As I See It and Practice It
My personal life in recent months has been very intense. Laila and I feel blessed. Yet, we are working diligently to prioritize, which means that everything in our lives is being re-evaluated. This is a God-moment. Such opportunity for Kingdom work. Our hearts are passionate to reach out to others. We also believe that this is Covenant's moment for powerful evangelism and ministry.
Our family recognizes God’s favor. We are doing our best to walk softly before the Lord. It is a good thing not to frustrate grace, i.e., don’t do things that keep God from doing the good He wants to do in your life.
As a pastor these are times that I am enormously grateful for team leadership. Pastoral staff is working hard and in unity. We are dedicated to “leave no one behind” in our efforts to serve. As a team we are sensitive to each other and to our shared task.
While each staff member has specific duties we do not consider our tasks done until the team's tasks are completed. For example, Angela is the point person for Sunday's Spring Fest. All staff members will participate in the 2-5 PM parking lot event that is an invitation to the church and community. We consider this evangelism outreach. We want to plan well for people who will be visiting us for the first time.
Covenant is venturing into aggressive outreach. To neighbors, business associates, classmates, and those we meet in the course of life, we have a message: "God loved you enough to send His Son, Jesus, to save from sin (Matthew 1:21). Going and telling is as natural as breathing for those who have been gifted life through Jesus Christ.
Once people know Jesus as their Savior they need knowledge and understanding of the Word of God. Discipleship classes are designed for Christ-modeling, which means action. We cannot be effective if we do not know how to witness, teach, and encourage. Redeemed, we rejoice for the privilege of sharing fullness of life in Christ (Galatians 5:21,22).
Our ambition to develop leaders is relentless. Our future depends upon godly leadership. We cannot, we must not, ever resort to religious exercises that are self-satisfying without any connection to the Great Commission of sharing the gospel with those who have not heard.
I rejoice to share that our mission heart continues. In addition to general mission giving this past Sunday one family committed to $1000 to put a well in a village. Another family purchased 10 bicycles for missionaries. Praise the Lord!
We have been greatly favored of the Lord in updating our vans in recent weeks. Much better vans. Two with towing packages. Two other purchases are cut-away, i.e., wider and higher. Our cost for the improvement in vehicles has been minimal. We will now be selling three vehicles.
Jack Griffith, assistant chaplain of local security complex (500+) persons, is rejoicing as he sees lives changed. Jean Griffith, Patsy Dickinson, and Dr. David McDonald have open doors to minister to incarcerated women. Stories of God’s power changing lives.
This week Covenant will host a state-wide ministers/layperson training conference. This is a first for Covenant. We are honored that we have been chosen as the host site.
Even as I write this letter a group of volunteers are on the grounds. Staff has told me to stay in my office. No outside work for me. I told the ladies lecturing me that I felt like my mama had come to work with me. "Go write, Pastor!" they said.
In my heart there is a song of joy. I am praising the Lord for His gracious mercy and provision. Lives are being changed by the power of the gospel. We believe in miracles. We are seeing miracles. We are God's hands and feet to minister to others. We rejoice as servants before Our King!
See you Sunday!...if He does not come!
Pastor Bare
Philippians 4:8