As 2025 is nearing its end, I want to remind you of our opportunity to make a Kingdom impact through year-end giving.  Thank you for your continued generosity to our general fund at ABC which we call, “The Great Commission Fund.”  The Great Commission Fund provides the resources for our church to advance the Great Commission through our ministries and missions partnerships.  Your tithes and offerings to this fund make ministry possible, including great outreach events such as the recent Sights and Sounds of Christmas.

I also want to make a plug for you to consider giving above your tithes and offerings to our Light the Way generosity initiative.  God has done remarkable things through this church-wide effort.  I look forward to celebrating the retirement of our debt with you in January as we embark on our first ever debt-free year!  However, I also look forward to celebrating the completion of our remaining objections in 2026.  100% of your continued LTW gifts will go toward us fulfilling our remaining missions’ projects, media improvements, and campus security upgrades.  Here are the details of our unfinished LTW business:

• Baptist Community Center – We will provide resources to fund food ministry and campus improvements at this downtown mission center.
• North American Mission Board – Fund Send LA’s church planting residency program and support Pastor Derek Berry’s church plant in northern Pasadena.
• Love For Myanmar – Help build the Healing Trauma Center on the land we have already leased in Yangon.
• Media Improvements – New cameras, screens, and online broadcast systems will be installed in the new year.  We will upgrade our lighting systems next.
• Security Upgrades – We will professionally upgrade our security, adding more cameras and technology systems both inside our facilities and outside in the parking lots.

We need around $600k to complete all remaining Light the Way objectives.  I am confident that God will continue to work through us to Light the Way forward for ABC in 2026.  If God is leading you to partner with us, you can do so HERE. Thank you for your faithfulness, and I look forward to pressing on to week three of our Christmas prophecy series, “The Promise of Christmas.”  I will see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11).  The wise men journeyed far from the east to find the King of the Jews.  As they made their way into the home of Joseph and Mary, they set their eyes on Jesus.  What did their gaze lead them to do?  Worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

This Christmas, I pray you set your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).  This weekend we will look to Jesus and worship Him at “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.”  We will have performances on Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 3pm and 6pm.  All three concerts will have a family-friendly reception immediately following featuring hot chocolate, cookie and ornament decorating, and photo opportunities.

Who can you bring into God’s house to set their eyes on Jesus?  I look forward to seeing you at The Sights and Sounds of Christmas, and at our Sunday morning worship services.  We will unwrap our second Christmas prophecy this weekend, Micah 5:2.  I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

The Christmas season is upon us at ABC!  I cannot wait to see what God is going to do as we set our eyes on the Light of the World this month.  I hope you’re planning to join us for our “Light Up Austin” service day this Saturday December 6^th.  We will take Christmas on the road to local community centers such as the Texas Baptist Children’s Home, the Baptist Community Center, and the Cardinal Point Apartments.  Staff and volunteers will serve local parents and children and provide a meaningful Christmas celebration.  Sign up HERE.

The following weekend, we will host our annual Christmas production, “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.”  This year we are expanding to three identical performances: Saturday December 13^th at 4pm and Sunday December 14^th at 3pm and 6pm.  We will have a family-friendly Christmas reception following each of the concerts featuring hot chocolate, cookie and ornament decorating, photo spots and more.

I encourage you to invest in our Christmas experiences.  All our service projects, special events, and Sunday services are prayerfully designed to stir our hearts for Jesus Christ during this special season.  However, these events and services are not just for you.  I also encourage you to invite others to join you.  There is no better time to invite someone to church than the Christmas season.  Who can you invite to be with you this Sunday?  Who can you bring with you to one of our Sights and Sounds performances?  Don’t miss the opportunity God has given you to share the joy of Christmas.  

The angel in the shepherd’s field reminds us Christmas is a message of “good news of great joy for ALL people” (Luke 2:10). Invite a friend and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.  I’ll be kicking off our Christmas sermon series, “The Promises of Christmas,” as we look to the OT promises fulfilled through the birth of Jesus.  I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

James 1:16-17 says, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”  Thanksgiving is upon us at ABC.  This Wednesday we will give thanks as a church family at our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner (sign up HERE).  And this Sunday I’ll preach a special Thanksgiving message to prepare our hearts for this upcoming Thanksgiving week.

I hope these upcoming days are filled with laughter, good food, and great company.  But I also pray these upcoming days are filled with a spirit of thanksgiving in your home. Take time to reflect on the goodness of God.  Identify the good and perfect gifts the Father has given you.  I hope you know that you are one of those gifts to me.  I’m grateful to serve as your pastor, and I am thankful for the fellowship of our church family.  God is doing a great work at ABC, and you are a part of that Kingdom story.  Thank you for giving me and our staff the honor of serving you every week.

I look forward to celebrating with you this Sunday.  Invite a friend and I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  We have much to be thankful for here at ABC.  God continues to pour out His blessings on our church family.  He is growing our church both in width and depth, and He blesses us beyond measure.  We are especially grateful that God retired our debt this year, and we look forward to the big plans He has for our future.

I hope you are planning to join us for our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday November 19^th (buy tickets HERE).  Our food services team will serve a delicious Thanksgiving feast, and we will have a meaningful time of worship and reflection as a church family.  I look forward to hearing testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and I hope you can join us for this special celebration.

This Sunday I’ll wrap up our series, The Generous Life.  I’ll be speaking about the topic of “Generous Impact.”  We will give thanks to God for what He is doing through the generosity of Light the Way, and we’ll look ahead to what He has for us in the future.  Invite a friend and I look forward to seeing you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Romans 12:10 says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” This Sunday is Veteran’s Day Weekend at ABC.  This is a special day where we take time in our church gatherings to give honor where honor is due. 

Come early to view the “Wall of Honor” display in our lobby.  This tribute has become one of my favorite traditions at ABC, as it displays the many men and women in our church who have served to protect our freedom.  Additionally, we will have a special moment in both worship services where we will recognize our veterans and pray for our nation. It is important for us to remember our religious freedom comes at a great cost.  Our freedom is protected by selfless men and women who serve in our armed services. 

Did you know 1 out of 7 Christians are persecuted around the world?  May we never take for granted the blessing that God has given the church here in America.  I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday and giving thanks to God for our liberty.  We will press on to week two of our “Generous Life” sermon series, and we will also vote for our debt-free, 2026 Great Commission Fund Budget at the conclusion of both services.  Have a wonderful week, and I look forward to seeing you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

It is hard to believe, but the holidays are just around the corner.  I am so excited to see how God is going to move through ABC during this special season.  But I am also aware that the holiday season can be quite painful for some.  This year, ABC has grieved the loss of 25 believers in our church family.  The holidays can be extremely difficult for these surviving family members and closest friends, as each celebration is a reminder of their recent loss.

That is why we are hosting our first ever “Christmas Memorial Service” on Sunday November 30^th at 5pm.  The purpose of this worship service is to bring glory to God by remembering the ones we have lost in our church family this year.  The service will feature encouraging music, a comforting message, and a time where we will read the names of our church members who have gone home to be with the Lord this year.  We will light candles in their absence as a symbol of our remembrance of them. 

I would like to invite you to join us for this special service.  Your presence will serve as a ministry to these families.  I pray God will use this service to encourage our souls and strengthen these families as we prepare for the Christmas season.  I also hope this service will become a new tradition in our church, as we continue to prioritize our love and care for one another at ABC.

I hope to see you this weekend in worship for a Lord’s Supper Sunday.  I will kick off a new 3-week series titled, “The Generous Life.”  We will look to the Scriptures to examine what it means to live a joyful and generous life for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.  I hope to see you at 8:45am or 11:15am

P.S. This is the last call for Egypt!  We still have a few spots available.  Sign up to secure your spot today: https://www.signaturetours.com/JSPencer26

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

This Sunday, we will distribute our updated Annual Report in preparation for the 2026 budget year.  Church vote for this proposed budget will take place on Sunday November 9^th.  Inside this year’s Annual Report you will find highlights of what God has done through the ministry and mission of ABC this past year.  You will also be able to review the proposed 2026 budget and understand how your tithes and offerings will be stewarded in the upcoming year.

