This is an article written by Phil for the church newsletter this month.
July 1st is a special day. This year on that day it will mark the fourth anniversary of my ordination into the public preaching office. It has been both more difficult and more pleasant than I anticipated.
The Lord has taught me that I have no special power of myself. I cannot make anyone believe in Christ or be more eager to hear the Word of our Lord. My only power is to preach the Word of God, as it is found in Scripture. While as a man I want to do more, whatever I do by my own efforts and is not founded on Christ Himself, will not endure. My job is not to please people or merely increase the numbers of the church, but to preach and teach so that all are founded on the spiritual Rock of Christ, not on shifting sand. We must alone trust the Spirit’s word in the Word, even when steeples are falling.
Yet God’s work does forgive sins, renew spirits, and bring life to the poor and broken-hearted. It is marvelous to see people eager to hear the Word and show respect to a pastor with little experience or wisdom. It is the greatest honor, I believe, to speak for God Himself and be heard and respected, because of that Word. That is what is means to be a true pastor (which means shepherd) of Christ.
Yet, our constant temptation is to doubt God’s word, because many do not have ears to listen and have fallen away from what they once confessed. I admit I have spent too much time considering the people who are too busy to have their sins forgiven and receive life eternal. I can’t control the reaction to the Word, but I can strive to preach it faithfully. Whoever does not receive the Word about Christ, does not receive Him. It is not really about the pastor or congregation, no matter what they say. The seed must be cast on all types of ground, but God alone gives the growth. The Lord would have us focus more on the life-giving Word of God than the unfruitful ground of those who cannot hear.
It is a miracle that God uses me to expose sin by the law and bring healing by Christ’s wounds. I am privileged to comfort the mourning with Christ’s resurrection, while mourning with them. Also, we rejoice together over happy events and people brought into God’s kingdom through Baptism. It is humbling and mighty to bring heavenly comfort to those whom the world has nothing good to offer.
The elders of St. Paul’s and St. John’s are in the process of beginning to discuss a possible dual parish. It will not be a fast process, but it is good to consider the ramifications of such a move. If both churches approve it—likely not until 2012—it would entail a new call issued to me, as a called pastor of both churches. Since I have been serving St. John’s as a vacancy for almost 3 years, practically things would not change much. Yet, the responsibility that goes along with the call would change for me and the church.
The Lord has enabled me to serve both churches so far, though at times it has been busy and challenging. Right now my call is only to St. Paul’s. They likewise have the sole responsibility of supporting me. Though I have tried my best to treat St. John’s as my congregation, it is a different relationship. For that reason, and for the sake of stability and financial obligations, a dual parish has been suggested.
For the sake of the Word, God wants the call to the pastoral office taken seriously. Besides the compromise a dual parish would require from both churches, the burden of supporting the pastor would be shared. This is not the time to go into the pros and cons—there will be time for that. But all should be aware of what a dual parish is and what the call to a pastor means. A possible dual parish arrangement will be discussed in detail in council and voters’ meetings and here in the newsletter.
May God grant me the ability to preach faithfully the Gospel of Christ and serve you, and you the desire and means to hear that Word and support its proclamation.
