Blessings to the Brook. We have exciting days ahead. The Lord is showing us that unity, desire to grow, prayer, and loving one another are the keys to a church moving forward. I have great admiration for the folks at Tatesbrook. The leadership of this church has proven themselves over the years of lean and plenty. Those families who have perservered have shown me an unselfishness in service, a love with no conditions, and a faith in our Lord that does not allow circumstances to get in the way. Like me, they realize that the greatest part of leadership is not holding on to what God has given us, but allow it to flow through us to others.
We are at a place in Tatesbrook life where this is becoming a reality. These fathers and mothers are now realizing a need to pass the torch to the young men and young women. It doesn't mean that we are being put on a shelf. What it means is, we will take a new role in overseeing, encouraging, and discipling those who are being raised up to take the torch of leadership. It is a new day at Tatesbrook and as pastor I believe it is a time of great prosperity and growth.
Some examples of change that are already taking place is with our praise and worship, and with the youth. Tony and Michelle Jones have led our praise and worship for over 12 years. They began at a time when we were at our lowest as a church. The thing that Tony and Michelle did was lead our church in the understanding between a Sunday morning song service and praise and worship. They taught us that praise led one to worship and that the focus was not a performance of musicians and singers, but that the focus was the heart of God. They both were and still are a blessing to us, and will continue to be an example taking our hearts and meshing them with the Father's heart through worship. They are passing this torch to Kent Billingsly. Kent will be in charge of Sunday morning worship. Kent exemplifies that same heart toward God and knows how to lead us into the throne room. I want to encourage all to support him through prayer and participation in worship. Tony and Michelle will continue to oversee this area as well as offer a broadening of worship through dance, media, and teaching.
Another example of change is our youth. Our church has been blessed with youth ministers. I believe I counted over 15 people in our church who have worked in church life as a youth minister. Matt and Kim Hind have carried this torch for the last several years as did John Rice and Gadis and Kelley Thomas before them. Matt and Kim have loved our youth, planned for our youth, counseled our youth, and provided support for our youth. Their hearts have been hearts of parents to our youth over the years. They are now passing that torch to Josh Covington. Josh has a heart for youth, and like those before knows the vision of our body. He has heard God's call to lead our youth through love, teaching, and support. Matt, Kim, Kelley, and Kim Foster will continue to encourage Josh and our youth in the days ahead.
What other changes are in store? One is to set apart another brother or two as elders. We also are wanting to disciple others in the area of administration to one day pass the torch of Treasure and Financial Secretary. Kevin Eby and Cindy Faulkner have carried these torches for many years. These are behind the scene type roles that takes many hours per week and takes persons of tremendous integrity and confidentiality. They too, will continue to oversee and encourage anyone who feels called to pick up these torches.
God is leading us to grow in maturity. I am blessed as your pastor, and look forward to train other men who one day I too can pass my torch as pastor. May each of us look deep within and see what torch, if any, we are responsible for, and begin to pray for the harvest. The rest of us need to asking what torch He desires us to take so His kingdom will grow. Join me in praising our Father for his faithfulness and what He has in store for the Church at Tatesbrook. I love everyone of you.
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