I am so excited that this 2026 proposed budget is the first debt-free budget in church history!  Jesus is going to advance the Great Commission through ABC at a new level, as resources are now reallocated to maximize ministry impact.  Accordingly, we are renaming our General Fund, the “Great Commission Fund” this year.  This name change gives clarity to the underlying purpose behind our general fund giving and spending.

Why do we spend money in our budget on facilities?  So we can have a beautiful place to gather and make disciples. Why do we budget significant funds for children and youth?  So we can make disciples in the next generation.  Why do we spend money on personnel?  So our staff can equip the saints to go and make disciples.  Why do we spend money on outreach events?  So we can reach our community to make new disciples.  Why do we give away 10% of our contributions to missions?  So we can obey Jesus by making disciples of all nations.

I am excited to see how God will advance the Great Commission forward through us as we partner together in our general fund giving.  Thank you for your faithfulness and join me in praying for God’s blessing over ABC as we enter this debt-free, fiscal year.  I also encourage you to join me in praying for our guest speaker, Pastor Bryant Wright.  As mentioned Sunday, I am looking forward to hosting one of my mentors this Sunday at ABC.

Bryant is the founding pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Georgia, where he led that church to grow to over 7,000 members during his 38-year pastorate.  During that time, he also served as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2010-2012.  He most recently served as the inaugural President of Send Relief, the compassion ministries arm of the SBC.  In his retirement years, Bryant stays active by mentoring young pastors and continuing his broadcasted preaching ministry, Right From The Heart Ministries.  I know we will be blessed by his message this Sunday, so please join me at the 8:45am or 11:15am service to give Bryant a warm Austin, Texas welcome.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

The apostle Paul said, “pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3).  Paul was always looking for open doors in ministry.  He longed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help believers mature in their discipleship.  So he kept his heart and eyes open to the people who were crossing his path.  If we want to be a multiplying congregation, we must also adopt this mindset and pray for God to give us ministry opportunities each day.

I’d encourage you to ask two simple questions in your daily prayers.  First, “Lord, who around me needs to know Jesus Christ?”  We’ve established through our series that every Christian is a missionary with a mission field.  So it is wise to pray for God to give us opportunities to witness.  Second, I’d encourage you to pray, “Lord, who around me needs to grow in Jesus Christ?”  We’ve learned God wants to mature all Christians and grow them in ministry leadership.  There are likely believers around you that need discipleship.  You can be like Paul if you simply look for your Timothy.

Simple, faithful prayers and intentional actions lead to Kingdom multiplication.  God wants you to live on mission for him, so where are those open doors in your life?  I hope to see you in church this weekend as we conclude our “Multiply” sermon series.  This Sunday is also our Egypt Bible Tour interest meeting.  If you are considering joining us for this trip of a lifetime, come join me in the Chapel at 12:30pm (more info: www.austinbaptistchurch.com/Egypt).  Invite a friend, and I look forward to worshipping with you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

On October 6, 2024, we launched Light The Way, a two-year generosity initiative designed to eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message of Jesus Christ.  On that kick-off Sunday, ABC carried around $4.5 million in debt.  Exactly one year later, on October 6, 2025, Austin Baptist Church became DEBT FREE! 

This is an incredible testimony of God’s grace and your faithfulness to Him.  Thank you for being a generous church and worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ through your giving.  I’m humbled to serve as your pastor, and I am grateful for what this debt retirement means.  The Great Commission will be advanced even farther, and lives will be forever changed because of your generosity. 

I’m most excited that we will begin “tithing as a church” within our general fund budget.  Ten percent of what comes in, will go out to advance the Gospel through missions locally, nationally, and across the globe.  When you give to the church, you will also be giving through the church.  A debt-free budget is a game-changer for the Kingdom of God.

Thank you for your partnership in this effort.  Today, let’s give glory to God for what He has done.  I also encourage you to continue in your giving to Light The Way, as we still have unfinished business in our missions projects, media improvements, and security enhancements.  I am confident, by God’s grace, these remaining objectives can be fully completed in 2026.  God bless you and thank you for your partnership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s worship this weekend and give thanks to our generous God.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  Jesus had a clear vision for his disciples.  He said his followers will become his witnesses, and they will multiply themselves across the earth.  What began with 120 faithful believers in the upper room of Acts chapter one, has now become a movement of two billion professing Christians across the globe.

This was accomplished through multiplication.  This Sunday I’m going to begin a new sermon series titled, “Multiply: How God Can Advance His Mission Through Us.”  For the next few weeks, we will see how God wants to use each of us to make more disciples and expand his Kingdom even farther.  In conjunction with this sermon series, October will be themed as our “Missions Month.”  Every Sunday you will hear a report of some of the wonderful ministries we partner with as a church locally, nationally, and globally.  This month we are also training our adults in interpersonal evangelism through our Bible Fellowship Groups at 10am.

I encourage you to come expectantly and learn how God can use you to advance his mission right here in Austin and beyond.  Lastly, don’t forget our Egypt Bible Tour is now open for registration: www.austinbaptistchurch.com/egypt.  Come experience the trip of a lifetime and get a glimpse of what God is doing through our church’s partnership with TC Egypt.  I’ll host an informational meeting Sunday October 19^th at 12:30pm in the Chapel for any who would like to learn more.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Our vision at ABC is “to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world.”  To fulfill that vision, we must be intentional in building bridges to our neighbors around us.  God has blessed us with a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with some of our closest neighbors at the Cardinal Point Apartments.  Cardinal Point offers affordable housing with free on-site services for families in need.

On Saturday October 4^th, a group of volunteers from ABC will provide dinner and fellowship there on site.  You are invited to come volunteer by simply serving food and breaking bread with our neighbors.  We prayerfully believe this will be the first of many opportunities to relationally engage our neighbors and introduce them to Jesus and our church.  If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to light up your neighborhood, here it is: https://austinbaptistchurch.com/event/cardinal-point-volunteer-supper-event?d=2025-10-04

We have one more week in our current sermon series, “The One Anothers.”  We’ve learned to love one another, welcome one another, forgive one another, bear one another’s burdens, and encourage one another.  This Sunday we’ll conclude our series by learning to serve one another.  We will also celebrate our young families through Parent Child Dedication, and we will take the Lord’s Supper together as a church family.

Lastly, don’t forget our Egypt Bible Tour is now open for registration: www.austinbaptistchurch.com/egypt.  Come experience the trip of a lifetime and get a glimpse of what God is doing through our church’s partnership with TC Egypt.  I’ll host an informational meeting Sunday October 19^th at 12:30pm in the Chapel for any who would like to learn more.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”  God cares.  This simple but profound truth gives great comfort to our souls.  He knows our anxieties, He knows the battles we face, and He cares about them.  Last Sunday we saw one way God demonstrates this care is through the care of the local church.  What burden can you help carry for someone else this week?  We are all ministers, and we all have an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

One way we demonstrate our care is by also caring for those beyond our church walls.  I had a great trip to Los Angeles with a few staff and church members last week.  We spent time with our church planter, Derek Berry, and his sweet family.  We also had the opportunity to visit an incredible ministry center sponsored by the SBC’s Send Relief.  This ministry is meeting the needs of north Hollywood and pushing back darkness with the light of Jesus Christ.  I’m looking forward to continuing this partnership through your ongoing generosity to Light the Way.  I am especially excited for the group of young adults we will send to serve these ministries in Los Angeles in 2026.

God is doing a great work through our church.  I encourage you to continue to BE the church by loving one another, welcoming one another, forgiving one another, bearing one another’s burdens, and this weekend we will learn to encourage one another.  Invite a friend, and I look forward to seeing you at 8:45am or 11:15am. 

