Thoughts from your Regional Minister
By: Renee Bridwell
After college in Oklahoma, I was a local youth minister, sponsor for the Regional Youth Cabinet, director and counselor for CYF conference, etc. – and the soundtrack for those years was Michael W. Smith’s Friends are Friends Forever. I no longer recall the rest of the words, at least not without the music, but that line remains.
Fragments have been playing in my head a lot lately, as I prepare to leave Kansas behind and move on to where half of my grandchildren live. I’m trading tornadoes and blizzards for earthquakes and wildfires, along with daily hugs and playtime.
For nearly twelve years we have walked the path of faith together in so many ways: Regional Assemblies, MissionFest, TEAM2, #DCE Disciples Connect & Equip, district events, preaching and worship with you in so many congregations, pastoral care, pastoral searches and all that accompanies the search, retreats, camps—especially Grand Camp, clergy groups, work groups at camp and in Joplin, individual consultation, and so much more—it has been my privilege, and you are a blessing in my life. Whether we see one another again or not, you will remain in my heart. Friends are Friends Forever.
Farewell writings are incomplete without words for your future. I have loved seeing God’s people work side by side. It’s a delight when faithful people make bold decisions and follow new directions in the light of the gospel. In regional ministry, we see these things regularly and it brings absolute joy.
In regional ministry, we also see the dark side, and the hardest part of that is when the people of God act as if God does not matter in their lives and congregations. Google Functional Atheism to learn more. The core is this: Functional atheism happens when people who profess to know God and to follow Jesus, nevertheless act and speak as if God does not exist. It’s especially disappointing when this syndrome manifests itself in the church.
So my final word for you is this: if you would gladden the hearts of your ministers, let your holy light shine. Live every hour such that there can be no doubt that you serve the One who created you and all that is. On this path is deep, unshakeable joy and the peace of Christ that is beyond all understanding.