IBC Blog
Posts by Barry%20Jones
eLetter
A Reflection on MLK Day
As we enter into the weekend that this nation sets aside to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I find myself struck by the question, “How did Dr. King and his followers find the inner resources necessary to endure all the hardships required of them in their fight for freedom, justice and equality?”
eLetter
A Note From Barry During Hispanic Heritage Month
Last week, we began Hispanic Heritage Month here in the United States. As we enter this time of celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture, I want to share a key moment in my own learning regarding what it means to be a multiethnic church comprised of brothers and sisters in Christ from different cultural backgrounds.
eLetter
The Gift of Sabbatical
Dear IBC Family,
I’m writing this to you all on what is my last day in the office before I begin my sabbatical. Years ago, our elders established a generous policy that provides a three-month time away for pastors every seven years. I have one more Sunday to preach, and then I’ll be out May, June, and July.
eLetter
A Reflection on Black History Month
In recent weeks at IBC, we’ve been discussing the importance of wrestling with our own personal past—our life story—to better understand our present and God’s intentions for our future. This is a vitally important part of our ongoing spiritual growth and development. God has made us who we are through the formative experiences and relationships of our lives: though our heritage, our heroes, our high points, and our hard times.
eLetter
Onward and Upward
The first time I stepped on stage to preach a sermon at IBC, I was so nervous. It was 2007. I was a first-year seminary professor. This was the church I loved. And my preaching hero, IBC's pastor Andy McQuitty, was in the audience. I was scared out of my wits. But I was also so incredibly grateful.
Faith & Belief
Not Just Ourselves
Years ago, a simple phrase guided IBC’s effort to share our resources and help fund local and global mission projects: Not Just Ourselves. As we continued to use the phrase to describe externally focused initiatives, we came to see that Not Just Ourselves shouldn’t be limited to special projects at a special time of year. We realized the Not Just Ourselves mindset should shape our ministry and sharpen our focus all year round. Everything we do at Irving Bible Church is ultimately for the sake of others, for the sake of the world—not just ourselves. As a church, Not Just Ourselves calls us to serve our congregation and our neighbors. Not Just Ourselves calls us to make missionary disciples—Christ-followers who are living out their purpose by abiding in Jesus and joining God’s mission in the world.