Maineville Lighthouse Church

Lighthouse Family:

This month’s pastoral letter will address an issue pressing on my mind. I do not mean to just talk about myself, but I am concerned about the fact that I was a member before I became your pastor. The ordination in June brought this to my consciousness again.

 

The Transitional Book of Discipline states:

“¶ 103. PRINCIPLES OF OUR LIFE TOGETHER. Wesley said, “there is no holiness but social.” By referring to “social holiness,” Wesley meant that the road to holiness was one that we could not travel by ourselves, but rather involve the community of faith at every step along the way.” We are in this together and I appreciate all your prayers and support. This is a guiding principle for me.

 

The visible is my leading the service on Sunday and my messages. This is a central part of my role. I have tried to deliver the Good News of Jesus Christ and inspire us all to sanctification. The Book of Discipline says of the worship service: “Article XIII - Public Worship - We believe divine worship is the duty and privilege of man who, in the presence of God, bows in adoration, humility and dedication. We believe divine worship is essential to the life of the Church, and that the assembling of the people of God for such worship is necessary to Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.”

 

The pastoral role is less visible since most of that is private. I have a minor role in the care of God’s house. Evangelism is a major responsibility for both the clergy and laity, and the social media piece is one I have, and should have, a major part. Whether I like it or not, to many in the world, the pastor is the “face” of the church.

 

It also says: “¶ 301. THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH. The mission of the Global Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.” The Book of Discipline calls us: “… we embrace the notion of ‘the priesthood of all believers’ and we call upon both laity and clergy to work together in a partnership of servanthood.”

 

As for my position: “¶ 403. ORDERS OF MINISTRY. Clergy are those who have been called out from among God's people for particular service to His church. A calling from God may take many expressions and come at any age in the life of an individual.” This does not make the clergy above anyone, but it is a difference from my days as laity. I now have the weight of my ordination, and the obligations involved. Please pray for me.

 

God Bless,

Pastor Eric