Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now…So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God…God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.” -Select verses of Philippians 1:3-8
These words from the Apostle Paul about the church in Philippi ring true for the three of us. We, Greg, Josh, and I, are humbled and overwhelmed by your prayers, words of encouragement, and gifts. Like Paul, our partnership in this ministry pours out of this place, in part because of the love we feel for one another, and the joy we have together in Christ. Each year we, as your pastors, feel a bit timid about Pastor Appreciation Sunday simply because we feel so much gratitude for the fact that we are called to serve here. Living Word is truly a special group of people, an amazing church! It is amazing because together we are committed to growing spiritually and by the Holy Spirit’s leading, we long to grow the Kingdom of God! This fact allows us as pastors to truly preach the Gospel and then get a front seat to all the ways that the power of the Holy Spirit works in our lives and in our midst. I mentioned last Sunday that we should have a Congregation appreciation Sunday where we give back to you! However, we hope that in all our preaching, teaching, counseling, visiting, and shepherding, you sense our love for you all! Make no mistake, serving Living Word as a pastor is a blessing beyond measure.
So once again, on behalf of Pastor Greg, Pastor Josh, our wives, and our families, thank you. Thank you for being a people whose hearts are open to the correction and encouragement that comes from the Word of God. Thank for you loving us so well. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “God knows how much I (we) love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.”
In Christ,
Pastor David Christensen
(Pastor Greg and Josh too!)
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