Millington Baptist Church

MBC Colson Fellows 2025

THE COLSON FELLOWSHIP AT

Millington Baptist Church

Do you want to know more before registering?

Sign up for one of our Information sessions with Pastor Bob Erbig:

  1. LIVE: Sunday, March 23 in Fellowship Hall, 12:30pm-1pm
    OR
  2. ONLINE: Monday, April 7, at 7pm. A link to the session will be provided shortly.
Sign-up for Information session
Click Here for Application

Most of our Bible study throughout our Christian lives focuses on understanding God and learning how to live in right relationship to Him, ourselves and each other-and this is certainly vital to our spiritual growth. However, the Bible also teaches us how to live in right relationship to every aspect of God’s creation, which includes society, culture, art, economics, education and politics just to name a few. Furthermore, the Bible helps us understand how to properly order (or re-order) the fallen world as we join Christ in his work of restoring all things. This is where a “Christian worldview” proves vital.

Ours is a world where the “powers and principalities” are actively working to dis-order God’s good creation in areas such as marriage, family, human sexuality, and personhood. As disciples of Christ, we cannot truly love our neighbors and remain indifferent to ideas and actions that do harm to people and God’s creation. The fact is “ideas have consequences and bad ideas have victims.” Because we care about the victims of “bad ideas,” we are pleased to partner with the Colson Center for Christian Worldview in bringing the Colson Fellows Program to MBC.

The Colson Fellows Program is a transformational course that compresses a lifetime of Christian wisdom…into nine months. This program will establish a solid foundation for those who are new to the study of Christian worldview, and for those who are well-versed in worldview and apologetics; you will gain new insights into today ‘s rapidly changing culture. Colson Fellows-in-Training go beyond understanding worldview as mere arguments and facts, and develop instead, the critical thinking skills or wisdom to discern what is or is not true, good, and beautiful in every issue that assails us today so they can understand the times and engage others thoughtfully and with grace.

 

Program Overview

Beginning each August, Colson Fellows-in-Training follow a carefully curated curriculum that helps them understand and identi­fy worldviews and how they manifest in today’s ideas, philosophies, policies and practice. You will learn how to analyze and understand culture and its influence. Additionally, we will examine current cultural flashpoints such as race relations, pro­gressive sexuality, religious liberty, the role of government, economics, and sanctity of life. Finally, Colson Fellows-in-Train­ing will examine the concept of “calling” and develop a “Personal Ministry Plan” that will help them discover their calling, identify their unique gifts and sphere of influence.

LEARN MORE

Other features of the Program include:

  • 24/7 /365 access to the Colson Fellows Online Learning Platform;
  • Monthly Meetings facilitated by Bob Erbig, Leader Pastor for Preaching, Family Life and Mission, a commissioned Colson Fellow.
  • Twice-Monthly Video Webinars in which you are able to interact with authors from the reading list
    and other leading worldview scholars;
  • Interactive daily devotionals that weave together all course components;
  • Assistance developing a teaching practicum in which you will teach on a topic you’ve learned;

  • Strengths Finder assessment;

  • Lifetime access to Colson Center resources and ongoing worldview education;

  • Inclusion into a network of over 2000 Colson Fellows working across the globe in various spheres of Christian ministry.

Costs:

  • Typically, participants in the Colson Fellows Program pay $900.
  • Through an exclusive Licensing Agreement with the Colson Center, MBC members only pay $550 in tuition. Estimated book costs are an additional $200.
  • Participants will need to purchase books from a source of their choice such as Amazon. 

Shedule:

  • Registration closes July 1, 2025
  • Online access to the Course opens July 1, 2025
  • Monthly sessions begin August 10th, 2025 and continue on the 2nd Saturday of each month through May 2026. Room and location TBD. Coffee and refreshments will be available.
  • Students completing the Program will be commissioned in May 2026.
REGISTER NOW

Questions?

Picture of Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor: Preaching, Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

Questions?

Picture of Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor: Preaching, Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

Resilient Life

The Resilient Life

We live in an anxious age. Our 24 hour news cycle, social media hype, and globally connected world fuels our fears. Danger seems to be lurking around every corner. To counter this, the secular world has crafted “safe spaces” to shield the next generation from pain and suffering. But is this the solution? Are we meant to avoid stress and live a comfortable?

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians tells a different story. With boldness and love, Paul exhorts the believers: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, ESV).” In short, he calls the Corinthian Christians, and us, to love the resilient life?

Supporting Resources
Se7en Churches of Revelation – small group workbook

Se7en Churches of Revelation – Sermon Series
Symbols in the Book of Revelation.

Resilienc-2corinth
Resilienc-flower
Resilienc-focus-on
Resilienc-finish-well
Resilienc-victory
tomb heart cross

What is the resilient life? We are able to recover quickly, because we know where our hope lies. As Paul writes, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (2 Cor. 4:16-17, ESV).” This series will look at themes in 2nd Corinthians and draw from the five practices of resilience outlined in the book Faith for Exiles. By the end of this series, we hope you will be prepared to live a RESILIENT LIFE for Christ.

Act I Sermon Schedule:
12/3 Luke 1:1-4 Intro: Letter to Theophilus & Overview
12/10 Luke 1:5-38 Prediction of John and Jesus’ Birth
12/7 Luke 1:39-80 Mary’s Prayer and Zechariah’s Prophecy
12/24 Luke 2:1-52 The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Eve Morning at 10am
Christmas Eve 4pm & 5:30pm

Don't miss ACT II - Introduction of Jesus, Luke 3-9. Beginning December 31

Sermons

World Venture

Training for women in Côte d’Ivoire

Girl Empowerment Curriculum: Trafficking and Domestic abuse

Project Cost: $6,000.00

Donate

The Project
Provide a training to women in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa to facilitate the Girl Empowerment Curriculum with their young girls to prevent sex trafficking and domestic abuse.

