about julington
baptist church

Who We Are

The Church with a Mission,
a Message, and a Meaning

the mission:

Seeking the salvation of the lost and care for the found

the message:

For God so loved the world

the meaning:

love is action

our history

In 1872 a family of migrating freed slaves arrived from Edisto South
Carolina to Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. They settled in the area known as “Loretta,” Florida. Because of the jubilance experienced by those whom God had allowed to see their freedom this group didn’t stop until there was a church established in which they could continue their thanksgiving and praise. With Reverend Green as their first Pastor they founded a church and named it after the creek that flowed near by, “Julington.” Although this church is often by some referred to as “Julington creek,” the creek was never a part of the name.

Providentially it would be a church where many members and spiritual leaders would receive their beginning and training in church leadership. To research the history of this church would reveal a surprising who’s who in church tradition for Jacksonville, Florida.

Pastor's monthly message

SEPTEMBER 2023

"FOLLOW ME"

August was, for us at Julington, our leadership awareness month; therefore, September is the kickoff. Every member was challenged to assess their skills, intuitions, and knowledge of leadership. Although leadership, management and followship are unique challenges, every responsible adult should strive to apply each accordingly. To think that the number one challenge-PEOPLE-is not a daunting one is the first mistake of a leader. “But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” (Luke 5:15, 16)
 
Leaders are not measured by the title they hold. The title is simply a notice of responsibility. To ensure that your role is appreciated one must establish themselves as integral, accountable, and trustworthy. Leaders forecast problems and solve them by taking advantage of the prevailing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. (SWOT) To do so removes most external issues without others ever knowing that one existed.
 
Probably the most debilitating challenge that a leader has is the one that lurks within. The role of a leader will often cause the person to resist the acknowledgment of certain traits, and or characteristics that prevent their best from rising to the top. Fear, insecurity, impatience, intolerance and lack of confidence will often reveal itself if we fail to confront them with the courage to mitigate their ugly projections. Take consolation that even Jesus felt the intimidation of His challenges; “ And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:41 – 43) There is nothing that you can do to defeat the enemy. But there is nothing that the enemy can do to defeat God! Therefore, when challenged from within just simply quote; “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
 
Leadership is a full time responsibility. There is no time off. Being the face of your team means being the poster for the world to see and criticize accordingly. The further up we are, the less shared burdens we shall have. The leader’s greatest support is that of motivated, enthusiastic team members who are inspired to self-actualize their efforts for the good of the organization. Great leaders will work extra hard trying not to allow such efforts to become stagnant.  
 
Leaders know the game plan and plan the game accordingly. Leaders are not only ready to run with the ball, but more often to pass, or hand it off. Jesus, knowing fully what He was going to do, asked Philip for a recommendation; “When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.” (John 6:5, 6) Philip learned that day, as did Moses before him, that in God’s hand any old stick will do. While Philip focused on the problem, he was oblivious to the solution. The solution was asking the question. By remaining prayerful, humbling ourselves, and giving God the glory, we shall pull down all strongholds that otherwise would bring to naught our efforts; “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
 
Pray that our Church leaders will advance their efforts within and without the doors of the Church. Remember, it is not what or who you are, it is for whom and whose you are that really matters.
 
Godspeed,

Njm