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Snyder Memorial Baptist is the 2026 Fayetteville Community Choice Award Winner for Best Place to Worship.
It was an honor to be nominated, and attending the awards gala was fun, but winning this award was unexpected. Again it is certainly an honor, but I did not know what to do with the honor other than celebrate and say “thank you.”
The day after Snyder received the award, a couple of friends I am on a text thread with sent their congratulations. I texted back, “One has to wonder just how unbiblical such an award might be while being grateful and honored that the community thinks so well of us.” One of them texted back. “Hey, God is all about winning. (I Corinthians 9:25-27) We’re made in his image. (Genesis 1:26-27) Paul was an advocate of winning. He was not going to run that race and press on for the goal and then hand that trophy to Apollos.” (Philippians 3:12-14)
My friend has a point, one that resonates with me and is echoed throughout the scripture he points toward. Snyder should always “Run the race to win.” (I Corinthians 9:24) Followers of Jesus can never be casual in their following. (Luke 9:23-24) Jesus’ calling is to be “all in” and “red hot.” (Revelation 3:15-16,19)
The greatest clarity around winning the Community Choice Award came before the awards gala. Giles Blankenship sent a text to those attending the gala before our arrival, saying, “Whether we’re tops tonight or not, the best place to worship is at the feet of Jesus. (Luke 10:39-42) Honor to those churches that are providing space and opportunity for THAT to happen. That said, what a joy and privilege it is to work alongside staff and volunteers week in and week out to provide such a space and opportunity at Snyder.”
Giles is right. The best place to worship is Jesus’ feet. And we should give our best when we create environments for worship, and when we come to worship Him ourselves. (Colossians 3:23) Giles is also right when he points to the volunteers who week in and week out provide the opportunity for worship and so much more on our campus.
Thank you, Snyder volunteers, for making us the type of place where the community around us says, “They are the best place to worship.” May we all be faithful to lift high the name of Jesus with increasing excellence. (II Corinthians 8:7) May we continue to run in such a way as to win the prize! By the grace of God, may we be blessed by Him to have a place where we can say, with the Samaritan woman, “Come and See.” (John 4:29)
Looking Forward,
Blake
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