The Problem
According to the Trafficking In Person report on Cote d’Ivoire, traffickers exploit Ivoirian women and girls in sex trafficking, especially in Abidjan. Traffickers are increasingly using technology to fraudulently recruit victims for jobs and subsequently exploit them in sex trafficking. They bring girls from rural Cote d’Ivoire and other West African countries to Abidjan ostensibly to go to school or receive professional training but subsequently exploit them in domestic servitude; these girls are also vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Children living in Cote d’Ivoire without identity documents cannot enroll in school past the elementary level, increasing their vulnerability to trafficking.
According to the 2023 Trafficking In Person report on Cote d’Ivoire, the government maintained insufficient efforts to prevent trafficking. They have increased their efforts, but more is needed.

Ultimate Goal
To prevent girls and women from being trafficked. Through their engagement with the Girl Empowerment training, girls and women will learn to recognize if someone is trying to groom and recruit them, practice using their voices and asserting their boundaries, recognize signs of someone who is being trafficked and exploited, identify a list of safe people to address difficult situations, and be able to identify and avoid or thwart abusive or unhealthy relationship patterns.

Questions?

Picture of Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor: Preaching, Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

Questions?

Picture of Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor: Preaching, Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

Year-End Giving for 2025

Firmly Planted, Growing Together, Made to Multiply in 2025.
Partner with us as we sow seeds of faith, cultivate spiritual growth & bear life-giving fruit within our community.

Operations

Local Compassion

Brick & Mortar

Next Generation

Missions

Evangelism

MBC is thrilled to be a part of the emerging growth of God’s redemption and mission for our church.

In the year 2025, we will accomplish our vision of increased cultural engagement by equipping the MBC body of believers,  working with our local and global partners, and continuing campus upgrades.

We are thrilled to announce that in 2026, Millington Baptist Church will be celebrating its 175th anniversary! For nearly two centuries, God has been faithful to our church, guiding us through seasons of growth, change, and impact in our community. This milestone is not only a testament to His grace but also to the legacy of faithfulness passed down through generations of believers. As we look ahead to this special anniversary, we invite you to join us in celebrating our rich history and anticipating the future God has in store for our church. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to commemorate this incredible journey!

Serving Him Together, Pastor Dave and Pastor Bob

Vision for 2025

Give Here

Please ask God to guide your giving and consider making your best possible donation as an investment so we may be firmly planted, growing together, and sharing God’s love to everyone. We envision that your generous contributions for the five initiatives we outline below will deepen our congregation’s love for God, widen our love for each other, and live tall so we may be a beacon of hope to the community here where we are planted. 

Please take a look below to see what
MBC has in store for 2025.

Because of

Your Generosity

We are filled with joy for an incredible 2024 at MBC!

2024 was a remarkable year of growth for MBC, both in terms of impact and spiritual depth. MBC’s call to advance the Kingdom of God in NJ is accomplished through your support in time, talent and treasure. Thank you for your radical generosity! The list of all God did this past year is breathtaking. We began a partnership with Buxmont Christian Counseling Center, allowing many people to find healing. Our summer internship program trained three interns for leadership in the church and marketplace. MBC was able to provide educational scholarship our partner organization, Street Hope Alive, as well as funding for a summer sports camp in Romania through Josiah Venture. The next generation was empowered through our Youth Summer Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic and our AWANA program continues to flourish. Finally, our Digital Outreach ministries continue to spread the Gospel through podcasts and videos, and our Pickle ball ministry has connected many into deeper community. Praise God for what he did through your generosity!

Church Operations

Effective Management for Ministry Growth
Millington Baptist Church has a long history of serving the community and fostering spiritual growth. To continue this mission, we have multiple areas of our ministry that we will use to expand the kingdom.

Raising our next generation leaders:
Internship Program Expansion
Last summer marked the first year of a revitalized internship program at MBC. We took on three internships in the ministry areas of worship, youth ministry, and production arts. In additional to their practical experience, these interns participating in a biblical worldview training course to prepare them for ministry in the church or marketplace.

This program was a success and this year we envision an expansion. We want to double our interns in a variety of ministry fields. Our goal is to train and raise up a new generation of Christian leaders who will guide the people of God within, or outside the walls of the church. You giving will help fund this program in the coming year.

Welcome our New
Director of Discipleship & Connections
We are excited to welcome Amy Huber as our new Director of Discipleship and Connections, starting January 1, 2025. Amy brings a wealth of experience in student engagement and spiritual development, having served in various roles that foster belonging and growth within the church community. Her passion for helping others connect, grow in their faith, and build meaningful relationships will be a tremendous asset to our ministry. Please join us in welcoming Amy to the team as we look forward to the impact she will have in shaping our discipleship and connection ministries! 

Download our new & improved
MBC Church App (CHMS)
We are excited to introduce our new church database system and app upgrade, known as CHMS (Church Management Software)! This powerful tool will enhance our ability to connect, engage, and serve our church community more effectively. With CHMS, we will streamline our administrative processes, improve communication, and provide a user-friendly experience for our members.
The upgraded app will allow you to easily access important information, register for events, manage your giving, and connect with small groups and ministries. We believe that CHMS will not only improve our operational efficiency but also foster a deeper sense of community among our congregation. We look forward to rolling out this new system and app, and we can’t wait to see how it will help us grow in our mission to serve and connect with one another!

