Pastor’s Column in The Informer (FBC’s Newsletter) – published July 2007
As I prepare to go on vacation for a couple of weeks this month, I want to share a contemplative reflection that is found in William C. Martin’s book, The Art of Pastoring: Contemplative Reflections, p. 17. It is a reminder to all of us that the church is not a building, and it is not solely dependent upon the pastor. Martin paints a beautiful picture of what the church can be.
A church wisely centered in the Word
produces great contentment for the people.
The activities of the church keep them
just busy enough to gain satisfaction,
but do not detract from their loved ones.
They enjoy their pastor
because they do not expect him to be
other than what he is.
Their spirits are nurtured gently
by quiet and solitude and room to be.
They care for one another
without needing certain responses in return.
They share food and song,
sorrow and joy,
and become more and more free from fear.
And when they die they think,
“It was good, is good and will be good.”
As we enter a season of vacations and rest, may we as a church rest and rejoice in the acceptance and love of Jesus our Savior. May we be refreshed and renewed by the gentle breeze of God’s Spirit. May our activities be a joyful response to what God has already done for us. And at the end of the day, may we also say: “It was good, is good and will be good.”
Yours in Christ, Michael
