The New Beginning

Galatians 6:7-10 ; Luke 10:1-3

“So, let us not grow weary…” Galatians 6:9

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Luke 10:2

A new beginning and a fresh vision! Today marks my first Sunday back at our church as a retired pastor. During my two-week vacation, I focused on determining the new direction I want the church to take—one that will allow us to continue excelling in our strengths while bringing about positive change to encourage growth. I am aware of the frustration some of you feel about not being the church we want to be. But I will encourage you to hold on to Paul's admonition in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary… For in due season, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”. “Just hang in there,” says Paul, “Just keep plugging away.” Service in the name of Christ is a marathon and not a sprint, as so many have written or said. So, keep at it.

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing ideas on how we can revitalize our church. I am also open to your suggestions. We will start implementing these ideas in August. Although our resources are limited, I believe that where there is a will, there is always a way. As we engage in outreach work to increase attendance, I am confident we will do everything possible to reach that goal. It is vital that we work together in partnership with one another and the wider community. I recognize the importance of collaborating harmoniously with our fellow believers in faith. We need reminders that we are not alone; we need the support of our faith family.

As we reflect on our current situation as a surviving church among the four original established churches in Park Forest, we have every reason to thank God for His faithfulness. We recognize the hard work and sacrifices of our forebearers, which we are building upon today. What enables our church to withstand the challenges faced by the closed churches in Park Forest? The answer lies in our dedication and commitment to the Lord—our willingness to be with our church family on Sundays, regardless of the weather conditions, and our relentless efforts to share the good news of Christ and promote what is happening in our church.

I’m confident we haven’t grown weary of this commitment! The main question before us now is: “What is God calling us to do to fulfill His mission in today’s modern society, where attending church is no longer a top priority?” In fact, Jesus knew that this situation was coming when he said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few!"

Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and proclaim the good news. This serves as a model for our new task if we want to achieve different results. We need to follow Jesus’ command to step out, just as the disciples did, even when the situation is dangerous and the outcome may not be encouraging. Jesus said, "I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves!" Consider the difference between that time and our contemporary circumstances. Here, we do not fear being killed for preaching the good news; our main concern is that people may not listen to us or respond as we hope. However, in other parts of the world, the metaphor still holds true because many Christians are still being persecuted and even killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.

The joy of obedience is evident in how the disciples went out and came back with positive results. We should not grow weary or feel afraid to share the good news and invite people into the kingdom of God. Are you ready to be a worker for Jesus at such a time as this? Are you eager to dive back into the mission field? Will you respond if Jesus calls your name?