Monthly_Reflections

I am grateful to God for the growing passion evidenced among those who are attending Valley Park. There is an obvious heart for learning God’s Word, worship and service. The fact that attendance has increased at almost every event, Bible study or worship service means that the passion is contagious and people are sensing God’s presence.

The most obvious transformation is on Sunday mornings. Attendance in the Sunday morning worship services has doubled since September. But even more striking is the number of people who are seated and ready to worship at 10:30 a.m. There is a heart for worship among our people that is energizing every component of the service.

The February youth retreat drew together over 40 people. Four youth have been baptized. Five to six others will be baptized on Sunday, March 14. Sunday school for the youth has grown almost to the point where we may need to restructure and form two groups. I feel privileged to be witnessing the devotion and energy of our youth as they learn about God and Christian service. They have set the bar very high for those of us who are older.

In the last couple of VOICE articles I have shared many other things that continue to encourage me at Valley Park. I know that the transformation of our church is being witnessed by everyone who attends. In multiple settings I am hearing expressions of gratitude to God for the things He is doing and the encouragement we all feel as a result. It is important to give thanks to Our Father in Heaven who causes the growth.

I believe the heart of change at Valley Park is a renewed and growing devotion to knowing the heart of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the study of God’s Word. I am still reflecting upon our study of the book of Colossians last fall. I sensed the responsiveness of our people at the time. The reflections on Biblical prophecy during the month of December were well received and I have heard many expressions of deeper appreciation of our Christian faith. Our present study of the “Sermon on the Mount” has brought us into the presence of Jesus in a way that has changed how I understand God’s will for man. God is guiding us forward with a “shared passion” unlike I have known in any church during my years as a Christian. I am humbled by the privilege of being a part of what God is doing.

Besides giving thanks daily, I find myself asking God for His continued guidance in managing this wonderful family we are privileged to know. Two things stand out as of primary significance.

Shepherding” help was the request Jesus made of Peter in John 21:15-19. Jesus told Peter that if he truly loved Him, he would “feed my lambs,” “take care of my sheep,” and “feed my sheep.” Shepherding is the simple challenge of knowing, protecting, guiding, and praying for other people who are following Jesus Christ. Each and every one of us can help Jesus by reaching out to people we don’t know, showing an ongoing interest in their lives and making efforts outside of Sundays to connect. We can all do this and in so doing we will help our Lord and Savior nurture a healthier church. This is a simple expression of the love we are exhorted to express in the “New Commandment” (John 13:34-35).

“Missions” was the mandate of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20. “Go and make disciples, baptizing them… and teaching them.” I am a little less certain about how this will find expression through the new life we are experiencing. We are certainly becoming more effective in this effort in our immediate community through our church ministries. We have a Missions Team that has recently met and will begin promoting more involvement in missions beyond our community. I believe it needs to involve our physical involvement in things in addition to sending money. I know it will flow from the life of our church as people continue to grow in their commitment to making a difference in this world.

I am certain that we will grow as a team in our commitment to accomplishing these two central interests of Jesus Christ. Both of these challenges are necessary for our growth as well as for the impact they will have on the lives of others. It is simply the road we will travel as we seek to honor our Lord and Savior in everything we do as a church.

Growth presents new challenges. Every one of us has gifts and abilities that our Lord expects us to utilize for the Kingdom. As you consider the work God is doing among those who are attending Valley Park, consider what you can do to help with the harvest He has placed before us. Together we can cooperate with the Spirit to do even greater things for Jesus at Valley Park.

May God give us vision and wisdom to do what is effective for Him.