Over the last five weeks, we've been asking a simple but important question: What does it look like to become the kind of people Jesus is forming us to be?

We began in Psalm 139, discovering that we are fully known by God and deeply loved still. Before we talked about mission, faithfulness, service, or discipleship, we started there. With a God who sees us completely and does not turn away.

Then Micah reminded us that faithfulness is not complicated, but it is costly. God has shown us what is good: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.

From there we turned our attention to the church. We talked about the reality that the church belongs to Jesus. It is His church, His body, His people, and His mission. Healthy churches do not orbit personalities. They orbit Christ.

Last Sunday we explored the beautiful truth that everybody gets to play. The Holy Spirit has been poured out on the whole church, and every believer has a place in the body and a role in the mission of God.

As I've reflected on these themes, it strikes me that they are all pointing toward the same destination.

A life with Jesus.

Not merely believing ideas about Jesus; not merely attending church; not merely doing Christian things.

A life that is rooted in Him. A life that draws its strength, identity, purpose, and hope from Him. That is where we're headed this Sunday as we conclude the series with Jesus' words in John 15:

"Remain in Me."

To abide in Jesus is to draw life from Him. Honestly, that invitation feels especially significant as I prepare to enter this season of sabbatical.

One of the things I've learned over the years is how easy it is to confuse serving Jesus with drawing life from Jesus. Those things are connected, but they are not the same. Ministry can be fruitful and meaningful, but if we're not careful, even good things can slowly replace the One who gives life to those things in the first place.

That is one of the reasons we are embracing this sabbatical. Not because we are leaving. Not because we are looking for another job. Not because we are experiencing a marriage crisis or some hidden personal crisis. Quite the opposite.

After eighteen years of pastoral ministry, I believe God is inviting me into an extended season of rest, renewal, recreation, and reconnection so that I can return ready to love and lead from a full heart and a healthy life.

That means sabbatical is not an exit ramp, it is an act of trust. In many ways, it is an opportunity for all of us to practice what we have been preaching.

As we enter this season together, here are a few ways you can participate:

• Partner with Jenna and me by praying for us. Pray that God would refresh, restore, guide, and deepen our relationship with Him.

• Give us space. During this season I won't be available for day-to-day ministry needs. If you need assistance, please contact info@billingsvineyard.org and our team will help you.

• Trust and support our leadership team. We have an outstanding and capable team carrying the ministry load. Pray for them. Encourage them. Help them.

• Be present and remain financially faithful. One of the greatest gifts you can give your church family during this season is your continued engagement, participation, and generosity.

• Please don't create additional stories around our sabbatical. There is no hidden crisis, secret plan, or transition underway. We are simply responding to God's invitation to rest.

Most importantly, continue doing what we've been talking about for the last five weeks.

Be honest before God. Walk humbly with God. Remember that the church belongs to Jesus. Participate in the life of His kingdom. And above all, remain in Him.

At the end of the day, what will sustain Billings Vineyard is the same thing that sustains every follower of Jesus: Not striving, not personalities, not programs, not activity.

Jesus.

He is the Vine, we are the branches, and He is enough.

Stay Churchy my friends and I will see you on Sunday,

 
Adam Greenwell
Lead Pastor
Vineyard Church
www.billingsvineyard.org