5 minute read
Profiles of Perseverance
Pastoring in a Pandemic
PASTORAL MINISTRY IS HARD - it got really hard in 2020 – really, really hard. But - pure joy? Really? A glimpse into the hearts of three pastors shows us how we can…Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
A Prisoner of Hope (ZECHARIAH 9:12)
“That was the worst sermon ever,” said Pastor Ismael Flores (’00), as he walked off the stage after the first virtual Sunday service at South Austin (TX) Church of the Nazarene. That was March of 2020 and the SNU alum was navigating the uncharted, unprecedented shutdown of in-person worship. Pastor Flores relates that it took him about three weeks to feel some level of comfort in preaching to only a camera. But with the dedication of a volunteer tech crew, they persevered. As with all congregations, there were challenges early on related to connectivity and finances, but “as our people became more familiar with online worship, and by offering several ways to give, our church community has continued their excellent support of the ministry of Iglesia Sur Austin,” he said.
As a result of live streaming their services, Pastor Flores saw an exciting trend of viewers joining online for services from across their state, the nation and several Central and South American countries. But, how to connect? How do you disciple this new ‘online’ church? There were faith-building times as their teens worshiped together on Zoom, and times of great sadness as many in their children’s ministry suffered from the lack of a hug from their workers and being with friends.
Through it all, Pastor Flores testifies to the great faithfulness of God as He has worked in their midst. “Like the prophet Zechariah, I am a ‘prisoner of hope’ because the hope of Jesus in these strange and difficult times gives me the strength to persevere.”
Pastor Ismael Flores ('00)
See, I am Doing A New Thing (ISAIAH 43:19)
For Pastor B.J. Keeter (’04) the past year has been a season of new things and new ways of doing the old, familiar things. “I know that I spent more time in the sound booth in March of 2020 than I had in the previous 20 years combined!” he said. But Pastor B.J. is quick to add that the blessing of serving an authentic Christian community, as he describes Van Buren (AR) First Nazarene, is how the people genuinely love one another. This, he said, has been crucial to successfully navigating the seemingly constant changes and challenges. “Perhaps, before this new context, we would have struggled with change – and maybe some are hoping to eventually ‘return to normal’, but I feel many are looking forward to new and better ways of making disciples of Jesus Christ.”
He added, “It’s God’s Kingdom and God’s church. I do well when I keep this reminder before me. Though we may have needed a little push to take on these new challenges, God is working in many new ways because we have responded missionally. When I am feeling the heaviness and stress of difficult days, I am reminded that I am merely the servant and not the master – and our heavenly Father really is good, and the gospel really is good news!”
Pastor B.J. ('04) & Rachel (Bervig) ('04) Keeter
Let us not become weary in doing good
(GALATIANS 6:9)
“How do I adequately explain what Renovation Community (Ft. Worth, TX) really is? We’re: part emergency housing shelter, part homeless ministry, part food/clothing/furniture pantry, ‘incubator’ for new ethnic churches, community center, summer day camp and feeding program, summer mission trip destination (before Covid-19), and church,” said Pastor Chris Branigan (’07) of his unique ministry. “The pandemic has had devastating consequences for many we serve. When you’re already living paycheck-to-paycheck, the slightest wage disruption can cause a crisis.”
When Pastor Chris arrived in 2013, the former Wedgwood Nazarene was still operating as Grace Tabernacle, but changes in the area and the expense of maintaining a very large building had overwhelmed the tiny congregation. It closed and restarted as Renovation Community to minister to the needs of the neighborhood. Pastor Chris says of the current ministry model, “On paper, it’s not sustainable…and yet, God continues to sustain us!” He continued, “I’m not interested in making ‘sustainable’ decisions. I’m interested in making ‘obedient’ decisions and, as we obey God, God sustains us. He’s a better Sustainer than you or I could imagine.”
Pastor Chris Branigan ('07) & Family
So, where is the pure joy James is talking about?
Pastor Flores says, “One of the best calls I received was from a lady who, in response to our sermon series on the book of Acts, said, ‘Pastor, I have been reading my Bible and I get it!’” Pastor Keeter reflected, “A blessing I have found is that we have learned to be flexible, and to count what really matters.” And Pastor Chris Branigan summed it up this way: “And what of our church and my family? Who looks out for us if we’re so busy looking out for others? God. God looks out for us. He knows our every need and gladly makes provision for His plans in our lives.”
Three pastors of the many thousands who faithfully serve Christ, and us, around the globe - and count it pure joy as they face trials and persevere to share the Gospel. Let’s pray for them, love them, and share in their joy!
