Of course, we viewed carefully, and with some concern, those who left the body of our fellowship due to mobility. We saw seminarians taking their first pastorates imbued with new ideas. We urged the churches who called a pastor right out of seminary to remain receptive to their ideas. Don’t squash their enthusiasm for the church.
We read the returning letters—“You don’t know how hard it is to find a place to worship. I’m finally attending a small church where I think I can be somewhat of a positive influence. Please send tapes. The pastor has expressed interest in them.” We prayed for this new church and for our former parishioner: “Don’t judge her harshly because of new ideas. She is a wonderful, sincere Christian.”
Another letter: “I think you’ll be glad to know, Dave, Glen has decided to go into the ministry. We can’t deny what we experienced at Circle Church and feel there is great validity in the pastorate.” Again, we prayed: “Father, let them find people who love them. But, don’t make it too easy.”
A couple from Circle Church started a small church in Manhattan. “Shall we call it Circle Church East?” they joked in a letter. And, another couple started a small church in Michigan. So, we prayed for both these couples: “We’re glad we encouraged you, but honor your own personality.”
Whatever would happen at Circle Church or because of Circle Church, we hoped we would always move out in faith, depending on God for His undergirding hand.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
