“Thank you” seems so inadequate considering the kind welcome you have afforded. A deep sincere appreciation goes to the Parsonage Committee and all the work they have put into the parsonage. I look forward to serving God in the Cheraw portion of His vineyard. Allow me to share just a glimpse of my hopes for our time together. I strongly believe the Scriptures to be our sole guide for decision-making and direction in the church. The lessons provided us in the Bible are the only lessons the world needs and it is safe to say we have not “mastered” those teachings yet.
I believe in the priesthood of all believers and that each person has a ministry. What we do to make money and provide for ourselves is important, but discovering our call to ministry is vital. Every member of the church is a team member as we strive to be good disciples. The staff is comprised of individuals designed to help encourage and give some direction to ministry, but they are not people hired to do the ministry in the church on behalf of the membership. To be the church all hands need to be on deck and in the game.
I do not believe in nor like the “back to Egypt committee” in churches (and they are everywhere) that have the spirit of the children of Israel in the wilderness days. Those people considered going back to the slavery of Egypt because they were hungry and there was no Burger King in the wilderness. They did not want to forge ahead. The church either moves forward or signs its death warrant. And I choose life for the church. I believe that the church has to speak to the culture and not the other way around. The church by its nature is counter-cultural. Our mission is to change the world for Christ. It is not to let the world change us by ideas and issues. I believe Worship gives us the chance to strengthen our walk with Christ. It is necessary to worship because it allows us to commune with the One who calls us to walk with him and to model his example.
I believe that there is never a reason for church members not to be kind to one another and to recognize that the “tongue is a two-edged sword.” Blessings and curses are capable of coming out the same mouth. The church must be the place where blessings are spoken. The church is called to act differently than the world for a reason.
I look forward to us all getting to know each other and to serving God no matter one’s age.
Blessings for the journey,
Ken