Enrich Your Advent Season: Daily Reflections on the Gospel of Luke
MBC’s devotional Book for the Advent season
This Advent season, we invite you to journey with us through our new devotional, inspired by the Gospel of Luke and thoughtfully written by members of our congregation. We hope that as you read and reflect on these devotionals, you will find new wonder and peace in the Savior who came for you. May these reflections enrich your heart as you celebrate the gift of Christ this Christmas. If you’d like to get a copy on Amazon click HERE 

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The MBC Internship program is growing!
Amy Huber
Director of Discipleship & Connections
Do even more with our Church Management System
Get it here
Celebrating Christ
for Spiritual Growth

Cultivating the Christian Life!

In the realm of spiritual formation, this year has been nothing short of transformative. Our journey on Sunday mornings in 2024 has taken us through the entire Gospel of Luke and the Book of Revelation, offering profound insights and fostering a deeper understanding of Scripture and its relevance to our lives. The launch of numerous new small groups has created intimate spaces for fellowship, prayer, and shared spiritual growth, connecting members in meaningful ways. Our adult education program has flourished, providing intellectual and spiritual nourishment with courses on ‘How to Read the Bible,’ an enlightening eschatology seminar, and a Financial Peace University (FPU) class. These initiatives have not only broadened our knowledge but also ignited a collective passion for continuous learning and spiritual exploration.

Local Compassion

Faith-based mobile front-line provider of homeless

City Relief 

City Relief (CR) is one of our strategic local partner ministries—and they do amazing work! They are a faith-based mobile front-line provider of homeless services that operates in communities where individuals are struggling and need support. Our vision is to create a world where everyone has a place to call home, the support to thrive, and the opportunity to give back.
One of the communities they seek to impact in Newark, NJ. CR is set to expand its outreach efforts in Newark, with the goal of launching two weekly direct service opportunities and establishing an office space in the city to provide more sustained services. Through these initiatives, we expect to serve at least 70 people each week, welcoming them into a safe community where they can access essential resources such as meals, socks, and hygiene kits, and much more.
How can MBC help? To effectively serve the Newark community, CR needs to hire additional staff, invest in outreach and other startup costs, and allocate a budget for increased ongoing programmatic expenses to support our services in Newark. By adding a Newark Programs Manager and Coordinator, CR can transition from monthly street engagements to consistent weekly outreach efforts.
You giving will reach the poor and unhoused in Newark this year!  

 

We are launching
Grief Share!
We are excited to announce the launch of a GriefShare ministry at Millington Baptist Church next year. GriefShare is a caring support group designed to help those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This Christ-centered program offers encouragement, understanding, and healing through practical resources and compassionate community. Whether you are grieving a recent loss or continuing to work through your grief, GriefShare provides a safe place to share, learn, and find hope in Christ. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to begin this important ministry.

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Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Brick & Mortar

3027 Valley Road Purchase
For many years, the church has had a long-term vision of acquiring adjacent properties to create opportunities for future growth and expansion. This strategic plan has been driven by the desire to ensure that the church can continue to meet the needs of its congregation and community as it grows. One of the key steps in this vision was the acquisition of nearby properties, which would allow for greater flexibility in the development of new programs, facilities, or services.

This year, we are excited to announce that we have successfully completed the first phase of this vision with the purchase of the house at 3027 Valley Road. This milestone marks a significant achievement in our efforts to prepare for future growth, as it positions us to utilize the surrounding space in ways that align with the church’s mission and goals. The acquisition of this property brings us closer to realizing the larger plan for expansion, which we believe will benefit not only our church family but the community at large.

Thanks to careful financial planning and the availability of assets, we are pleased to share that this purchase was completed without the need for financing. This means that the church is able to move forward in a fiscally responsible manner, free from additional debt, and remain focused on our vision for the future. This is a blessing and a testament to the resources and support we have been fortunate to receive over the years.

The house, which was cherished for many years, is currently undergoing construction with direction from Mark Melillo. We are thrilled to share that the renovations are nearing completion, and we look forward to seeing the updated space fully realized soon.

Financial Covenants
Church finances often consist of various funds designated for specific purposes, earmarked funds if you will. After careful review, the finance team and elder board identified some long-term funds and made the decision to un-restrict a portion of them to assist in the cash purchase of 3027 Valley Road. This decision was made with the commitment to restore those funds to their original accounts and purposes.

To ensure this, the finance team has established quarterly goals to fully replenish the funds by the end of the fiscal year. While this is an ambitious target, the team is confident that, with the continued generosity of our congregation, the funds will be restored as planned

K&M Maintenance Contract
As the campus continues to expand in both numbers and size, the amount of onsite activities is also increasing. With the growth of events and people on campus, our facilities will naturally require more upkeep and attention. In October, we were excited to announce a new partnership with KM Maintenance Company. KM will provide us with a staff member onsite every weekday for miscellaneous cleaning projects, room setups, and smaller tasks.

Additionally, there will be a dedicated person responsible for managing cleaning across the entire campus to ensure continuity. KM Maintenance is a local company that truly cares about the community and the presentation of our campus. They also service other large facilities, such as Summit Medical Group and Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church. With their impressive responsiveness, KM Maintenance is well-equipped to manage the many large projects occurring around campus.

