This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the founding of my home church, Good Shepherd Community Church in Boring, Oregon. When the church started, I was a full-time pastor at the ripe old age of 22! I’d like to share some memories from the past four decades, tying them together with thoughts about the value and importance of local churches.

I deeply appreciate Raymond C. Ortlund Jr., just as I did his father and mother, who I’ve mentioned before. I have really enjoyed Ray’s powerful little book, The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ, which I would highly recommend to anyone desiring to start or help refocus a church on the Gospel.

Every week we receive emails from people all around the country (and even around the world!) who want help finding a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church. Some are searching for a place where they can find out who God is. Some are moving to a new area and don’t know where to start. Randy Alcorn strongly believes that everyone benefits from being involved in a local church family.