A letter from one of our TCN Coaches
— the eventual construction of a dedicated concert venue and motels to house the concert goers
— a growing hospitality industry employing local people
— the growth of revenue for Union County and pride for the residentsThe vision would be funded by the sale of the T-shirts and by the sale of professionally recorded and filmed concerts with distribution through the web, radio, and television.
So what does this have to do with you, a busy pastor in the midst of the very busy season of Lent? The devil who tempted Jesus to feel all alone in the wilderness often tempts us pastors to think that we are not talented enough, that our congregations are too small, that no one cares anyway. But in the midst of prayer and conversations with others, the Lord plants a vision within us. Through Word and Sacrament He wants His Church to be strong in faith, to dream the dreams He provides, to help others to become Jesus’ disciples.
You may never pastor the largest church in Synod or preach to thousands each Sunday, but you are the pastor the Lord has called to the congregation you are serving. And by His Holy Spirit that congregation is capable of following the leadership you can provide. It may seem insignificant when we compare our churches to others, but not when we simply follow His lead into our communities to make disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.
As you pray to the Lord and as you talk with others, what are the ideas the Lord is planting within you for your church and community? As Jim Woods says, “These ideas start out like trickles of water that come together, and pretty soon you’ve got a big stream!”
May the Lord bless you as you share His Word and Sacraments with His people tomorrow!
In Christ’s Service,
Paul
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