Fresh starts are awesome, in any area of life. For me, to have a new beginning as a lead pastor means so much to me, it is beyond my ability to adequately describe. I am humbled and privileged to serve the Lord in this way. He has blessed me throughout the process of His leading; and to put me where He has put me, for ministry, is just incredible. There is no perfect church, but God has placed me with a perfect fit for ministry. The people of Weymouth Community Church have welcomed me with open arms, and have truly made our family feel special. Our first two weeks here have been filled with meals in different homes, and the blessing of getting to know some pretty special people.
There is already a freedom to approach ministry in the way God has wired me, and to be accepted for my God-given personality. I am diving in to investing in people and just getting to know as many as I can. More than any program, or ministry strategy, God will honor a people (a church) that is dedicated to Him and to one another. I want to be a part of what God has planned for this special group; and I desire that we will be moving forward, together, toward His divine plan. It is too easy for a church to get splintered, with everyone (including the pastors) having their own desires and going their own direction. My prayer is that we would all follow God's lead, as we take next steps together.
A new beginning allows me to focus on laying a good foundation for this fresh start. Over the years, I have learned more about what is really important as I begin a new role. First and foremost, it is all about staying connected with God, and intimately pursuing Him. If I am walking with Him, nothing else, including disappointments in ministry, are going to derail me, or cause me to lose my joy. There is nothing more important that walking with God each day, and being all about glorifying Him. My strength, endurance and guidance in ministry is going to come from Him; as well as any effectiveness in serving Him. And secondly, in the horizontal aspect, it is about investing in the lives of these precious people, and truly caring for them. It is my joy and privilege to do just that. Thank you, God, for new beginnings!
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