Pastor’s Corner January 2009

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

As we move from one calendar year to the next, the Church of Jesus Christ is faced with tremendous opportunity. When I preached the “Crown” financial series in August and September, who could have known except God how immediately relevant the practice of biblical stewardship would be for us! The national economic picture is markedly different this January than last. There is a great amount of apprehension as American businesses seem to totter and the world community reveals its dependence on what happens in the United States by sharing in the struggle. These are indeed shaky economic times for our country and world.

Our church is not untouched as several of our members have lost jobs and several more wonder how long their current positions will last. The business owners of our church have all been severely affected by the current crisis, what we are experiencing isn’t a figment of the media’s imagination, we are seeing the beginning of some challenging times, humanly speaking.

Such times grant tremendous opportunity for our church to be a strong witness to the world. While we may rightly be concerned about the economy, none of us should be overly anxious, for we know who our provider is. There will be some in our midst who need special assistance as they transition from one job to another. Faithful giving to the deacon’s fund will allow us to fulfill this responsibility of the covenant community. At our November meeting of the elders and deacons, we collectively agreed to a very lean 2009 church budget and are actively seeking to reduce various expenses, particularly utilities and cleaning. I can assure you the deacons and finance committee of Redeemer are being faithful with every cent you give. God has allowed us to continue our multifaceted ministry without reduction to any of its supports and activities; we should give praise to God for this, especially in such times.

As our country experiences significant financial turbulence, there is a high likelihood we’ll see many new visitors who are struggling, stressed, and in search of ultimate answers. Such times cause people to seek God. I am praying this impending trial will cause our nation to turn from its devotion from temporal things and pursuits and unto God. Redeemer will have significant opportunities to bear witness to the gospel of Christ by our words and deeds. Please be sensitive to those God will be bringing, and do not cease to pray for God’s wisdom. Beloved, we are living in days of great opportunity for Christ’s Church.

I commend the members of Redeemer for faithfully giving over this past year and ask you to continue to give, especially in days like these. It is important for the church to stay strong financially and be faithful carrying out the ministries God has called us to. Every person’s gifts make a difference and are needed to maintain a strong ministry. Be careful not to succumb to anxious hoarding, but rather continue to give to your church regularly as God provides for you regularly. Very honestly, I am looking forward to seeing God’s provision for us as a church through these trying times. We’ve been studying the biblical principles for some time, praise God for the opportunity to live them out!

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich