Ministry Update
Steve and Kristen Wynn
Associate Church Revitalizers, Smyrna, NY
October 2025
Hello Prayer Partners!
After my cousin’s wedding in Buffalo, we decided to stop by Niagara Falls on the way home. It was a stunning fall day. The leaves in the trees were every shade of color, the temperature was perfect – just a little chilly, and the waterfalls looked magnificent. There were multiple rainbows (one of which is pictured above).
Could you imagine a young man going to the falls and saying, “That’s not very impressive.” I imagine you would look at them in bewilderment. “How can you not be amazed at this sight?” But then you discover the problem – he is looking at his feet! His eyes are facing downward and he’s missing the view of a lifetime.
That’s what we do all of the time, though. We’re busy with our lives. Going from one task to the next. Checking off to-do lists, but missing God in action! In our SENT study, one of the big ideas is that God is currently at work drawing the lost to Himself. Jesus says this in Luke 19:10, “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.“
Take a moment right now and look up. Who do you see? Maybe no one. But, maybe you’re in a spot with people. Consider praying this; “God, help me to see You at work drawing them to Yourself and move me to act in collaboration with You.” We’re ambassadors for Christ! He has invited us into the greatest mission ever – saving the lost. But often, we just need the right eyes – getting them off of our shoes and looking up. That’s when we get to see something truly wonderful.
John 4:35b-36
What’s in progress?
Leadership Journey is underway! Grateful for the four men joining Steve in the study – Jesse, Hank, Tom, and Linn. London loves helping with Junior Church. Our combined youth group is having a great time. Youth Leader John Bensley led last week’s lesson. WSBC is taking pictures for their new website.
We’re in our eighth month of revitalization work at West Smyrna Baptist Church. Join us in praising the Lord for all He is accomplishing in His church:
- We have four men underway with Leadership Journey.
- We rejoice that we have two pastoral applicants! The deacons are working through our pastoral search process.
- We are working through our pastoral preparation process with a man in the church who aspires to go into pastoral ministry. We’re preparing to present him and his wife to the church.
- Our Foundations Study completed and we have a few members leading independent studies with unsaved or newly saved folks!
- We kicked off our SENT class – equipping in relational evangelism. We have over 30 folks taking the class and they are sharing ways the Lord is already opening doors to share the gospel.
- The new WSBC website is published! You can view it by clicking here: westsmyrnabaptist.org
- This month we are beginning a new initiative – an assimilation committee. Its focus is to welcome visitors.
- We are working with one teen who desires to join the church. We are praying for more to join in membership – and be baptized!
- We will be concluding our “One Another” sermon series in November. Preparations are being made for our Advent season. The sermon series will be called, “The Miracles of Christmas.” We’ll have a children’s program and a Christmas Eve service.
- There are multiple discipleship and evangelistic endeavors occurring – praying for our church members, along with Steve and Kristen, as they share the love of Jesus!
Some odds and ends:
- Steve and Kristen have been meeting with a couple who want to know Jesus!
- Steve is continuing his work on the teacher training module with Jon Jenks and Ginny Sebok of BCP.
- Steve continues serving in an advisory capacity for BCP’s NEXT 35 campaign. bcpusa.org/the-next-35-strengthening-todays-church-to-plant-tomorrows
- Bible Baptist in New Hartford has agreed to partner with Baptist Church Planters. We are now working on initial steps and plans.
London had a wonderful 14th birthday! Soccer season is a wrap. London and Calvin both scored once this season – earning themselves a big milkshake! Kristen loved donning her sport’s mom apparel.
Steve’s cousin, Forrest, married the love of his life – Emily! It’s exciting to have another “Mrs. Wynn” in the family. We enjoyed a quick trip to Niagara Falls. Our family also loved our vacation with Erik and Annie (Steve’s brother and sister-in-law).
The teen rollerskating event was a big hit! We had 30 teens rollerskating and competing in laser tag. We had a big surprise this month – Steve’s sister, Wendy, got engaged! She is marrying John Bensley, a church member at FBT and one of our teen leaders. We are so excited for this sweet couple as they prepare for their wedding in April.
Praise & Prayer Request List
Praises
- Praise God for His ministry at West Smyrna Baptist Church and the growth occurring.
- Praise God for the discipleship occurring at WSBC – Foundations, Leadership Journey, and SENT.
- Praise God for the two pastoral applicants, and for the progress with the pastoral preparation procedure.
- Praise God for new folks visiting WSBC.
- Praise God for the 30+ teens in our youth group and for our teen praise band.
Prayer Requests
- West Smyrna Baptist Church: Pray for the church family as they work through the revitalization plan and continue their pastoral search. You can view the pastoral portfolio by clicking here. Contact me if you know of a man interested in learning more about WSBC!
- WSBC: Pray for wisdom for the next stages of the Pastoral Preparation Procedures.
- WSBC: Pray for our SENT study and for the church family to be obedient in sharing the gospel.
- WSBC: Pray for the four men taking Leadership Journey.
- Constantia Center Baptist Church: We continue to pray for God to provide their next pastor! If you know of a potential pastor, I encourage you to view and share CCBC’s pastoral portfolio (click here to view a PDF copy).
- BCP: Pray for Steve as he collaborates with BCP leaders to develop discipleship modules for churches.
- BCP: Pray for BCP’s NEXT35 Campaign.
- Home: Pray for Kristen and the kids as they continue homeschooling.
Schedule
- Sundays – SENT Study, Preaching, Praise Band Practice, Youth Group
- Wednesdays – Leadership Journey
- Nov 13 – WSBC Steering Committee Mtg
- Nov 15 – WSBC Harvest Dinner
- Nov 17 – CCBC Advisory Committee Mtg
- Nov 27 – Thanksgiving
- Dec 6 -WSBC Deacons Mtg
- Dec 7 – Carol Sing at Waterville Baptist Church
- Dec 13 – Adult Christmas Dinner at Open Door Baptist
- Dec 19-20 – Youth Group Christmas Event
- Dec 21 – WSBC Children’s Christmas Program
- Dec 24 – Christmas Eve Service
Our Mission Statement:
Through the grace of God and His word, the redemptive works of Christ, and the sanctifying efforts of the Holy Spirit, we encourage and equip the body of Christ in order to ensure its members, both near and far, are enduring in the lifelong work of glorifying God and discipling faithful men and women who will be entrusted to continue this work until our Lord and Savior returns.
We are passionate for the local church. We desire to see churches disciple their members to grow in adoring Him, loving one another, sharing the hope of the gospel, and living transformed lives.
