The following is the text off the pastor's report from the mid-year meeting on May 18, 2016
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Change and transition. Most of us hear those words and cringe. Even though we know that change can be good we still recoil from it. Why? Change and transition upend our comfort levels, leaving us insecure and afraid. Change messes with our routines and our understanding of the world and how we live in it. West Dighton Christian Church is in a time of transition and change. You have been for a while and this is a good thing. Change, though uncomfortable, is always healthy. Stagnation is not. Your emotions probably cycle from fear to excitement. That is normal. So in this report rather than give you a list of what I’ve done so far since I came in February, let me encourage you by reminding you what the Lord is doing during this time.
Even though change can be perceived to be chaotic, remember that the Lord has promised to guide us.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed. Deut 31:8
We are counting on God to guide us in this process precisely because he has promised to and he has. Later in this meeting will be looking at work God has brought us so far in determining what our vision is for the future. I believe it is really exciting. We may not yet know all the details but God does.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope. Jer 29:11
This verse reminds us to remember that in all the phases of transition and change, God is fully present. So as we move into the summer and fall it is imperative that our trust in his guidance and presence does not waver. For if it does we will begin to trust in ourselves and we have all “been there and done that.” Moving forward from here will require great faith and risk, for they are in essence the same. C.S. Lewis once said, “Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief.”
So here is the deal. I will continue to do what I have been doing…
Preach God’s Word without compromise
Teach the Scriptures with an aim to application and transformation
Encourage, counsel and challenge you
Engage the community and build relationships
Get to know you so I can pray for you daily and equip you better
Study and draw close to God
Keep my family strong
Plan, strategize and seek God’s face for the vision of WDCC
Attempt to strengthen the unity of our church by constantly refocusing us on the Gospel and Jesus our Savior.
Your job
To pray for the will of the Lord to be clear
To encourage, love and serve one another
To be willing to embrace change and the discomfort it may bring
To take faith risks
To communicate what you are feeling or hearing from God to the leadership
And here are the scary ones…
To find your spiritual gifts, experiment with them and find where God has designed to to serve.
To build relationships with people who are far from God
To make time to join with other believers on a regular basis to study the Word
To believe that no matter your age or level of understanding, God wants to use you for His glory.
In this short time, my family and I have come to love this church. We have been beneficiaries of your love and support. It is clear that His Spirit is in this place. I believe God had something great for us. But it will take great faith, risk, perseverance and much prayer.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:58
For His Glory Alone,
Pastor Phil