This weekend I shared the biggest announcement I have ever shared as a pastor. I told our congregation that we have received a substantial offer to sell our church property. In the next two weeks, we will be faced with a decision to accept or to decline this offer. I would appreciate your prayers as we seek God’s will in the momentous choice.
Like many churches in the US, our church has been plateaued in growth for some time. Something has got to give. Most churches in this situation experience a slow fade and eventual demise. But this is an opportunity to rethink and reimagine our ministry with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Today, I think better I understand what Abraham felt when God called him to leave his homeland. I think I also better understand what the disciples felt like when Jesus called them to leave their boats, their nets, and their livelihoods to follow him.
In the next couple of weeks, we will be contemplating the choice before us. And it is our utmost desire is that honor God. My prayer is that we would have the courage and the conviction to leave what has been our home for the last 50+ years – if this is God’s will. That is hard. What we know is comfortable and convenient. This is what is called a leap of faith.
I am excited. I am nervous. There are more questions than answers. Whatever happens, I know that the Lord is the Lord of the Church. We can’t mess it up because God has got this.
So how about you? What momentous decisions have you faced? How did God bring you through that time? How does God’s past faithfulness give you confidence in the future?
Deborah says
You are a wise man, Pastor Ressler. The needs of society are vastly different than they were just a few years ago. People NEED the saving news if the Gospel! Yet the methods needed to reach them are ever evolving. God bless you during this time of decision and, quite possibly, great change!
Valerie Swenson says
Prayers for you all as you trust that God will continue to use you and your congregation for His glory.