Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” [Jesus] said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.
~ Matthew 14:28-29
I used the title and Scripture for this article for the January 2010 edition of the Bell Tower and I find it very appropriate as we begin this New Year as well. I have mentioned to some of you personally, but also through the December Bell Tower, that I feel God stirring my heart toward a greater sense of mission for our congregation. As I understand that call now, I think it is to help our members continue to grow in spiritual depth, but also to stretch ourselves to reach out to our community. To be a strong congregation, we do both. If we reach out and we’re not strong or welcoming, people will come to visit but won’t find a church home where their spiritual needs are met. If we just build ourselves up, we aren’t living the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
Our theme this year is “Go Fish!” based on Jesus’ call to “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people” (Matthew 4:19 & Mark 1:17). I have challenged Council and Ministry Team leaders to find opportunities to implement this theme throughout the coming year.
For us to grow deeper, we must all grow as disciples (i.e. followers or students). We have quite a few VERY active people, but Bethel (like many churches) must confront its “theology of scarcity”. Having a theology of scarcity is based on only what we can do and our limited resources of time and money. By contrast, a “theology of abundance” is based in the abundance of God’s resources. Yes, I think we should be good stewards of all of the gifts God has given us. I think we should be careful not to burn people out and not be satisfied simply having warm bodies in place to do the work of ministry. The simple truth is the ministry does take money and it does take people. But giving of ourselves cannot be done as a matter of guilt or trickery. If we believe our time and money are being managed and used well, and if we buy in to the mission and purpose of the church, we will give of ourselves.
Every year at Bethel’s annual meeting, we approve a congregational budget. For at least the past 10 years, our income has from time to time covered expenses, but it has not met the budget we approved.
So, why do I start out with my first pastoral article of the year on what may seem as a down note?
On December 1, I began my fourth year serving as Bethel’s pastor. Over the past three years, I have learned that the people of Bethel really want to know what is going on in the church. I have seen this in giving and serving. When a clear need or purpose is defined, Bethel responds. A challenge for churches our size and larger is for each of us to hear the need, but not simply say “Yes, that’s a good thing … someone should do something about that.” Each of us should ask ourselves two questions: (1) “Can I do something about the need?” and (2) “If I can’t, how can I ensure that someone else actually is meeting the need?” The second question helps our Bethel community ensure that a clearly defined need is met.
This is why I am writing this article at the beginning of the year. Bethel has and will continue to listen to the voice of God and how God would have us respond. That is our call as disciples of Jesus Christ.
There are many ways you can find out what is happening in the life of Bethel. We will continue to strive for clear communication through the Bell Tower, eNews, Facebook and Twitter. But you are also invited to be in touch with the people leading Bethel’s Ministry Teams. Those Ministry Teams are:
- Building & Grounds
- Communications & Evangelism
- Congregational Care
- Education
- Fellowship & Hospitality
- Preschool
- Stewardship (Here, Near, Far & Environment)
- Worship & Music
- Youth & Family
You will also hear information soon about the date, time, and agenda for the Leadership Retreat in February.
I look forward to this year of ministry with Bethel and all that God will do in each of our lives and among us at Bethel. I leave you with the following prayer which is one of my favorites:
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
~Evangelical Lutheran Worship – Vespers Service
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Epicurious Lutheran 