Core values are the deeply ingrained principles that guide a church’s actions and serve as its cultural cornerstones. Last Sunday we looked at our church’s first core value, truth. While the world argues that there is no truth, the church is in fact called to be a pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). ABC is committed to lifting up the lamp so that others may see it. This week, we’ll be shifting our attention to our second core value, grace.
I encourage you to prioritize being here for this sermon series. I believe our church will only be able to fulfill our vision if we first commit to some shared core values. ABC’s vision is to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world. However, we cannot light up anything if we do not have the same values that will guide us. I hope you plan to join us this Sunday and invite a friend.
I also would love for you to save the date for a special worship service on Sunday April 30th at 5pm. As you heard last Sunday, we are planning to ordain Nathan Wood into the Gospel ministry that day. Nathan serves as our student minister, and I’ve watched him lead well in ministry for over 10 years. He has preached faithfully from our pulpit multiple times, and I believe God has made it clear that He has gifted Nathan and called him into pastoral service.
Our church will have an opportunity to come alongside Nathan to affirm that calling. Pastoral ordination is a special moment where the local church is given the privilege to set apart a man for kingdom service. Paul told Timothy “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1-2).
Part of the church’s job is to call out the called. We will do this through our ordination service for Nathan. He will stand in front of the church to communicate his calling in ministry, and we’ll have a special time of prayer as we lay hands on Nathan and commit his life to the Lord’s work. Just like a deacon’s ordination service, a pastoral ordination service is also a special and sacred moment in the life of any church.
I encourage you to be a part of this moment in Nathan’s life and encourage him with your presence and your words. I’m praying that God will continue to work through him to build up our church family, and I’m looking forward to seeing how God will use him for years to come.
I can’t wait to see you this Sunday to unpack value #2. Lift up the truth through word and deed this week, and I will see you in worship this weekend.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 