The State of the Ship Going Forward

by Pastor Chuck Gaines

Moving Forward?   To say the least!   God is working in some very special ways and it brings great joy and peace to our hearts to see His Hand at work.  True we are undergoing some unexpected changes in our leadership which temporarily startled us but we once again have our footing.  We know who we are in Christ and we are listening carefully for our Lord’s directions on where and how to get where we need to be.    

These changes are not a road block but rather a great opportunity to grow closer to our Lord as a staff and a body in ways that will continue to bring glory to God.   It calls for each of us to depend more on Him and less upon ourselves. This, obviously, is His church and our biggest difficulty going forward is not whether He has established  a way for us but rather to discern the way He wants us to go and then to follow Him. The staff and leadership of FBCEG are diligently seeking him and listening carefully to hear His voice.  Satan is busy at work, no doubt, however Jesus has long since defeated him and declared His church impervious to his destructive goal.

The entire staff at FBCEG is on board for the exciting ride forward trusting in God’s sovereignty and His Character and who He made us to be.  The activities that have been on the schedule and some activities that are not are being prepared with an enthusiasm that is inspiring. For example, Easter this year will be a glorious celebration of Jesus.  There is much to follow Easter that will provide each one of us an opportunity to grow and serve.

We are not shutting down activities and ministries but seeking to expand those that give God glory and lead most directly toward Spiritual growth for each of us and outreach that brings fruit for the Kingdom of God.  Each of the ministries of the church are filled with scheduled activities and opportunities to serve every age group and/or level of Spiritual maturity.  The opportunities and activities looking ahead in 2013 are almost unlimited for us.  Our only limitation would be if we fail to seek and discern His direction and not follow Him closely.

One of the great lessons we are learning is that our servant Leader and Lord, Jesus Christ, is teaching us the meaning of true leadership that has a lot to do with servant-hood.  He says he who is least shall be the greatest in His Kingdom.  As I watch God working out our redemption and sanctification I see great testimonies of God at work among us that inspires me.  The list of those among us who selflessly lead the way loving God and serving our fellowman with great joy and peace in their hearts seems almost endless.   

The state of this ship, so to speak, is in the good Hands of our Lord and His chosen servants. We are on course to a glorious year for our Lord as we seek out where He is taking us on this course.     

If you are on board, I am pleased to be walking beside you.  If you are not sure where you are on board it is going to be an exhilarating ride and we want you along.  If you are not on board, don’t miss the boat.  We are preparing to cast off and we have a good ship and a very special crew.  We would love to have you join us.