Most of you know that I will be retiring from pulpit ministry at the end of June. I retired from ministry once before in June of 2015. At that time, the District Superintendent had asked me to take a leave of absence instead of retiring so I wouldn’t have surrender my credentials. That would have allowed her to use me on an interim basis if there was a need. Little did either of us know that St. Andrew’s, the church that sent me into ministry, would be the one to need an interim Pastor. I was honored when asked if I would consider a short term appointment here.
After a couple of months, the District Superintendent called to tell me they were having a hard time finding a replacement. She asked if I would consider taking an appointment for another year. At first I said “no” because of other commitments. The D.S. and I discussed what my answer might be if those other commitments could be worked out. You know the rest of that story.
This is probably the hardest thing I have had to write in recent years, and the reason is because I have so much I want to say to so many people who have been instrumental in my ministry. I am going to avoid mentioning any one person because I feel my ministry has been a community effort which is inclusive of everyone I have encountered in the name of Christ. I have seen so much change in the people who have sat in my congregations over the years and humbly I know I have had something to do with that.
The reason for the change has been because what I have said in my messages has opened your mind to God and encouraged you to have a relationship with Jesus Christ your Savior.
I would be naïve to think I hadn’t changed lives but to think it was me would be boastful. God has given me the words that have encouraged people to change. I know the reason people change is because they accept new ideas and adopt them as a way of life.
I hope that in some way, something I have said or done during my ministry has led you to make changes in the way you think or act. Whether it is in supporting a cause, speaking out against injustices, showing love and support to others, or changing the way you think about something, I hope you have made a change because of something I said. If that has happened, then my ministry has been a success.
On the other hand, my ministry is not over. None of our ministries are over until we are called by God to life eternal. I will continue to be a Christian, which means I will continue to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I started this as my last sermon but have decided to make it my last Newsletter article because I know there will be some who will not be able to attend my last Sunday. I want all of you to know you are the reason my ministry has been a success.
With that said, I ask that you accept your new pastor as you did me. Honor his ministry and know that his ways are not anyone else’s. Honor your pastor’s days off and family time whenever possible. Show him the same love and support you have shown me, and I know that this church will continue to be a vital part of this community as long as you continue to show God’s love in everything you do.
Most of all remember: even though I am not your pastor, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart. I have grown and changed because of you, just as I hope you have because of me.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Steve