Now you can watch us on YouTube!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of MBC’s own YouTube channel, MBC Unhindered! Visit the channel to rewatch or catch missed Sunday sermons, special teaching topics and various fun and inspired content.
Hit the Subscribe button on the site or this graphic to receive new content notifications delivered to your In box.
Review our gallery of MBC opportunities to share your gifts below, let us know where you would like to plug in.
Jesus told us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2, NIV). At MBC, we believe every single follower of Jesus has been given a spiritual gift and should be equipped to serve in the body of Christ. (1 Cor 12:7) Your gifts are welcome more than ever in this season of our church.
We want to help you leverage your God-given abilities to make a difference and find fulfillment as we labor together in God’s harvest field. Check out these serving opportunities and click the “Join the Crew” link for more information about your particular area of interest.
MBC Kids Sunday Mornings
Guiding and instructing the children of the church in God’s Word and its meaning for their lives. We have classes at 9am and 11am for kids birth to 6th grade.
Volunteer Opportunities:
*In order to serve with MBC Kids newcomers will have to have actively attended for 6 months.
Rachel Rickershauser
Co-Director of Children’s Ministries
Lenore Tosi
Co-Director of Children’s Ministries
To learn more about MBC kids click here
Summer Adventure (VBS)
One-week day camp during the summer for kids.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Rachel Rickershauser
Director of Children’s Ministries
Preschool educational program
for children ages 2½ – 5.
Little Footprints Learning Center is a ministry of Millington Baptist Church in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. We offer a safe, nurturing preschool for 2 ½ to 5-year-old children. We strive to provide a quality education in a loving Christian environment and invite you to browse our website to learn more about our program. If you have any questions or wish to have a tour of our facility, feel free to contact us.
Volunteer Opportunities:
For more information about Little Footprints Learning Center click here
LFLC Director
Director
CARE Ministries
We are privileged to love one another. It is in this spirit that we have formed the Care Leadership Team (CLT). The goal of the CLT is to learn the needs of our congregation and coordinate assistance. To do this, we will draw upon the natural strengths of our church family to develop a network of caregivers. As a caregiver, people will have the option to serve when a need arises.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Unhindered Studios Podcasts
For Volunteer Opportunities Contact:
Tim Youtkus Production & Outreach Manager
Follow-up Team
Follow up with first-time visitors who have filled out connection cards on Sunday morning. The Team gives each visitor a personal call and email to thank them for coming and see if they had any questions about their visit.
Sunday Morning Coffee & Cafe
Encourage the informal gathering of our people in Fellowship Hall between the services on Sunday mornings by having coffee and donated goodies available.
Ushers and Greeters, 9am & 11am Services
If you are great with people and enjoy meeting and making others feel welcome, consider serving on the Welcome Team. Team members are the first contact our guests have with the people of MBC and, in some cases, the church as a whole. Members of this team serve either as greeters or ushers. Greeters are stationed at the entrances and ensure that all guests are extended a warm welcome to MBC. Ushers direct guests and engage newcomers in welcoming conversation. This team is the instrumental first step in presenting Christ, His church and His people in a positive and enriching way to everyone in attendance on Sunday.
Parking Team
Help in the parking lot to move traffic through and to more effectively manage our available space.
Connection
Shuttle Drivers
This team drives the church’s bus shuttle between the church and the Dewy Meadow Plaza overflow parking lot on Sunday mornings, on a rotating schedule.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Amy Huber
Director of Discipleship & Connections
Buildings and Grounds
Assists in the maintenance of the premises and furnishings of the church, through both occasional help and as part of scheduled workdays.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Kristie Gall
Administrative and Financial Manager
Stephen Ministry
Imagine how much ministry could happen if your congregation had a team of well-trained lay caregivers equipped to provide one-on-one Christian care to people who need it.
Stephen Ministers work alongside pastors to care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support for people going through difficult times such as divorce, grief, hospitalization, unemployment, terminal illness, relocation, chronic illness, or loneliness.
If you have gifts for caring, encouragement, and listening, please prayerfully consider being a part of this exciting ministry.
Questions about cost, time commitment, or something else? Click here or Contact
Bruce Corke or Carrie Isler
Adult Sunday School Classes
Various classes at 9 AM on Sundays, meeting the needs of our adults for growth in understanding and applying God’s truth to their lives.
Volunteer Opportunities:
For more information on current class offerings click here
Women’s Ministries
Women’s Ministries provide opportunities for women from MBC and the surrounding community to connect, grow in their faith, discover ways to partner in ministry, and give back to others. Are you looking for a place to connect with other women while discovering God’s Word together? Women’s Bible studies meet on Tuesday mornings at 10am in the Youth & Family Ministry building, and Tuesday evenings at 7pm via Zoom. There are also several other ongoing studies. Women’s Ministries also hosts various events for women throughout the year. Visit the Women’s page on Millington’s website for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Worship Arts
Be the “upfront” lead worshipers at the 9am and 11am services.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Men’s Ministry
Stimulating the spiritual growth of men so that they will be effective Christian leaders in their homes, at MBC, in their jobs, and in their communities.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Missions Team
Promotes and educates the church body concerning missions, supports our World Partners while in the field, determines how to best utilize the church’s designated funds for missions, and steers the church’s vision for missions.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Looking for more information? Click here
Yvonne Lai, Missions Chair
mailto: missionschair@millingtonbaptist.org
Pastor Bob Erbig, Staff Liaison
Senior Ministry
Provides fellowship and support for the senior members of MBC as well as an avenue of outreach to their friends and neighbors. Seniors gather on the third Friday (October through June) for lunch, followed by a program of interest, enrichment, enjoyment, and outreach. One or two special events are held during the year.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Small Groups
Small groups are a primary way that we seek to live in an authentic community at MBC.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Small-Group Leader Interest Form
If you are interested in leading, assisting a leader, or hosting a small group, please indicate your interest on the form.
Small-Group Leader, Assistant, and Host Roles & Responsibilities
For a current list of small groups click here
Sunday Morning The Rush Hour
Junior High and Senior High young people meet at 9:00am on Sunday mornings, deepening their understanding and commitment to the truths of God’s Word for their lives.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer Opportunities:
Various Monthly & Quarterly Events
Fellowship and service opportunities, including fun activities, retreats, service projects, and short-term mission trips.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Audio Visual Team
Volunteer Opportunities:
ProPresenter: Facilitates the various media components through video projection during the Sunday AM worship services.
Sound Technician: Operates the sound equipment and provides audio support for the sanctuary and fellowship hall during Sunday AM services. (May occasionally be requested for special events.)
Lighting Technician: Operates the house / theatrical lighting equipment for Sunday AM worship services. (May occasionally be requested for special events.)
Video Recorder: Operates the camera equipment to capture, record, and stream Sunday AM worship services. (May occasionally be requested for special events.)
Tim Youtkus Production & Outreach Manager
Finance Team
Administer the church’s financial activities, appoint all non-pastoral staff people, and be responsible for the physical assets of the church (including its buildings and grounds).
Volunteer Opportunities:
Allen Ukritnukun, Finance Team Chair
Office Help
Volunteer Opportunity:
Noah Graves, Director of Operations & Ministry Communications
Money Counters
Volunteer Opportunity:
Counting all monies given to MBC, whether a Sunday morning offering or money collected in various ministries.
