For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: (Romans 12:4-6a)
We are the body of Christ and it takes all of us to do the ministry He has called us to. None of us are the same and we all have a different gift. Paul goes on in Romans and talks about prophecy, ministering, teaching, giving, exhorting, diligence, and cheerfulness. This is not an exhaustive list of gifts we have in the body of Christ. We all have a gift given to us to use in the mission and ministry of Christ in the world.
So if none of us have the same gifts, it really does take all of us to do the ministry God has set before us, doesn’t it?
I am not Pastor Zamzow. We have different gifts, and talents. We do things differently. And while this may be something for some of us to get used to, it is also a good thing. I was told that when the call committee was looking for a new pastor they were asked to find someone different than Pastor Zamzow and they did.
We are different in our gifts, talents and the way we do things. But there is one thing I know we are exactly the same on- our love for the St. John’s community and congregation. There is nothing I would not do for any of you. I will be there for you in need and in joy. I will help you in any way I can.
Now granted I will do this differently than you may have known in the past, and having a pastor for a while you get used to their way of doing things and a new pastor throws a wrench in the mill. But I want to assure you that I am here for the congregation and the people of St. John’s when you need me.
Call me, email me, Facebook message me, text me, all of these things come to my mobile phone. And I have it with me or close by all the time, much to the chagrin of my wife! Any time day or night if you need me, I will be there for you.
And if you feel I have dropped the ball and was not there for you, please come and see me to talk about this. I had a wonderful conversation with a congregation member about this type of situation. I can only grow as your spiritual leader if you walk with me and help me. We are all disciples of Christ together on this journey, and we need to walk it together. Remember Matthew 18:15, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.” Talk to others who have sinned against you.
I am here for the long haul and want to work with the people of St’ John’s to build a thriving center of discipleship, where we can gather in the name of Christ, grow in our love and understanding of who we are in Him, together as a body and individually, and then go out into the world to show forth the love and mercy He has given to us.
Help me make St. John’s to be a lighthouse to our communities and a beacon of God’s love in the world!
aSacredRebel 