Lord of the Church

Last week our senior pastor resigned. He was the founding and only pastor of the church. 21 years. This type of situation is exceptionally hard on a church. Our elders have been handling things very well. There were many tears. He was the only pastor some people ever knew. It's comforting to know in a time like this that Jesus is Lord of the Church. He is in control. This did not take Him by surprise. His perfect plan covers this contingency. He said He would build His Church. He did not say He would tear down His Church. He will use this to build His Church. Please pray for us during this difficult time.

Authority, and Giving Thanks

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am having at least one developmentally disabled lady over for Thanksgiving, and maybe two. Then, I'm taking a Butler University international student and going to visit a friend. This international student has obviously been seeking the Lord already. She says she doesn't "have a religion right now, but...might change." I can see that I have been uniquely chosen by the Lord for this relationship and am looking forward to how He will use me. Praise His Name! I was also surprised to get a call from a Missourian friend of mine and to learn that she and her husband are in town today on personal business and want to have lunch with me before they leave tonight to spend Thanksgiving with their daughter and son-in-law in Wisconsin. I'm thankful for this visit. Further, Vocational Rehab has decided to reopen my case without waiting for the appeal process. Another reason to give thanks. I'm also thankful for the elder who has brought his authority to bear in my life. In spiritual matters, and in the home, a man's authority is qualitatively different from a woman's. When I served as a missionary in Kenya, the Lord appointed an African elder to be in authority over me. I immediately recognized that the Lord was going to bless me. And He did, more than I could ever have imagined or dreamed. When I returned to the US to stay, the Lord put it on the hearts of two elders in my home church to help me readjust as I struggled with reverse culture shock. I am glad they did. After a few year, believing the Lord was leading, I left that church and joined a denomination that ordains women. I did not realize that I was leaving a protective umbrella of authority and entering a leadership vacuum. Soon I began to experience many kinds of trouble: unrelenting and exhausting abuse by neighbors, emotional and verbal abuse by pastors (not to mention church politics), debilitating health problems, and financial ruin. Last year, the Lord directed me to leave that church and join a church that has a strong authority structure. I immediately began seeking elder leadership. Finally, very recently, an elder recognized a huge need in my life and brought his authority to bear upon me. Already I am beginning to experience hope and see positive change in my life. However, it may take a long time for me to recover from all the devastation. A godly man's authority confers protection on a woman, contrary to what evangelical feminists teach and believe. I had to learn the hard way.

Praise

Things have been going kind of slow since I have been sick. I do have one item to report, though. The Lord has heard my cries concerning the need for personal leadership at church, and an elder has assumed that role. I'm so thankful! I know the Lord is going to bless me because of this, and I'm looking forward to it. I hope to be a blessing as well.

A Unique Thing About My Church

My church practices church discipline. It can be scary, but it helps keep churches healthy. In fact, back in the time of the Reformation, it was one of the marks of a true church. This church is real! Last Sunday, the leaders took step three in disciplining two members. Step three is "Tell it to the church." The objective is restoration. They also restored a previously disciplined member. Very moving! So if you want to be a part of a church that's real (not perfect), come to College Park Church. I've been sick for awhile. Bummer. Also, my temporary job is finished for now. Bummer number two. However, I've appealed Vocational Rehab's denial. And am scheduled to start another job-related program next week. So I'm not idle. Please pray.