search.noResults

search.searching

dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
the church as Elders. Humility, hon- esty, and love are lived out as they study God’s Word, pray together, visit, lead in aspects of worship, and give leadership in our many small groups each week. Another value that was deter-


mined for Lake Placid as we under- took the Church Revitalization pro- cess was that as we grew larger as a congregation, we also needed to grow smaller. Our small group min- istry was launched to see the faithful, but small, number of members grow- ing together in faith at mid-week Bi- ble study and multiplied in a greater way throughout the congregation. The small group ministry immedi- ately doubled the number of people regularly meeting together for prayer, Bible study and fellowship. And they were excited about what God was do- ing in their lives! Small group ministry has multi-


plied and become part of the DNA for discipleship in Lake Placid. There are now over 350 people gathered weekly in these groups. Our Elders and Deacons are vitally connected to this ministry. Over half of the groups benefit from the message on the Lord’s Day by making use of weekly sermon summaries and discussion questions to dig further into the text considered. Since we tend to preach through books of the Bible, they are learning together how to “rightly di- vide the Word of truth,” and make real-life application for daily living to intentionally “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Healthy churches know that


the Word of God is our source of spiritual nourishment. As Mod- erator Gordon Query emphasized to the General Synod during his term of leadership, God’s Word is “indispensable” both for “Build- ing Healthy Churches and Birth- ing Healthy Christians.” Healthy churches increasingly understand and receive God’s Word as “indis- pensable” for faith and practice with one another, and before the world. Dr. Holmes took note of an espe-


cially healthy relationship in the lead- ership with Lake Placid. Our Associ- ate Pastor Drew Severance came to


8


serve the Lord and the people of this congregation almost 21 years ago. When leadership is shared, differences are respected, strengths are celebrated, and the common goal of glorifying God in all things is steadily upheld as of first impor- tance. The health of the church is greatly enhanced. In the Old Testament, Moses was provided assistance in leadership through


Aaron and Hur (Exodus 17:12). Moses was growing weary in the battle. His ministry was not diminished, but enhanced, with shared godly leadership. In Exodus 18, Jethro encourages Moses to share leadership in order to better serve the people under his care. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul partnered in ministry with Silas and Timothy, among others. Was it always or easy? Did every aspect of it go well? No. But God really does not call us to go it alone. It is easy to grow weary, discouraged, inward focused, suspicious, impatient, and even angry when left to ourselves. These traits do not foster healthy churches. One significant aspect of the spiritual health and vitality enjoyed in Lake


Placid is fortified by the relationship shared between the Pastors. Having a brother with which to regularly pray together, discuss Scripture, think, plan and evaluate, and share every aspect of life in ministry, is a treasure. It is a bless- ing to the Pastors and a blessing for the health of the church. It is not always easy. Egos can get in the way. Real differences have to be worked through. But all this happens when the first commitment is to the Lord Jesus Christ as King and Head of His Church. Pastors can then delight in seeing one another thrive in ministry. Drew and I know that what we have is a rare and precious gift. We value


one another. Even when we do not agree, we know that we are for one another. That colors everything else. Healthy churches are blessed by leaders who are not alone in ministry. While most of our congregations do not have the oppor- tunity of multiple staff, where there is that opportunity it is very much worth being protected and nurtured. The Elders can play a key role in cultivating and protecting the health of pastoral relationships. That has certainly been the case in Lake Placid. In the common case of Ministers serving in solo situations, healthy relation-


ships with the Elders is critically important. Sessions that invest time knowing their Pastor and regularly praying for him and his family, and praying together, will play a critical role in nurturing the health of the church. Pastors who hon- estly and earnestly share their life with the Elders are likely to find a band of brothers who will go the distance with them, for the glory of God and the health of Christ’s Church. After a few years in Lake Placid, there was an approach regarding a call to


another congregation. Talking with respected professors from Erskine Seminary I asked when one might know it was time to move. The answer that has shaped our time in Lake Placid is, “when the work is finished.” So far, it is not finished. This long view for ministry in the vineyard in which the Lord has placed us has kept Drew and I focused on opportunities before us right here. We have asked the Lord to help us not become distracted. Stability has been a significant part of seeing God build a healthy church in Lake Placid. Building Healthy Churches calls for all the leadership to build “on the foun-


dation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Yet knowing that God has always raised up leaders for His people, we have been blessed by people who pray for their leaders, who active- ly love one another, who do not encourage pettiness, who do not hold grudges, and who delight to be a part of a healthy church. Drew and I would both strongly encourage Pastors to diligently serve the


congregation where God has called you to serve. Love, pray for and feed your people well. And with godly humility and conviction, stay where you are, until your work is finished.?


Ray Cameron is the pastor of Lake Placid ARP Church. The Associate Reformed Presbyterian


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32