Unfortunately, our earlier post of this message from Rev. Clint Davis omitted the links to C.J Mahaney’s blog site and conference recording. These have now been restored.
Fathers and Brothers,
I am thankful for each of you and your service to our Lord Jesus’ church. As I have returned from our recent meeting of Synod, I have praised the Lord for “your partnership in the gospel” with me. We were challenged in the opening worship service “to find our confidence in the Word of God,” especially in the midst of our discouragement and frustration. Our pastoral responsibilities are challenging and the temptations to follow after the ways of the world are great. Most of us, after all, are simply ordinary pastors called to serve and extraordinary God in an ordinary way and in an ordinary congregation or mission field. On Saturday after Synod, I found the following blog by C.J. Mahaney on “the Gospel Coalition” website. In twelve short blog posts Mahaney offers some great encouragement to those who serve in ordinary ways. He begins the introduction to the series in the following way, “On the last day there will be a parade of ordinary men, whose names you have never heard, who will hear the following from the Savior: ‘Well done, good and faithful pastor.’” I pass this along to you for your encouragement.
Also, I had the blessed privilege, along with several other ARP Pastors, missionaries and students to attend the Gospel Coalition Conference in Chicago back in April. Chad Reynolds and I attended C.J Mahaney’s breakout session entitled, “Pastoring with Discernment: Applying the Gospel to the Hearts of Those You Serve.” This was a great seminar as Mahaney taught from the book of Jude on the importance of ministering the gospel to the people over whom we have been given pastoral charge. I offer this as well for your encouragement.
May God bless you all in your ministry of the gospel to his great glory.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Clint Davis
Clint Davis, Pastor
Chester ARP Church
803.385.2228
clint@chesterarp.com
www.chesterarp.com
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside everything that hinders us and the sin which clings so closely and run with perseverance the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” Heb. 12:1-2