Signature Ministry In Action
At Salem Baptist Church, the mission is to “Make disciples” (Matt. 28:19-20).
To that end, they are intentional about community outreach in their community and beyond. They prayerfully seek to see people who they come into contact with become friends who will grow to be known and loved (Acts 1:8).
In December of 2003, Senior Pastor Zack Zbinden brought the idea of a Bethlehem Walk – an interactive Gospel drama that takes visitors through Biblical scenes ranging from the entrance of the Savior into the world to an empty Jewish tomb – to Salem Baptist Church for the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
It’s a free gift for the community to be able to journey through the heart of the biblical city’s marketplace that is bustling with activity from over a dozen authentic shops and listening for the rumor of a “king’s” birth from excited townspeople.
Guests witness Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay, then journey to the Nativity where a very special baby was born in a stable, along with hearing the shepherds talk in the fields as the angel came to them, and many other highlights from scripture where they can reflect on the blessed birth of Christ – the greatest gift that has ever been given.
But, with disciple making in mind, the experience doesn’t end with the birth of Jesus, but continues through to Jesus’ eventual death and resurrection. It’s a dramatic reminder of the reason Christmas is celebrated.
If it wasn’t for the birth of Christ our Savior, then we would still be dead in our sin. There would be no hope, and no way to become reconciled to our perfect and holy God.
Producing a Bethlehem Walk is no small undertaking: there is a production team that works year-around, planning and preparing while drawing upon the time, talents and energy of the church’s and community’s members.
Recognizing that this undertaking was truly an impactful community outreach, Pastor Zbinden also shared one of the unique aspects of the event is the unity and fellowship it fosters not only with his congregation, but among the participating neighborhood churches as well.
“We began to invite other churches to participate with us in this event. With hundreds of decisions for Christ, there was no way that Salem Baptist (alone) could follow up with so many people. That is why we are grateful to the churches that have helped put on Bethlehem Walk in the past, and are extending an invitation to more churches to join us as we reach our community for the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The vision for Salem Baptist Church is to become a disciple-multiplying and disciple-sending community that influences the greater Richmond area, and beyond, in consequentially Kingdom-oriented ways. To hold an event over five days reaching 13,000+ individuals is no small feat.
The next steps are equally, if not more important, as every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God. The Bethlehem Walk is an outstanding way to meet and connect with people to invite them into the body of Christ.
