The Times They Are A-Changin’

by Pastor Al

Change is sometimes a difficult thing to embrace. Whether it’s growing older or the various responsibilities of life, all of us pine at some point for the "good ol’ days." I think we sometimes gloss over the fact those days may not have been as good as we remember. Somewhere Bob Dylan sings that "the times they are a-chaaangin!’"

We all know that change is not necessarily bad, it can just be hard because of the unknowns. Change is inevitable, it will happen, and it is best faced by trusting God and remembering He is sovereign over eternity, which, by the way, includes your future.

So, bring on the changes, right? This year, as many of you are aware, I was asked to rejoin the Elder Council at Chatham Bible Church. After prayer and conversation with my wife, we decided it would be good for me to do. We also agreed with the elders that some part of my ministry should be shifted, allowing for others to get involved in Student Ministries at Chatham so I am able to take on the extra duties as an elder.

Junior high was identified as the ministry where I would be able to hand over the day-to-day responsibilities to someone else. Arriving there was not easy. This is something I have been heavily involved in since joining the Chatham staff in 1997. Initially I was conflicted. Of course, I am sure a good portion of that was my pride, since this has been part of my ministry for so long. Yet I was able to see that this could be a great thing for everyone.

So, starting in September, Matt Heironimus assumed the weekly leadership of junior high youth group. I will not be completely removed, as Matt and I plan to meet twice a month to discuss the group. I will still give oversight, but in more of a management way.

Please pray for this transition, and for Ben, Jan, Jenny and Matt as they continue to lead our junior
high students.

Of course, changes sometimes come in bunches, and this time that is the case. Over the past year we have seen an increase of high school guys come to Chatham. Many are looking for a place to fit in, and their worlds don’t offer them much. Quite a few of them have latched on to Chatham as their church home and all have heard the good news of Jesus. Maybe you have seen some of them, because when the doors of the church are open they’re here. One student told me he is accepted, even though he does not believe in the saving message of Christ. He went on to say that this church loves him.

As my responsibilities shift in junior high ministry, I see a need to purposefully mentor/disciple/evangelize these senior high guys. I do not know what this looks like yet, but stay tuned, because things they are a-changin.’ Please pray for me, and for the senior high youth sponsors, Christy, Sarah, Cherie, Kathy, Andrew and Andrea.