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”  People walk into the church carrying all kinds of heavy weights.  These weights are invisible, but their presence is undeniable.  Some are carrying heavy anxiety from their home lives.  Marital conflict, rebellious kids, and relational heartache can become unbearable at times.  Others are carrying heavy burdens from their work.  An unquenchable pressure to perform and a to-do list that never ends creates a high level of stress.  Others are facing a personal financial crisis, a serious health ailment, or grieving the loss of a loved one. 

The anxieties in our hearts can be overwhelming at times, but praise be to God for giving us the gift of His church.  The One Anothers sermon series is teaching us how to be the church to one another.  The church is called to shine as a city on a hill, a place of refuge for those who are weary.  We are Biblically called to love one another, welcome one another, forgive one another, and this Sunday we will see we are called to bear one another’s burdens.  How can you help lighten the load for someone in our church this week?  King Solomon said one simple way is to share “a good word” with them today.

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday.  Invite a friend, and I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Psalm 122:1 says, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’.”  I hope you are glad when you come to ABC each Sunday.  I truly do believe the gathering of God’s people is a special and sacred thing.  God wants His people to be connected to Him, but He also wants us to be connected to one another.  The One Anothers sermon series is reminding us of how we are called to relate to one another within the church.  So far, we’ve learned we are called to love one another, welcome one another, and this Sunday we will see we are called to forgive one another.

As we continue to learn how to “be” the church, I would encourage you to take your next step at ABC.  It is one thing to attend our church, but it is a much sweeter thing to become a part of the faith family.  What is your next step?  For some, it may be to officially join the church.  Others may need to find authentic community through a Bible Fellowship Group.  Or perhaps you need to check out Midweek or find a volunteer team to serve on.  We have many onramps into the life of our church, so I encourage you to prayerfully find yours this month.

As a reminder, we have relaunched our Citizen ATX podcast show.  We just released a new series titled, “Blueprints: Jesus’ Design for the Church.”  This podcast series will complement our Sunday morning sermon series.  On Sundays, we will focus on how to “be” the church, but in our weekly podcast show we will focus on “what” constitutes a church.  We are covering topics such as the gathering, the great commission, authority, ordinances, spiritual gifts, and more.  Citizen ATX is available on all major podcast platforms, or you can click this link to access content online: https://citizenatx.buzzsprout.com/

I look forward to welcoming you Sunday.  Invite a friend, and I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

School is back in full swing which means the college football season is upon us!  This Sunday is College Colors Day, and we are inviting you to wear your favorite team’s colors.  Most of you know I enjoy watching college football, but I also love how football brings a community together.  It gives a reason for people to come together and watch a game.  And it also gives a conversation starter for people to build connections with others.  I hope many connections are made this Sunday as we represent our favorite teams and perhaps even enjoy some friendly banter.

Even though we will represent many different teams this Sunday, our sermon series will remain focused on the one team we are all a part of: Austin Baptist Church.  The One Anothers sermon series is focused on how we can be the church here at ABC.  Last Sunday we saw we are called to “love one another,” and this weekend we will focus on the New Testament’s instruction to “welcome one another.”  How can you make someone feel welcome this Sunday?  It all begins with intentionality. 

We must always be a church that exists for those who are not here yet.  Welcome someone this Sunday, as Christ has welcomed you into His family.  If you are heading out of town for this three-day Labor Day weekend, I wish you safe travels on the road.  For those of us who are staying in town, I encourage you to invite a friend to church, and I look forward to seeing you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

I’m looking forward to seeing you this Sunday as we kick-off our new sermon series, “The One Anothers.”  The Bible teaches that we do not just go to church, but we are the church.  The Spirit of God dwells in each of us, and we are united by the same confession of Jesus Christ.  As Christ-followers, the Scriptures provide instruction for how we should interact with one another as His church.

Did you know the New Testament has over 50 “one another” commandments?  These commandments shine light on what it looks like to live in Biblical community as the church.  For the next six weeks, we will examine six of the most important “one another” commandments, starting with the biggest one: “love one another.”  I hope you plan to join us this weekend for a special Lord’s Supper Sunday.

And don’t forget Midweek is back Wednesday night!  Come experience the life of our church at 5:30pm for dinner, and 6:30pm for classes with all ages.  Go BE the church this week and invite a friend to join you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

One of our core values at ABC is grace.  John 1:14 says “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  The Son of God put on human flesh and walked in a fullness of truth AND grace.  Most people are only strong in one of the two.

Some believers are strong in truth.  They boldly proclaim what God’s Word says and do not fear drawing hard lines in the sand.  However, some of these saints struggle to season their speech with salt, or have compassion for the lost.  Other believers can be strong in grace.  They are empathetic and compassionate, always considering the well-being of others.  However, they care so much they are unwilling to communicate hard truth when they know it will hurt.

Jesus was miraculously able to do both perfectly.  He was bold and prophetic, but he was gracious and kind.  He called out sin, yet he spent time with sinners.  Children found him to be winsome, and the lost found him to be warm.  Admittedly, none of us will ever be perfect like Jesus, but we are called to do our best to imitate his example.

This means we must lift up the truth so all can see the light (Psalm 119:105), but we must also welcome others with the warmth of Jesus Christ.  I am thankful to pastor a warm congregation.  We have some of the most loving people on planet earth right here at ABC.  However, we must not take that for granted.  We must strive to maintain that culture and scale it as we grow.

Who can you be gracious to this week?  Perhaps you could send a text message, a hand-written note, or a thoughtful gift.  You could set aside time from your friends this Sunday to instead look for new people to welcome into our church.  Oftentimes it is these little touches that shine the brightest.  Go shine your light this week.  Be gracious with others as Christ has been gracious with you.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

One of our core values at ABC is impact.  Jesus instructs the church to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  Jesus’ followers are called to shine their light and push back against darkness in our world. As we make an impact together, we pray our good works will lead many others to give glory to our Father in heaven.

I am excited to see how God will increase our impact in these coming months.  By the grace of God, our debt is down to the final $1 million!  Through the Light the Way generosity initiative, our church has rapidly paid down our debt in recent months.  The upcoming elimination of our debt will undoubtedly lead to an increase in kingdom impact.  When the debt is paid off, I will encourage our church to begin “tithing” within our budget.  I would love to see us set a baseline for 10% of our contributions to go outward to missions partners.  When you give to the church, you will also give through the church to bless our city, nation, and world.

Begin praying with me about what it could look like for our church to shine farther than we ever have.  Thank you for your generosity to our general fund and to our Light the Way initiative.  I look forward to celebrating the completion of all three LTW objectives in the coming months as we eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message of Jesus Christ.

This Sunday we will press on in our summer sermon series, “Summer Stories.”  I look forward to seeing you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

One of our core values at ABC is truth.  The apostle Paul describes the church as “a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).  We are commanded to lift up the truth, the Word of God, for all to hear it.  But Paul also instructs God’s people to be clothed in the truth.  He says we must “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10).  It is one thing to speak the truth, but it is a much more challenging task to live out the truth for all to see it.

Every day you preach a sermon.  God has given each of us a captive audience through our children, grandchildren, co-workers, neighbors, friends, and even strangers.  The question is, “What sermon are you going to proclaim?”  Unquestionably, your audience is listening to your words.  But don’t forget your decision making and conduct are preaching as well.  I pray your audience hears a message of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control through your actions today (Galatians 5:22).

Let’s continue to be a church that “grows in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18).  Invite a friend this Sunday and come grow with us.  And I pray you preach a compelling sermon this week.  I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Here at ABC, we want to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world.  This vision statement gives our church clarity in its ministry strategies.  We want to be an impactful church reaching people beyond our church doors.  VBS is one of the pillar events that helps us fulfill that vision.  We’ve experienced a record setting crowd this week with 500+ children and 150+ volunteers.  I am so proud of our church and thankful for the way God continues to use this body to shine His light into our community.

Thank you for your prayers, your service, and your faithful stewardship.  Your steadfast giving makes ministry like this possible.  A healthy church is one with the sound of children in the hallways.  We celebrate that sound at ABC, and I pray God will turn up the volume even louder through more children in the days to come.  May we continue to be a church that prioritizes children and youth ministries.  We do not merely aim to keep them busy.  We aim to lead them into a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.

