Our faith family is entering into a time of transition, and it’s all too easy to grow anxious about what the future holds. Let me take this time to point you to biblical truth and also offer some challenges for this transition period. First, remember that God is sovereign over everything, including the life of our church. He is reigning on His throne, and nothing happens apart from His will and plan (Ps 103:19;115:3;Eph 5:23). Not only is God sovereign, but He is also perfect in wisdom and goodness (Rom 11:33). These truths should fill our hearts with great peace. The second thing to remember is that God works through the prayers of his people. If we are characterized by anything right now, let it be that we are people of prayer. We are to pray individually (Matt 6:5-6). We are also to pray corporately. Pray fervently within your small groups and with other members of the faith family. Pray specifically that our faith family would be unified during this time of transition. Pray that there would be no growing factions or disputes over trivial, non-eternal issues during this time. Pray that the true church would rise and be faithful in the work of the ministry (Eph 4:11-16). Commit to pray for the deacons who have been charged to select the search committee. Pray that they would be seeking God’s search committee for this church, not their own. Pray that they would select men and women characterized by wisdom, faithfulness, godliness, humility and prayer. Pray that God would lead HIS search committee to HIS man for FBC. Lastly, pray for our future pastor. Pray that God would bring a man who leads with passion and conviction, whose primary desire is to bring glory to God. Pray that this man would be deeply rooted in God’s Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that he would be faithful to preach the Word and have sound biblical theology. Pray that he would have a heart for doing the work of the Great Commission and making disciples who make disciples. Pray that our church would grow, becoming more healthy and preparing ourselves for this new season ahead. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes 5:17).
