It has been a while since I last posted. Since then several things have been going on…
I am finishing up my interim position at a church close to Montgomery, AL after eight months. The congregation has called a pastor which means I have one more Sunday to preach before the previous Pastor and I do an installation service for the congregation. This is a good thing as it affirms the new minister with a blessing of the congregation.
I am also putting the final touches on the first Redemption Ministry Pastor’s Retreat which is scheduled for the second week in January 2016. I have purposefully chosen to keep it small for intimacy and encouragement’s sake. It will take place on a Sunday night through Thursday morning. The participants include a Church of Christ pastor, a PCA-Presbyterian Pastor, a Baptist worship leader, and a bi-vocational pastor along with myself. Each participant has endured struggles the past year and my prayer is that they will be blessed and encouraged.
I presently have 29 ministers I keep up with on a regular basis. They all have unique issues and praises that come along with being in ministry. One was recently called to a new position in West Alabama… another retired… one is 60+, had surgery, his wife has health issues, and it is difficult for him to find a ministry position. Then I have recently heard of several congregations who ended the relationship with their pastor… which always saddens my heart and yet it gives me opportunity to pray more.
I hope to be more faithful in posting for those who may be interested… and for my own catharsis. I agree with Paul… “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”
Blessings
Mr Ron, I just wanted to take the time and thank you for stepping up and filling in through our transition. I appreciate your words of wisdom, advice and encouragement not only to our church congregation but to our families. I pray many blessings for you, your family and your ministry through and for Jesus Christ.
God bless you Jimette! It has been my joy to be there the last several months. I will miss you all, but will continue to pray regularly. There is a part of me that is jealous of Brad, but I’m confident he will lead NHBC well for God’s glory. See you Sunday
I so enjoy your posts and know that your Pastors retreat will be encouraging and strengthening for those who attend. Thank you for your words of comfort and truth shared with those of us who are fortunate enough to receive them.
Better late than never! Thank God for your ministries! Crooked Creek Baptist Church, Silver Creek, MS is praying, preparing and praising forward, as Redemption Ministries joins us in October for a Fall Church Renewal Weekend! We want to thank the Ethridge family for their willingness to sacrifice a weekend away from hisband, daddy and grandpa, Ron.
Dr. Dave,
Transitional Pastor, Consultant & Ex. Dir.
“Living the Logos” Ministries
Philippines 1:21