Don’t forget this Sunday is our patriotic celebration.  We will feature special choir and orchestra music, and we will honor our veterans in both worship services.  Sunday’s services will then feed into our annual patriotic celebration on Wednesday night, “Freedom Over Austin.”  Take the opportunity to invite a neighbor to come celebrate freedom with the ABC family.  I look forward to seeing you at 8:45am or 11:15am this Sunday.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Last week was a busy one for the staff at ABC.  Several members of our team were in Gulf Shores, Alabama to help lead our student ministry’s beach camp.  As you heard on Sunday, it was a phenomenal week of ministry, and we are so encouraged that 10 students made life-changing decisions for Jesus Christ!  I was also gone last week with a few of our ministers for the Southern Baptist Convention and Pastor’s Conference in Dallas, Texas.  I was overall very encouraged by what God is currently doing through the SBC. 

Overall, church attendance is up, seminary enrollment is up, and baptisms are up across our denomination.  In fact, the SBC has experienced an increase in total baptisms for four consecutive years.  The last time this happened was in the 1990’s!  Additionally, the International Mission Board commissioned 58 new missionaries at the annual meeting, and I was encouraged to hear the IMB has over 1,600 prospective missionaries currently in processing!  That number was only 300 about 7 years ago.

God is doing a great work through our SBC churches, including Austin Baptist Church.  We have experienced similar growth in recent years, and I believe the best is yet to come.  I hope you are encouraged by what God is doing through the SBC Cooperative Program.  This year marked the 100^th anniversary of the CP.  When we give with SBC churches to the CP, we are supporting thousands of missionaries, church planters, and future ministers across our six SBC seminaries.  I look forward to increasing our impact in this effort as we fully eliminate our debt in the days to come.

This week is all things VBS-prep at Austin Baptist Church!  If you walk through our doors this week, you will see decorations going up on the walls and volunteers serving faithfully to get us ready for the big week ahead.  We have over 400 children pre-registered and it is looking like this will be our largest VBS in church history!

Join me in praying for Rachel Tovar and her team of staff and volunteers.  They have a big week ahead of them!  But also join me in praying for the hundreds of children who will come through our doors.  VBS is not babysitting.  VBS is missions.  We are sharing the Gospel every day and praying for God to move in the hearts of these children.  I’ve met so many world-changing Christians in my life who came to know Christ through a Vacation Bible School.  I’m praying for God to raise up a new generation of world-changers through our VBS next week.

Thank you for your continued generosity to our general fund.  Your faithfulness makes ministry like this possible.  May we each continue to be faithful as God is always faithful to us.  I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

It was a great “I Love My Church Sunday!” Thank you to the many staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make it all possible.  And thank you to everyone who invited a friend to join us for our special day of celebration.  Worship was powerful, and I was encouraged to see our church fellowship together as a multi-generational family of faith. 

I look forward to having another “I Love My Church Sunday” when we fully eliminate our debt in the near future!  I hope you were as encouraged as I was by our Light the Way update.  I love seeing the debt disappear so quickly and seeing our missions and media ministries begin to take shape.  Let’s continue to be faithful in our generosity to the general fund and Light the Way, and together we can eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message of Jesus Christ (more info HERE).

This Sunday I’ll kick off a new sermon series titled, “Summer Stories.”  This summer we will look at some of Jesus’ most famous parables.  Each week we will examine a story told by Jesus and unpack the deep spiritual truth behind it.  But a parable is more than an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  A parable goes after the hearts of God’s people and compels us to respond to his truth.  I’m looking forward to seeing how God will transform us this summer as we gather for a story each week.

This Sunday we will send off two charter buses full of teenagers and leaders to Gulf Shores, Alabama for Beach Camp.  Thank you for your generosity in supporting this effort, and I encourage you to join me in prayer for an impactful week in our students’ lives.  I will also be leading us in the Lord’s Supper this weekend before the message, so may we all come to worship with expectant hearts as we approach the table together.

I look forwarding to worshipping with you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

I Love My Church Sunday is just around the corner!  I hope you’re planning to join us for a special day of celebration on June 1^st.  We will have an altered schedule that morning with 9am BFG’s, one combined worship service at 10:30am, and a church-wide luncheon at 11:30am.  We will offer free hamburgers, ice cream, and fun activities for the kids.

It will be a multi-generational celebration of all God has done, and continues to do, through the ABC family.  Note June 1^st is also “promotion Sunday,” and our ABC Kids and Students will be going up a grade level to their new classes.  It’s going to be an incredible summer kick-off party, so I hope you do not miss your opportunity to invite someone to church.  The invitation is simple: “I love my church, and I think you would too.”

This coming weekend is Memorial Day weekend.  For those not traveling on this three-day weekend, I encourage you to join us in worship this Sunday.  We will continue in our series on David, and we’ll have a special time of prayer for our nation and military families.  Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).  We thank God for the brave men and women who have poured out their blood to protect our freedom.  And we thank the Lord Jesus Christ for pouring out his blood to liberate us from sin and death.

It will be a wonderful weekend of worship and remembrance.  I look forward to seeing you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Our mission at ABC is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.  I love how we are advancing this mission through our next generation ministries.  ABC invests our finest staff, volunteers, and resources into leading the next generation to Jesus Christ.  From the big events and camps to our weekly discipleship programs, our children’s and youth teams do an incredible job pouring into our kids.

This Sunday is the culmination of that discipleship effort for one class.  It is Senior Sunday, and we’ll be recognizing our graduating seniors at the conclusion of each of our worship services.  We will honor them from stage and pray over them as they launch into their next steps.  Additionally, we will have individualized prayer bookmarks at their individualized tables in the Great Hall for you to pick up.  I encourage you to pray for these seniors by name as they launch to college campuses and/or the workplace.

Thank you for being a generous church and prioritizing our children’s and youth ministries.  As we send these seniors off, may we hold fast to God’s promise over their lives: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).  Bring a friend, and I look forward to worshipping with you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

P.S. Save the date for “I Love My Church Sunday!”  We will alter our schedule on Sunday June 1^st with 9am Bible Study, a 10:30am Combined Worship Service, and an 11:30am Church-Wide cookout and carnival. I hope to see you there for this special day of celebration.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Senior Pastor

It’s great to be back in Austin, Texas!  Thank you for the encouragement and prayers as I was attending my graduation ceremony at Gateway Seminary.  It was a wonderful weekend marked by celebration and time with family and friends.  I’m grateful for the faculty, students, and culture of Gateway.  God has used these past three years to help shape me and my ministry here at ABC. 

I do want to thank Samantha Brown, Hudson Ratcliff, Corbin Smith, and the entire student ministry for a wonderful Youth Weekend!  I was so proud of our students and enjoyed watching the service online from California.  I was impressed by their passion, vulnerability, and poise as they led us on Sunday.  Youth Weekend may be over, but I pray we continue to encourage our students and champion our ministries that reach the next generation for Jesus Christ.

This Sunday is Mother Day at ABC.  We will have a wonderful time celebrating our moms and honoring what they mean to our families and our church family.  We will have special photo spots located in the Great Hall, and it will be an incredible day of worship.  Be sure to bring your entire family and extend an invitation to a mother in your community.

Proverbs 31:28-29 says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”  Let’s make it a great weekend giving glory to God and thanks to our moms for what they do.  I’ll see you in worship at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Jonathan Spencer

Christ is risen!  Easter 2025 was one for the books!  We had an incredible weekend of celebration across four worship gatherings.  It was also a record setting weekend at ABC as we welcomed over 700 in attendance on Good Friday and 2,000+ on Easter Sunday.  We celebrated 8 baptisms and greeted hundreds of new visitors.  I want to thank our staff, choir, orchestra, musicians, and media teams for making these services possible.  I also want to thank Derek Tackett and his facilities team for stewarding our campus so well and making ministry possible.