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3027 Valley Road
3027 Valley Road
3027 Valley Road
3027 Valley Road
3027 Valley Road
Financial Covenants
K & M Maintenance Contract

Next Generation

Radical Mentoring
We are excited to continue our Radical Mentoring program at Millington Baptist Church in the coming year, helping men grow deeper in their faith through intentional discipleship, accountability, and community. Radical Mentoring has been transformative for many, and we’re committed to continuing this life-changing journey.
In addition, we are launching a new follow-up program designed for those who have completed Radical Mentoring. This second-year program will focus on continued spiritual growth, leadership development, and practical ways to live out your faith in all areas of life. Stay tuned for more information as we equip men to take the next step in their walk with Christ!   

Passion Conference
The next generations (or young adults) are not the future leaders of the church, they are already the leaders of the church. They need to be empowered to go out and lead with courage and boldness now as our church desperately needs to minister to the next generation. Our culture is pulling them in with all it’s might and we need to train our young leaders today to disciple and win people for Christ.
We will prepare our young adults to lead and walk by faith through our new initiative of a bi weekly small group as well as sending them out to the passion conference in Atlanta Georgia in January. May the Lord bless these endeavors as our next generation of leaders are being equipped.

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Mark 16:15

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Global Missions

Senegal
At MBC, missions is part of our heartbeat. We love when people come to know Jesus, and we love when the Kingdom of God is built in very tangible ways. Specifically, MBC has a strategic focus on Senegal, West Africa. We support World Partner missionaries in the country and we partner with a local congregation in their evangelisms efforts in rural Senegalese villages.
This year, we feel led to give above and beyond to support the Bartimee Hospital in the strategic city of Thies. Your giving will help us purchase critical medical equipment, meeting the physical needs of the Senegalese people. The Lord calls us to proclaim the Gospel—he also calls us to be Salt and Light as we demonstrate the Gospel by caring for the poor.  

Youth Mission Trip
As our teenagers are growing in their faith and taking this as a personal relationship with their maker, their hearts to serve and bless others are growing as well. Our summer mission trips are always a highlight of our students summer as they go out of their comfort zone and typical day to go serve the Lord where he calls us. Our church support not only allows them to go but allows encourages them knowing the church truly cares about them and their walk with the Lord.

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1st Timothy 6:17-19

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Evangelism

Contend Conference
Living your public life as a Christian in not easy! Each year new challenges arise as the culture grows increasing hostile to our faith. What do we do? In 2023, MBC hosted it’s first “Contend Conference” to great effect. The goal of this conference is “equipping the saints the engage the skeptics.” This involves the areas of cultural engagement, apologetics and public theology. We believe MBC has the resource to lead regionally in this area and bless other churches!
Our keynote speaker is Alisa Childers, a popular author and sough after speaker on these topics. The theme is “resisting the drift” in both culture and theology. With your generosity through time, talents and treasure, we hope increase our impact up to 30% through live attenders and livestream participants.
In recent memory, it has never been more important to ground yourself with a robust Biblical Worldview to influence the outside world for the Gospel. Your generosity will change our world!

Colson Fellows Affiliate
As a follow up to the Contend Conference, MBC plans to launch a Colson Fellows Training Program in summer of 2025. What is the Colson Fellows Program? Here is how the Colson Center for Christian Worldview describes it:
“Colson Fellows from across the globe complete a rigorous course of study that begins each July and concludes with their commissioning in May of the following year. In this ten month program, candidates follow a daily curriculum that is carefully curated and updated each year, read 12-14 books, and attend two live webinars each month with leading Christian thinkers in which they are able to engage in a lively, free-flowing exchange of ideas.”
We are praying for 10 members from MBC to participate in this program. The training will equip each person as a Christ follower in the marketplace to influence the world with the Gospel.
Your giving will help to cover some of the tuition costs for our participants! By extension, you will bless others and transform lives.

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Please ask God to guide your giving and consider making your best possible donation as an investment with us as we Plant Deep Roots in the Limitless Love of God.

Year End Giving

Give Here

Questions?

Kristie Gall

Administrative & Financial Manager

Contact Kristie with any questions

Overhaul of the Heart

A Journey Toward True Revival

In a world of division and distraction, discouragement is a natural reaction. The polarization of our culture, and within the church, leaves many wondering—what is God doing? Is there any hope? Will there be a revival? 

This sermon series will tackle the topic of “revival,” both personally and corporately. It is so easy to get caught up in the noise of our world, that we forgot our first focus should be our relationship with Christ. When our hearts are transformed by his Gospel … everything else follows.  

Over these four weeks, we will answer four questions about revival. What is it? Why do we need it? How do we get it? How do we know it’s real? 

We pray your heart is both overhauled and refreshed this January

Supporting Resources
Se7en Churches of Revelation – small group workbook

Se7en Churches of Revelation – Sermon Series
Symbols in the Book of Revelation.

tomb heart cross
raised hands
revival
cross in tomb
hewill speak
liftup hands

Act I Sermon Schedule:
12/3 Luke 1:1-4 Intro: Letter to Theophilus & Overview
12/10 Luke 1:5-38 Prediction of John and Jesus’ Birth
12/7 Luke 1:39-80 Mary’s Prayer and Zechariah’s Prophecy
12/24 Luke 2:1-52 The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Eve Morning at 10am
Christmas Eve 4pm & 5:30pm

Don't miss ACT II - Introduction of Jesus, Luke 3-9. Beginning December 31

Sermons

The Unveiling, Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation of Jesus Christ

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is an unveiling. It is an unveiling of the true person and work of Christ against the powers of darkness, an unveiling of the Spiritual Realm and an Unveiling of the future and an unveiling of the mysteries of John’s visions. We will explore the timeless truths and profound revelations woven into the fabric of this extraordinary biblical story. From the triumphant Lamb of God to the cosmic battles between good and evil, the book of Revelation was a letter that serves as both a warning and a source of hope for believers of all ages.

