• Minister's Musings

Minister’s Musings…

Paul writes in Ephesians 4 the following: The gives he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.

I quote this beautifully expressed statement of understanding and faith to share how important WE are within the body of Christ. October is Ministerial Appreciation Month. That is well and good. But the minister (the pastor, the preacher, the evangelist, the teacher) is only one small part of all the parts that compose the body of Christ. It is wonderful to appreciate the gifts and work that a minister does, but we should never forget the efforts of all who make the Church, in reality, Christ’s body.

I appreciate you. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bakersfield, California. I appreciate the support, love, prayers and hard work done by all to insure our successful mission in this city. I appreciate each and everyone who contributes time, monies, and talent to the growth and far reaching opportunities in spreading the Good News. I appreciate ….

Therefore, for me, this is “Congregational Appreciation Month” (actually, there are twelve each year). It is with praise and thanksgiving I offer appreciation for the role each of you play in the life of our family in Christ. It is with ongoing expectation and hope that we look toward the future with eyes full of love, hope, and expectation.

It is with Paul that can offer the following words in absolute certainty: But speaking the truth in Jove, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love (Eph 4:15,16). May it be so with us.

Blessings and peace,
Alan