Kristie Gall
Administrative and Financial Manager
Communications
We believe that every item we produce, every look and feel we apply, contributes to forwarding our church mission and telling the greater story of the Gospel. We want all of our efforts to communicate the truth and beauty of the Gospel without hindrances and obstructions constituted by confusion, chaos, and disorganization. If you have questions or are interested in serving alongside of us in any of the following capacities please contact Noah Graves.
Photography & Video: Photography and video are vital and growing elements here at MBC. We utilize these forms within the services as well as various media outlets to tell the emerging story of MBC’s Christ centered community. Currently, photographers and videographers capture a variety of MBC events and tell these stories in various print and digital social media outlets. If you have experience in photography, film editing, and/or producing, we would love for you to join our efforts.
Social Media: Interested in social media? Can’t stop tweeting? In our ever-connecting world, it is vital we use all means possible to communicate the grace of the Gospel and the narrative of our growing community.
Length: 2-week class
Date: Sunday April 26th and May 3rd
Location: Great Room, YFMB
Time: 11am
Unlike a social-club membership, where the organization exists to serve the members, church membership is more akin to being in a family, or sports team. Membership at MBC exists as a united group of believers who are counted on in an attempt to fulfill a common purpose of becoming a provider of God’s love and care to others. We are a church not for ourselves, but for others. Members commit to joining a spiritual family that provides encouragement and support to one another. We are called to a higher degree of responsibility, service and sacrifice. Our elders and leaders pledge to assist our members with care, counsel, prayer and teaching.
Is Church Membership Biblical?
We hope that, as the Lord leads, you make a covenant to be part of our church family.
If you are interested in becoming a member please read through our four-step process below.
We want you to make an informed decision about joining our church. We periodically offer a Membership class that explains our values and beliefs and discusses the next steps to joining MBC. All prospective members are invited to attend our Membership class. This is where you will learn about the history and vision of MBC, acquaint yourself with its ministries and opportunities, and dialogue with elders and other congregants on questions you may have about the church or Christian community. This 3-week class will include the following topics: Articles of Faith & Doctrinal Positions, Church Covenant, Vision & Mission Life.
Upon completion, those who attended are able but not obligated to sign up for a membership interview, the second step of the membership process.
For more information on how to become a member please contact the main office at: 908.647.0594 or reach out to MBC’s email.
For many, baptism is the first public step of obedience to Christ. If you have not been baptized following salvation, we ask you to take this step before becoming a Member.
|
Signing the Covenant Sign the statement of faith and church covenant, and the application would go to the elders. |
|
Meet with an Elder The final step is for the prospective member meets with an Elder for approximately 45 mins to provide basic biographical information and recount God’s converting work in his or her life. |
Below you will find a variety of ways of becoming part of our thriving community. Subscribe to as many as your interests may lie.
Fill out this Connection card to let us know who you are and how you wish to get involved with MBC.
What is a Shared Interest Group?
Shared Interest Groups are groups formed around a common goal and are generally informal in nature.
Fill out this Shared Interest form to let us know how you wish to get involved with MBC. People who share the same interests in recreation, leisure, arts, entertainment, sports activities, and more, come together and build relationships.
Fill out this Share Your Gifts form to let us know how you wish to get involved with MBC.
MBC has various different weekly emails such as ENEWS to keep up with all the latest at MBC, PRAISE & PRAYER to learn how to pray for the church, and our Teen Sync to stay up to date with our MBC teens. Click HERE to learn more and subscribe
Next Underground – March 7-8, 2026
Sunday March 8th 9am & 10:45am
Jason Thacker will also be joining us on Sunday 3/8 as he will be preaching at both services on “Crowned with Glory and Honor: Human Dignity in an Inhuman Age”
March 7th 5:30pm – 7:30pm, 2026
Dinner at 5pm
Jason Thacker will be our special guest and the topic will be “And Who is a Person? Human Dignity in an Inhuman Age”. As Christians engage the important questions of bioethics, a central question emerges: What does it mean to be human? Christian ethics affirms that all human beings are moral persons, deserving of our care, protection, and respect. Yet many today argue that not all human beings qualify as moral persons, appealing to various capacities or arbitrary markers. In our culture, personhood is often viewed as something gained or developed over time—a view that stands in contrast to the biblical vision of inherent human value and dignity as image bearers of God. This session will equip you to engage these debates thoughtfully and to stand for the dignity of all human beings, regardless of ability, location, or stage of development.
What are the Underground Sessions?
Check out our Previous Sessions Below.
Everyone can benefit from an evening at the Underground.
Underground Sessions is a live forum we hold several times a year where we discuss challenging and relevant issues in our world today. We do this with a spirit of grace and compassion while maintaining biblical faithfulness. In the past we covered topics from addiction and the opioid crisis to suicide awareness, from pornography and the sanctity of human life to issues of race and sexual and gender identity. We always have food, a live band and a presentation followed by audience participation and interaction.
The event is held in the lower level room of our Youth and Family Ministry Building. Childcare is typically provided up through 4th grade.
Stay tuned to find out when our next Underground will be taking place.
In the mean time check out our Previous Sessions Below and our Underground Sessions Podcast.
Follow our Underground Sessions Podcast:
Join the conversation! Subscribe to the Underground Sessions podcast and be part of a community that seeks understanding, compassion, and biblical faithfulness in every topic we explore.
Explore our past sessions and stay tuned for upcoming live forums. Subscribe to our podcast to ensure you never miss a thought-provoking episode filled with grace and wisdom.
You can also follow our Podcast on Google, Apple, or Iheart Radio.
Introducing our new Podcast that focuses on conversations at the intersection of faith, culture and politics. Come to the underground with us and step into the tension as we
discuss various topics in the form of pastoral commentary and culturally relevant interviews featuring guest professionals specializing within the topic of discussion. The Underground is not a place where everyone agrees. But a space where respectful dialog can happen, difficult topics addressed, and ultimately where Christ is exalted.
Heads up, foodies! Dinner will be served at 5pm. Sign up for the dinner for $5 when you register for the event. Come hungry!
Registration now!
Heads up, foodies! Dinner will be served at 5pm. Sign up for the dinner for $5 when you register for the event. Come hungry!
Registration now!
Introduction:
How will the world end? Where is history moving? Are we close to the return of Christ? These are questions that Christians and Non-Christians alike have posed throughout the centuries. Christians, in particular, have wide ranging views about the nature and events of the “end times.” As such, the apocalyptic book of Revelation has garnered attention and fascination from skeptics and believers wanting to know if it provides a roadmap for the future. Or … does it offer a window to the minds of first century Christians? With the current geo-political tensions, people are asking these questions again. This Underground Sessions will seek to provide the various views held by Christians through the millennia about be these issues.
Moderator:
Rev David Hentschel Pastor Dave has been blessed to serve as the Lead Pastor of Preaching, Spiritual Formation and Care at Millington Baptist Church in Basking Ridge, NJ. Prior to this ministry assignment, he has enjoyed pastoring in other churches in New Jersey and Texas for the past 20 years. His background in public speaking and business helps tremendously with leadership and strategic planning and he is thrilled to have the opportunity to pastor and teach the scriptures in the local church setting. Pastor Dave holds an A.B.S. and a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Cairn University and a Th.M. in Bible Exposition and Pastoral Ministries from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to his wife Juli, and they enjoy three wonderful daughters and one awesome son in law. Some of his favorite activities include reading, spending time with his family and playing basketball.