I especially want to thank those of you who invested in people and invited them to church!  I was personally encouraged to see two individuals I invited attend our church for the first time.  I’ve said it many times, but I believe most Christians would be surprised how many of their peers would actually come to church if they were simply invited.  Easter may be over, but I encourage you keep your eyes open for opportunities to introduce people into the life of our church.  The reality is every Sunday is a resurrection Sunday, and every Sunday is an opportunity for someone to meet Jesus.

This Sunday I’ll be picking back up in our series, “After God’s Heart.”  We began this journey back in January, and I’ll be wrapping up our series on David later this Spring.  I hope you have been encouraged and challenged by this study as we’ve looked to the ups and downs of David’s life.  I pray that we will continue to become a church after God’s own heart.  I pray that we walk in humility with God and passionately pursue his mission for our lives, and for the life of our church.  I look forward to seeing you Sunday, and may God continue to use ABC to light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Christ is risen!  Holy Week is here, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the greatest day in history alongside you.  The significance of the resurrection cannot be overstated as Paul explained it best: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV).  If Jesus did not receive new life, we cannot receive new life either.  But praise be to God that the tomb is empty, our debt is paid, and together we can boldly proclaim, “He is risen indeed!”

I want to invite you to join us for a meaningful weekend of worship.  Our 6pm Good Friday service will set our focus on the cross.  Dr. Stearns and the worship ministry will do a wonderful job leading us in beautiful music, scripture readings, and we will conclude our service with a brief message and the Lord’s Supper.  Childcare is available for 5 and under, but all other kids are encouraged to attend with their parents.

Sunday morning will be a great celebration of Jesus’ triumphant resurrection.  We will offer three identical services at 8am, 9:30am, and 11am.  Our annual egg hunt will commence immediately following the 11am service.  This egg hunt is for all kids 5^th grade and under.  Keep in mind BFGs will not meet on Easter Sunday, but the nursery and Uplift (preschool worship) will be open during worship services for children ages 5 and under.  All older children are encouraged to attend a worship service with their parents on this special day.

Take some time this week to pray.  Thank God for what He has done for man through Jesus Christ.  Ask for God to bless our gatherings this weekend.  Pray for the Lord to bring many new people through our doors to hear of the hope of salvation.  Also, take time this week to invite.  We all know someone who needs to be at church this weekend.  Most people would consider going to church on Easter if they simply received a personal invitation.  You never know how one simple invite can change a person’s life forever so be bold this week.

One final note: part two of my dissertation class will be this Wednesday at 6:30pm in the Great Hall.  Thanks to all who came out, and I’m looking forward to wrapping up the 2-part series this week.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Mark 11:9, “And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’!”  Holy Week is quickly approaching, and the world will soon be reminded that salvation has come to the world through Jesus Christ.  I’m looking forward to worshipping with you this Palm Sunday as we celebrate the triumphant entry of King Jesus into Jerusalem. 

The Christian life is one of triumph, not defeat.  The old is gone, the new has come (2 Cor 5:17).  Our sin has been defeated by Jesus Christ and He is our living hope (1 Peter 1:3).  I encourage you to enter this upcoming Holy Week with a triumphant joy!  Share your joy with others by inviting them to join us in worship.  We will offer one Good Friday service at 6pm and three identical Easter Sunday services at 8am, 9:30am, and 11am.

Be here early this Sunday and invite a friend.  ABC Kids Choir will help lead us in worship at both of our Palm Sunday services.  “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:10).  I’ll see you Sunday at 8:45 or 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of a true servant’s heart.  The Son of God stepped off a throne, put on flesh, and served us through His life, death, and resurrection.  The Easter season reminds us of what God has done for man through Jesus Christ, but it also inspires us to follow in His footsteps.

This Saturday our church will be deployed for our annual “ABC Serves” event.  Our church family certainly serves in many ways all year long, but every Spring we promote a focused church-wide day of service.  BFGs will be deployed to sites across Austin to be the hands and feet of Christ.  We will be partnering with numerous ministry organizations to meet practical needs and share the love of Jesus.  I hope you are making plans to serve your neighbor this weekend.

Another way you can serve your neighbors is by being intentional with them during this Easter season.  Easter provides the best opportunity all year to invite someone to church.  Lifeway research has found 82% of people would come to church if a friend simply invited them.  This is especially true during the Easter season.  Unfortunately, the same researchers also found only 2% of Christians regularly invite their friends to church.

Let’s be intentional this Easter season!  Make a list of people by name to invite to one of our three identical services (8am, 9:30am, 11am).  Pray for them daily and begin inviting them today.  I am so excited to see what God is going to do this Easter through our church as we invite and invest in the lives of those who are around us.

As a word of reminder, I’ll be offering my doctoral dissertation class on April 9^th and 16^th at 6:30pm in the Great Hall, immediately following midweek dinner.  This will be a two-part class focused on my topic of research: “Meeting the soul-care needs of a growing church staff.”  If you are unable to join, we will record the class via zoom and would be happy to pass on the link afterwards.  Thank you again for your support in my seminary journey, and I’m looking forward to graduation on May 2^nd.

Let’s apply last Sunday’s sermon this week: Be prayerful and Biblical in your daily decision-making.  I hope you do decide to join me in worship this Sunday as we look to the covenant God established with David in 2 Samuel 7.  Invite a friend and I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Last October we launched a two-year generosity initiative called, Light the Way.  As you may remember, our goal was to raise $5 million above our regular tithes and offerings to help us eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message of Jesus Christ (learn more HERE). God is doing an amazing work at ABC, and I believe even greater things are to come as we reach these three critical objectives together.  I’d like to give you a brief update on how we are doing in these three areas.

First, we are inching closer to fully eliminating our debt.  I am thrilled to report the debt has been reduced to $1.7 million! This is a remarkable number considering the debt was at $10 million just a little over four years ago.  It is incredible to think we could be debt free as a church in the next 12-18 months through Light the Way.  I encourage you to begin praying with me now about the future missions and ministries that will be launched because of this amazing feat.

Second, we are expanding our mission locally, nationally, and globally through LTW.  Here in Austin, we are now feeding over 250 children every weekend through the Baptist Community Center.  We have also updated their outdoor recreation areas in preparation for children and youth outreaches this summer.  In Los Angeles, we are funding a residency program for six aspiring church planters.  In the coming months, we will choose one planter to come alongside in the launch of his church.  In Myanmar, we are in process of purchasing land that will be used to build a Healing and Trauma Center that will minister in the name of Jesus to hundreds of people in crisis.

Third, we have now finalized the design work with Paragon 360, our media ministry partner.  They are going to help us extend the message of Jesus by overhauling our video, lighting, and broadcast technologies over these two years.  We are still waiting for a few more LTW funds to come in before we can launch phase one of this project, which focuses on replacing all cameras and updating our video/audio online broadcast systems.  After that project is completed, we will move on to phase two which will focus on lighting systems and updating our video screens.

Thank you for your continued generosity, and I want you to know your partnership is making a difference for the Kingdom of God.  I encourage you to stay faithful in your pledge commitments for Light the Way.  We are off to a great start, but we still have a way to go.  Thank you for being a generous church, and I believe God will Light the Way forward through us as we advance our mission and expand our ministries in these coming days.  I look forward to seeing you this weekend in worship.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

The apostle Paul reminds us, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  The day will come where we see Jesus face-to-face.  But as for this moment in time, we do not walk by sight but rather by faith.  Our walk of faith is not a lonesome journey because the Holy Spirit lives in us and serves as our personal comforter and guide.  However, this walk can become exhausting at times.  Trials, temptations, and distractions slow down our progress in our faith journeys.  Paul saw this was the case in the church of Galatia: “You were running well.  Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7).

God is on the move, and He wants us to be as well.  So, what is your next step of faith?  Perhaps it is to join the church or find community through a Bible Fellowship Group.  Maybe it is to be vulnerable and seek help in a struggle with sin.  It might be to leave your comfort zone and begin serving others at ABC.  It could be instituting new spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading, and rest.  We are all in different places of our faith journeys, but we all have a next step to take.  God does not want you to get stuck, but instead to make progress in your faith.  Let our staff know how we can help you take that next step this week.

