Embracing the Miracle of Normal: A Journey of Faith in Hondo

Russell James, the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hondo, Texas, shares his journey of establishing the church and emphasizes the significance of community ministry. He recounts how, after a long period of serving as an assistant pastor, he felt a divine calling to lead his own congregation, which began on October 15, 2025. Throughout the episode, James highlights the church's growth over the past three years, including the number of converts and the outreach efforts that have led to many finding faith in Christ. He also discusses the importance of support from fellow churches, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the mission. The episode culminates in a powerful message about the joy of restoring relationships, drawing parallels between biblical parables and the transformative experience of faith.

Russell James, the pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hondo, Texas, takes listeners on an insightful journey through his experiences in establishing a church dedicated to serving the local community. He begins by painting a vivid picture of Hondo, a small town that he describes as the heart of Medina County, where he and his wife, Rebecca, felt a divine calling to minister. Their church began its mission in October 2025, and Russell shares the trials and triumphs they faced in their first three years, marking the occasion with an upcoming anniversary service that promises to be a celebration of faith and community.

Throughout his address, Russell emphasizes the importance of outreach, highlighting numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds who have found solace and purpose in their faith through the church's efforts. He expresses gratitude towards other churches for their support, which has been vital in their journey. With 52 adult members and a Sunday attendance averaging in the mid-70s, the church exemplifies the power of community, with every contribution to their mission translating into spiritual fruit. Russell's tone is earnest as he details the logistics of their church operations, including the creative use of rented spaces and the shared facilities that have enabled them to conduct services and programs effectively.

The narrative crescendos as Russell discusses the church's vision for the future, focusing on their recent acquisition of land for a permanent building, which represents a significant step towards fulfilling their mission. He passionately conveys his belief that investing in the propagation of the gospel is the greatest endeavor one can undertake, as every soul saved adds to their collective eternal rewards. By the end of the episode, Russell's message resonates with a profound sense of hope, urging listeners to recognize the importance of their contributions and to celebrate the miracles of faith and community that define their journey.

Takeaways:

• In the podcast, Speaker A describes their journey of establishing Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hondo, Texas, which serves a community of about 10,000 people and aims to minister to the entire Medina County.
• Speaker A emphasizes the importance of outreach, stating that many individuals were waiting for the church to come and were able to be baptized, showcasing the impact of their ministry in the community.
• The speaker shares a significant milestone, mentioning that after three years, the church has grown to 52 adult members with an attendance averaging in the mid-70s, indicating a steady progress in their mission.
• Speaker A discusses the emotional aspect of ministry, reflecting on the joy of bringing lost individuals back to faith, comparing it to the joy of a father when his lost son returns home.
• The podcast highlights the importance of community support, as Speaker A expresses gratitude for the contributions from other churches, noting that every effort made towards missions contributes to the spiritual growth of everyone involved.
• Finally, Speaker A concludes with a call to appreciate the 'miracle of normal' in the Christian life, emphasizing the value of everyday faith and the community built through shared beliefs.