My Last Lakewood Connection

Published on June 05, 2008 by Pastor John

It is hard to believe that I am writing my last Lakewood Connection article.  Over the last few months, I have become increasingly sensitive to the number of things that I was doing for the last time here at Lakewood i.e. the last Christmas and Easter seasons; the last Mother’s Day and Father’s Day; and now even the number of sermons left to preach are dwindling down to just a handful.  Perhaps it is time for “the last word.”
 
I have been involved in some kind of ministry position now for 43 years.  I thank God for the varied ministry opportunities and challenges.  While I worked as a youth pastor for 4½ years during my college and seminary days, I started my first pastorate at the South Shore Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois on August 1, 1970.  I have been a pastor all of the
years since, with the exception of 9½ years when I served as the Executive Director of Home Missions and then Vice President of Global Church Enrichment for the Baptist General Conference.

I just want you to know that I thank God for every one of you.  The faithfulness that so many of you have  demonstrated here at Lakewood has been outstanding and it has inspired me as a pastor.  Colleen and I both want to thank you for your love and support over these years.  I want you to know that I step down from this ministry position filled with great hope for what the Lord is going to do here at Lakewood.
 
When I think of leaving this ministry role, I am drawn to the words from Hebrews 13: 7Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of  their faith.8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  
 
I am grateful for leaders who have served alongside of me here at Lakewood.  For each staff member, each board member (especially those who have chaired the board), and others who have served in key ministry positions, I say “THANK YOU” for your labor of love.  We are reminded in the passage, to “remember … to think of all of the good… to follow the example of their faith;” and most of all – that “Jesus is the same!”
 
As Brent comes as our new lead pastor, there are words of encouragement in this passage that we need to hear. I pray that as Brent and Kristin and their family and Jeff and Sam come, that it will be a great time of joy for them and for our church.
 
17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.  
 
As we move on, Colleen and I deeply yearn for your prayers.
 
18. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do.  

And we will remember you in our prayers as well.  
 
20 Now may the God of peace … equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.  
 
We love you all.  God bless!!!    ~ Pastor John