A WORD FROM OUR DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

Sisters and Brothers of the Farmville District, 

     One of my favorite stories from the birth narrative of Jesus from Matthew 2 is the story of the wise men. It is an awesome story how Jesus is revealed to the Gentiles for the first time by some wise men (Persian priests) that specialized in the interpretation of stars. It was believed in first century when a new star appeared – a great leader had been born. This star was worthy of pursuing. The star led them on a journey and they were willing to go without counting the cost. They set out not knowing where they were going, how long it would take to get there, how they would be received, did not know what this new king/leader looked like, or if they would ever return home. Yet, they made the journey.
Christians, we are on a similar journey. The difference for many of us in our culture is before taking a journey we have a tendency to count the cost. If the cost is too high or low we will not go. Before embarking on a journey normally everything has to be right. Are we willing to make the journey? As with the wise men our journey requires faith. We do not know where this journey will lead us, who or what we will encounter on this journey, but we do know that God will be with us.
We are living in a crucial time in the life of the church. Some recent statistics I have read does not give us encouraging news: “lowest worship attendance in Christian churches in the United States”, and “less than 10% of older adults have an active relationship with God or the church.”
After completing my first round of charge conferences, the Farmville District churches support very well social ministries (missions), but as far as making disciples of Jesus many of our churches are complacent and satisfied with the status quo. I do not like being the district superintendent of a dying district and by the grace of God together we can change our status from complacency to vital. Every church needs to make new disciples of Jesus. Every church should at least have one profession of faith every year. In order to change our culture of ministry, we must hold ourselves accountable. Will you agree to hold each other accountable?
So sisters and brothers, we are on a journey. We serve a God who has NO limits. Like the wise men who journeyed to find the new king, let us journey to make new disciples of Jesus Christ.

Blessings,