Ephesians 3:20-21
- Ephesians 4:3-6

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the original vision for Del Sol Church, and how did it come to fruition over the years? [14:30]

2. How did the leadership of James Roberts and Walter Mueller contribute to the growth and expansion of Del Sol Church? [26:24]

3. What role did the El Paso Baptist Association and Texas Baptists play in the establishment and development of Del Sol Church? [59:40]

4. How has Del Sol Church maintained unity over the years despite changes and growth? [44:09]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 serve as a foundation for Del Sol Church's mission and activities? [35:32]

2. In what ways does Ephesians 3:20-21 inspire the church to look forward with faith and expectation for the future? [49:30]

3. How does the concept of unity in Ephesians 4:3-6 apply to the church's efforts to remain united in purpose and mission? [44:09]

4. What lessons can be learned from the leadership transitions at Del Sol Church, particularly in the context of raising new leaders? [49:30]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the vision and faithfulness that led to the founding of Del Sol Church. How can you apply a similar vision and faithfulness in your personal life or ministry? [14:30]

2. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can reach out to this week to share the gospel or encourage in their faith journey. [35:32]

3. Unity requires effort and sacrifice. What specific steps can you take to promote unity within your church community, especially when disagreements arise? [44:09]

4. Consider the role of leadership and service in the church. How can you contribute to raising new leaders or supporting current leaders in your church? [49:30]

5. As Del Sol Church looks forward with faith, what are some personal goals or dreams you have for your spiritual growth or involvement in the church? [49:30]

6. Reflect on the importance of being slow to take offense and quick to reconcile. How can you practice this in your relationships within and outside the church? [44:09]

7. Ephesians 3:20-21 speaks of God doing immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God for more than you can currently see or understand? [49:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Vision and Faithfulness in God's Plan
The founding of Del Sol Church is a powerful testament to the vision and faithfulness of those who sought to reach more people for Christ. The El Paso Baptist Association and Scottsdale Baptist Church played pivotal roles in this journey, demonstrating that God's plans often begin with small, faithful steps. Over 45 years, this vision has guided the church, reminding us that dedication and faith can lead to significant growth and impact. As we reflect on this journey, we are encouraged to trust in God's plans, even when they start small, knowing that He is faithful to bring them to fruition. [26:24]

"For who has despised the day of small things? These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What small step of faith can you take today, trusting that God will use it for His greater purpose?


Day 2: Embracing the Great Commission
The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20, is central to the mission of Del Sol Church. This call to make disciples and spread the gospel provides meaning and purpose to the lives of believers. It is a divine gift that centers us on the reality of God's kingdom, grounding us through life's challenges. By embracing this mission, the church has been able to expand its reach and impact, fulfilling its purpose to share the love of Christ with the world. As we reflect on this mission, we are reminded of the importance of living out the Great Commission in our daily lives. [35:32]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Great Commission today, whether through words, actions, or prayer?


Day 3: Unity as a Catalyst for Growth
Unity has been a foundational element of Del Sol Church's growth and success. Despite differences in opinions and preferences, the church has remained united, prioritizing the kingdom of God over personal opinions. This unity requires effort, humility, and a commitment to reconciliation, as highlighted in the church's original covenant. By fostering a spirit of unity, the church has been able to grow and thrive, impacting its community and beyond. As we reflect on the importance of unity, we are encouraged to seek reconciliation and prioritize the kingdom of God in our own lives. [44:09]

"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to unity within your community or church, setting aside personal preferences for the greater good?


Day 4: The Impact of Leadership and Service
Leadership and service have played crucial roles in the mission of Del Sol Church. Leaders like Cheryl Reed have dedicated themselves to reaching others for Christ, particularly children, exemplifying the impact of faithful leadership. As she retires, the church is reminded of the importance of raising new leaders to continue the mission. This commitment to leadership and service has been instrumental in the church's growth and success, inspiring others to serve and lead with dedication and faith. As we reflect on the role of leadership, we are encouraged to consider how we can serve and lead in our own communities. [49:30]

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone you can mentor or encourage in their faith journey, helping to raise the next generation of leaders?


