Brothers and Sisters,
This Sunday, in our One Another series, we will examine the call of God on his people to serve one another. Peter says we each have received different gifts and we are to use them to “serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). As I reflect on this text, I have considering the joys and sorrows of serving God’s people as a pastor. It is such an honor and privilege to employed by the Most High as a shepherd serving you, his people. Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:1, ESV), “If anyone aspires to to the office of overseer, he desire a noble task.” It is a wonderful, excellent, and commendable thing to hold the role of pastor within the church. However, James wrote (James 3:1, CSB) about the hazards of the job also: “Not many of you should become teachers…because you know that we will receive a stricter judgement.” The fundamental role of any pastor is to give instruction in sound doctrine—to help other Christians learn how to do what the Bible teaches, while also doing what the Bible teaches, so that we may all grow up into Christ (Ephesians 4:12-16). This is how a pastor serves a church. Oh sure, pastors do a lot beyond this basic function, but this is the one thing that must be done!
Many often talk about turning off their work; that’s not possible for the pastor, because the pastors work is people—you. To help illustrate this, I have 6 young children, and older parents often tell me, “It doesn’t get easier when they get older; you’ll be concerned for them forever.” Paul briefly stated how, amidst the dangers and pressures of life, he had daily concern for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28). I feel this. And while I can’t speak for Paul, I can speak for myself. The daily concern that I have for you—your holiness, your godliness, your evangelism, your marriages, your families, your finances, your health concerns—all of this pushes me and motivates me in my service to God for you. It drives me deeper to Scripture, deeper in prayer; deeper in my own faith-walk with Christ. I’m so thankful that God has chosen to use me in this way for his purpose and glory, allowing me to care for his people—you—through this life. As we give our attention to Scripture this Sunday, may we be motivated in our service to one another and show ourselves to be good stewards of God’a varied grace.
I’m looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. Lord wiling, I’ll see you then.
Grace & Peace,
John White, pastor
You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267