Where's Denny?
Where's Denny?
Okay, So I just used a reference to “finding Waldo”. But some of you may be asking, “where has Denny been?” I have not been far. In fact, just to put everyone at ease I am still working hard for our church family everyday. However, I wanted to bring this to your attention so that you will know the commitments that I have made this summer that have and will take me out of the pulpit sporadically throughout the summer.
Commitment #1: Commitment To The Greater Cause of Christ
This summer I have made commitments to other churches and ministries that require me to be out of the pulpit. Over the last few weeks I have spoken to 10 different churches/ministries in different settings. This has not only been fruitful ministry for those ministries, but also for us. Each opportunity I have I tell of the story that God is writing at Hill Country UT and at The University of Texas.
Commitment #2: Commitment To The Work of Ministry
Summer is a time that requires a lot of dreaming, thinking and strategizing for our staff team and me. Some of the challenges and opportunities that God has brought our way are requiring a lot of time that would usually be spent in weekly sermon prep. I am currently working with our staff and leaders to ensure that our ministry plan 2010-2011 is the best year of ministry we have had to date. I am excited to share with you soon regarding some of the new doors and opportunities that God is bringing our way. So please know, I am not absent in fact; I am very present even if I am not in the pulpit. These times of leadership and strategy may be the greatest contribution I make to our church family on a weekly basis.
Commitment #3: Commitment To Develop Those Around Me
I have also made a commitment to help develop others and give them opportunities to preach to our church family, mainly Josh and Eric. I have watched the sermons online and it has brought joy to my heart to see each of these men rise to the challenge and grow in their ministry of the word. One of the great legacies each of us must consider is the development of others. Paul wrote to Timothy in II Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”
I have made a commitment to continue to grow our staff team and our leaders. My desire is to kindle afresh the gifts that God has given them. I am encouraged that these men, with great diligence, are handling accurately the word of God and presenting themselves as approved workman.
Commitment #4: Commitment to Our Elders
This past year, our elder board highly encouraged me to find balance and to strive to keep refreshed. One of the great gifts that our elders gave to me as your pastor, was an extended time in the summer to renew and refresh my heart and soul. This time of refreshment and renewal is scheduled for the month of July. During the month of July I will be spending extended time in study, personal devotion and ministering to my wife and son. Now this does not mean I will not be working for youJ. In fact, our prayer is that God will renew and refresh my heart, my body and my relationships so that I can have a long, fruitful ministry for many years to come.
The task of preaching God’s word week in week out is a difficult and laborious task. More than I am even consciously aware of at times. It is a mystical work to some degree. It is not just a study of God’s word. But it is a battle. A battle to ensure that my heart is listening well to God. A battle to ensure that I am listening well to the needs of our church. Finally, a battle to ensure that my sermon prep is flowing from a heart that is delighting in Christ above all. My desire is to admonish our church family with a sincere, authentic concern for what God wants us to hear. This battle can be a bit weary, and at times what is needed is a small season devoted to renewal.
I am eager to be back with you this next week. I will be back in the pulpit for the remainder of June. My heart has missed you deeply. My love for you and our mission continues to grow and grow. I consider it a privilege to be part of such a wonderful work that God is doing among us.
I can’t wait to see you all Sunday!!!
With Great Affection,
Denny
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Joanna Drake on Jun 7, 2010 9:22am
Denny :)
You have been missed. But the opportunity to hear Josh and Eric preach has been just as refreshing. They both have spoken to my heart with their messages, and I know the Holy Spirit is working in their hearts to deliver truths from God's word in a relevant, powerful, and heart-felt way. I'm looking forward to this summer hearing from all of the wonderful staff we have.
-J. Drake