“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19 NLT
Many of you know that prior to becoming pastor of Resurrection I was a district superintendent. District superintendents serve on the bishop’s cabinet to help make pastoral appointments and guide the Minnesota Annual Conference. They also take special responsibility for guiding, supporting, and encouraging the churches and pastors of their district. Resurrection Church is in the River Bluffs district which encompasses the southeast portion of the state. Our present district superintendent is Rev. Michelle Hargrave.
Recently, it was announced that we are going to get a new district superintendent–or rather two new district superintendents. Rev. Gordon Deuel and Rev. Kirkland Reynolds are going to be sharing the position while also remaining half-time in their current churches. Gordon is a church-planting pastor with Crossroads UMC in Elko-New Market and Kirkland is Executive Pastor at Christ UMC in Rochester. In trying this new approach to superintendency, the hope is to create a model that is more relational, sustainable, and close to the life of local congregations. Gordon and Kirkland both bring unique gifts that together will bless our district.
I’ve already heard from some of my clergy colleagues wondering how this is going to work. We’ve never done it this way before. Trying new things can be scary. But God is a God of both continuity and new things.
What new things might God be calling Resurrection to try this year? How might God inspire you to try new things that will bless others and increase your faith?
Stay warm,
Pastor Mark