As a reminder, I will be leading a team to Egypt this Saturday.  I will miss seeing you on Sunday, but you will be left in good hands.  Pastor Nathan Wood will deliver a great message as we continue in our sermon series, “After God’s Heart.”  Garrett Ullrich will also be leading worship in both services, and I’m excited to see God work through him as we worship the King.  Please be in prayer for our team and for the many ministries of TC Egypt.  Pray for safe travels and for God to shine His light through us in the middle east.

Invite a friend this Sunday and press on in your journey of faith.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Our mission at ABC is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.  We advance this mission locally but also globally through strategic partnerships.  For the past three years, one of these partners has been TC Egypt.  Because of your generosity, we are able to help fund a life-changing ministry in the middle east.  TC Egypt offers evangelism and discipleship programs, pastoral training, recovery ministries, and impactful outreaches for youth and young adults. Our church sponsors their newest campus located in Fayoum.

This Sunday we will pray over our fourth short-term mission group that will be sent to Egypt.  I will help lead this group, and we are scheduled to leave for Egypt on Saturday March 1^st.  Our team will focus on pastoral equipping, work and faith seminars, and youth outreach.  We are also assisting TC Egypt in their first ministry leadership conference.  They are expecting over 700 ministry leaders to gather in Cairo for two days of Biblical equipping, worship, and prayer.  I’m looking forward to speaking at this conference and encouraging these Egyptian ministers to press on in their ministry calling for Christ.

I encourage you to do two things in these coming days.  First, please pray for our group and for the continued ministry of TC Egypt.  We are excited to see God is at work in the middle east and fulfilling his prophetic promise to Isaiah, “And the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the Lord and perform them” (Isaiah 19:21).

Secondly, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your generosity.  Gospel impact like this is only possible because of your continued partnership with ABC’s general fund.  When you give to ABC, you do not just give to the church, but also through the church.  I am thankful for our ministry partnerships, and I am excited about the new partnerships that will be formed as we eliminate our debt in the coming months.  I have no doubt God will shine His light even farther through ABC as we grow in our generosity together.

Thank you for your prayers and support in our mission.  I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday as we continue our sermon series, “After God’s Heart.”  Invite a friend and I’ll see you in worship on this special Lord’s Supper Sunday.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”  The apostle Paul explains the church can be rightly understood as one body.  We have one head, Jesus Christ, and as members of His body, we are connected to Him and to each other.  And just as God designed a purpose behind every part of our physical bodies, God has also designed a purpose for each of us in His body, the church.

This Sunday you will have an opportunity to find your part to play in this local body, Austin Baptist Church.  We are hosting Ministry Fair in the Great Hall immediately before and after our two worship services.  Tables will be on display to showcase the many service opportunities that can be found at ABC.  Staff members and volunteers will be available to answer questions and help you find a ministry area that fits with your unique passions and giftedness.

Participating in a church will only grow you so much in your faith.  Listening to sermons, attending classes, and fellowshipping with believers will of course be of some benefit.  However, I have found partnering with a church is where the real spiritual growth begins.  There is a difference between sitting in the bleachers and getting in the game of ministry.  God wants every believer to partner on mission and live out their callings through His church.  Have you found your pasture to serve in at ABC?  You will have an opportunity this Sunday at church.

On a sidenote, I’ve had several ask questions about our Citizen ATX podcast channel.  As you may know, we host a podcast show to extend relevant Biblical conversations outside our church walls.  This winter, we are pairing the podcast show with our current sermon series, “After God’s Heart.”  Each week, we are releasing an episode focused on further discussion of the previous Sunday’s sermon.  If you’d like to check it out, you can click this LINK and access the show.  It’s available on all podcast channels and is free of charge.

Invite a friend this Sunday, and I look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

1 John 1:7,” But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.”  One of the greatest blessings of church is fellowship.  God wants us to be known by Him, but also known by others.  This is why one of our core values at ABC is authenticity.  I believe God wants each of us to experience an authentic relationship with Him, as well as authentic relationships with believers.  Healthy churches are filled with believers who invest into the lives of others around them.  Life is so much sweeter when we have brothers and sisters who pray for us, encourage us, celebrate with us, and grieve alongside us in seasons of hardship.

Do you have a Christian support system in your life?  I’ve said it many times: you never know how much you need a church until you need a church.  If you need community in your life, be encouraged it isn’t too late to begin building one.  ABC is a growing church, but you can be known here.  We may be too big for everybody to know everybody, we are not too big for everybody to be known by somebody.  The first step to being known is to attend one of our Bible Fellowship Groups.  I encourage you to take a leap of faith and visit a class.  BFG’s serve as the backbone of our church, and they are where community begins to forge.  You can class listings HERE.

I also encourage you consider jumping in on some of the wonderful events we offer week to week.  For instance, this Friday is the Family Fun Fest.  This will be a great opportunity for younger families with grade school children to come together for fellowship and fun.  It is not too late to sign up, and you can do so HERE.  I pray ABC continues to broaden its reach into our community and builds a fellowship that is known across Austin, Texas.  Walk in the light as He is in the light this week, and experience the fellowship God has designed for your life.

I look forward to continuing our sermon series this Sunday.  Invite a friend and I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).  Jesus Christ wants every person to build a home that lasts.  This is why our church offers many life-giving ministries for families.  We want married couples to have healthy marriages, healthy children, and leave impactful legacies.  The Lifelong Marriage Conference is another opportunity for married couples to invest in their homes through the ministries of ABC.

I’m excited to welcome back bestselling author and international speaker, Gary Thomas.  Gary has published over 20 books and is an expert in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation.  He is going to lead our conference on Friday night, Saturday morning, and he will offer a powerful message during our 8:45am and 11:15am services.

Bethany and I hope you plan to join us for this important weekend.  It is not too late to sign up, so please register HERE.  I also encourage you to invite another couple to be a part of this fun weekend.  If you have not found a BFG, this could be the perfect opportunity to visit one of our many Bible study classes at 10am, before or after your worship service.  Help me make Gary feel welcome this Sunday, and I look forward to worshipping with you.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Greetings from California!  I am currently in southern California to meet with our church planting partners at the North American Mission Board.  As you know, part of our Light the Way generosity initiative includes a new mission’s partnership with the church planting movement that is happening in metropolitan Los Angeles. 

Over the next two years, ABC will help fund NAMB’s church planting residency program in LA.   This program attracts the best aspiring church planters in southern California.  We will come alongside these men of God by helping fund their training and seminary education.  In the coming months, we will prayerfully choose one of these men to partner with in his church planting work.  We will support his church by praying, giving, and sending people to assist in the evangelistic effort.

I do find it providential that God opened this door to us during such a tumultuous season in Los Angeles.  It is heartbreaking to witness the wake of destruction that these wildfires are leaving behind in southern California.  However, I am also encouraged that God is building strong local churches in this same region for such a time as this.

NAMB has planted 79 southern California churches in the last 5 years and witnessed over 700 baptisms through those congregations.  These LA churches preach God’s Word effectively in 14 different languages and minister to the 18 million people who live in metropolitan LA.  God is on the move in southern California, and I believe man’s tragedy provides a divine opportunity for Jesus Christ to do a fresh work in the hearts of people.

Join me in praying for those who are suffering unthinkable loss.  Pray for those who have lost loved ones and pray for those who have lost their homes, businesses, and churches.  Pray for the local church to shine its light through disaster relief efforts.  And pray for these men that God is preparing to send on mission for Him.  I’m excited to see the lives that will be changed forever because of our partnership at ABC.  Because you give, God continues to Light the Way forward as we eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend our message.

