The Weekly Epistle 6/30/21

“You can impress people from a distance, but you can only impact them up close.”  Likely, I have shared this quote before by Howard Hendricks.  It has a lot to do with my philosophy of ministry.  And when I think of Jesus’ time on earth there existed this tension between His time with the crowds, His time with a few, and His time alone.  
 
Jesus didn’t always shy away from the crowds.  We see in the life of Jesus that amidst the crowds he fed 5,000 people, taught them from the mountainside, shared parables from a boat to a crowd of people, and healed many as the “whole town” gathered outside the home of Simon’s mother-in-law.  Very impressive stuff!
 
Then there were those times that Jesus spent time with a few.  In Mark’s gospel it tells us that, “He appointed twelve- designating them apostles- that they might be with him” (Mark 3:14)  Jesus placed a high premium on being with a few people to impact them up close.  
 
Our greatest impact is when we spend time with people.  Do you have a few people you are intentional about leaving a lasting impact?  Of course, if you are married and have children, that would be your first sphere of influence.  But it should go beyond your children and grandchildren.  
 
This is what mentoring is all about.  The men’s study that begins on Saturday, July 10^th is addressing this great need in the church today.  It was my passion thirty-three years ago in my first full-time ministry and it continues to the ministry here at EBC.  Undoubtedly, you have heard my heart on this since serving here as pastor on July 1, 2015.  
 
This is not just for the men of the church, but also the women.  There are women at EBC who are spending time with other women in order to pass on life experiences, skills, God’s Word, and godly counsel on matters of everyday living.  The hope is to keep expanding our influence through mentoring relationships.  
 
Jesus spent time with people.  But we shouldn’t miss one other crucial aspect of Jesus’ ministry.  There were many times that Jesus broke from the crowds to be alone and pray.  On one occasion, as he was off praying by himself, Peter and his friends tracked Jesus down and said, “Everyone is looking for you!” (Mark 1:35-37).  In other words, “Jesus, you need to go where the people are to display your power…impress them with your power.”  
 
Jesus’ ministry to people meant that He found time alone from people.  If Jesus felt this need, how much more is it critical that we break away from people for time of prayer and refreshment?  The best thing we can give people is the fruit of our time spent with God!  If I am always available for people, I won’t be worth much when I am with them.  By no means, do I have this one all figured out!  God continues to challenge me about building in that personal space where I meet with God for His filling, His feeding of my soul, His refreshing of my body, mind, and spirit.  
 
Church, may God use you to impact the lives God has placed in your path this summer!  To Him be the glory in the church forever.  Amen.
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian