North Delta EFC
– our LPD Church of the Week
Thanks to Anna (Ben) Crumback at Sointula Community Church for producing the Church of the Week!
Sometimes we just need
to take personal responsibility. It is a characteristic of both maturity and a
demonstration of what we really value.
Greetings from Okotoks, Alberta and the EFCC
Theological Conference, where our theme is, Gospel of Substance; Church of
Differents, with speaker, Dr. Scott McKnight – and where
gasoline is $117.4 per liter.
Sessions have been
both stimulating and thought provoking, as we have considered the gospel
message, both as proclaimed in the Gospels and early church, and how it has
come to be presented in our age.
Lots of food for thought – and also affirming to simply preach Jesus!
Interestingly, at our EFCC Annual Meeting, the focus of our discussion was on
our structure. While I support the decision of conference, and will look
forward to participation in the discussions in the year ahead, if we are honest
and personal, our structure in itself, does not hinder you, me, your
church, our district or our EFCC from being the “Gospel-sharing
people” we profess to be called to be. Really it comes down to our
personal responsibility, passion and priorities.
While structures can be a hindrance to ministry, they do not create passion,
vision or mission. When the passion is there, structures will follow. Many of
our best stories in the EFCC come from when we were far less structured. In the
end, the only hindrance to being a gospel sharing person is me, you and our
priorities.
In recent weeks my barber passed away from cancer, and the son of a friend from
the boating community took his own life. I have been reminded once again, of
the urgency to tell others of the risen Jesus, and of hope in him. God has
placed me in these places, and I have personal opportunity – and responsibility
to witness and tell of Jesus.
To share Jesus in these settings does not depend on denominational permission,
structure or anything, other than me making use of the opportunities which God
entrusts to me. I must take personal responsibility.
This morning, I awoke
early, and lay listening to John’s Gospel on my Walkman. I specially reflected
on John 3, and was taken by the words of John the Baptist, who said, ”
“A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”
John the disciple adds,
“The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth
belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.” (see John
3:27-31).
At the end of the day, there are many things in both
life, in ministry and even within the EFCC Family, over which I have no
control. The same could be said for you. As I return to you, and to life and
ministry in my neighbourhood and our district, it is with a renewed desire to
live and share the Gospel. “He must become greater; I must become less.”
***
A word of encourage to you in your personal life and ministry:
At the end of April, Dr. Warren Wiersbe,
a beloved, pastor, professor and man of God passed away at the age of 89. He
was both profound and grounded, and influenced many of us though his writings
and practical and godly wisdom regarding ministry.
He had a special heart for young pastors and leaders, and below is some godly
counsel for all of us who would desire to be both faithful servants.
warren-wiersbe-advice-to-new-pastors.
Wiersbe ends his
article with a quote from David Livingstone, spoken at the end of his life,
“He is the greatest Master
I have ever known. If there is anyone greater, I do not know him. Jesus Christ
is the only Master supremely worth serving. He is the only ideal that never
loses its inspiration. He is the only friend whose friendship meets every
demand. He is the only Saviour who can save us to the uttermost. We go forth in
His name, in His power, and in His Spirit, to serve Him.”
AROUND THE LPD:
Last Sunday, it was a joy to be
with Grace Hanin
Community Church, where I had the opportunity to preach at
their morning services and also to conduct the ordination of Pastors Seung Hwan Kim and Sanghun Han, the
first Korean pastors to be ordained in the EFCC. EFCC Executive Director Bill
Taylor and EFCC National Mission Director also joined in this ordination.
Senior Pastor Rev.
Shin il Park presents gifts to Rev. Seung Hwan Kim (left) and Rev. Sanghun Han.
***
Please pray for:
Upcoming Events:
LPD Pastor and Staff Cruise
– a day with
colleagues in ministry.
Wednesday, May 29
Plan to join us, as we learn more about, “Discipleship that Transforms,” pray for one another and build relationships!
***
CAMP EVERGREEN
August 5-10
This local summer camp is affiliated with the Lower Pacific District, and provides a great opportunity to extend your church ministry through camp, and to follow up afterwards. Many district families, including ours have benefited through this ministry, both in the children’s camp and leadership development in the LTD program. This summer, there is a children’s camp (Aug. 5-10), a teen camp and the LTD Leadership Program. Check out their website for details:
***
LPD Pastor and Spouse Retreat
Nov. 22-24, 2019
Hello LPD pastors, we’d like to invite you to join us on Nov. 22-24, 2019 for a Pastors’ retreat! We’d like to encourage you to take a breather in late November (before Advent begins) with your fellow pastors at Camp Charis in Chilliwack.
