A New Beginning — God Goes Before us – One Body, One Mission
This September marks the beginning of a new chapter in what God is already doing. For me as your new pastor, I have mixed emotions of excitement, fear, uncertainty, and expectation. There is a lot for me to learn, lots of new people for me to get to know, and new ways of doing things. God never promises that everything will be easy. However, God does promise that He will go before us.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
In 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, Paul uses a farming analogy to show how Christians work together but it’s God who brings the growth.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
As your new pastor I hope that I can bring new gifts, fresh vision, different experiences, and a new season of ministry. But the church does not ultimately depend upon my strength, personality, or ability. It belongs to Christ. My calling is to be faithful—to preach and teach God’s word, to
love and shepherd, encourage and lead God’s people, and to follow the guidance of The Holy Spirit.
Equally, all of us as the church are called to pray, serve, support, and walk together in unity. There may be things we do differently, there may be changes and challenges that we will need to face together. But instead of focusing on what is changing, let us focus on what never changes: our Lord, His Word, and our mission to make Christ known.
The arrival of a new pastor is not simply about receiving a new leader. It is an opportunity for the whole church to recommit ourselves to God.
In this new chapter;
Let us pray for wisdom and strength.
Let us encourage each other rather than criticise.
Let us serve rather than simply observe.
Let us give grace as we learn to walk together.
“Lord, unite us, guide us, and use us. Help us to work together and to follow faithfully. May everything we do point people to Jesus.
May this church become a place where people encounter Jesus, families find hope, broken hearts find healing, and the presence of God is unmistakable.”
I look forward with excitement and anticipation of working with you and getting to know you all in the coming months and seeing what God has planned for us 🙂
God Bless
Mark