Pastor James Conley

Where do I start?  So many memories flood across my mind from the years here serving as your pastor.  Where has all the time gone?  It seemed like the right thing to do when I “announced my retirement” five years ago and now that is a reality, I don’t know if I have the right words to say in this last column.  I have always tried to speak from the heart, so let this be my last attempt.

I believe wholeheartedly that this is God’s time to shine among us.  It has and will always be His Church.  I am so fond of each of you for stepping up and how God is going to use you in the days to come.  I can’t wait for the process of searching and finding the next pastor of Delta First Baptist Church to come to fruition.  But first you will go through an  exciting chapter of using the gifts and talents of men/women in ministry to one another in the church and the community. 

Then, Pastor Dave DeMott, Grand Junction, will sign on as our Intentional Interim Pastor (IIP) starting in the fall.  I so appreciated Pastor Dave and Sheryl coming the last Sunday of June. I forgot to introduce Sheryl but I think you will find her very engaging, an organizer, and with loving creative abilities alongside Dave.  They will help our church family move swiftly through the “wilderness” into the holy land of new opportunities and blessings!

You have been so very good to your pastor through the highs and lows of life.  On the lighter side here are some reasons to be good to your pastor:

You voted him into office.

You might need him as a reference & to write a letter of character.

You may need his prayers when in crisis.

He has likely shown up when you need him most.

He might just preach at your funeral.  You don’t want him to lie!

Some other things to remember.  Don’t expect your church to be perfect.  Only Jesus

Is perfect and the church is made up of imperfect folks like us.  Don’t try to remold your new pastor into the image of James.  He has qualities that God has given him that He expects him to use in the church.  Don’t expect the pastor to do the jobs that God wants you to do.  All of us are equipped by God to carry out the work of ministry.  Remember,  “We are the church.”

Also, don’t expect your pastor to read your mind.  If you are sick…call the church office  or Ruth Grass                     (970)260-3632 our prayer coordinator.  If you need something, let the church & pastor know.  If you want to do a special ministry in the church share your idea with others.  Try not to be critical of the process.  Change is brought about more effectively by affirming one another and praying through each step.

Don’t compare and contrast the new pastor with the old one.  Each pastor has unique talents, gifts, and God leads them to churches that need these different ministries. 

Things you can do during this process a) love the leaders around you; b) pray for the process and your new pastor/family each day; c) keep on keeping on by attending the activities of our church; d) continue to give of your time, talents, and trea$ure to the ministry and mission of Delta First Baptist Church. 

I am looking forward to how and when God fills this opening and seeing the church continue to flourish and grow in faith, hope, and love.  To God be the glory!