Pastor’s Corner August 2013

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

Seven years ago the Lord led Pastor Brian Hough to Redeemer with such clarity it felt like he had always been a part of our ministry team from day one.  Brian leaving to lead the planting of a church in Manhattan is a huge change for us, we will miss him greatly. Jake Tassy joining our ministry team is another big change, but he comes with the same kind of clarity of calling I remember at Brian’s arrival. Jake and his family will be a wonderful blessing to Redeemer.

Brian was the first Redeemer pastor dedicated solely to ministering to youth and their families.

The goal of youth ministry at Redeemer is to support parents in the discipleship of their children in Christ. Christian discipleship refers to the spiritual formation and growth of believers. Discipleship occurs as the Word of God (the Gospel) is taught and applied. Discipleship includes formal teaching, informal modeling of biblical principles (mentoring), fellowship with other believers (relationship building and encouragement), serving others (inside and outside the church).

All the activities of Redeemer are purposely discipleship-oriented. Activities specific to youth try to incorporate the above mentioned elements (formal teaching, informal modeling, fellowship, and service). Brian has done a tremendous job firming up our youth and family ministry foundation over these past seven years.  With Brian leaving and Jake coming, there is change and transition.

Change and transition: These are tough realities to manage, but they keep happening in this life, don’t they?  Change has to do with the shifting of external circumstances.  Transition has to do with the mental and emotional adjustments necessary because of the changed circumstances.

Redeemer will go through change and transition as Brian leaves and Jake begins ministry here. Jake Tassy is a wonderfully gifted servant of Christ.

Jake is different from Brian.  The change of youth pastors will require a time of transition. The way to navigate change and transition is through expectant prayer, trust in leadership, a flexible demeanor, and personal engagement.  Pray for Jake and Redeemer’s ministry to youth and families.  Pray for Jake’s family and their transition to a new culture and church.

Maintain a flexible attitude toward this time of transition.  There will be many things that stay the same and there will be some things that change.  Trust that God has led our leaders to choose the right person to lead this important part of Redeemer’s discipleship effort. Each of us parents have specific expectations about the youth pastor, the elders have done their best to weigh expectations while considering the whole scope of Redeemer’s ministry to youth and families.

Finally, engage your family in ministry.  Redeemer’s youth and family ministry model is effective directly related to your level of engagement.  Jake and his family will be a tremendous model and a true encouragement to you, but real benefit only comes from engaging them in relationship and service.

Yes, change and transition, transition and change: these never stop during this life, and so our need to depend on God doesn’t either.  Change and transition are part of God’s design to keep our walk with Christ dynamic and our need to pursue spiritual growth constant. Change and transition, when viewed through a godly lens, keep life exciting.

In the Lamb,

Pastor Tony Felich