 

Join us as we navigate the vivid imagery, decipher the symbolic language, and discover the enduring message of victory, redemption, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s divine plan.

Supporting Resources
Se7en Churches of Revelation – small group workbook

Se7en Churches of Revelation – Sermon Series
Symbols in the Book of Revelation.

head chip
streets
horses
unrest
treebomb
seals
sheep

In the midst of uncertainty, the book of Revelation inspires believers to a steadfast faith and a resolute hope in the God who holds the future in His hands. Primarily, Revelation is a book about true worship. Will you bow your knee to the powers of this evil world, or will you bow your knee to the one who is worthy? Embark on this profound journey through the apocalyptic tapestry in this captivating sermon series and rediscover and appraise the one who is worthy 

Act I Sermon Schedule:
12/3 Luke 1:1-4 Intro: Letter to Theophilus & Overview
12/10 Luke 1:5-38 Prediction of John and Jesus’ Birth
12/7 Luke 1:39-80 Mary’s Prayer and Zechariah’s Prophecy
12/24 Luke 2:1-52 The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Eve Morning at 10am
Christmas Eve 4pm & 5:30pm

Don't miss ACT II - Introduction of Jesus, Luke 3-9. Beginning December 31

Previous Sermons in this Series

CONTEND 2025: January 31- February 2, 2025

Volunteer at Resist the Drift 2025! Your time and talents can help make the Contend Conference an extraordinary event. We’re looking for volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks including setup, guest services, and breakout sessions. Please provide your top choices for volunteer positions and join our mission to inspire and equip others at Millington Baptist Church. Contact Sue Turner for Volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Registration: If you will be registering to volunteer at the event, please make sure you register to volunteer before registering to attend. This will give you a discount code for your registration to attend.

Support our Ministry Sponsors:

REGISTER
POSTCARD
MERCH STORE
VOLUNTEER

Resist the Drift:
Contend Conference

Something is happening in our world … can you feel it? Do you see it? It’s not surprising if you don’t. The change is slow, almost unnoticeable. Like a swimmer floating in the ocean, the waves can carry you far from shore. It doesn’t feel like you’ve moved until you open your eyes and look.

Culturally speaking, this “drift” has been happening for a long time. However, recent events have caused people to open their eyes and see how far the waves have taken us. What was once considered truth is now questioned. People we work with, go to school with, and live near have no understanding of the Gospel and the truths of the Bible. Their view of Jesus is skewed. These assumptions have made their way into the church. Leaders and institutions we once trusted … have drifted.

What Now?

On January 31 – February 2, 2025, Millington Baptist Church will be hosting its second “CONTEND” Conference. The theme for this conference is resisting the drift. It is so easy to be carried along by the cultural waves. It is so easy to drift. The writer to Hebrews was combating this same issue. In a culture—and church—filled with compromise, Hebrews exhorts us: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it (Heb. 2:1).”

We must pay closer attention to what we have heard. This weekend conference will help you recognize the drift and resist it with clarity, boldness, and conviction.

Are you ready to Resist The Drift?

Conference Schedule

6pm- Bookstore, Food, Connections Lounge 

7pm- Conference Open, Worship 

7:20pm- Welcome Address: “Recognize the Drift ” (Bob Erbig) 

7:35pm- SESSION ONE KEYNOTE: “Progressive Christianity: A Biblical Response to a Growing Movement” (Alisa Childers) 

8:45pm- Worship, Next Day Activities 

9:00pm- Dessert Social 

8:00am- Bookstore, Breakfast, Connections Lounge 

NOTE: Childcare and Kids Programming Available During Morning Sessions (8:45am-12:15pm)

9am- Day Two Open, Worship 

9:20am- Short Talk: “Spiritual Formation to Resist The Drift” (Dave Henstchel)

9:35am- SESSION TWO KEYNOTE: “Parenting and Social Media” (Jason Thacker) 

10:45am- BREAK 

11:00am- Short Talk: “Helping Teens Resist the Drift” (Johnny Graves) 

11:15am- SESSION THREE KEYNOTE: “Live Your Truth” (Alisa Childers) 

12:30pm- LUNCH! 

1:30-2:30pm- BREAKOUT TRACKS (Local Leaders) 

2:30-5:00pm- Break 

5:00-6:30pm- SESSION FOUR KEYNOTE: “Critical Theory and Social Justice Ideology” (Neil Shenvi) 

NOTE: This session includes a sit down dinner and requires REGISTRATION.

7:00-8:30pm – Panel and Q & A + Worship (Bob) 

  • Short Talk: “Music of The Revolution” –Pastor Bob 

8:30am- Bookstore, Lounge and Food available in FH Ministry Center.  

9:00am- “The Gospel as an Apologetic” Neil Shenvi 

NOTE: Alisa Childers Interview in Both Services.

10:45am- “Wisdom and Discernment in a Chaotic Public” Jason Thacker 

Speaker Resources

Alisa Childers is a wife, mom, author, and speaker. She was a member of the award-winning CCM recording group ZOEgirl. She is a popular speaker at apologetics and Christian worldview conferences. She is the author of Another Gospel? and Live Your Truth and Other Lies. She has been published at the Gospel Coalition, Crosswalk, the Stream, For Every Mom, Decision Magazine, and the Christian Post.

