I try not to dwell on the past too much. I can’t change it and it can sometimes get me down. So, let me just say briefly, we’ve had a short season of rough roads to travel. 

Enough of that. Now let me tell you what I really want you to hear…  that in the midst of it all, I have seen and heard God’s encouragement to me and to our church. Naturally, I see most of that in our Music Ministry, but I’ll mention a few non-musical things that caught my attention along the way. My point is that God has not wanted me – or us – to feel low and sad. Rather than feeling doused with a bucket of ice water, I see God encouraging us in warm and wonderful ways. 

Let me back up to August for a first look at God’s encouragement. We had a wonderful and fruitful Choir Charge at the end of the month with great participation, much excitement and quite a bit of musical work accomplished. I heard God encouraging us to move forward and look to the future even when questions were circling. We also welcomed new choir members and had more folks than ever helping the whole weekend function smoothly. It was God’s encouragement in working together for his glory. Skip ahead five months – we have a mini retreat this weekend. We have more new members that have recently joined. I have helpers ready and willing to make things run smoothly. I hear and see God at work in knitting the fabric of our ministry. I might also add that for the last five months I have heard God’s encouragement in the hard work, growth and improvement of our Sanctuary Choir. 

I have also heard God encouraging me with the faithful singers who have shown up week after week whether our numbers were large or small; no matter the climate around us. God encouraged all of us to be one choir and one church, singing God’s message for one reason. The fervor we had for moving forward and carrying that message week after week was because of God’s encouragement. And then, seeing that in one another, encouraged us individually. 

Early in January, the Sanctuary Choir gathered for a New Year’s Party. That may not sound like a typical God moment, but it was. We had a record attendance and so many people brought spouses and friends. That is a testament to joy in the Lord and joy in their excitement about sharing the gift of music. To me, it was a visible encouragement from God that he is with us and blessing us along the way. It was a word of encouragement that we are headed for greater things. 

And just last Sunday, I was working with our Children’s Choir. Nothing extravagant, just working on making beautiful sounds and their willingness and immediate improvement were so encouraging for us. God was in that, encouraging us and saying, “well done!” 

By the way, have you noticed that you, the congregation, are really singing bigger and better than ever each week? I hear God’s encouragement in your voices. 

Now let me just mention a few non-musical things in which I have heard, seen, or felt God’s encouragement. He is cheering me to keep on keeping on. He is reminding me that He is in control and I need not have fears or doubts. 

Where to begin? I think I want to mention our Alpha class. The excitement about the class and the good news I kept hearing about their time together was God whispering encouragement to my ears. Also, I continue to hear about folks coming to worship, but then wanting to find connection with us in ways of discipleship or missions.  

And speaking of worship, can you feel the great spirit of the body of Christ connecting to the Spirit of God? It is marvelous and palpable and I feel God tapping me on the shoulder with the encouraging word to move forward for him. I also just heard numbers for new members in 2022. Amazing! And we are off to a great start this year. Great starts reminds me that we have quite a few new folks on our leadership team and I’ve already heard from several of them who are really excited about their work. Just the questions they’ve asked and enthusiasm they’ve shared with me in the last week has been incredible encouragement. God is encouraging me to believe in the success of our church and His Church; encouraging me to think bigger and dream bigger for us. 

I also just want to mention, before closing, my colleagues. They’re great folks. I think you probably know that. But you may not know the encouragement they give one another and, for that, I am grateful. God is using them to encourage me. Finally, I am grateful for John Wayne. I see it as God’s encouragement that he was here with us and ready to lead. And I am exceedingly grateful for the care he takes over our staff. 

Finally, God is encouraging me through you. Your response to Sunday’s sermon tells me we are about to see everyone take all the good stuff happening inside these walls to everyone outside these walls. That’s kingdom building and that is most encouraging. 

And now I encourage you to watch and listen for God’s encouragement to you! 

Blessings,

Craig Stephan

Music Director