The smiles on the faces of the people were huge, everyone was so excited about all of the services, and were so pumped up and ready to go. I am not just talking about the visitors; I am talking about the people who serve. Every person who severs in production, parking, greeting, hospitality, and/or the children’s ministries were so excited that we were going to have a huge crowd, lots of people to serve. We all knew it was going to be challenging, but everyone was willing to accept that challenge. We who serve were excited and all of the criticism that was being portrayed did not affect any of us. Everyone for the most part showed up, and we served not only our church and our community, but we served for our Lord as well. Attending to the needs of 23,000 plus people required a huge support staff, church and volunteer staff alike and I feel we all did an outstanding job. The message was great, all of the people who attended were great, the pastor was great, the staff was great, and the volunteers were great, and gave away some great stuff, but most of all the people who came to our church and accepted Jesus Christ were the best of all. That is why we have a great church and no matter the criticism that came our way we still got the message out to 23,000 plus people. My wife and I are very proud to say we are a BAF members, partners, servers, and volunteers. We have a great church, with great people, who have a great place to worship our way. This way might not be the way for everyone, but it is our way, and it is a good way. We as a church may not please everyone, but as long as we are pleasing to God, then what any one else thinks really does not matter. BAF reaches out to those who would not feel comfortable in any other church setting or who are just burnt out on religion in general. That is how and why I became a member over 4 years ago and will continue to do so regardless if we are in a “Mega Church” or an old school building. BAF is church that started out with next to nothing and now has over 7000 members. Great success comes with great criticism, but those who criticize do not realize our church is comprised of people who are all too familiar with ridicule and criticism and this is why we attend at BAF. We weren’t really welcomed anywhere else and no one really attempted to reach out to us. When those who serve talk to other people who serve you find out that we are at a church who accepts us as we are, where we are, and who does not judge us for what we were, but give us a place and a chance to be more like who we want to become. We are not perfect and that is okay with BAF, no one beats us in the head over with what we have done wrong, or even tries to make us feel guilty for our past discretions, but teaches us and encourages us on how to do better, live better, and on how to be better, all while serving our Lord, our fellow man, and our world. Thank you to all who attended the Easter services, we who serve appreciate each and every one of you and it was a pleasure to make your visit to our church a pleasant one. We hope to see you in church again real soon.

I visited your church for the first time this Easter Sunday. Not because of a free car. I have cars and t.v's and my kids have bikes. I went because it was Easter Sunday and my children needed to understand that Easter isn't about eggs or baskets with candy. Thank you for making us feel so welcome. My kids really enjoy the train rides.

My husband and I have been attending BAF for about 3 years; we are not members, but consider this "our" church. It's the only church that my husband will go to and feel comfortable in. Pastor, you are an amazing man from God and I continue to pray for you, your family and of course, the church. I pray that all of those negative comments will turn into something positive for each and everyone making them. We cannot please all of the people, all of the time, therefore.....we must pray that God's will is in every decision that is made. I attended Easter Service at 10:00 and saw God's power moving in the church, especially amongst the youth. It gave me a lump in my throat seeing and feeling God's presence there. I want to Thank You for all you and the staff do to make it so welcoming each time my husband and I walk through those doors. I continue to pray that The Word, spoken through you, will bring more people to Christ!!!! Amen!!!!

...Person is saved this weekend, Its worth all the critisism! My prayer is that a few of the critics come in, just to have some thing to talk about, and they leave with Jesus in their hearts! Keep on Keepin on Pastor Bil!

Bil, I know you love Jesus. You are doing something to get, hello, non Christians into church so they hear the message. Critics might just 1.)Be mad because they really want a car are can't go because they are having to attend their own church, or 2.)They don't get it that you love Christ and want the lost to come on what would be a normal sleep in Sunday morning. Bil, have a great weekend, you are the ring leader of Corpus. I am just glad you are leading them to Christ.

Pastor Bil, Again I echo the others in saying how proud we are of you for having the courage to do something so large and powerful that it upsets the others..probably because they did not think of it first. We WILL win souls for Jesus with whatever it takes! Know that our members are excited to be part of this and trust that God is 100% behind BAF. Your vision for Corpus is beautiful and we will win this city for Christ. I imagine many of the naysayers will probably change their mind after this weekend when the headlines read "TWO thousand lives saved from Hell at BAF this weekend!!" You have all our love and support behind you!!

I recently started attending BAF this past summer. Hearing all the negative criticism is upsetting to hear. Honestly reading some of the post began to confuse me. But then, after praying I realized….wait! I began to recall in the past, driving around town this church had some of the congregation out doing the church yard and they had some garage sale items with a big sign that said “Free”…so as people stopped, they would give you a pamphlet and invite you to Sunday service. Then another time on the south side a youth group was giving out “Free Car Wash”…and for the same reason to draw you in and give you some pamphlets and minister to you as you waited on your car. A church on staples had a Easter hunt where they gave prizes years ago, my daughter was 6 months then (she‘s 16 now) we went….and guess what? It drew us in and we began to attend that church. A lot of churches have done what BAF is doing but just a little different.

I think God has already blessed you in more ways than we can count. Whatever it takes to get people to come to His house, then He will do the rest. I remember a deacon at my own church saying one time, "You can't get folks saved by hanging around saved folks all the time." What started as a small project has exploded. When God's in it for the right reason, His will will be done. God bless all of you.

I pray God's uses you for His glory and in a mighty way. You're never going to make everyone happy and fortunately as a pastor that is not your task. My biggest concerned is that we stop listening to criticism altogether. Discernment is a gift to the body of Christ and when many mature Christians see an issue and oppose it I think we need to question it as well. Is there a Biblical reason for this opposition? Blessings!

Leaders know that not everyone will agree with their decisions… that comes with the territory. Great leaders however understand that it requires courage to hold steadfast to those beliefs which are criticized. Staying true to your morals, beliefs, and principals can never be wrong when honoring God and giving God the glory. Remember… for the many who criticize you, there are thousands who support you. Lead on Bil!!!!

I have to say that I am proud and excited to be part of BAF. It feels good to be part of a church that isn't afraid to support the vision that God has birthed in Pastor Bil. Its awesome to know that we are not only a creative church but a dangerous one as well. I have seen growth that only comes through obedience and having faith that God is in complete control. I feel that people who can't or choose not to be obedient without hesitating get offended when there is a church that can and will. I think it makes them question their committment to reach out to people. We(christians) are all here for the same purpose, to reach lost people. As my Campus Pastor says,you need to do whatever you can to reach them as long as its not unbiblical, illegal or unethical. To all the critics: What are you doing to reach out? God is coming back, there's no time to be comparing churches. Let focus all of this energy to spreading the Gospel. We are the true army of one; one God, one love, one purpose.

Keep up the good work!!