Personal Website

Neil Shenvi is an apologist, author and follower of Jesus Christ. He has written two books: Why Believe? and Critical Dilemma. Neil has an A.B. in chemistry from Princeton and a PhD in theoretical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. He worked as a research scientist at Yale University and Duke University and has published over thirty peer-reviewed scientific papers. In addition, his writings on critical theory have been published by the Journal of Christian Legal Thought, the Gospel Coalition, Eikon, Ratio Christi, and the Liberty University Law Review, among others. He is married and currently homeschools his four children.

Personal Website

Jason Thacker serves as an assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Boyce College and Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also is a senior fellow in bioethics and director of the research institute at The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is the author of several books including Following Jesus in the Digital Age and The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. He also serves as the editor of The Digital Public Square: Christian Ethics in a Technological Society and co-editor Baptist Social Ethics and the Essentials in Christian Ethics series with B&H Academic.

Personal Website

SESSION INFORMATION

SESSION ONE, Friday, 7:35 pm. (Room: Main Sanctuary)
“Progressive Christianity: A Biblical Response to a Growing Movement” (Alisa Childers)

In this talk, Alisa will walk the audience through the history, key beliefs, and key figures of the movement of progressive Christianity, and ultimately show how progressive Christianity is at odds with historic Christianity and even disagrees with Jesus on what the Bible is, what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and the definition of the gospel. 

SESSION TWO, Saturday, 9:35 am. (Room: Main Sanctuary)
“Parenting and Social Media” (Jason Thacker)

Social media is a tool that can be used for both good and ill, but also is profoundly shaping every aspect of our hearts, minds, and souls. Recognizing this reality is one of the key steps in raising up the next generation in the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. We need more than simple tips and tricks on how to use technology better as we recognize that these tools have become one of the primary ways that we are being discipled today and transformed by the patterns of this world. Learn how to think deeply about the nature of these tools that never leave our side and how we might practically equip the next generation to wisely engage them as they seek to follow Jesus in a digital age.

SESSION THREE, Saturday 11:15 am. (Room: Main Sanctuary)
“Live Your Truth” (Alisa Childers)

Popular slogans like “live your truth,” “follow your heart,” “you are enough” “you are the boss of you” and “you’re perfect just as you are” flood our social media feeds. In many cases, even materials marketed as “Christian” promote these ideas. But are they biblical? In this talk, Alisa will walk the audience through 3-5 cultural lies, demonstrate the bad thinking underneath them, and then turn to the Bible for a much better story.

SESSION FOUR, Saturday, 5 pm. (Room: Main Sanctuary)
“Critical Theory and Social Justice Ideology” (Neil Shenvi)

Critical theory and its expression in fields such as critical race theory, critical pedagogy, and queer theory are having a profound impact on our culture. Contemporary critical theory’s ideas about race, class, gender, identity, and justice have dramatically shaped how people think, act, and view one another—in Christian and secular spheres alike.

KIDS SESSION – 9am – 12:30pm SATURDAY During Sessions 2 & 3 (Pete Westerman) (Room: Education Building)

Truth Explorers
Discover What’s Real
Get ready for an exciting morning filled with games, stories, and challenges! You’ll uncover the secrets of what truth really is, why it’s so important, and how to spot it in everyday life. Learn how God’s Word helps us navigate life’s biggest questions. Let’s embark on this journey to become Truth Explorers!

Click HERE for Pete Westerman’s bio

BREAKOUT INFORMATION

BREAKOUT ONE: A Street Level Guide To The Morality Debate (Steve DiSebastian) (Room: Fellowship Hall)
Whether we realize it or not, we’re all swimming in the waters of morality. Debates surrounding politics and cultural issues are unavoidably questions of morality. Even atheists who deny the existence of a transcendent moral law cannot escape making moral judgments. Join us to learn how to use these morally contentious times to both defend and share your faith in Christ.

Click HERE for Steve DiSebastian’s bio.

BREAKOUT TWO: Addressing The Realities of Sex Trafficking (Adrienne Livingston) (Room: Main Sanctuary)

The purpose of this session is to delve beneath the surface of our world and uncover the harsh realities of sex trafficking. By its very nature, sex trafficking is deceptive, often hiding in plain sight. Three key factors contribute to this problem:

Perpetrators Disguise Themselves: Those who commit these crimes often appear as “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” making it difficult to identify them.
Consumers’ Blindness: Driven by lust, consumers are often unable to recognize their role in trafficking, choosing to see only what they want to see.
The Myth of Choice: The misconception that the sex industry operates on choice and free will further obscures the truth.

In this session, we will explore God’s heart for justice, discuss ways to prevent sex trafficking, and consider how we can best respond to this grave issue.

Click HERE for Adrienne Livingston’s bio.

BREAKOUT THREE: Sharing The Gospel Across Cultural Boundaries (Dr. Alfonse Javed) (Room: YFMB Great Room)

Have you struggled to share your faith with someone of a different culture? Do you have friends who are Muslim or Hindu? This session will help us understand how the complexity of culture enables the gospel to spread powerfully within a culture. It will also explain why the Gospel message does not “jump” easily across cultural boundaries. At this end of this session, you will be able to articulate what culture is, how to understand it, and practices that facilitate the jump across barriers that have long obstructed the advance of the gospel among the least evangelized.

Click HERE for Alfonse Javed’s bio.