Pray for me and our team, and I do look forward to returning to Austin later this week.  This Sunday I will press on in our new sermon series, “After God’s Heart.”  Be sure to join us at 8:45am or 11:15am for a special Lord’s Supper weekend.  Invite a friend and I look forward to seeing you there.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

The Sights and Sounds of Christmas was incredible!  I was so proud of our church as we welcomed nearly 1,500 people to our Christmas presentations.  I was especially proud of our members who took the challenge to heart and brought their friends to church.  Thank you to Dr. Todd Stearns and our entire worship ministry for an amazing musical presentation.  I also want to thank Stephen Vaughn and our media ministry volunteers for making the production possible.  And I of course want to thank Derek Tackett and his facilities team for making our church such a beautiful and inviting place to our community.

We are now officially in the home stretch to Christmas.  I hope you have purchased your gifts and are counting down the days with me.  Make plans to join us for one of our three identical candlelight services (2pm, 4pm, 6pm) on Christmas Eve.  These family-friendly worship services are perhaps my favorite services of the entire year.  We will sing familiar Christmas carols, hear an encouraging message from God’s Word, and have a memorable time of candle-lighting in the worship center. 

Note we will have the nursery open for little ones and our Family Worship Room will also be an available resource for young families.  Who can you invite to experience the wonder of Christmas with you?  Let’s shine our light into our community and invite our family, friends, and neighbors to worship with us on Christmas Eve. 

We announced last weekend we are also looking forward to welcoming back my friend Gary Thomas for The Lifelong Love Marriage Conference on January 24-26^th.  Gary is a best-selling author and international speaker on the topics of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation.  I would encourage you to go ahead and save your spot by registering HERE. The best Christmas gift you could give your spouse is your commitment to invest in your marriage in 2025.

Thank you for your continued generosity through our general fund year-end giving.  Your faithfulness makes ministry happen here at ABC.  Thank you for partnering with us in the Gospel to reach our community and world.  Have a great week, and I’m looking forward to teaching on the wise men this Sunday at our 8:45am and 11:15am services.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

A Lifeway Research Poll discovered “82% of people would come to church if a friend invited them.”  Some may be shocked by this statistic.  Apparently 4 out of 5 of your friends would likely give church a chance if you simply invited them.  The problem is research also found only 2% of Christians regularly invite their friends to church.  Jesus’ words come to mind as I process these stats: “the harvest is ready, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37)

Why don’t Christians invite their friends to church?  I believe it’s usually because of one of three reasons.  First, some Christians just don’t have unchurched friends.  It’s hard to invite folks we do not engage with.  Second, some Christians underestimate their own influence.  They wrongly convince themselves that no one would accept their invitation.  Third, some Christians just get complacent.  It is tempting to become inward focused as a believer.  After all, churches are filled with great friends, life-giving ministries, and comfortable relationships.  We can forget the church is also called to reach those who are not here yet.

I want to encourage you to look outward this Christmas season.  I believe you have neighbors, co-workers, classmates, family, and friends who would go to church if you simply invited them.  This Sunday is the perfect opportunity to do so.  The Sights and Sounds of Christmas will have Saturday and Sunday performances.  Don’t miss this opportunity to bring someone into the life and ministry of ABC.  Additionally, we are offering three candlelight services on Christmas Eve.  December 24^th offers the most invitation-friendly service of the year!  Many would be open to singing familiar carols, hearing a comforting message, and experiencing the wonder of light.  But they will only do so if they are asked.

Take a gift and invitation card to a neighbor.  Text your friends and bring your out-of-town family.  Christmas is the perfect opportunity to share the light of Jesus Christ with those who are around us.  Join me in prayer for these upcoming weeks and may we each engage our communities this Christmas season.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Our mission at ABC is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.  As we enter this Christmas season, I encourage you to keep this mission at the forefront of your minds.  I believe God is about to give us several opportunities to advance our mission forward during the month of December.

This Saturday, over 100 volunteers are taking Christmas on the road for our annual Light Up Austin outreach.  ABC will offer Christmas attractions for families in need, a free lunch, and a hope-filled Christmas program at two different locations.  Then the following week, ABC will host The Sights and Sounds of Christmas with Saturday and Sunday performances (Dec 14^th 4pm, Dec 15^th 3pm).  And finally, our Christmas Eve Candlelight Services will be an impactful time of worship for the entire community (Dec 24^th 2pm, 4pm, 6pm). 

Do not miss your opportunity to invite someone to church this Christmas!  You never know how one simple invitation could change a person’s life forever.  I am also so thankful to see how God is advancing our mission forward through giving.  I am happy to report over $2.1 million in Light the Way contributions have already been received, and our debt now stands below $3.5 million.  It’s amazing to consider the debt was over $10 million just four years ago.  To God be the glory for great things He has done, and great things He continues to do through ABC.

I encourage you to now set your eyes on our general fund giving as we close out the 2024 fiscal year.  As most of you know, year-end giving is a critical time for ABC.  We traditionally receive about 25% of our general fund contributions during this time of year.  The general fund is the pipeline that fuels all the missions, ministries, facilities, and personnel of ABC.  The general fund is our great commission fund as it enables us to advance the great commission through the day to day ministries of ABC.  Let’s pray expectantly and give generously as we bring this 2024 budget year to a close.

Thank you for your continued faithfulness.  It’s a great blessing and joy to serve you and be a part of this faith family.  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 8:45am and 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

It’s hard to believe but the holiday season is already upon us.  If you are like me, you are making plans for Thanksgiving and already putting together your Christmas shopping lists.  I’d like to invite you to take care of some of those shopping needs while you are at church on Sunday December 1^st.  That morning we will have the unique opportunity to welcome special guests from the city of Bethlehem.

John and Chris Nissan, co-owners of Nissan Brothers in Bethlehem (https://nissanbros.com), will be joining us that morning.  Nissan Brothers is a Christian family-owned business that makes beautiful hand-carved olive wood sculptures depicting biblical stories.  The Nissan brothers operate an amazing wood factory and storefront in the heart of Bethlehem.  They are blessed to employee over 100 Bethlehemites across their business operations.

Due to the ongoing war in Israel, the tourism market has steeply declined and local businesses are suffering.  To avoid laying off their employees, the Nissan Brothers are currently on a tour of American churches.  They are selling their beautiful hand-carved masterpieces at churches to help keep their business afloat while they wait for the return of tourism to the Holy Land.

I have personally visited their store in Bethlehem, and I have one of their beautiful hand-carved nativity sculptures in my office.  I’m excited to introduce these wonderful believers to you and give you an opportunity to support them.  If you are in town that Sunday after Thanksgiving, I encourage you to purchase one of the displayed items you will see in the Great Hall.  Not only will you be purchasing a unique gift for a loved one, but you’ll also be directly blessing our brothers and sisters in Israel through your support.

I hope you have a wonderful week, and I’m excited to see what God is going to do this upcoming Christmas season.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”  Last Sunday was an incredible day in the life of our church!  I am so humbled by what God has done through Light the Way.  Thank you for your generosity and thank you for worshipping the Lord through your giving.  I have no doubt God is going to shine through our efforts and bless you in your faithfulness.

This weekend is our Light the Way “Firstfruits Sunday.”  We are requesting every Light the Way partner to consider making a “firstfruits” offering towards their Light the Way commitment.  If you are like me, you will be fulfilling your Light the Way commitment over the course of 2025-2026.  However, I would encourage you to join me in making an initial contribution this Sunday to jumpstart Light the Way in the new year.  These early gifts will provide resources to help us launch our missions and media projects in January and gain momentum in paying off the debt. 

You are welcome to turn in a designated Light the Way offering this Sunday in the offering plate (offering envelopes are available), or you can go online to austinbaptistchurch.com and designate your gift there.  I look forward to being back in the pulpit this weekend to offer a special sermon on “How to Build God’s House.”  We will look to the example of Moses and the tabernacle, and scripture will encourage us to bring our time, talent, and treasure to the Lord to advance His mission through ABC for years to come.

P.S. Our thanksgiving meal is right around the corner!  If you have not registered yet, please purchase your ticket for our November 20^th meal here: https://austinbaptistchurch.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/3b75eb54-6ed5-4438-88f0-b9767be5395e

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Romans 12:10 says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”  God instructs the church to give honor where honor is due.  This Sunday we will give honor to our local heroes on this special Veteran’s Day Weekend.  I am so thankful for the men and women who have served, and are currently serving, to protect the freedom we enjoy.  Here at ABC, we honor these men and women and acknowledge we are only able to worship freely because of their service.

