Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we don’t lose heart. — 2 Corinthians 4:1
Ministry is a mercy. That is, no one “deserves” or is “owed” a pastorate. God enlists ministers according to his mercy.
For the last several months we’ve been prayerfully pursuing the lead pastor role at Oak Park Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, IN. And last night, through an overwhelming affirmative vote of the congregation, God displayed his mercy yet again in my life.
As I addressed my new church family for the first time as one of their pastors, I was clearly emotional feeling the weight of a sacred trust given. This is the Lord’s church and pastors are stewards called to care for something not their own. In that moment, I heard the charge of the apostle Paul to the Ephesian pastors as my own: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).
“Blood bought people.” This is who we shepherd.
Knowing this, I certainly resonate with the apostle's words in 2 Corinthians 2:16 when he cries out, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Not me. But Christ. The privilege and honor of pastoring at Oak Park is a ministry given by his mercy. Therefore, I won’t lose heart at the thought of this awesome responsibility.
Thank you Oak Park for the trust you’ve given me to shepherd you in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord has been merciful to me and I aim to pastor out of this conviction.
One of the most special parts of the event was the robust congregational singing of the Doxology to close the evening. In view of this sacred trust given, I can’t think of anything more appropriate:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
What a great provision God has provided for Oak Park, in Dr. Mike Pohlman and his family.
I look forward to what God will bring about, according to his purposes, in the years ahead. Indeed, this pastor and this congregation will be a blessing to southern Indiana!
For His Glory!