Stepping Out in Faith - The First Step Has Been Taken

Messiah Lutheran Church took a couple bold first steps in faith yesterday! We called an associate pastor, Rev. Daniel Hawkins, with the full knowledge that he would stretch us out of our comfort zones and into serious outreach ministry. We committed to supporting him in that ministry with our time, talent and treasure. This decision was not made by a few, but we had a packed room that voted "yes" (with one "no") to step out in faith in this way. Then, in the afternoon, Nancy Pezold presented a well-thought-out ministry plan that again would entail "stepping out in faith." Though the room was not quite as packed, yet with a very healthy presence of Messiah members, and after some good discussion, Messiah voted a unanimous "yes" to the Ministry Plan for 2008-2009. This plan stretches us in faith but at the same time is grounded in fiscal reality. Once again, Messiah committed herself to a faith venture that will entail growing in our stewardship of not only treasure, but time and talent as well.

Both of these steps of faith are "faith based" and realistic. What I mean is, both of these steps are possible IF we walk in faith. Messiah has plenty of room to grow in her stewardship. We have NOT been challenged in years. "Stepping Out in Faith" is more than a program to raise funds for a beginning a new ministry in Weddington and expanding our facility here at Messiah. It is a call for us to grow in faith and our expression of that faith. It is a call to commit to OUTREACH MINISTRY. It will necessitate prayer that the Spirit of the Living God would impassion us - set our hearts ablaze - for the lost. It will move us from Mission and Vision Statements of words to actions. We will have to look up to receive God's grace for without His presence and power, we will fail. We will have to look around to support and value on another because none of us can do it alone and we will need everyone if we are to succeed. And when we succeed by God's grace and power, we will be looking outward by impacting the community with an outreach ministry that grows families in Christ through the word of God.

Messiah took some big, bold steps yesterday. Now, today, tomorrow and for the weeks and months to come, we will be giving ourselves the opportunity to live out those decisions. We will have the opportunity to put faith into action. Remember, God will provide the ‘super,' we need to provide the ‘natural.'