Rev David Hentschel Pastor Dave has been blessed to serve as the Lead Pastor of Preaching, Spiritual Formation and Care at Millington Baptist Church in Basking Ridge, NJ. Prior to this ministry assignment, he has enjoyed pastoring in other churches in New Jersey and Texas for the past 20 years. His background in public speaking and business helps tremendously with leadership and strategic planning and he is thrilled to have the opportunity to pastor and teach the scriptures in the local church setting. Pastor Dave holds an A.B.S. and a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Cairn University and a Th.M. in Bible Exposition and Pastoral Ministries from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to his wife Juli, and they enjoy three wonderful daughters and one awesome son in law. Some of his favorite activities include reading, spending time with his family and playing basketball.
Panelists:
Alfonse Javed
(Dispensational Pre-Millenial)
Dr. Alfonse Javed is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Metuchen, NJ. He is the founder of RAM Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving religious minorities in the Muslim world, and the Executive Director for Heart for Muslims, which equips believers to reach their Muslim neighbors for Christ. He holds three doctoral degrees, three masters degrees, and three bachelors degrees in various subjects both secular and spiritual. He is also a member of the graduate online faculty of Liberty University. He lives in Metuchen with his wife and four children.
Rev. Bob Erbig
(Historic Pre-Millenial)
Bob is the Lead Pastor for Preaching, Family Life and Mission at Millington Baptist Church in Basking Ridge, NJ and has 20+ years of experience in youth and family ministry, apologetics and executive leadership. He received his Master of Divinity Degree from Denver Seminary (Littleton, CO), where he studied under Dr. Craig Blomberg and Dr. Doug Groothuis. Additionally, he completed a Fellowship through the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and is a Level 1 Certified Biblical Counselor through the Association of Biblical Counselors. His ministry and research interests include apologetics, worldview, culture and ethics as he provides directional leadership for the Underground Sessions ministry at MBC.
He has particular interests in theology of suffering, medical ethics and personal eschatology (redeemed bodies) because of his experience with his special needs son.
Bob loves to read, preach, and see people’s lives transformed for God’s glory. He has been married to his beautiful bride, Amanda, for 10+ years. They are blessed with three precious children: Jenna, Josiah, and Zoe who are the joy of their lives.
Jarrell Legagneur
(Post-Millenial)
Jarrell is a student of theology with a deep love for studying scripture and exploring the riches of knowing God. Although not formally ordained or seminary-trained, Jarrell has spent years immersing himself in theological studies and has continued his Christian education at Pillar College. More recently, he has developed an interest in eschatology. Growing up in a wide range of denominational backgrounds, Jarrell has learned the importance of graciously navigating theological differences, recognizing that this grace has been key to the flourishing of God’s people throughout history. With a professional background in sales and marketing, Jarrell is currently studying to become a financial advisor.
Rob Barker
(A-Millenial)
Rob is an ordained Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). He studied theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Glenside, PA and received his Master of Divinity degree. He furthered his theological education at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a ThM/PhD degree. His dissertation focused on the Apologetics in Ecclesiastes. Rob lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and three boys.
Heads up, foodies! Dinner will be served at 5pm. Come hungry!
Join us at Millington Baptist Church for an enlightening Underground Session featuring guest speaker Dr. Christopher Yuan. We are excited to explore the compelling topic of “Holy Sexuality and the Gospel” through the lens of Dr. Yuan’s insightful work. Drawing inspiration from his book, Dr. Yuan delves into the concept of holy sexuality, examining the practical aspects of chastity in singleness and faithfulness in marriage. This event promises a practical and relevant exploration of a robust theology of sexuality, offering attendees a deeper understanding within the framework of God’s grand story.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on how to share Christ with a loved one navigating their identity or grappling with your own questions, Dr. Christopher Yuan’s perspective is sure to provide valuable insights. Discover that holy sexuality is not only aligned with the Gospel but is also good news for everyone. Join us for an evening of wisdom, compassion, and a profound exploration of this important aspect of our faith journey.
Resources:
Dr. Christopher Yuan graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 and received a master’s in biblical exegesis in 2007 and a doctorate of ministry in 2014. Christopher taught the Bible at Moody Bible Institute for twelve years and his speaking ministry on faith and sexuality has reached five continents. He speaks at conferences, on college campuses, and in churches. Dr. Yuan has co-authored with his mother their memoir, Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God, A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope, which has sold over 100,000 copies and is now in eight languages. Dr. Yuan’s newest book, Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story, was named 2020 Book of the Year for Social Issues by Outreach Magazine.
Previous Underground — November 4, 2023
Join us on November 4th from 6:30-8:30pm as we discuss this topic over a meal.
Over the last year the conversation about Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) has exploded on the scene. Hardly a day passes with us seeing a heading about ChatGPT or some company investing in A.I. research. Whole fields are being transformed. What once was relegated to sci-fi movies has not become part of everyday conversations. The advances in this technology are primed to transform many sectors of everyday life: art, education, social media, internet search engines, transportation, the economy, banking, and so much more. Are we ready? As Christians, have we thought about all the implications … theologically? This event will feature an interactive presentation, as well as an engaging panel discussion on the topic related to everyday life. We’ll also ask the big questions, such as,
“What does it mean to be human? How will relationships change? What is the nature of reality? And … what would Jesus think about all this?”
Eric has a background in design and computer science making a career combining the two. He works in 3-D design, interactive motion design, virtual reality, augmented reality, holographic displays, projection mapping and A.I. As the Director of Creative Technology at Havas NY, he launched projects for IBM, Volvo, Jaguar, Dos Equis, Johnny Walker, New York Life, Merck, Exxon, and more. As the founding partner of By and Large LLC, his company helped IBM launch Watson Advertising, an interactive tool which brands would incorporate to help their customers interface with the famous A.I., Watson.
Paul has been working at Bell Labs (Nokia) since 1978. He is a Research Director and a Bell Labs Fellow. His team was awarded an Emmy for their pioneering work in HDTV. Paul has recently have been working in video analytics, AI, and robots and drones. Much of his work centers around how technology can make a positive impact on humanity.
Previous Underground — January 28, 2023
Have you ever asked big questions about life but never received adequate answers? Meaning, suffering, faith, identity—we all wrestle to some extent. The Christian faith offers good answers to our questions, but we don’t always talk to the right people. On January 28th at 6:30pm. Millington Baptist Church is hosting our next Underground Sessions event: “Answering the Toughest Questions.” If you are someone who has difficult questions about life and faith, but you haven’t gotten good answers—this event is for you! Join us for light refreshments, live music, group discussion and an expert panel who will receive and answer your questions!
Previous Underground — November 9
Our next Underground — April 2
This is a limited in-person event, Livestream will also be available. Register soon to secure your spot
Children. They are the most vulnerable among us and also the future of society. Many parents claim, “they would do anything for their child.” But what does that look like? What do children need to thrive? What does it mean to elevate the rights of children above our own desires?
On April 2nd the Underground Sessions will host Katy Faust, author of the book, Them Before Us. Katy is the founder and director of a non-profit of the same name, which is “committed to putting the needs of children at the forefront of the battle surrounding the very foundation of society—marriage and family.” The pandemic years have made it painfully clear that children are the primary victims of adult-centric narratives. Those narratives drive our conversations about family as well, to the detriment of children.
