As the people of Shades anxiously await the naming and meeting of our new pastor, we are filled with many questions. What will he be like? Will he be a good leader of our congregation and at the same time be very approachable to individuals? Will he have a good sense of humor? Can our staff work well with him? And the questions go on and on.
It says in Numbers 27:17 when Moses was turning over leadership to Joshua; -- "set a man over the congregation who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep who have no shepherd."
Sheep have no sense of direction or defense mechanism. They totally rely on the shepherd for guidance, but that relationship takes time to develop.
I pray that the community at Shades will give our new leader time to develop that relationship. We must be willing and flexible to accept new leadership directions, personalities, and change. We also must support our new pastor for it will be a transition period for him and his family. A wise man said “The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing.” May our thoughts, words and actions be always focused to bringing honor and glory to God.