Below was written on Dec. 18th…. It’s late as I haven’t had a chance to publish to the Blog site. I’m on line now, and up and running. Praise the Lord. More later.
Changing ministries… It’s an overwhelming thought for this preacher. Saying goodbyes today was easier than I thought, but not without difficulties. I’m thankful for those who, in effort to avoid the tears, refused the hugs and all – it saved me the need for Kleenex. But moving on…
I’m just north of Macon, GA as I write this. Leaving Georgia behind for good is not quite sinking in. Been in Georgia since 1989 essentially. Jane and I have seen lots of changes to Hinesville and Savannah. We remember the day we traveled I-16 and I-75 for the first time, anticipating a new career in the Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer, headed for my first command as a young, green, lieutenant. So much has happened, so many people we’ve loved, and the greatest leadership challenges I’ve ever faced – South Main Baptist Church of Hinesville. Golly – while I trust the Lord will care for them well, I still cannot get their welfare out of my concerns.
But looking ahead to a new ministry in a new place with a new people. That is overwhelming enough for this preacher – without all the past being left behind. What will they think of me and my family? What should I preach on the first Sunday I’m there? How will I relate to them? Will I make similar mistakes or will I truly have learned from my first pastorate? What can or should I expect from this little town in the Ozarks of Missouri? The weather is somewhat different – but the people…? Do they have different expectations or what? I know their needs are the same, but the approach to meeting those needs may be different.
Well, I need to leave that to the Lord, and follow Him as I did at SMBC. I remember thinking the same things as I started out there. I feel woefully inadequate – which is a great thing! For in my inadequacies, my Lord will get the glory for all He does through me. I will not rely on what I know, but on Him and what HE knows. That and that alone is a HUGE comfort to me right now. Praise the Lord, and blessed be His name.
This Christmas, remember that you’ve read this – and that it TRULY is Christ (the Christ of Christmas) who leads the humble hearted to great glory in eternity. Will you humble your heart toward Him this year? Will you follow Him wherever He leads?
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Pastor Greg