I'm Good To Go!

Pastor and Mrs. Jon Hall, 2011

Sometimes we get concerned about what is going to happen to the Church in the years to come, the years after we have surrendered our pulpits and become a part of the history of the Church.

This week I have been a part of the fabric of the Union Lake Church of the Nazarene in Michigan where Jon and Amy Hall are the shepherds.  If they are any indication of the type of young couples who are inhabiting our parsonages around the world, our fears are unfounded.  I found a young couple who deeply love each other, the Lord, and the Church.  They have a "calling" to lead others to a saving knowledge of Christ and to be an example to the flock in all things.  Jon preaches Holiness and is engaged in constantly learning more and more about himself and the work of the church.  He does so much more than is "required" including making signboards and cleaning toilets.  He has a servant's heart.  He believes in Revival.

Pastor and Mrs. Al Dicer, 1970

Being with this dynamic young couple this week took me back to the early days of my ministry and those first few Revival Campaigns that I had.  Men like Ottis Smith, Ray Raycroft, Bill Varian, Charles Hastings Smith, and a young Gary Bond.   They were great days.  They were learning days.  They were days filled with both fear and hope.

I imagine there were some "old timers" (like I am now) who wondered what would happen to the Church when they stepped aside or crossed the great divide.  I trust that Sherry and I gave them hope that all would be O.K.!
As I continue to travel around the country preaching the Word I have a feeling that I will be greatly encouraged with what I see in our churches and the men who guide them.

Our revival together with the Hall's was exceptional and the Lord brought many blessings to the people and the church.  The altars were filled and lives were changed.

The church moves on waiting for the coming of "that" day when our Lord shall split the Eastern sky.  I move on awaiting His coming or my going.  And knowing what I know about the future of His Church....I am good to go.