Trinity Lutheran Church ~ Message

We are at a very decisive time in our ministry at Trinity. Change is
in the air. Uncertainty surrounds us. Human nature dictates that
change affects several people with apprehension and a sense of
insecurity. We, as a people often reject change and maintain the
status quo, regardless of our assessment of it, to remain with what
is familiar and safe to us.

Sometimes I think that we underestimate how much the power of
change can offer us. Much as Christ erases our sins through the
crucifixion and allows us to begin with a clean slate, the change
that we are currently confronting offers us the same opportunity.

We now begin a new journey at selecting a new pastor. This period
of time also offers us the opportunity to define ourselves as a congregation and to decide what will be the important factors in selecting the new spiritual leader for our church.

Martin Luther said of a pastor the following: "A good preacher should have these qualities and virtues: first, to teach systematically; second, he should have a ready wit; third, he should be eloquent; fourth, he should have a good voice; fifth, a good memory; sixth, he should know when to make an end; seventh, he should be sure of his doctrine; eighth, he should venture and engage body and blood, wealth and honor, in the world; ninth, he should suffer himself to be mocked and jeered of everyone."

As we start our journey to call a new leader for God’s church, the one named Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, it is important that we, as Christians, walk this road united. Our unity will help us get through any difficult times that may lie ahead as well as prepare us for the ultimate goal of calling a pastor that will be a shepherd for all of the flock at Trinity.

While going to school, I remember the excitement at the start of each new school year or semester. I would often have new teachers who would guide me in my learning. As each new beginning approached, I would be nervous of the new demands that would be placed on me and how my new instructor would relate to me. Would my new teacher instruct in the manner in which I preferred? Would the presentation be meaningful? Now that I am outside of the education system reflecting on my years as a student, I have come to the realization that task of the professors was not to be certain that I was happy with the classroom contents, but that the contents were meaningful and available for everyone. Had my personal greed perhaps interfered with my gaining the most out of my education? I recall that for several classes, I showed up ONLY on test day. Sometimes because the material did not really interest me that much (required courses) but several other times because the teacher’s methodology did not match what MY expectations were for how the class should be taught. At a more mature time in my life, I wish that I could turn back the hands of time and take some of those classes I failed to attend over again – this time actually attending the class with the realization that I am only one of several attending.

Probably most of us, in our own minds, have already produced an idea of the qualities and qualifications our next pastor should have. It is equally important that each of us remember that our next pastor will be the shepherd for the entire flock at Trinity. As such, in our unified march it is important that we remain aware of not only our own needs and wants, but also the needs and wants of everyone in our congregation and in our community.

May God utilize our unity and this opportunity to allow Trinity to continue to be an instrument to further His kingdom on earth.