Giving Thanks
We’ve had a lot going on at JVC lately—tough things, yes, but also some good things. Over the past weeks, I’ve felt a renewed sense of gratitude, responsibility, and anticipation.
I’m thankful for the privilege of serving at Jordan Valley Church. I’m almost twelve years in, and there still isn’t another church or place I’d rather be. I couldn’t ask for a better congregation to pastor. I’m thankful for the leaders God has blessed us with, who are willing to make sacrifices to serve this church and love you all. I’m thankful for God’s blessing on our church. I often tell people one of the things I love about our church is how we are people from all different backgrounds who have found a shared identity in Christ. As I look out each Sunday at your faces, that is what I see. Christ has brought us together, and he continues to hold us fast.
Another way in which God has blessed us is with our finances. Thirteen months ago, we didn’t have a building fund; today we have a building fund with $224,000 in it. We didn’t plan this, but God did. A year ago, we were struggling to meet our monthly giving goals, often falling a few thousand short; this year, we’ve met our monthly budget and then some. This means that, when the time is right, we’ll be able to hire a second pastor to help with our growing ministry needs.
In the past few months, I’ve also been humbled by the ways you all have sacrificially cared for each other, particularly the more vulnerable members of our community. God has blessed our church, and as we enter this new year, let’s not forget to give thanks for God’s blessing.
I enter this year with a renewed sense of responsibility. When I started in ministry, I had big goals, but the longer I’m in ministry, the more I just want to finish well. I’m honored to be your pastor, and I’ve been humbled by the ways in which you have trusted me. It has motivated me even more not to mess it up. I don’t want to take your trust lightly. It’s so easy for sin to work its way into pastors’ lives, especially when things are good. It seems almost every month I read about another pastor whose abusive behavior or moral failure has been exposed, and it reminds me how easy it is to start down a wrong path. Will you pray that I can finish well?
I also want to take seriously the call I have to shepherd you. As our church has grown, I’ve realized I can’t know everyone as I used to, or as I want to. I’m thankful for great leaders who help shoulder this load, but I never want to get to a point where I’m isolated from you. I want to walk with you on this journey to know Christ; I want us all to carry the load together. I long for that day when, after these years together, we can see each other and our God in glory.
I enter this year with anticipation. We have a healthy church, and we have good momentum. I think, by God’s grace, we will see more people come to faith this year. One challenge with being in a place for a long time is that it’s easy to get complacent or lose your passion. I’ve wrestled with this, especially around the ten-year mark, but in the years since, I’ve felt God rebuilding my desire and eagerness for ministry here. As we enter 2025, I feel revived and eager to give myself to the ministry here, particularly to reach those who don’t know Jesus yet and to do my part in presenting our congregation, mature in Christ. I’m excited for what 2025 will hold.
In Christ,
Pastor Jon