The congregation of South Park Church voted to call me as their Senior Pastor this past Sunday. The outpouring of love and enthusiasm was humbling. The noise makers and firecrackers were over the top! I love you guys!
In the days that have followed, the weight of this responsiblity has sunk in. Since I was already serving as Interim Senior Pastor, I didn't expect to "feel" differently. But I've been aware of the seriousness of the commitment I've made to our church, our staff, my family, and God.
I returned this morning to something I journaled in July. It provides the perspective I want to keep. And I thought it was worth sharing.
As I candidate to become Sr. Pastor of SPC, it is such a blessing to be a steward not an owner. I am entrusted with God’s church. And I am stepping into a stream already flowing. If I was an owner, there would be tremendous pressure on my shoulders. And it would be profoundly personal for good and bad. But as a steward, I am accountable to God and elders and members. To me, that is freeing.
I do believe that God has set us free to run with Him. We've been rehabilitating and training in these past months. And now the race is about to begin. If you are a part of South Park Church, I hope you'll join that race in the following ways.
- Pray for our entire congregation to embrace God's future for us.
- Find a place to serve strategically.
- Invite friends and neighbors to our kickoff service on Sunday, September 13.
- Plan to attend our congregational meeting on Sunday, September 20, to hear our 5 year vision.
Congradulations Eric. Walt and I are so happy that the Church voted for this. May the Lord bless you and your family as you walk down the path of senior pastor. May he grant you the knowledge and understanding you will need. We will keep you in our prayers.
Posted by: Walt and Pat Modrzejewski | 08/27/2009 at 07:58 PM
Thank you Walt and Pat. Keep those prayers coming.
Posted by: Eric Flood | 08/28/2009 at 02:43 PM
Eric,
Congratulations on becoming senior pastor. Its a great step for our church. We have been coming to South Park for more than twenty years and we know this is a critical moment. We are excited about what God has for South Park under your leadership.
Steve Proctor
Posted by: Stephen Proctor | 08/29/2009 at 08:53 PM
Steve,
Thanks for the comment. There are a lot of reasons for excitement. God has assembled a great team here.
Eric
Posted by: Eric Flood | 09/07/2009 at 03:45 PM