It was 45 years ago today, June 23, 1974 that my wife and I visited a church pastored by Alden Aikens. He had not only been one of my college professors, but my pastor for most of the time I had been in college.
Rev. Aikens had moved to Ontario, Canada shortly before my graduation and we were about to begin pastoral ministry the next Sunday, so we visited his church.
After the service we spoke with Rev. Aikens about what was about to be in our lives. He had two specific things to share with us that day. The first related to our relationships to congregations. In those days, the average stay for a pastor in our denomination in a church, was less than five years. Rev. Aiken’s incredibly wise advice was, “Remember, when you change churches, you do not change problems, only faces.” So, after 45 years we continue to pastor in only our third church.
Perhaps, had I remembered Rev. Aikens’ advice in a moment of challenge we might have still been pastoring in our first church. On the other hand, I believe God had a purpose for where we have been over the years.
I do not remember exactly the specific words of the second piece of advice we were offered, though I have tried to remember. The words seemed a little strange at the time. However, as I have reflected on what I do remember of Rev. Aikens said, I have developed a deeper understanding of what I was told.
I do not know what it says about me, in that it took 45 years to grasp the full significance of what a young about to be pastor was told. But I do know, it reveals the faithfulness of God to bring greater depth of understanding as we are open to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our life. I suppose you could also say, “better late than never.”
I will be sharing my current perceived understanding of the second important principle what I was told so many years ago, as part of the 45th anniversary celebration at the Grace Church of the Nazarene in Shelburne, Ontario on Sunday, June 30th. I invite you to come and be part of the celebration. You can also join the live stream at www.SayYEStotheRelationship.com at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.
I believe these words of wisdom have application, not just to a young couple about to embark on pastoral ministry, but to everyone who has said YES to the relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus and is seeking to live fully committed to that relationship.
I suggest you read 2 Kings 6:8-22 to SEE whether you might discern what it is that a faithful servant of God suggested to me 45 years ago. Discover foundational wisdom to build your life on!