What are the rights of children? We’ll answer that question and discuss the implications for issues like abortion, adoption, divorce, marriage, LGBT parenting, and reproductive technologies. These are sensitive topics for many—topics on which the church is often silent. Yet biblical principles, not cultural trends, must inform our perspective when considering how to care for “the least of these.” In doing so, we find scriptural prescriptions for sex and marriage that agree with natural law and social science.
There is limited seating so please register soon to secure a spot. Food, music, and childcare (if needed) will be included. Livestream access to the event and its resources are available on the Underground Sesions Web Portal.
This Underground Session we are excited to host well-known author and social critic Os Guinness. Os received his D. Phil degree from Oxford and has written over 30 books including The Great Quest, Carpe Diem Redeemed, and The Magna Carta of Humanity. The theme for this event, Carpe Diem Redeemed, Os will be offering a wake-up call to the west as we look at the myriad of challenges facing the American church. In particular, Os will look at the history of the American and French revolutions and the lessons they offer us today. In each case, the faith of citizens played an important role in revitalization and human flourishing—what role will we play in our modern moment?
This is an inter-generational event—we will draw applications for multiple generations. Os will be streaming virtually, but the event will be offered live, in person. You can also watch it on our YouTube channel: mbcunhindered. Os is an engaging speaker and we know that all who attend will be blessed.
Previous Underground — April 2
Children. They are the most vulnerable among us and also the future of society. Many parents claim, “they would do anything for their child.” But what does that look like? What do children need to thrive? What does it mean to elevate the rights of children above our own desires?
On April 2nd the Underground Sessions will host Katy Faust, author of the book, Them Before Us. Katy is the founder and director of a non-profit of the same name, which is “committed to putting the needs of children at the forefront of the battle surrounding the very foundation of society—marriage and family.” The pandemic years have made it painfully clear that children are the primary victims of adult-centric narratives. Those narratives drive our conversations about family as well, to the detriment of children.
What are the rights of children? We’ll answer that question and discuss the implications for issues like abortion, adoption, divorce, marriage, LGBT parenting, and reproductive technologies. These are sensitive topics for many—topics on which the church is often silent. Yet biblical principles, not cultural trends, must inform our perspective when considering how to care for “the least of these.” In doing so, we find scriptural prescriptions for sex and marriage that agree with natural law and social science.
There is limited seating so please register soon to secure a spot. Food, music, and childcare (if needed) will be included. Livestream access to the event and its resources are available on the Underground Sesions Web Portal.
Previous Underground — November 8
Columbo—A Two-Step Game Plan for Maneuvering with Confidence and Grace in Any Conversation (45–90 min.)
Each of us as Christian ambassador faces two daunting challenges when trying to make a difference for Christ. First, we don’t know how to initiate conversations about spiritual things in a way that doesn’t seem awkward. Second, we don’t know how to keep ourselves from getting trapped or overwhelmed by others more aggressive than we are.
In this talk, Greg will teach you a two-step game plan allowing you to maneuver with confidence in any situation, no matter how little you know, and no matter how knowledgeable, aggressive, or even obnoxious your opposition may be. Columbo is the simplest tactic imaginable to help you stop a challenger in his tracks, turn the tables, and then get him thinking. And it can be done in a gracious and winsome way.
If you’re tired of finding yourself flat-footed and intimidated in conversations about what you believe, if you want to increase your confidence and your skill in discussions no matter who you’re talking with, this talk is for you.
(This material is included in “Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions”)
Previous Underground – August 7, 2021
Registration is Open!
Peace. A concept raised often but rarely practiced in our modern age. Instead, it has been replaced by a commonplace hostility: in our spoken words, our social media posts and, sadly, in our actions. Why? Is it because hostility makes us feel better, superior, justified in our action? Or maybe the pursuit of peace is just too… difficult. On August 7th, from 6:30-8:30pm, our next Underground Session will tackle the topic of peace and hostility, specifically as it relates to Christian and Muslim relationships. Is peace possible? We’ll discuss current issues in the Middle East, how to have cross dialogue with different faith traditions, and how to love all people who are made in the image of God. At the Underground Session, we step into the tension for the glory of God. Peace and hostility create a natural tension—let’s discuss how to be people of peace in a world of hostility.
Register below. Childcare is provided.
Registration is Open!
Building peace in a climate of hostility?
If you plan on joining us virtually, information will be emailed to you prior to the event.
Previous Underground – March 6, 2021
How do we talk about race? The events of 2020 made clear that our country, and our churches are polarized by racial tension. Unfortunately, conversations about race often lead to division, strife, and blame. Is it possible to have productive dialogue in our current climate?
On March 6th, the Underground Sessions will once again tackle this difficult, but necessary topic. Defining terms is crucial. We will discuss the current understanding of racism—what do terms like “woke,” “white fragility,” “whiteness,” and “critical race theory” mean? Injecting these loaded words into the conversation on race has caused hurt and increased distrust among believers. Ultimately, Christ followers are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8). But is the current form of social justice truly biblical justice? Our call to action depends upon our grasp of this issue.
At this event, our aim is to use Scripture to define terms like humanity, race, love, and justice. We also want to bring practical tools to help people have better conversations and develop deep, meaningful relationships across racial and ethnic lines. We invite you to step into the tension and have the courage to engage in this important dialogue.
*Due to COVID restrictions, Seating for attending this event in person is very limited so make sure you register early.
If you plan on joining us virtually, information will be emailed to you prior to the event.
Previous Underground – October 3, 2020
Did you miss this event?
If missed out on this thought-provoking and challenging session below you will find all three parts for your viewing enjoyment.
Stay tuned for more Underground Sessions on our Podcasts and our biannual live events.
Income Inequality Recap
On October 3rd, 2020, MBC hosed its first ever virtual The Underground Sessions event where we discussed the important, and provocative, topic of “income inequality.” Our guest for this event was Dr. Anne Bradley, an expert economist who approaches this topic from a Christian worldview. After giving a keynote talk defining income inequality, she sat down with Pastor Bob and further discussed the related topics of socialism, capitalism, racial discrimination, as well as practical steps to address poverty in our world. You can watch the full-length session, or choose from three different segments on this page.
About the Speaker
Anne Bradley is the George and Sally Mayer Fellow for Economic Education and the Academic Director at the Fund for American Studies. She served as the Vice President of Economic Initiatives at The Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, where she developed and commissioned research toward a systematic biblical theology of economic freedom. She is a visiting professor at Georgetown University and has previously taught at George Mason University and at Charles University, Prague. She is currently a visiting scholar at the Bernard Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy. She served as the Associate Director for the Program in Economics, Politics, and the Law at the James M. Buchanan Center at George Mason University.
Dr. Bradley’s academic work focuses on the political economy of terrorism with specific emphasis on the industrial organization of al-Qaeda. Her academic research has been published in scholarly journals and edited volumes. She is currently working on a book that analyzes the political economy of al-Qaeda post 9/11. Based on her academic research she also worked as an Economic Analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency’s Office of Terrorism Analysis.
Dr. Bradley is the author of several books, and served as the general editor of For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty, in which she frames a solid biblical & economic understanding of how best to care for the poor and foster economic development.
