by Geoff Holsclaw
Co-Pastor: Life on the Vine

The last 9 months have been a roller-coaster: for me personally and congregationally.  But God always brings the right people along at the right time.  This has been the major revelation for me/us this year.

When the Lord called away one of our co-pastors we were, understandably, left with a big vacuum.  Rather than immediately going out and finding someone to fill his shoes, we decided to just wait, listen, and observe how Christ might be leading us in this new time.  So we entered an extended transitional time as a congregation.

But immediately some holes that were left, or created from reassigning duties, were filled.  As our children’s minister moved to fill certain pastor roles that had been opened up, a young couple jumped right in and continued to breath life into the discipleship of our children.  Three gifted preachers were identified and utilized (we share the pulpit here).  And a talented musician helped me organize the worship ministry as I shifted some of my duties, and two other gifted leaders helped keep us organized and connected.  So we have been blessed and cared for in this transition.  And not only that, but during this time of transition God has confirmed the long-term ministry of two from among us who will shortly join our pastoral team.

In all these little ways, and the big ones also, I have learned again how great is the Father’s love for us: that He never leaves us without what we need, if we will just wait and listen, and respond in faith.  So, although I have felt somewhat scrambled every which way, along with many in our congregation, our journey home as been filled with great people, i.e. the Family of God.  As I say around the Table, “God has not left us alone, but have provided everything for us.”

Love on the Vine:   lifeonthevine.org
Geoff’s Blog:   geoffreyholsclaw.net