Day 5: Looking Forward with Faith
As Del Sol Church celebrates its 45th anniversary, it looks forward with faith, believing that God has immeasurably more in store. The mission to expand the love of Christ and make disciples remains as vital as ever, and the church is committed to being used by God for His glory. This forward-looking faith is rooted in the promise of Ephesians 3:20-21, inspiring the church to embrace the future with hope and expectation. As we reflect on this promise, we are encouraged to trust in God's plans for our own lives, knowing that He has great things in store for us. [59:40]

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God for more, believing that He has greater things in store for you?

Quotes

"And about a year beforehand, let me tell you some of the history of our church so we can just really celebrate what God has done. About a year before the church got started, the El Paso Baptist Association bought some land on what was then the far outskirts of town where people were like, who would want to live way out there on the edge of the city? And the association had a vision to reach more people for the Lord in this new, fast-growing part of our city." [00:26:24]

"For five years, our church was led by our first pastor, whose name was James Roberts. And then in 1985, the church invited a man named Walter Mueller to become our second pastor. And he served as our senior pastor for the next 36 years. And under Walter's leadership, the church grew tremendously. And all we can say about that is, to God be the glory. More and more people kept coming to learn about God's word and to get connected in God's family." [00:28:07]

"The Great Commission, it's a call to something greater than our lives that lasts beyond our lives. And not only is this a shared mission from the Lord, but it's also a gift from God, because the Great Commission centers us on the ultimate reality of life, the kingdom of God. See, God's kingdom is just as real as the chair that you are sitting in right now. It is just as real as the building around us." [00:33:34]

"By sharing the gospel, and by making disciples, and by teaching people to follow Jesus, as a church, we stand against the devil's forces of darkness, and death, and destruction. You see, the enemy of our souls, he thinks that he rules this world, but we know that Jesus is the true ruler, that Jesus is the true Lord, that Jesus is the true King, and He is a good King, and He is a gracious King. He is a kind and loving King." [00:34:57]

"Unity takes effort. It doesn't just happen. Unity takes work. Unity takes sacrifice. In fact, right before this in Ephesians, the Apostle Paul, he had just finished reminding us of the marvelous sacrificial love of Jesus Christ to die on the cross as our Savior and be resurrected as our Lord. He just finished telling us how the Lord Jesus did all the work that was needed on the cross to achieve our salvation and to unify us as his people." [00:45:05]

"In fact, as I was going through some of the papers from our archives, from our church history, I came across the very first church covenant. I think it was from like 1984 or something like that. The very first church covenant, this is what, from the start, we as people of Del Sol have covenanted to do. There's a picture of it. I want you to see it, and you can't really read it, so let me read it for you." [00:46:09]

"because I think that makes God smile. I think he is pleased with that commitment to unity. In fact, I know that he is, because Jesus prayed that we would be one, and his word talks a lot about us being reconciled to each other and to God. And I truly believe that that foundation of being slow to take offense, quick to forgive, quick to seek reconciliation, I really believe that's a major reason that God has blessed us as a church for the last 45 years." [00:47:09]

"And a big indicator, a big indicator that we are really following Jesus is that we are willing to lay down our opinions for the sake of unity, that we're willing to lay down our opinions even when we disagree for the sake of unity. That's the biblical, godly way to live, that what I think must always be secondary to unity with other Christians and secondary to furthering the kingdom of God." [00:49:30]

"So how do we know we're doing that? How do we know that we've let ourselves be second? Well, there will be clear signs. You'll be able to tell. We know that we are being second when we act in love, towards other believers, towards others. We know that we're second when we choose to believe the best in others and about their motives." [00:50:06]

"yeah praise god for that um i thought it was neat how he talked about how important it is that to be you know growing closer to god you don't just show up on sundays but you get involved it's brought his family growth he joined my experience in god's small group over the fall and and it's just really been an impact the life of the church on his family on his kids his teenage son spent his spring break a couple of weeks ago on a mission trip in another part of the state" [00:57:11]

"there is immeasurably more that God has in store for us. And through it all, from the start, as we said 45 years ago, we will continue to proclaim, to God be the glory. Do you believe that, Del Sol Church? To God be the glory. Are you in for that? All right. Then, happy birthday, Del Sol Church." [00:58:10]

"Almighty God, our marvelous God, creator, the maker, the sustainer of all that we are, all that we have, how amazed we are to think that you loved this city so much that years ago you planted this new church that would grow to have influence not only around the city, but also around the state and throughout the world." [00:59:13]

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Transcript
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