Pastoral Encouragement from Brad

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I felt it would be good as we draw near to the end of our communal sabbatical and look forward to Adam’s return to full pastoral engagement to send a brief encouragement. For those of you who may not be familiar with who I am and how I serve BVC, I am one of the associate pastors. As such, I facilitate the OG ministry and preach and teach as needed. I also advise the staff on administrative and theological matters. As such, I press on to things that matter.

First, I wish to affirm you all for your wonderful display of spiritual maturity and responsibility in carrying on the life and assuring the well-being of our body. Your leaders have shown great faithfulness and patience in serving. Our teaching team has done a splendid job! Well done! Our administrators have given excellent protective oversight and have provided for a peaceful season for us to flourish in during our part of the sabbatical experience. The various ministry and small group leaders have functioned very well and contributed to the discipleship which is so vital for us as followers of Jesus. As an old greybeard with decades of battles behind me, I am experiencing great joy and encouragement from your faith. We are running well, but we must press on to greater glory still (I’m smiling as I write).

I want to encourage you to not be slack about your personal devotional life. First, Bible study. It is imperative that you work at becoming familiar with the Scriptures. Personal reading is a given. Even a few minutes daily with prayer focused upon friendship and presence with Jesus will radically change how you meet the world each day. Small group studies that focus on Scripture provide a place of growth and accountability that cannot be dismissed. Finally, our Sunday sermons, especially when you engage in the provided action challenges, provide the growth and unity we all need to flourish and be healthy. Invest in yourself by wholeheartedly attending to these things.

Second, I encourage you to rise against and overcome any fears you may have about serving in the body. Biblically, worship and service go hand in hand. You cannot do one without the other. I would like to challenge you to ask the Lord honestly and openly how you might serve in a sacrificial way in the coming year. Then do what He tells you (again, I’m smiling)! In this way, I promise, your life will become a rewarding adventure! Dangers, toils, and snares, indeed. But also, victories, miracles, and astonishing wonder at the love and faithfulness of our Father.

In closing, I encourage you to attend at least one of the listed small groups we are offering. You won’t regret the time and effort you expend for the growth you will gain. If you need help in any way, just ask me or one of our other leaders. It’s what we live for. Pray for Pastor Adam as he transitions in over the next few weeks. It is going to be a great year! I truly look forward to starting life together with you.

In His Unfailing Love,