Josh Moody

Senior Pastor

Charles Dickens’ famous introductory line—“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”—has rarely seemed more apropos. Let me use that quotation to frame my report this year.

First, “the best of times.” This last year we have seen God’s remarkable faithfulness to us in many ways. The pastoral team that the Lord has put together is really extraordinary. I see what they do on a daily basis and marvel at their commitment to Jesus and to you the church. You are well served by godly staff. Similarly, the Elder Council is a very high-level group of servants who lead on their knees with passion for Jesus and the wisdom of maturity and experience. I am very grateful for Mark Taylor and his excellent chairmanship of the Council. The Deacons and Deaconesses have served with commitment as people filled with the Spirit and wisdom. The Missions Board is also ably led and has continued to dive into the work of missions globally with real insight and ongoing gospel focus. My thanks to Anson Johnson, chair of the Deacons; Gail Pflederer, chair of the Deaconesses; and Brad Bailey, chair of the Board of Missions, for their work during an amazing year. On and on I could go—College Church, you are well served by your leaders. Honor such men and women and respect them for their service among you. In addition, the church as a whole seems to be thriving. One data point, though certainly not the only one, that has indicated this is the above-and-beyond generosity of God’s people this year. Throughout the year (up until COVID-19 hit), we have been above budget. Our giving levels have been higher and better than at any time in the last twenty years. This bespeaks a love for the Lord beyond mere material possessions, and it tells a good gospel story of God’s work at College Church.

But then, we must also be real and frank, for we have faced not only the best of times but also “the worst of times.” Who could have predicted that we would be in an ongoing (as I write) global lockdown because of the pandemic? Our bylaws, our structure of our ministries, our predictions and plans, have all been tested by the unforeseen challenges related to this virus.

Yet God is sovereign. And in the midst of such challenges, his light shines brighter against the darkness. Our tech team has done wonders bringing us all online. I see what they do, how hard they work, and with what expertise. Similarly, our pastors, directors, and volunteer lay leaders have brought their ministries online too. Thousands of people are watching our streaming services, and thousands more are visiting our website and engaging with the gospel through our online ministries. When the world is on lockdown, God’s Word is not chained! In his mysterious sovereignty, God weaves together crisis with Christlikeness, uses pain and suffering to lead to renewed vigor and flourishing, and from death brings new life through the resurrection power of Christ. Who knew that we would be facing this pandemic? But also, who knows what God will do through it to cause people all around the world to turn back to him! May it be so.

I write to you as your pastor, with prayers and love, as we together “proclaim the gospel.”