Resources: Income Inequality
Session Presentation
Income Inequality, Poverty and Human Flourishing, Dr. Anne Bradley >
Books
For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Anne Bradley >
Counting the Cost: Christian Perspectives on Capitalism by Art Lindsley PhD (Author), Anne R. Bradley PhD (Author) >
Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem Paperback – Illustrated, May 4, 2010 by Jay W. Richards >
How would Jesus vote? By Darrell Bock (see Chapter 4 on economics) Howard Books, May 17, 2016 >
Articles & E-Books
A Critique of ‘Five Reasons Socialism Is Not Christian’ Craig M. Watts February 28, 2020 >
Free E-book. David Azerrad. Marx and the False Communist Promise. >
Video Teaching
Capitalism, Christianity and Income Inequality, Dr. Anne Bradley >
Exploring differences, unraveling stereotypes & seeking common ground so we may live with and care for our neighbors of differing faiths.
Judaism, Islam and Christianity. They all trace their roots to the biblical figure of Abraham, yet their modern expressions have differing beliefs. In our next Underground we will have a panel featuring a Jewish Rabbi, a devout Muslim, and Christian Minister. We will discuss their varying positions, where we can find common ground and how these ideas effect contemporary issues. Registration for attendance and childcare is required by March 11th.
Our next live Underground Session:
Our next Underground Session conversation will center around the current challenges to Religious Liberty, as well as how to love those who disagree with us. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Douglas Groothuis, Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary. There will also be a panel discussion featuring experts in the field of law, business, and education.
Our keynote and guest panelists:
Dr. Groothuis, PHD received a PhD and a BS from the University of Oregon, and an MA in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has served as an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University, visiting instructor in apologetics for Westminster Theological Seminary, and instructor at the University of Oregon.
He is the author of a variety of books, including Christian Apologetics, and has published articles in magazines such as Christianity Today, Moody Magazine, The Christian Research Journal, Christian Counseling Today, Modern Reformation and Perspectives. He has also written editorials for a variety of newspapers.
Rosette Adera, D. Mgmt.
Rosette is the Chair of the Business Administration Department at Pillar College where enjoys infusing Biblical principles into curriculum design and instruction. Rosette is also a student of Management, Leadership and Organizational Behavior where she engages in the Christian’s response to the issues of identity, diversity and inclusion. She is also currently serving on the Board of Garden of Hope Foundation, an initiative that is lifting the lives of youth, women and children from the slums of Nairobi.
Jesse P. Nash, JD is an attorney providing legal services covering Real Estate: Business and Banking and Business / Corporate.
Jesse Nash, who practices law in Princeton, New Jersey, was selected to Rising Stars for 2011 – 2017. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Rising Stars selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors.
Prior to becoming an attorney, he studied at Seton Hall University School of Law. He graduated in 2003. After passing the bar exam, he was admitted to legal practice in 2003.
MBC Missions | Get involved with our Local & World Partners.
We are committed to making a difference by empowering people to embrace God’s missional mandate to love and serve our neighbors around the corner and throughout the world. The MBC Missions Team is dedicated to supporting numerous World Partners, as well as strategic local ministries.
MBC has a long and rich heritage of following the Great Commandment to “Go into all the World…” (Matthew 28:18-20) to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That heritage continues to the present day as MBC supports World Partners serving in 16 countries as well as 5 local and 3 international organizations. All of which are focused on meeting people where they are and ministering to both their spiritual and physical needs.
The support provided by MBC is hands-on as well as monetary. Over and above the “regular support” special Ministry initiatives are undertaken such as:
We’d love to tell you more and if you are interested click the Get Involved to learn how you can put your time and talents to use in meeting people’s spiritual and physical needs.
How you can put your faith into action:
If you would like to get involved with our Missions efforts please contact us here.
Our missions are intended to motivate one another towards love and good deeds so that it may encourage Renewal, Growth, Connection & Action within community and the world around us.
World Partners | Get to know our many missionaries.
Click on a pin to pull up World Partner info.
Steven & Gwen Anderson
Steven and Gwen are a young missionary couple who have been married for five years and have two boys, Atticus and Matthias, and another baby on the way! They plan to come alongside church planters in a mountainous part of Ecuador to partner with them and help minister to the Awa people. There in the remote town of Palmira, they intend to help build a church plant among this indigenous group.
In such a remote area of Ecuador, Steven and Gwen have the conviction to preach the gospel and share His good news with those in need. “We can’t imagine dedicating our lives to a more worthy purpose than that of bringing people the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Diana & Bogdan Anton
Diana (DU) and Bogdan Anton are based in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, working with Josiah Venture.
Bogdan leads a national ministry of evangelism and discipleship through sports, called EDGE, and he constantly trains church leaders who are desiring to use this platform to connect with unchurched teenage boys in the cities and villages in Romania.
He is passionate about using sports to connect people to Jesus Christ, because God used sports to connect him to a church ministry and thus to hear the Gospel for the first time when he was 21 years old. Diana is focused on discipling young women and mentoring women leaders, both locally and nationally. Together they also do discipleship training for youth leaders and pastors, and lead the youth ministry in their local church.
Michael & Debbie Bannon
Since 1981, they have served with WorldVenture in evangelism, church planting and leadership development. They first served in Kenya for 14 years, working with an unreached Muslim tribe. Then in 1997, with Lithuania’s independence and Michael’s Lithuanian heritage they redeployed to Lithuania. By 2012, they felt that the national leadership was very capable of continuing this on their own.
In 2012, they were invited to Galway, Ireland as part of the pastoral staff of a church plant made up of over 20 nationalities. They sought to minister to these people and encourage them to reach out to the Irish people around them as well as to the nations they represented. They served in Ireland for 6 years.
Then in 2019, World Venture asked them to take a new position helping to train the next generation of World Partners. They connect with churches, colleges, and special mission events to call out and train those who desire to reach the unreached of the World for Jesus!
Darius & Bia Bocsa
Darius and Bia Bocsa serve with Josiah Venture in Romania. Josiah Venture’s vision is a movement of God among the youth of Central and Eastern Europe that finds its home in the local church and transforms society with a mission to equip young leaders to fulfill Christ’s commission through the local church.
This mission is being achieved through churches throughout Romania with such activities as youth leadership training, holding Evangelistic Summer camps, and assisting in church planting.
Tami Brown
Since 2018, Tami has served as the President and CEO of IDEAS. IDEAs promotes international transformative development through small business, health initiatives, and adult education.
Along with her late husband, Stan, Tami has invested skills and resources in Pakistan, Kenya, and Central Asia. Prior to her current role, Tami served as Vice President of Global Operations for IDEAS.
Bo and Michele Columbine minister to African Families in predominantly Muslim Senegal. Bo, who is a mechanic, welder, and machinist, serves men (and women) by teaching them vocational skills. He opened a vocational trade school to teach auto mechanics.
An essential part of the training will be Bible lessons. Christian business ethics using the Bible will also be incorporated. In a country that has a 48% unemployment rate it is necessary to make job makers and not job seekers. They currently have up to 8 students. Michele ministers to the women primarily through an ESL class she teaches. Bo and Michele have two daughters; Grace and Faith.
