What my Ordination means for us

Hi Tyrannus EM,

I'm ordained! Thank you, everyone, for being there at the ordination service, and I truly believe that it was a monumental moment not only for me but also for you.

As I shared during the ordination service, I truly believe that this ordination is not mainly for me but rather is mainly for you - God called me to this task of pastorship for you, and I pursued this ordination for you. You deserve to have a pastor who is tested and affirmed by a council of other proven pastors; a pastor who is approved in his character and his aptitude to teach according to God's standards and the scrutiny of the elders; a pastor whose primary appointment is to lead, feed, and protect you. I believe this step of accountability (that is ordination) is an important step that protects both the members of the church and its sound doctrine. This is both for your protection and also for your spiritual benefit. I've been given a heavy and serious task that, frankly, I feel unable to fulfill, but I will trust in the Lord and do my best. And it certainly helps me to know that I have your full support. I thank God for our mutual upbuilding pastor-congregation relationship.

(1 Peter 5:1-4 - "1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.")

(Hebrews 13:17 - "17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.")

I am super grateful for this next step for our church. My desire for our church remains the same - that we would continue to be a God-worshiping, gospel-preaching, Spirit-filled, daily sanctifying, unceasingly praying, brother-and-sister-loving, and world-evangelizing church. I'm glad and thankful that I have you as my family both to fight this good fight of faith together and also to enjoy God's good faithfulness and grace together in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank God for you all, and blessings to you all.

With love and thanks, your pastor,

Jeremiah