BACK AT IT!
We took a family vacation and were gone the last couple of Wednesdays, but we’re back at it and picking back up with our Romans series. What a refreshing time our break was, and I was thankful for the many guest preachers that we had throughout the month. I also enjoyed the churches that we were able to go visit, but it’s nice to be home and nice to be back in the pulpit again.
I love preaching. But I also loved the break! Bro. Alex was talking to someone the other day about church staff taking vacation time, and he was surprised that they treated the ministry like a “job” and needed a break. “After all, you only work one day a week,” as the idea goes. We had a good chuckle about that, but I know that idea is out there. That’s why I try to share progress updates on what the church staff is doing throughout the week.
This week, we finalized the decorations shed outside and started moving Bro. Alex’s office. We did some visits and counseling, planned the Preaching Rally coming up in February, planned the Missions Revival coming up in the fall, and worked on camp details like ride assignments, counseling plans, where to load luggage, ordering t-shirts, and all the other stuff we’re doing camp-wide since we’re the host church (orders of service, picking up the preacher from the airport, coordinating all the churches, etc.). All that while launching our ladies’ Bible study and doing sermon prep. That’s neither a brag nor a complaint. In fact, I love it! But if you sat in on a staff meeting with us on Mondays, you’d see that it’s not just a “one day a week” job. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, breaks are good. And needed. We don’t live for them, but my wife and I were certainly ready for it when we left. I’m so, so thankful for you, church, allowing us to go. I realize a vacation is not a right, and I’m grateful for your generous giving to the Lord to allow us to take care of our church staff so well. Thank you so much for giving to the Lord.
Let’s get back at it!
–Pastor Ryan