BREAKOUT FOUR: Teens Track (Andy Imbimbo) (Room: YFMB Youth Room)

In a culture sprinting away from the Gospel, teens are bombarded with conflicting messages about identity, truth, and purpose. “Resisting the Drift for Teens” is about anchoring your life in Jesus amidst all this chaos. This session will equip teens to recognize the culture’s pull, stand firm on the authority of Scripture, and experience how the supremacy of Christ transforms everything. Teens will discover how to live boldly for Jesus, even when the world says you’re missing out.

Click HERE for Andy Imbimbo’s bio 

Brought to you by The Underground Sessions

Hotel Reservations

Hotel: Courtyard Marriott in Basking Ridge
Address: 595 Martinsville Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

MBC has provided Contend Conference attendees with a discounted block rate hotel reservation opportunity. The fee for this hotel room is $125.00 (plus taxes & fees) and you can make that reservation through Courtyard Basking Ridge with the link below. Use the code MBRS for your discounted rate. Reservations are available until December 31st.

Reservation

BREAKOUT INFORMATION

BREAKOUT ONE: Human Trafficking (Adrienne Livingston)
“TBD” (TBD) Text Description to come

BREAKOUT TWO: Muslim Theme (Alfonse Javed)
“TBD” (TBD) Text Description to come

BREAKOUT THREE: Teens
“TBD” (TBD) Text Description to come

BREAKOUT FOUR: Kids Programming available Saturday, 9am-12pm
“TBD” (TBD) Text Description to come

 

Brought to you by The Underground Sessions

Portal Link, Resource Page, and Follow-Up Next Steps Coming Soon!

Luke-Act V: Final Week of Jesus

Luke ACT 5, Final Week of Jesus

The final five chapters of bring us to the end … the final week of Jesus’ first coming. He enters Jersulam, he tells his followers about the end of the world, he has a last meal with them … and then he goes to the cross. He takes our sins on himself. It is the culmination of his mission: to seek and save the lost. This is why Jesus came. The cross is how he will save the world … and the cross has changed the world. Do you want to be saved? You cannot miss this final section of our series.

Luke Series Overview
Have you ever lost something … something that was precious to you? It could be a family member, a wedding ring, a career, or, today, even you phone. Parts of our lives are precious to us. The question is: how far would you go? If someone or something is lost, how far would you go to seek and save them? We live in a world fill with lost people. People are searching, seeking, something bigger and better—something to fill the gap we sense in our hearts. People are longing for salvation but finding it in the wrong places. We need a savio

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The Gospel of Luke is the story of God himself, Jesus Christ, coming to earth to seek and save the lost. Luke is a long book, but it shows us many dimensions of Jesus. In every section we see Jesus seeking us. He comes as a baby through the incarnation … seeking us. He performs miracles to show his power .. as he seeks us. He walks along the road with us as we ask questions. He dies for us … but then he rises again. And now, he sends his followers out into the world to seek the lost.  

It’s the call of Jesus. How far would you go … to seek the lost?  

What is the point? These books begin with hope, but end in disappointment. The spiritual state of the people are unchanged. The political and social reforms don’t address the core concerns of the heart. The book points us forward to the need for the new covenant which would renovate the human heart as prophesied by Jeremiah (ch 31) and Ezekiel (ch 36).  

 

Act I Sermon Schedule:
12/3 Luke 1:1-4 Intro: Letter to Theophilus & Overview
12/10 Luke 1:5-38 Prediction of John and Jesus’ Birth
12/7 Luke 1:39-80 Mary’s Prayer and Zechariah’s Prophecy
12/24 Luke 2:1-52 The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Eve Morning at 10am
Christmas Eve 4pm & 5:30pm

Don't miss ACT II - Introduction of Jesus, Luke 3-9. Beginning December 31

Commentaries:
David E. Garland, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Volume 3 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011).
Robert H. Stein, The New American Commentary, Vol 24 (Nashville: B&H, 1992).
Darrell Bock, Luke: NIVAC
Darrell Bock, Luke: Baker Exegetical Commentary
Mike McKinley, Luke For You found HERE.  
Green, The Gospel of Luke (NICNT).  
Craig Blomberg, Jesus and the Gospels 
Craig Blomberg, Interpreting The Parables.  
Philip Ryken, Luke (Reformed Expository Commentary). 

Books and Articles: 
Preaching on Luke by Scott Gibson
Four Reasons You Should Preach Through Luke by Philip Howell (9 Marks). Find article HERE.  
A Meal With Jesus. by Tim Chester Find book HERE.  
Preaching on Luke by Des Smith (TGC). Find article HERE.
To Change The World.  James Davidson Hunter. 
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller (Luke 15). 

Previous Sermons in this Series

Luke-Act IV: Stories with Jesus

Luke ACT 4, Stories from Jesus

In Luke 14-19, Jesus is still walking … but he starts telling more stories. Story is the language of the heart. Jesus uses his stories to teach and meet us where we are. He always points us back to him. Some of Jesus most famous parables are in this section, but the key theme remains: Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Have you ever felt lost? Jesus tell us all of heaven rejoices when someone come home to him. Come hear his stories and can rediscover the Savior.


Luke Series Overview
Have you ever lost something … something that was precious to you? It could be a family member, a wedding ring, a career, or, today, even you phone. Parts of our lives are precious to us. The question is: how far would you go? If someone or something is lost, how far would you go to seek and save them? We live in a world fill with lost people. People are searching, seeking, something bigger and better—something to fill the gap we sense in our hearts. People are longing for salvation but finding it in the wrong places. We need a savior.

