Jesus does not want his disciples to be anxious

Dear LTCC Family,

This week in our Growing in Christ Bible study our memory verse was Matthew 6:33 where Jesus says:

 

“But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well.” (NIV)

 

Leading up to and following that verse, Jesus tells his followers not to be anxious, using the word (“worry” in other translations) six times in 10 verses (25-34). The point is clear: Jesus does not want his disciples to be anxious. Yet, I find myself worrying about so many things. I know I’m not supposed to be anxious but I am. Through God’s Word some of our wrong beliefs about God were exposed, and our study graciously pointed us back to His love and faithfulness to provide what we need. I think we all left trusting God a bit more.

 

Someone asked me this week with regard to our transition, “What’s taking so long?” My anxiety immediately ticked up a few notches. It’s a valid question. As elders and deacons, we understand the urgency to press forward. And, so we press. At the same time, we realize how much time it takes to navigate the complexities of assessing, planning, convening, discussing, deciding, communicating, and then moving on to the next step. Will you pray with us that we can all balance the urgency that we/you feel, and yet not be anxious in the process? I wonder how much the Holy Spirit wants to conform us to the image of His Son through the process as much as we want a result. No excuse to move slowly by any means. Just a plea to God for the balance of urgency without being anxious.

 

As we’ve mentioned in past weeks, we are exploring numerous options for an interim pastor. Bert Downs, who was with us a few weeks ago, pointed us in the direction of Interim Pastor Ministries (IPM). While we continue to explore other options, we have found IPM to be extremely thorough and their longevity and reputation impressive. We will be convening as a leadership team for a conference call tomorrow night (Sat) for an extensive presentation with IPM to assess whether it’s the avenue we will pursue for an interim pastor. 

 

Seeking an interim pastor forces us to (rightly) assess the health of our church. We must ask hard questions and have been asking them now for a number of months. In the “Restore” phase we’re in, we must ask how our people are doing. Perhaps you are hurting. We have leaders who are hurting. We have former leaders who are hurting. People process hurt differently, but we need to address that pain. As leaders and as a body of Christ, we must be willing to engage with each other with grace and truth.

 

At our January member meeting it was announced that Pete would be transitioning out of the Administrative Pastor role by the end of March. The bulk of that administrative work has now been transitioned, and Pete has stepped away from the office as of last Friday. In light of this, you may ask, “How is Pete doing?” Please pursue him and ask him directly. In the same vein, you may ask, “How is Nathan doing?” Please pursue him and ask him directly. This would be true for anyone you might be concerned about. Meet with them. Listen to them. Love them. As Paul says in Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection.”

 

Please join us as we pray Sunday mornings at 9:15am before the service that we might cast our anxieties on Him.  

 

Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness with you,

 

Brian

On behalf of the elders and deacons 



Most of our clocks do it for us these days but just as a reminder...We spring forward this Sunday at 2am!

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Brian Peterson