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From the President: Roy M. Allebach
I believe that the book of Ephesians presents a beautiful picture of pastoral ministry in the church. The opening chapter is a wonderful greeting to the saints that expresses God’s deep love for them. Building upon that loving relationship, Paul continues on in chapter four explaining: “And He himself (Jesus) gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and some pastors and teachers…”
These ministry gifts are to be a reflection of that loving relationship and an example for believers as they live and worship together. Everything is built upon Christ our example – the cornerstone. Our life in him is by His grace, through faith, and thus the mystery is revealed in and through believers. What makes the book of Ephesians even more amazing is that Paul wrote the letter while imprisoned in Rome!
An important truth is found in verse seventeen of chapter three, which states: “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Understanding the love of God is important to our message of the cross and Christ’s shed blood, and it is in love that we grow and mature in Him.
What does it mean to be “rooted and grounded in love? For pastors, next to our love for God, people need to sense our love relationship with them, as their shepherd. We should reflect the same care for people as Jesus did. He knows the hairs on our heads as well as our individual names.
In a recent article about shepherds and sheep in
Israel, the author
related that shepherds named their sheep -- each one had their own name.
Furthermore, statistics show that in ministry or business, good
relationships stand as 85% of the success formula. The only reason we
should be in ministry is to demonstrate through the power of the Holy
Spirit, our love for God and His people – bound together with chords that
cannot be broken. Time and time again, Paul highlights the importance of
Love. In
I firmly believe that the key to church growth is love. Love will cause church leaders and congregation to flow in unity. In that love, pastors need to have a vision for the present and the long term. They should surround themselves with men and women who will support them in that vision, and in a loving relationship listen and acknowledge input from the elders, deacons and congregation. It is this loving relationship that will cause people to feel that they are an important part of the body, and to the fulfillment of the vision.
Praying, fellowshipping, eating, and attending events together will strengthen our relationship as a body of believers, as will joining together in giving of tithes and offerings. Local churches should work together with other ministries in the community, and of course, have a strong missions outreach both locally and worldwide. To fulfill Christ’s commission, we must be in unity and heed His command to: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
After 16 years as GCMF President, this will be my final “From the President” article. Last year was a difficult year for our family, as Verna was admitted to the hospital on three different occasions. As a result, there were times when my travel plans were changed so I could stay home with her. Through it all, God has been faithful to our family.
Today, Verna’s health is restored and I am blessed to have her by my side again. As I move into my role as President Emeritus, it is with confidence that I pass the baton of GCMF leadership to Eugene Weaver. As God gives me strength and opportunity, I will continue to minister and support Eugene as he leads GCMF into the future. Thank you for your love and prayers over the years. I will never forget our time together. |