An Open Letter to Pastors and Laity

To Our Co-Laborers in Christ:

Have you ever thought of expressing thanks to someone, but never got around to doing it? You had the best intentions but failed to take action.

Noted scholar and writer William Arthur Ward expressed it this way: "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone."

The Board of General Superintendents has undoubtedly been guilty of "silent gratitude." Hardly a day goes by without our feeling deep appreciation for our faithful pastors and dedicated laity. Clergy are ministering in the name of Jesus-sometimes in dangerous circumstances. Think of the countless acts of volunteer ministry by laypersons that are energizing the local church and impacting scores of lives and communities. It is through their prayers and financial stewardship that local ministry is undertaken and the worldwide mission of the Church of the Nazarene is continually expanded.

The true reach of the Church is immeasurable.

Too often there is a failure to recognize and communicate what this means to the church and to the Kingdom. This "open letter" is an attempt to express to our wonderful Nazarene family the gratitude that is carried in the heart of each general superintendent. Thank you, dear pastors and beloved people!

God is leading the way into the Nazarene future through evangelistic opportunities while helping us overcome economic challenges. This is all the more reason to pray and trust Him for everything that is needed to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness throughout the lands.

We are moving ahead as a holiness and great commission church-and you are helping to make this vision a reality.

The words of Paul best convey our hearts:  

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart" (Philippians 1:3-7a).

With much appreciation,

Board of General Superintendents
Church of the Nazarene

bgs@nazarene.org

Holiness Today, September/October 2010

 

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