F
F is a missionary through World Venture, stationed in Europe with a primary focus on Asian women in prostitution, and a secondary focus on friends, neighbors and the artist community in Austria.
Before moving to Austria in 2017, F worked with marginalized and sexually exploited people in a closed Asian country from 2007-2017.
F and her husband are excited to communicate with you, but because of their continued close contact with and desire to continue training trips in that country, need to keep a low internet profile.
Please reach out to helpexploitedwomen@proton.me to know how to connect with, pray for or financially support.
Lucas & Bekah Grudda
Lucas and Bekah Grudda minister with World Venture in Senegal, Africa. They serve as teachers in Dakar Academy, a school for Missionary and Expatriate children.
Specifically, they seek to impact the children for Christ as they teach them physical education and coach several sports. They have four young children: Olivia, Caleb, and Micah, and Macie.
Maceo & Rosalie Hemmingway
Serving in Newark and South Carolina, the Hemmingways offer counseling, help with addiction problems, and assist with those dealing with single-parent homes and unemployment.
They also look for opportunities to present the gospel through Bible studies, retreats, support groups, tutoring, and street evangelism.
Nathan & Becky Kendall
Nathan and Becky Kendall moved from Guinea to Senegal, West Africa in 2022. Previously, they spent 18 years working in Guinea. The church they worked with tripled in size over their time, primarily as congregants were encouraged to invest in each other and engage their community. Nathan trained leaders in the church as well as in government.
They worked with university students, targeting mainly the few Christian students, to grow them in their walk with God and develop their academic and professional skills. They also worked on developing the people around them, be it starting a missionary kid school and anglophone library, multiple businesses, or teaching professional skills.
Part of the Kendalls’ life goal is to grow Christ’s Kingdom wherever they are. As they start work in Senegal they are looking for how to use their experiences and skills to make an impact and grow Christ’s Kingdom there.
They have three children: Philip, Marie, and Taliana, and have served with WorldVenture since 2001.
Rachel & Shelbey Hunt
Rachel and Shelbey have been in the UK for five years in various roles. They currently serve with GEM UK in England in a micro-church coffee shop. They equip, serve, and invite the local community into a true relationship with Jesus while encouraging their fellow brothers and sisters to reach out alongside them.
Rachel and Shelbey both work within the coffee shop amongst local customers and regulars while developing relationships with a gospel end in mind. Rachel serves the church community through discipleship, teaching, and encouraging a group of believers through a small group. Shelbey helps lead both the small church community as well as a network that connects various churches throughout Bicester. He also works with GEM UK to empower new missionaries entering the field for their first terms.
Kevin & Kaori Laverman
Kevin and Kaori Laverman (WorldVenture, Japan) recently made a move, following the Lord’s lead to reach out to a huge new subdivision of Tokyo with no Christian churches.
Along with the new work in “Muko,” they continue to support Denen Grace Chapel in Kawasaki. This church reaches out to its community and to returnees, Japanese people who became Christians abroad.
Gracie Leung
Gracie Leung is on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, serving local campuses, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Princeton University.
The mission of InterVarsity is to establish and advance witnessing communities on campuses that follow Jesus as Lord, growing in love for God, God’s word, God’s people of every ethnicity and culture, and God’s purposes.
Gracie disciples, equips, and empowers students to follow Jesus with their whole lives and bring the Good News to those on campus who are loved by God yet do not know Him yet.
Church members are trained and encouraged to start their own bible studies with their family members, friends, and co-workers, and to develop different missional initiatives to reach students, refugees, street children and their families, those enslaved in the sex industry, and those who have little access to healthcare, and partner together to prepare to send out our own local members to an unreached, unengaged people group near us.
Adrienne Livingston
Since 2014, Adrienne Livingston has been the Director of Anti-Sex Trafficking Initiatives (Oregon) with WorldVenture. Adrienne is a Co-Developer of the Girl Empowerment Curriculum which was created as a sex trafficking and domestic violence prevention curriculum for middle and high school girls.
The desire to see girls understand their value as image bearers of God, navigate relationships in healthy and safe ways, and be equipped to recognize and avoid sex trafficking and domestic violence situations. She is the producer and host of the Justice Hope Freedom Podcast to educate about the issues of sex trafficking and exploitation. A life value she holds is giving back to community and upholding justice and care.
Tammy & Rob Mittuch
Rob (affiliate staff), Tammy (full-time), Ellie (19), Trey (17), Mackenzie (15),
Tammy Mittuch is serving with Cru’s FamilyLife-Local ministry. She will be coaching the FamilyLife-Local staff women throughout the nation, equipping them to reach communities with the gospel while doing the same in her own sphere.
The hope & prayer is to see the gospel transform families by working with the local church, leading small groups, training others to share their faith, and reaching the lost with the gospel. Our hope is to help change the world one home at a time.
Diana Muenzenberger
Diana is a middle school teacher to missionary kids at Faith Academy in the Philippines. She first served at Faith Academy in 1995 on a missions trip.
Diana takes great joy in developing relationships with her students while watching them thrive academically. Find out more about Faith Academy.
Dave, Emily & Artemis Parmer
“David and Emily Parmer, along with their daughter Artemis, live in Strasbourg, France. They work with a team of believers to reach refugees and immigrants from unreached nations with the Good News. Since 2022, they have begun their journey of language learning and integrating into ministry life.
The team runs a coffee shop which offers people a haven to build community and receive help with administrative paperwork, French learning, and other life-on-life opportunities to express the love that Jesus has for each of them. With a long-term vision for churches to be planted in the least-reached neighborhoods of Strasbourg, the Parmer’s are seeking to use hospitality in the coffee shop and their own home to offer their neighbors a glimpse at the redemptive power of Jesus in their own lives and family.
George & Linda Renner
George and Linda lived in Nairobi, Kenya for 20 years and George was a professor at Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology.
George’s vision is to train a new generation of African Christian leaders who are deeply grounded in God’s Word and who had developed the skills and character for effective leadership in complex African contexts. Linda’s work involved mentoring student wives and poor single moms in the Nairobi slums by providing skills in sewing.
Today, George is a Global Specialist for WorldVenture. Linda continues to market the wonderful hand-made products made by the “Global Bag Ladies.” George’s involvement in Africa today sees him involved with former students all over Africa. He has partnered with the Evangelical Church of South Sudan for 20 years, offering pastoral training in theology and peace building. George partners with Transformational Leaders for Africa in bringing Bible teaching to Rwandese pastors. He also teaches about leadership and conflict transformation in Nigeria and Uganda.
Ernie and Judy Scalabrin
Ernie and Judy Scalabrin are domestic missionaries with the Navigators, serving locally with the Greater NYC/NJ Navigators Missions Team. Their exciting focus of ministry is After-School Bible Clubs in the public schools grades K-12. They teach and train volunteers to effectively share the Gospel with and disciple public school children who attendd.
Their ministry is expanding quickly to public schools not only locally in New York and New Jersey but to other states. They see scores of children every year trust Christ as Savior! They have been involved in this ministry for 23 years. If you are interested in knowing more about them or doing a Bible Club in your local public school you can contact them at erniebrs@gmail.com
Mark & Kathy Schaaf
Supporting national gospel movements, Mark serves as Walk Thru the Bible’s international trainer. Serving with WorldVenture, Mark is the International trainer for Walk Thru the Bible. Equipping, training, and coaching national pastors in teaching for life change.
