God has a pilgrimage for the people of Jerusalem Baptist Church. He has done so much for us, in us, and throughus, throughout the history of the church, but He is now taking us on a pilgrimage that will require an ever-growing faith. This is an exciting time, and a very crucial time, in the life of Jerusalem Baptist Church as we see God inviting us to be a part of His work both here in Fairfax County, as well as, around the world. This invitation is much larger than we are capable of doing when you look at it from human eyes. We must trust that God is leading us, and walk with Him by faith!

In December of 2003, the Lord began to burden us with issues that related to our property. Since that time, we began to look at several needs and concerns related to our property, and we realized that we had come to a time where major decisions were needed as it relates to repairs and upkeep of our facilities. While evaluating these needs, it became very obvious that one decision began to impact other needs and decisions, to the point where we realized that we needed to step back and take an over-all look at our entire property.

In the spring of 2004, we put together a Task Force to study and evaluate our entire property and facilities. This Task Force was tasked to not just bring back a report to the church, but they were asked to bring back a report AND a recommendation. On June 13, 2004, they presented their report to the church with a recommendation that we develop a Master Plan for our property and update our Special Use Permit. They challenged us to look beyond the immediate needs that we have as a church and to promote good stewardship of God’s gifts by developing an efficient plan that would present the best use of our land and resources. By developing a long-term “roadmap” for orderly expansion, we would be able to cast vision and develop a comprehensive ministry plan. This Master Plan would organize future growth in harmony with current needs to ensure that any future building programs complement and support membership growth.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2008, our application to update our Special Use Permit, and approval of our Master Plan, was granted by the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals.

We now transition from VISION for the 21 st Century to the NEHEMIAH PROJECT …Building for the 21 st Century. Over the next several months we must hear from God as to His plan for how we are to implement this Master Plan.

Several things are now before us. VISION…that God has initiated this to show us our need, and His invitation to us to join Him in His work. FAITH…that God is at work in this and that all things are possible with God. PRAYER…that we are totally dependent on God for this. SACRIFICE… that God is working through us to accomplish this. This will take time, energy, and money. Are we willing to trust God and obey God through this?

Two facts are clear…if we do not move forward, we will stagnate and die. If we move without God, we will stumble and fall.

When we, God’s people, pray and work in oneness, the Holy Spirit will strengthen our commitment to reach Northern Virginia for Christ. As Jerusalem positions for ministry into the 21 st Century, God will provide us the opportunity to expand our ministries. For 168 years, Jerusalem members have stepped out in faith to minister to our growing community. Can we do less? We must give sacrificially as those who preceded us.