On Sunday (March 1) I was installed as senior pastor at Fall Creek Wesleyan Church in Fishers, Ind.
This ritual is a bit old school in these days when most of us emphasize informality in our worship services, but it was for me a deeply moving experience in which the congregation and I "exchanged vows" as pastor and people.
"When it is necessary to refute the false or misguided teaching of others, you must do so in a restrained and gentle manner, for the Scripture warns, “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct” (2 Tim. 2:24–25a).
"You must be diligent about urging those under your care to fully obey the commands of the Lord. When people wander from the truth or fall into sin, you must warn them quickly. Remember that the prophet Ezekiel has instructed you, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel” (Ezek. 3:17).
"Also, you are entrusted with the holy sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which you are to administer generously and graciously as a comfort to wounded souls.
"There are many children and young people under your care, and you must give them your special attention and instruction. Remember that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14). You must care for them and love them as Jesus does.
"It is your responsibility to seek the lost continually, offering the gift of salvation to all who will receive it, following the example of the Apostle Paul who said, “I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31).
"As a minister of the gospel, you follow in the footsteps of many holy men and women of the past. As you recall the example of these heroes in the faith, you will be reminded to pray diligently for your people and to set an example for them.
"Larry, do you intend to fulfill these duties with all of the faith and passion that you possess, so that you will be able answer both to those in authority over you in this life and to your Lord Jesus Christ in the life to come, that you have been completely faithful in the responsibility that has been entrusted to you?"
I answered, “Yes, I will do so by the help of God.”
Next, my district superintended, Steve Emery, called the congregation to respond. He said:
"I urge you to bring your children to church so that they may receive instruction in the Christian faith and be present with you in the services at God’s house. This is what the Apostle Paul has instructed, saying that we should bring children “up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).
"Pray for your pastor so that the ministry carried out in this church may bring many souls to Christ and that you together may become mature, gaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
"Honor and esteem your pastor, who is responsible to minister to your souls. As the Apostle Paul reminds you, “Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thess. 5:12–13).
"Do you now accept this obligation and receive Larry as your pastor?
(Photo: Dr. Steve Emery (l) congratulates me on my installation as pastor at Fall Creek.)
Here's What I Promised
First, my general superintendent, Jerry Pence, read this list of pastoral responsibilities. He said:
"The duties of your holy office are clearly set forth in the Word of God. As an ambassador of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are first of all to declare the whole counsel of God as set forth in the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament. You are to do this without the addition of any personal opinion, for the Apostle Peter has said, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
"When it is necessary to refute the false or misguided teaching of others, you must do so in a restrained and gentle manner, for the Scripture warns, “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct” (2 Tim. 2:24–25a).
"You must be diligent about urging those under your care to fully obey the commands of the Lord. When people wander from the truth or fall into sin, you must warn them quickly. Remember that the prophet Ezekiel has instructed you, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel” (Ezek. 3:17).
"Also, you are entrusted with the holy sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which you are to administer generously and graciously as a comfort to wounded souls.
"There are many children and young people under your care, and you must give them your special attention and instruction. Remember that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14). You must care for them and love them as Jesus does.
"It is your responsibility to seek the lost continually, offering the gift of salvation to all who will receive it, following the example of the Apostle Paul who said, “I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31).
"As a minister of the gospel, you follow in the footsteps of many holy men and women of the past. As you recall the example of these heroes in the faith, you will be reminded to pray diligently for your people and to set an example for them.
"Larry, do you intend to fulfill these duties with all of the faith and passion that you possess, so that you will be able answer both to those in authority over you in this life and to your Lord Jesus Christ in the life to come, that you have been completely faithful in the responsibility that has been entrusted to you?"
I answered, “Yes, I will do so by the help of God.”
Here's What the Congregation Promised
Next, my district superintended, Steve Emery, called the congregation to respond. He said:
"Friends, I now urge you to receive as your pastor, the Reverend Lawrence Wilson, whom God has given you. Accept the Word of God as preached by His messenger to you, whether comforting or challenging. Remember that Jesus has said, “Consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18).
"I urge you to bring your children to church so that they may receive instruction in the Christian faith and be present with you in the services at God’s house. This is what the Apostle Paul has instructed, saying that we should bring children “up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).
"Pray for your pastor so that the ministry carried out in this church may bring many souls to Christ and that you together may become mature, gaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
"Honor and esteem your pastor, who is responsible to minister to your souls. As the Apostle Paul reminds you, “Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thess. 5:12–13).
"Do you now accept this obligation and receive Larry as your pastor?
They answered, "Yes, by the help of God."
Heather and I are tickled pink to be leading this incredible group of people--and we're very aware of the responsibility that is ours. Pray for us, both pastor and congregation, that we will live up to these promises and be a tremendous force for the Kingdom in this community.
(Photo: Dr. Steve Emery (l) congratulates me on my installation as pastor at Fall Creek.)
This whole blog post speaks volumes as to your responsibility and your dedication to that responsibility. You and Heather will bring years of future blessings and much wisdom to your congregation.
ReplyDeleteBeing a pastor's daughter, I also watched as my dad learned from his congregation. Some lessons were harder than others, but all ended well.
Y'all will be a great asset to your parishioners, Larry, and I wish you and Heather the very best. God's blessings on you as you do His service.
Thanks, Sharen :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, Larry, this brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful picture of the church as a living, loving relationship. Thanks so much for sharing!
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