This Sunday, our Worship Leader Jonathan Davis wlll be preaching in my absence.  We've never broadcasted that information before, since sometimes people in churches use it as an excuse not to come to church when the Pastor is gone.  But this week I am letting you know for a specific purpose. 

I want to let each of you know how glad I am that we have a congregation where young staff can be nurtured.  Jonathan is nearly finished with his Master's degree and has a long ministry ahead of him.  Every time he gets the opportunity to preach, he becomes one step closer to finding who he is as a follower of Jesus, as a preacher and as a worship leader.  That's a gift that we give him when we are patient and encouraging to him.  

I had that kind of congregation when I was starting out.  They allowed me to explore and try new things.  Some worked.  Some didn't.  But I was nurtured by people who saw potential in me even when I made mistakes.  If I had not had an environment like that, I probably would not be here today!  

I believe God brought Jonathan here for many reasons, but one among them is to give him a safe place to explore, practice and learn about ministry.  I also believe God brought him here to challenge and bless us as well.  Jonathan is already praying that God will give Him something to say this Sunday that will be a blessing to you and I know God will be faithful!

So this week, I want to ask you to make an intentional effort to worship under Jonathan's leadership.  I want to invite you to make it a point to be in worship with open hearts and a desire to sing, pray, learn and encourage each other.    Worship still happens when the pastor is out of town.  Worship happens when the band doesn't play your favorite song in your favorite key.  Worship even happens during simple acts like teaching the children at children's time, giving of yourself in an offering, and offering a warm cup of coffee to a new face on Sunday morning.  In fact, worship has less to do with warm fuzzies and feel good music or sermons, than it does with the people of God bowing their knee to the God who gives us all life and love and breath!

Thanks for being the kind of church that 'gets' that.  Thanks for being a church that embraces one another and helps one another grow!  And especially, thanks for being the kind of church that provides a space for our staff to learn and grow.  Maybe I should say . . . Thanks for being The Watershed!

I won't see you this Sunday, but I will see you the next as we go serve the community for Kindness Explosion! 

matt