I encourage you to come early this Sunday and take a look at our “Wall of Honor” in the Great Hall.  This wall will showcase pictures and biographical information of ABC members (and relatives) who have served or are currently serving in our armed services.  This tribute has become one of my favorite traditions in the church, and I hope you will take some time to look at this wall and give honor where honor is due. 

This Sunday will also be a special day because we will honor God for what He has done through Light the Way.  At the conclusion of our services, we will reveal the results from the collected Light the Way commitment cards.  I am so thankful to pastor a generous church, and I cannot wait to see what God will do as we eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message.  Wear red, white, and blue, invite a friend, and join us for a milestone moment in the life of our church.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Last Sunday’s Sermon: Pray for America

We had an incredible Sunday at ABC!  I am so thankful for what God is doing through the Light the Way generosity initiative.  Last Sunday, I was humbled to watch hundreds of people take courageous steps down the aisle to commit together in Light the Way.  I believe God is going to be glorified through each of these commitments, and I cannot wait to see what He will do as we eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message.

I know everyone is anxious to hear the total results from these commitment cards.  I want to remind you we will reveal these results during our celebration Sunday on November 10th.  We are waiting this additional week to provide one more Sunday for people to turn in their commitment cards. We understand some were out this past weekend, so we want to give everyone a chance to partner together before the results are communicated.  Thank you for your patience, and I look forward to celebrating with you on November 10^th.

This weekend will have its own celebration because it is Parent Child Dedication weekend.  We will have beautiful families lined up on stage in both of our services for a special time of dedication.  These parents are committing o raise their children in Christ-centered homes, and we as the church are committing to come alongside them in this journey.  I am grateful to pastor a church that loves kids and prioritizes children’s and youth ministries!  Join me in prayer for these families and may we each be faithful to do our part in supporting and encouraging them in the days to come.

***One final note: Don’t forget Veteran’s Day weekend is also November 10^th.  We will honor our veterans that day in our worship services and through our “Wall of Honor” display in the Great Hall.  This wall has become a beloved tradition in our church, and we want to honor our ABC members (or relatives) who have served or are currently serving in our armed services.  Make sure you have turned in your veteran’s information so he or she can be displayed on this wall.  Due to technological issues, we need every veteran resubmitted this year, including those who were submitted in previous years.  Thank you for your assistance in this effort: https://austinbaptistchurch.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/12ee02bc-c8c4-472a-acd8-164ece4ac1f8

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Last Sunday’s Sermon: “The Impact of Generosity” – Joshua 24:11-15

I’m excited to see how God is going to shine through our church this coming weekend.   This Sunday is a milestone moment at ABC as we Light the Way forward together.  We have spent the month of October exploring our generosity initiative by examining the Scriptures and uniting our hearts around three shared objectives: eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message.

This Sunday you will be given an opportunity to respond to the Spirit’s leading in your heart.  What will this look like?  Everyone in attendance will be invited to turn in a commitment card at the conclusion of our worship services.  Each card will reflect a faith-filled two-year commitment to contribute a set amount towards the Light the Way initiative.  As we turn in these cards, we will trust in God and depend on his grace to be able to fulfill our pledges.

I pray you consider taking a step forward with us together.  If you have never given to the Lord, I pray you will take your first step of generosity.  If you have given to the Lord periodically, I pray Light the Way will lead you to begin giving regularly.  If you have given to the Lord regularly, I pray this initiative will lead you to give sacrificially for this season.  We are all on different steps in our faith journeys, but I pray for each of us to be obedient to take the next step that the Lord prompts.

Thank you for being such a generous church.  I’m humbled to serve with you, and I am full of hope and great expectations for the future of Austin Baptist Church.  May God continue to bless the gifts that are given, and may God continue to bless the faithful givers at ABC.  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Want more info about Light the Way? Click here: https://austinbaptistchurch.com/lighttheway

Last Sunday’s Sermon: “Let Them Hear” – Extend the Message

The apostle Paul testified, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).  Paul was extraordinarily flexible in his approach to evangelism. He was willing to do just about anything other than sin for the sake of reaching the lost.  He laid aside personal preferences and convictions when ministering to the Jews or to the Greeks.  He taught in synagogues, marketplaces, and even in jail cells.  He traveled extensively and endured hardship for the sake of reaching people for Jesus.  Paul was an immovable force in regard to his message, but he was very open-handed in regard to his methods.

This Sunday we are going to talk about our third strategic objective of Light the Way: “Extend the Message.”  I believe God wants to extend the message of Jesus Christ through our church for years to come.  As we consider how to extend the message, it is imperative for us to consider the most effective methods in our culture.  If there is anything the world needs right now, I believe it is the teaching of God’s Word.  The Scriptures must be clearly communicated, and the Word must be accessible where others can hear it.  For this reason, we are focusing on advancing our technological resources at ABC, so we can extend the message of Jesus Christ to our digital city and world.

This Sunday we will take a closer look at this objective as we continue our study in the book of Joshua.  I encourage you to keep praying with me about how God is leading you to Light the Way forward at ABC.  You should receive a commitment card in the mail this week.  I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the card and prayerfully fill it out in the coming days as the Lord leads you.  As a reminder, we will have a time of commitment on Sunday October 27^th.  Bring that card with you to church (we will have extras if you forget), and we will have a special time of commitment during our two worship services that day.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday, and I cannot wait to see what God will do as we Light the Way together as one.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Last Sundays Sermon: “Radical Obedience” – Expand our Mission: Joshua 6:1-20

Want more info about Light the Way? Click here: https://austinbaptistchurch.com/lighttheway

Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  I am looking forward to seeing the good works that will be accomplished through our Light the Way generosity initiative.  I believe ABC is going to be bring glory to God by coming together to eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message.

Last Sunday, we examined our first objective of Light the Way: eliminating our debt.  We learned from Joshua that courageous steps lead us to experiencing God’s best in our church and in our lives.  This coming Sunday we will press on to our second Light The Way objective: expand our mission.  I believe God wants to use our church to advance His mission to reach the lost in Austin and across the globe.  We will learn from Joshua that this will only be possible if we learn how to be radically obedient like the Israelites in Jericho.

I look forward to continuing our series this Sunday at 8:45am and 11:15am.  Be sure to bring your Bible and your Light the Way booklet so you can follow along with my sermon notes.  I encourage you to continue to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to partner with us in this important initiative.  I am excited to turn in our family’s two-year pledge card alongside you at our commitment service on Sunday October 27^th.  Have a wonderful week, and I will see you at church.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Want more info? Check out the Light the Way website for additional information, to watch video testimonies, and to download a PDF of the Light the Way booklet: https://austinbaptistchurch.com/lighttheway

Last Sunday’s Sermon: “Courageous Steps” – Eliminate the Debt

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  This Sunday we are taking our next courageous step as a church family through the Light The Way initiative.   Light the Way is a two-year generosity initiative seeking to raise $5 million to help us eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend our message. 

I believe these next four weeks are going to be yet another milestone moment in the life of Austin Baptist Church.  I look forward to sharing more information about Light the Way starting this Sunday.  I will be preaching this entire month from the book of Joshua, and I pray that each of us will be inspired by God’s Word to take our next step of faith.

When you come to church on Sunday, be sure to pick up a Light the Way booklet.   This booklet is a helpful resource filled with critical information.  It will outline in detail all our objectives, share testimonies from church members, and the booklet will contain my sermon notes and a prayer guide for the month of October.  Our BFG’s will also be focusing on the topic of Biblical generosity through a focused discipleship study this month.

I encourage you to prioritize being at church these coming weeks.  I am praying God will not only help us reach our three primary objectives, but I am also praying for the Holy Spirit to transform each of our lives as we seek His voice.  I am so excited to see what God is going to do as we shine together as one.  Join me in prayer , and I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer