It was a joy to have William Beckham preach for us on Sunday. Though he is not a member of our congregation, he is a faithful member of another solid church that meets about 20 miles northeast of our meeting place, and he desires to pursue full-time pastoral ministry.

A vital part of any church is the call to raise up and send out new pastors. As Paul instructed Timothy:

• 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 2:2).

We will see a picture of this in our sermon text this Sunday when Jesus sends out the twelve apostles two by two to proclaim the gospel (Mark 6:7-13).

In the life of any given church, there are seasons when there will be a larger population of staff pastors, non-staff elders, and others who desire to preach God’s Word to God’s people on Sunday mornings, and seasons when there are fewer who feel called and gifted to this particular area of service to the body. Churches that find themselves in the later category are uniquely able to contribute to the great commission by partnering with churches in the former category, inviting men like Will who desire to pursue pastoral ministry to come preach.

This is an excellent way for us to advance Christ’s kingdom on earth. I pray we are all able to see and to be excited about the various ways that partnerships like this bless each congregation involved.

• The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer [i.e., pastor/elder], he desires a noble task. (1 Timothy 3:1)

May the Lord continue His work of raising up new pastors/elders/overseers (1 Pet 5:1-3) from within our congregation, and may He bless our efforts to partner with other local churches to help equip and affirm those being called to the “noble task” of shepherding God’s flock through the weekly proclamation of God’s Word.

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Evan