Wisdom Needed – Wisdom Granted

Since January there have been a couple of passages of Scripture that I have been leaning on heavily. Here they are:

“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” ~ Psalm 25

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” ~ James 1

The reason these passages have been so important in my life is because since January we have been in search of another full-time pastor to come on staff here to help in the shepherding of the flock of God in leading it to effectively carry out its missions of making disciples by reaching those who are far from God while growing up those who are in Christ. This is in not an easy process to go through as there is so much at stake – namely the overall health of the church, which is the bride of Christ. I certainly do not want to see harm come to Christ’s bride, and so since January much time has been spent in prayer asking God for His wisdom and clear leading.

This past Sunday I believe God brought a complete answer to those prayers as the membership here voted to extend the call to Brandon Barnes to be the Pastor of Youth and Worship. I am praising the Lord that he has led us to a man of God, who is married to a wonderful woman of God. I am thankful that they both desire to show young people that they are loved by God through their own love toward them. I am thankful that they both want to be an example to young people of a fully devoted worshipper of God both in word and deed. And I am thankful for these things not just as a pastor, but also as a parent who has two kids in the youth group.

Now, even though God has answered my prayers for wisdom and clear leading by bringing Brandon and Erin here, I am not going to stop praying for God’s wisdom and leading (and I would encourage you to do the same). In the days, weeks, and months to come Brandon is going to need wisdom and leading from God as he seeks to put together a program within the youth and worship ministries of the church that will fit into the big picture of what we as a church are trying to accomplish. Brandon certainly doesn’t have all the answers yet since he doesn’t even know what all the questions are.

So, as a pastor who has transitioned here just three years ago, please allow me to encourage you in the following ways during Brandon’s transition.

1. First, give him some time. While Brandon has some prior knowledge of this ministry, and that prior knowledge will be helpful in making his transition a little smoother, he still is going to need time to develop a program and to put together a team of volunteers to help him implement the program.

2. Second, I would encourage you to expect some change. I don’t say that to scare anyone, but to point out the reality that Brandon is going to evaluate what has been done and what we presently are doing to determine effectiveness and how it fits into what he believes the Lord is directing him to do.

3. Third, as mentioned before, pray for Brandon. Pray that God would give him great wisdom and direction as he evaluates and determines the needs of the ministry areas he has oversight of, and how to go about addressing those needs to most effectively help this church accomplish its mission.

4. Fourth, look for ways to encourage and support both Brandon and Erin. In addition to transitioning to a new ministry, Brandon and Erin are transitioning into parenthood. They have a lot on their plate, and if there is a way in which you can come alongside them and take something off of their plate, do it.

The Lord has been good in bringing us such a great family to partner with us in ministry, and I am praising Him for His work and answered prayer. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Brandon and Erin certainly are a blessing, and I look forward to serving with them for many years to come.

Pastor Scott