Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
There aren’t a whole lot of ways to encourage people who are running a long race. As a former crosscountry runner, I know that the list of appropriate cheers is limited. “Way to go! Don’t stop! Looking good! Keep going!” That’s it. Really, though, these four cheers are enough.
So, here we are in May—when, hopefully, we can begin relaxing the social distancing restrictions that have been in effect since mid-March. Until that happens, we’ll keep grinding it out in this strange long-distance race, measured in days instead of miles, that has us going nowhere, yet feeling exhausted.
Because God is good all the time, however, we do have some things to cheer about as we move forward.
Way to go! Providence people have been amazingly flexible, resilient, and positive—adjusting on the fly to new ways of worshiping, giving, learning, connecting with one another, and caring for our community. These are not easy things to do, but I have witnessed a remarkable amount of grace and gratitude over the last two months.
Don’t stop! The Lord continues to work through Providence even though our campus is closed. Ministry committees have been meeting online to make decisions for our church. We’ve helped feed neighbors in Charlotte through our partners at QC Family Tree and Second Harvest Food Bank. Our deacons are keeping in touch with our seniors and Sunday school leaders are figuring out how to teach the Bible from a distance.
Looking good! Our online worship services have nearly doubled the number of people we’re reaching every week. Just about all of us have taken an economic hit as a result of the coronavirus, and yet we continue giving generously to support God’s work through our church. There is a great deal of prayer happening in midst, and I’m confident it will bear fruit.
Keep going! When the time comes to begin opening back up, things won’t immediately return to the way they were. Every institution is going to handle this “re-entry” process in its own way. At Providence, we will take a slow, safe, and sustainable approach to finding our new normal. This means that other churches might begin worshiping together in person before we do. Although I am eager to be back together with you all on Randolph Road, I’m also determined to come back in a way that is smart and responsible.
The last leg of any race is usually the hardest. Let’s finish this one strong. May the peace of Christ be with you!
About author
Dr. Christopher “Lee” Canipe was born in Winston-Salem, NC and attended Davidson College where he graduated with honors in History. After earning master’s degrees in History at the University of Virginia and Counseling at Wake Forest University, he felt a calling to the ministry. He pursued his theological education at Duke University where he graduated with his Master of Divinity, summa cum laude. At Duke, he earned the Interpretation Award for Excellence in Biblical and Theological Study.
While working on his degree he also served as youth minister at Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham. After graduation, he worked as a pastoral assistant at First Baptist Church of Savannah, GA. From there he spent a year as a Global Service Corps missionary to Russia. Upon his return to the States, Lee continued his theological education at Baylor University where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies.
Most recently, Lee was awarded an Oxford Foundation Fellowship for independent postdoctoral study at Oxford University in Great Britain. Upon graduation, Lee and his wife Hilary, a primary care physician, were called to serve Murfreesboro Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, NC as senior pastor. Here he has faithfully served for the last 12 years. During his time in Murfreesboro, Lee has led his congregation in a strategic reflection process, two capital campaigns, greater community involvement through service partnerships and other events, and the development of an international missions relationship with a French-Canadian Baptist Church in Quebec.
Lee has also been an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Chowan University for the last 10 years. He has authored two books, “Loyal Dissenters; Reading Scripture and Talking Freedom with the Early English Baptists,” and “A Baptist Democracy: Separating God and Caesar in the Land of the Free,” as well as numerous journal articles and book reviews. He has also written Sunday School and Bible Study materials for Smyth & Helwys.
Lee has been an important part of the Baptist community and his local community. He has strong ties to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship as he served on its Coordinating Council for several years. Lee has also served on the board of Ridgecroft School (Ahoskie, NC), and the Board of Ministers at Chowan University and Campbell University. Lee has been an active volunteer in his community through his involvement with Rotary International as well as coaching numerous athletic teams. His contributions to the community have been recognized through several different awards: Rotarian of the Year, the Chowan Athletics Service Award, and the Sammy Doughtie Community Service Award (given by the Chamber of Commerce).
Lee and Hilary have three children: Helen (14), Watson (12), and Peter (9). His interests include running, travel, reading (especially American history), and college basketball.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, History (Honors) – Davidson College
Master of Arts, History – University of Virginia
Master of Arts in Education, (Counseling) – Wake Forest University
Master of Divinity (summa cum laude) – Duke University
Doctor of Philosophy – Baylor University
