Today (September 1) is the 18th anniversary of my start here at Grace Community Church. October 5th will be the 18th anniversary of our first worship service. October will also be the 30th anniversary of my ordination into the gospel ministry. As many of you know, the elders of Grace granted me my second sabbatical this past summer. With so many good numbers coming together, it was a great time to be thinking about both the past and the future. A good deal of my time was spent praying and thinking about longevity in ministry. I read a number of good books, and interviewed six pastors I admire to hear them talk about their thoughts about ministry in the long run. I want to share briefly some of my thoughts from my reflections.
First things first
Several of my pastor friends talked about the importance of maintaining a passionate love for Jesus Christ as of first importance. While that may not seem surprising, it isn’t always the case that devotion to Christ remains a high priority. Pastors aren’t given automatic grace to set aside time for Christ. Regular practices of prayer and Bible study that refreshes the soul are both important to us, and difficult for a number of reasons.
I was encouraged and challenged by this reality. I want to finish my life very much in love with Jesus Christ. I know that requires that I remain very clear on His love for me. Here is what I saw - it’s so obvious, you will laugh. I want everyone in our church to finish their lives with a passionate knowledge of the love of Christ, and to love Him deeply also. If that isn’t true, what else really matters? So, we’ll be thinking about how to help each of us get from where we are to the next step in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Faithfulness of God
I can’t help and look back and see how patient, faithful, and loving God has been toward me and my family. I know that sounds like something a pastor is supposed to say, but it is true and I believe it. God has been faithful to me. He has been faithful to me when I have been unfaithful to Him. He has guarded me from many dangers, and delivered me over and over again.
Long-term pastors are a dying breed. It isn’t just because we are dying, though that happens too. As one friend said, when people our age die, the word “tragic” seldom goes with it! We are also a dying breed because so many of our colleagues are no longer in pastoral ministry. I am of course here not speaking of faithful brothers who move to other churches. I’m speaking of those who are not pastors at all any longer.
Taking time away reminded me that God has been, and will continue to be faithful. He has preserved me, and us together, in a ministry to share the love of Christ. I’m thankful to be a pastor - I’m thankful to still be a pastor, after all these years. I’m glad to be here with you at Grace. It is an immense privilege!
Fire
I’m 55 years old, and I have a number of high quality years left in ministry. I’m not ready to slow down, sit still, or take it easy. I desire that we together can have an effective ministry making disciples for Jesus Christ in our area. I have a fire in my heart for Grace to make a difference for the gospel of Jesus Christ here and around the world. I look forward to thinking about how to do that with the elders God has given us. These are called and committed men, and together we can see the way forward to impact our community and our city for Jesus Christ. As we come to conclusions together in unity, we will be talking with you about our sense of the future! God has been so faithful and good to us. The good things that are coming are beyond what we can ask or imagine!
In Him,
Don