Relevance

People in today's culture choose a church based on relevance. What is a relevant topic? Forgiveness, faith in troubled times, Christian basics, family issues, God's will? Relevance is determined by what we are delaing with and what we are needing in our life. Relevance for teens and twenty year olds is influenced by packaging - does it look interesting and does it have buzz? Relevance for older people has to do with hope and stability- will this message carry me through my illness, my impending retirement, or the loss of my spouse? This week I plan to spend 48 hours praying over and planning for future sermon series. When God called me to preach the Word, I knew God wanted me to preach messages that spoke to Monday morning and not just Sunday at 11:00 a.m. So, let me know what would be relevant to your life. What do you want to hear me teach about? What would be relevant and speak to your questions, needs and struggles?

I count it a joy and privilege to guide the spiritual growth of this congregation. Pray for me as I wrestle with which scriptures and topics the Lord would call me to teach at this church. Preaching is a burden, a joy, a responsibility and an overwhelming experience. May God and this congregation find me faithful in proclaiming the mysteries and wonder of God's grace and goodness for all people. You are loved,

Richard