Pastor Martin's Message for November 2009

The gifts (Jesus) gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" Ephesians 4:11-12

While growing up, my parents introduced me to a variety of hobbies to learn what I was interested in and also what I had gifts and abilities for. There were a variety of musical instruments that I would learn how to play: an accordion (a must with my last name), baritone horn and finally the tuba in high school. There w also a variety of organizations I was involved with: the Cub Scouts and the church's youth group. I also learned what sports I was good in, track and field in running the sprints, and what sports I wasn't good in, hearing "strike three, you're out!" with problems with the hand and eye coordination and baseball. Throughout my growing up, and still to this day, I appreciate the opportunities I have had and continue to have to expand my interests, gifts and abilities. While in seminary, I took the Myers Briggs Personality Test, which has greatly helped me understand my strengths and abilities, along with my weaknesses and struggles. All that my parents and other people have provided have helped me be the best that I can be in the interests, gifts and abilities our Creator has given to me.

As each of us have our own variety of interests, gifts and abilities that our Creator has given to us, so does each congregation in all the many ways we are called by Jesus to be "building up the body of Christ." Recently, through the Resurging Bethany Spirit Problem Solving Group #2, Pastor Bill Gafkjen, an assistant to Bishop Jim Stuck, came to help us look to new mission and vision for Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Gafkjen used Mark Lau Branson's books, "Memories, Hopes and Conversations" and the "Appreciative Inquiry" to help us find what we do well as a congregation and what we are best at. Branson's "Appreciative Inquiry" focuses not on a problem solving process, but rather on a more positive focus upon what we are really good at as a congregation. Through the Cottage Meeting Report and the Resurging Bethany Spirit Report, Pastor Gafkjen gave to us a brief summary of what we are good at as a congregation. From these interests, gifts and abilities we have as a congregation, we worked to put together recommendations or "Provocative Proposals" where we could go with new mission and vision for the congregation, especially now as you are in the call process for a new pastor, As we prayerfully look for a new mission and vision as a congregation we need to be thankful for the many people who were a part of the Cottage Meetings and Resurging Bethany Spirit Process What you have shared will help shape where Bethany will go with new mission and vision as a body of Christ. In the weeks to come, everyone will have the opportunity to prayerfully consider what we do well as a congregation and make recommendations or "Provocative Proposals" that will help enhance the mission and the ministry of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, as we continue to be "building up the Christ body of Christ." May our Savior Jesus, who has given to us our interests, gifts. and abilities as individuals and as a congregation, continue to bless our prayerful consideration as we take the leap of faith and look and act upon new ways we can share Jesus' love and salvation, using what we are good at and what we do best!

Pastor Martin