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banquet
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The Gospel of Luke is the story of God himself, Jesus Christ, coming to earth to seek and save the lost. Luke is a long book, but it shows us many dimensions of Jesus. In every section we see Jesus seeking us. He comes as a baby through the incarnation … seeking us. He performs miracles to show his power .. as he seeks us. He walks along the road with us as we ask questions. He dies for us … but then he rises again. And now, he sends his followers out into the world to seek the lost.  

It’s the call of Jesus. How far would you go … to seek the lost?  

What is the point? These books begin with hope, but end in disappointment. The spiritual state of the people are unchanged. The political and social reforms don’t address the core concerns of the heart. The book points us forward to the need for the new covenant which would renovate the human heart as prophesied by Jeremiah (ch 31) and Ezekiel (ch 36).  

 

Act I Sermon Schedule:
12/3 Luke 1:1-4 Intro: Letter to Theophilus & Overview
12/10 Luke 1:5-38 Prediction of John and Jesus’ Birth
12/7 Luke 1:39-80 Mary’s Prayer and Zechariah’s Prophecy
12/24 Luke 2:1-52 The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Eve Morning at 10am
Christmas Eve 4pm & 5:30pm

Don't miss ACT II - Introduction of Jesus, Luke 3-9. Beginning December 31

Commentaries:
David E. Garland, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Volume 3 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011).
Robert H. Stein, The New American Commentary, Vol 24 (Nashville: B&H, 1992).
Darrell Bock, Luke: NIVAC
Darrell Bock, Luke: Baker Exegetical Commentary
Mike McKinley, Luke For You found HERE.  
Green, The Gospel of Luke (NICNT).  
Craig Blomberg, Jesus and the Gospels 
Craig Blomberg, Interpreting The Parables.  
Philip Ryken, Luke (Reformed Expository Commentary). 

Books and Articles: 
Preaching on Luke by Scott Gibson
Four Reasons You Should Preach Through Luke by Philip Howell (9 Marks). Find article HERE.  
A Meal With Jesus. by Tim Chester Find book HERE.  
Preaching on Luke by Des Smith (TGC). Find article HERE.
To Change The World.  James Davidson Hunter. 
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller (Luke 15). 

Previous Sermons in this Series

Luke-Act III: On the Road with Jesus

Luke ACT 3, Introducing Jesus

At the end of Luke 9, things change. Jesus decides it is time to walk to Jerusalem where he knows he will die. He knows his mission: to seek and save the lost. That means giving everything for the ones he loves. In Luke 10-13, Jesus goes on the road with his disciples. As he walks … he teaches us about and anxiety and the signs of the times. Have you ever spent time Jesus? This is your opportunity to come to him and cast all you fears and worry and doubts at his feet. Listen to to his voice … on the road.  

“On the road,” is a key theme in this section. Jesus makes the turn for Jerusalem with his disciples. He walks and walks and teaches them. Images of a journey of faith should be prevalent on the stage.  

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Luke Series Overview
Have you ever lost something … something that was precious to you? It could be a family member, a wedding ring, a career, or, today, even you phone. Parts of our lives are precious to us. The question is: how far would you go? If someone or something is lost, how far would you go to seek and save them? We live in a world fill with lost people. People are searching, seeking, something bigger and better—something to fill the gap we sense in our hearts. People are longing for salvation but finding it in the wrong places. We need a savior.

The Gospel of Luke is the story of God himself, Jesus Christ, coming to earth to seek and save the lost. Luke is a long book, but it shows us many dimensions of Jesus. In every section we see Jesus seeking us. He comes as a baby through the incarnation … seeking us. He performs miracles to show his power .. as he seeks us. He walks along the road with us as we ask questions. He dies for us … but then he rises again. And now, he sends his followers out into the world to seek the lost.  

It’s the call of Jesus. How far would you go … to seek the lost?  

What is the point? These books begin with hope, but end in disappointment. The spiritual state of the people are unchanged. The political and social reforms don’t address the core concerns of the heart. The book points us forward to the need for the new covenant which would renovate the human heart as prophesied by Jeremiah (ch 31) and Ezekiel (ch 36).  

 

Act I Sermon Schedule:
12/3 Luke 1:1-4 Intro: Letter to Theophilus & Overview
12/10 Luke 1:5-38 Prediction of John and Jesus’ Birth
12/7 Luke 1:39-80 Mary’s Prayer and Zechariah’s Prophecy
12/24 Luke 2:1-52 The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Eve Morning at 10am
Christmas Eve 4pm & 5:30pm

Don't miss ACT II - Introduction of Jesus, Luke 3-9. Beginning December 31

Commentaries:
David E. Garland, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Volume 3 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011).
Robert H. Stein, The New American Commentary, Vol 24 (Nashville: B&H, 1992).
Darrell Bock, Luke: NIVAC
Darrell Bock, Luke: Baker Exegetical Commentary
Mike McKinley, Luke For You found HERE.  
Green, The Gospel of Luke (NICNT).  
Craig Blomberg, Jesus and the Gospels 
Craig Blomberg, Interpreting The Parables.  
Philip Ryken, Luke (Reformed Expository Commentary). 

Books and Articles: 
Preaching on Luke by Scott Gibson
Four Reasons You Should Preach Through Luke by Philip Howell (9 Marks). Find article HERE.  
A Meal With Jesus. by Tim Chester Find book HERE.  
Preaching on Luke by Des Smith (TGC). Find article HERE.
To Change The World.  James Davidson Hunter. 
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller (Luke 15). 

Previous Sermons in this Series

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