Experiential learning among oral learners with under-resourced pastors is Mark’s primary focus. Training church leaders to understand and teach the Bible as one grand story. After many years in the Middle East and South Africa, the Schaafs live in Atlanta while serving globally.
Bern & Patty Schraut
Bern and Patty live in Austria with their two adult sons. Bern is Deputy Technical Director for Trans World Radio (TWR) in Europe.
TWR has been changing their technologies to include internet and smartphones as well as AM, shortwave, and satellite radio so they could better cross geographic borders – Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The core content, the message of the gospel, has been repackaged in different lengths and languages and readied for multiple technologies. Their communication platform has changed from radio-program centered to content centered and will allow them to adjust quickly to new technologies in the future. Their vision required a change in the technical backbone of TWR as well as the change in programming. Bern has been involved in areas like program distribution and playout, frequency management, in-house software development and project management based on biblical principles. Bern & Patty attend a free evangelical church in Vienna, where Bern helps with preaching and technical advice and Patty is involved in their music program and leads two women Bible studies.
Amoon Sharon
Amoon, Ghazala and their sons reach out to people of all faiths with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through fellowship, love and respect. They are based in Central NJ, and uniquely positioned to minister to a large South Asian population with the love of Jesus.
They perform their mission through a variety of outreach efforts: through South Asian Fellowship theybuild bridges of friendship with people from multiple religious backgrounds to fellowship and study the Word of God; through Prison Ministry they minister to inmates of all faiths; through ESL Ministry they teach English and reflect God’s love to immigrant students from multicultural and religious backgrounds; through Believer’s Fellowship they provide a place to new believers to fellowship and grow together with people of diverse backgrounds; through Pakistan Ministry the Alpha Church and Alpha School were established to meet the spiritual, physical and educational needs of the villages in Pakistan.
Marc & Alyssa Stasio
Marc and Alyssa are passionate about seeing the Gospel spread throughout New Jersey. They’ve lived here their whole lives and met each other at Cru on Rutgers University.
After powerfully encountering Jesus as students in Cru, they’re now working full time to reach today’s college students with the Gospel.
Joe Violi
After serving nineteen years on college campuses in the Navigators’ Collegiate ministry at Rutgers and Penn State, Joe is now assuming leadership of the Nav20’s ministry in Philadelphia, PA. Joe seeks to come alongside and equip recent alumni and other young adults in their 20’s as they transition to new jobs, neighborhoods, roommates, etc. He encourages them to abide with Jesus and live for him in these new contexts.
The goal of Nav20’s is to develop a network of young adults pursuing Christ together, making disciples, and pointing friends to Jesus where they live, work, and play. Find out more about Joe.
Tom & Alicia Voster with sons Mason & Camryn
Serving with World Team in Cambodia, the Vosters are developing a student ministry at the university in the capital city of Phnom Penh.
They are managing two dormitories for the students they minister to, one for men and one for women. They are developing biblical study programs to aid in their ministry. Their desire is to make disciples that will pass the gospel on to others.”
Clint & Jillian Watkins
Clint and Jillian serve with Disciplemakers in Lancaster, PA. The Watkins connect with college students through weekly bible studies and other outreach events such as conferences and retreats during the school year to encourage their Christian growth and help them to evangelize their campuses for Christ.
Clint and Jillian currently serve with three different colleges in the Lancaster area: Elizabethtown College, Thaddeus Stevens College, and Lebanon Valley College
John & Stella White
John and Stella White serve with WorldVenture in Kyiv, Ukraine. They both teach at the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS).
John teaches courses in the area of cross-cultural and urban missions, including Introduction to Missiology, Cross-Cultural Communication, Theology of Urban Mission, and History of the City and Urban Mission, while Stella teaches English. John also is helping develop an urban strategy for WorldVenture. John’s home church is Millington Baptist Church
Lindsey Williams
Lindsey Williams is on the operations staff of Athletes in Action, which is an organization that brings the Gospel to college athletes across America.
She works alongside the national campus staff to run finances, plan events, and anticipate the needs of campus teams and directors. Lindsey and her husband live in Michigan
Eric and Tina Yee
Eric and Tina Yee are working to plant healthy churches that make Christ’s disciples to reach the unchurched, unwanted, unreached & unengaged in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Church members are trained and encouraged to start their own bible studies with their family members, friends, and co-workers, and to develop different missional initiatives to reach students, refugees, street children and their families, those enslaved in the sex industry, and those who have little access to healthcare, and partner together to prepare to send out our own local members to an unreached, unengaged people group near us.
Senegal Partners | MBC is passionate for the Mission Globally.
MBC has been partnering with the small church in Senegal since 2005 to bring the gospel to this largely Muslim and very poor country. We have a partner village, Langomack, which is located near the center of Senegal. We have made more than 18 visits to this village.
When we visit, we help with Kids Clubs, work on different construction projects, enjoy very elaborate feasts, worship with the small group of believers in the village, join in prayer walking, enjoy “tea debates” and do a lot of visiting.
Recently we have been involved with exciting projects in the village: 1) providing much needed books to the school in the village 2) providing resources to install a long water pipe to bring water to the village – the church in Langomack is using it to provide a tangible and valuable blessing to the entire village.
In addition, we have come alongside our World Partners in the city capital of Dakar to provide funding for an auto mechanics school and shop where livelihoods are being earned, and disciples are being made.
We have dear friends in the village now, and we always rejoice when we can see each other in person. The people in the church in Langomack have come to know us and are faithful to pray for us. God has woven our hearts together for His glory.
Local Partners | MBC partners with great local ministries. Check them out below to plug in.
MBC Missions Unhindered | MBC efforts are not held back by challenges.
The MBC Missions Team partnered with a local church (Camino de Fe, Pastor Dan Fenco) to help provide lunches to ELL kids in a local school.
This summer program is run by the school district. Our church Camino de Fe helped two years ago. Initially, it was for ELL (English Language Learner) students entering kindergarten. This year, they are including other ELL students that need additional help. The school district approached me and Camino de Fe and then I thought of involving other churches in the area that have been partnering with us.
These camps have been an initiative of the Somerset Hills School District to help students who have recently come to the country to adapt to the school system. Oftentimes the parents are not familiar with the school system nor their children have been in a school setting before. The school district’s program helps the children adapt and be familiar with the new school year in the fall. It also helps teachers become familiar with new students. The state, through different grants, compensates the ELL (English Language Learner) teachers.
In the past, there was not enough money to provide for the snacks and lunches. Oftentimes, the teachers and administrators took the initiative to provide for that need. The school approached the company that is in charge of their lunches, but it would be a huge expense since they have to buy food in bulk and it is a small group of children. Some food might go to waste.
The school does not necessarily have to provide the lunches/snacks, but they understand the challenges that families and their children face. Oftentimes, the children go home at the end of a school day and there is no one at home, so they thought it would be a good thing to provide snacks and lunches.
MBC prevents COVID job losses for pastors in Africa.
MBC provided money to these pastors to allow them to continue to minister to their congregations. These congregations are not able to support the pastors on their own because many have lost their jobs due to Covid.
Bo Columbine – Senegal auto repair campaign.
