WITH GOD’S PEOPLE

In December 2021, I began my ministry with the people of St. John’s by changing the usual preposition used to describe a pastor’s ministry. It is often “at” or even “for,” as in, “I pastor at St. John’s.” The shift was intentional. 

There is no question I am a strong leader, or at least I hope to be. One St. John’s leader has even referred to me as a “bull in a china shop,” and she continued, “which is exactly what we needed.” My hope is, rather, that “WE” are a bull in a china shop, We are going to change the paradigm for congregational ministry TOGETHER.

WITH THE PSALMS

While I’m still working out the details, our worship this Lent will be focused on Praying WITH the Psalms. I’m finalizing the Psalms for each Wednesday evening service, but the goal is that we not only sing the Psalms or even just “think” about them.  Rather, my goal is that we PRAY the Psalms, and actually pray WITH the Psalms.

The difference, I pray, will be found in a deeper appreciation for what each of the psalms can do TO us.  For example:

• “Taste and see that the Lord is Good!”  Psalm 34  God’s goodness is designed to transform the way we live today. Knowing that we can trust God’s goodness brings all sorts of confidence for living.
• “The Lord is the stronghold of my life.” Psalm 27  We build on the solid foundation of God’s strength rather than relying on our own.
• “My help comes from … the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121  God is from everlasting. Even as our lives are filled with change, God does not change.

TRANSFORMATION

A fundamental proposition for God’s people in Christ is that we do not work to make God over in our image. Rather, God and God’s word change US. As we pray with the Psalms this Lent the constant theme and call is to consider how, because of this word from God, we are changed.