Pastor Bob talks with Bo Columbine and the impact our Expanding the Table giving campaign is having in Senegal. Specifically, MBC helped to renovate the Foyers Shama Auto Shop in the capitol of Dakar, leading to vocational training and relational impact amongst young Senegalese men and women.
Pastor Kioko in rural eastern Kenya
We seem to be having a 1st century experience, worship in homes. I have been sending a passage to read, a thought from the passage and some prayer needs every Saturday evening in readiness for Sunday using SMS. Families have organized themselves to have a worship leader, a song leader and someone to explain the thought. Some collect an offering. This means more people are involved than when we all gather in the Church building. I hear the services are also short! Very un-rural. I am so happy that worshiping Jesus is assuming another paradigm and not coming to a halt. I see the mature believers in families becoming disciple makers as the church grows. I am planning to give some training through social media. When we are back to Church (When!), I would like to see how we can continue having the home cells. ~Kioko
Pastor Sitati in rural western Kenya
It has been another good Sunday.
Ever since the Government announced the closure of churches, my Sundays have been very busy. I put on my mask and visit individual families with the sermon. I wash my hands at every home and observe the social distance. We have a 30 minute service per family. People have been giving their lives to Christ. Members are being strengthened. New people have joined the church. We are experiencing tremendous growth. Please pray that the Lord continues to give me strength. I usually leave my house at 9:30am and come back at 6:00pm to beat the curfew. ~Sitati
Our partners: Senegal Mission Trip | NYC Relief | Market Street Mission | First Choice | World Partners | Feeding Hands
Every January, we make resolutions with the same underlying assumption: something in us needs fixing before we’re useful. We resolve to be smarter, stronger, healthier, more financially secure. None of those goals are wrong—but they reveal something about us. We are catechized by a story that says strength is the goal and weakness is the problem.
What if that story is wrong?
What if the very weaknesses we’re trying to eliminate are the places God intends to display His glory most clearly?
Our culture is obsessed with competence. We celebrate productivity, independence, and self-sufficiency. Weakness—especially visible weakness—makes us uncomfortable. Disability, limitation, dependence… these are things we’d rather manage quietly or avoid altogether.
Even in the church, we can subtly absorb these values. We talk about grace, but live as if God works best through the capable. We imagine God will use us more once we’re healthier, less overwhelmed, or finally “put together.”
But Scripture confronts that assumption head-on.
The Apostle Paul writes words that dismantle our strength-based instincts:
“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.”
(1 Corinthians 1:27–28)
Paul reminds the Corinthian church—and us—to consider our calling. God did not wait for His people to become impressive. He did not choose them because of wisdom, power, or status. He called them as they were.
And that is the point.
God’s Kingdom operates on an upside-down value system. Weakness is not an obstacle to His purposes—it is often the instrument. The cross itself is proof. Jesus did not conquer through dominance but through surrender. Divine power was revealed through human frailty.
This truth reshapes how we see disability. Disability is not a loss of humanity. It is a form of human experience within a broken creation—one in which God’s image remains fully present and God’s grace is powerfully displayed.
Scripture affirms that every person bears the image of God. That image is not measured by intellect, productivity, independence, or physical ability. To be human is to bear it. And because of that, every life is worthy of honor.
For me, this became personal when my son Josiah was born with a rare genetic condition. Until then, I was aware of disability—but I didn’t truly see it. God used my son’s life to expose how shallow my instincts about strength really were.
Josiah has taught me what joy looks like. What dependence looks like. What unfiltered worship looks like.
And I’ve learned this: people the world calls “weak” often become the clearest witnesses to God’s strength.
But honoring the image of God requires more than agreement—it requires attention. Avoidance rarely looks like cruelty. More often, it looks like distance. It looks like looking away, staying silent, assuming someone else will step in.
What we fail to see, we fail to honor.
Paul tells us why God works this way: “so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” Weakness levels the ground. It exposes our pride. It redirects our confidence.
So here’s the challenge:
Lean into your own limitations instead of hiding them.
Learn from people whose lives are shaped by disability or dependence.
Look again at those you might normally overlook.
Because our limitations are not barriers to God’s glory—they are the stage for it.
And in a world obsessed with strength, may we learn to boast in the Lord alone.
Day 1: 1 Corinthians 1:26–31
Reflect on how God redefines wisdom, strength, and worth.
Day 2: Jeremiah 9:23–24
Consider what it means to boast in knowing the Lord rather than in human ability.
Day 3: Genesis 1:26–27 & James 3:8–10
Meditate on the image of God and its implications for human dignity.
Day 4: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
Sit with the truth that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
Preparing to Take Communion at Home |
1. Grape Juice or Water (quantity depends on size of your group)
2. Bread or Baked Crackers | Unleavened bread is the best expression of the “bread” element. Unleavened bread simply is bread baked without a rising agent (most large grocery stores stock unleavened bread), but you can select any bread or cracker of your choice.
3. Be Ready at Home with Your Elements | The pastor will direct you through properly receiving communion. All you need to do is follow along online individually or as a group during the service.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR PERSONAL USE
Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
The Lord’s Table & Children |
When should my children take the Lord’s table?
We allow the parents to decide when their children are ready, but we encourage them to make sure their children understand the significance of what they are celebrating. It is a decision we would encourage them to make carefully and prayerfully.
What key principles determine a child’s readiness?
For any person to be ready, they must understand that at the Lord’s Table we are doing these things:
Note to Parents: Look for your child’s capability in understanding, seriousness, and their ability to remember, worship, give thanks and practice self-examination.
Our baptism services are intended to publicly celebrate personal Renewal & Growth in Jesus Christ and spur on Connection & Action within community.
The Lord’s Table |
March 15th to May 17th
What if you knew where all of your money was going each month? What if you were debt-free, investing and making wise spending decisions? With Dave Ramsey’s class Financial Peace University, you CAN take control of your money and start planning for your future.
Take part in this 9-week class alongside others who are interested in learning more about financial freedom. Please note, there is a $99 fee to cover the cost for the class material.
Please contact Christine Wenslau with any additional questions.
Please note, when accessing the FPU website, create a new profile to order class materials.
Register here to join this class!
Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to go deeper in their relationship with God and with each other as we navigate this exciting and complex life stage together. We will engage in topical cultural discussions through thought-provoking messages, serving opportunities, and time in prayer that aims to develop a strong community of believers. Plus, did we mention there will be food? Come join us!
Young Adults Group Led by Johnny Graves:
Johnny Graves leads a Young Adults Group that meets on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month at 3:30pm at the YFMB. For more information on the small group, you can email Johnny at jgraves@millingtonbaptist.org
Monthly Young Adults Fellowship:
Monthly fellowship of food, fellowship, worship and a message meets on the first Saturday of the month in Watchung.
*Need directions? Contact Johnny Graves (jgraves@millingtonbaptist.org).
Passion 2027:
Interested in attending the 2027 Passion Conference with the MBC Young Adults? Click the button below!
Questions? Contact Johnny Graves (jgraves@millingtonbaptist.org).
Young Adults Class: Preparing for the Next Stage of Life, Ages 18-25
Meets July 7, 14, 21, & 28, 10:45am, YFMB, Room 202
If you are in college or newly embarking on a career and don’t feel fully prepared to face many important aspects of life, such as: managing money, creating a resume, interviewing, taxes, investing, or even deciding on a church, this 4-week class will help prepare you for what lies ahead in this
next stage of your life.
