I just want everyone to know, I am no longer going to try to build the church.  I have tried for years; I have read books that “guarantee” to grow your church.  I have read articles that claim that when this church did that thing, they doubled in size in six months.  Everything I have done has failed, so I am through, finished, done, kaput.

Fact is, it was never my job to build the church any way.  That is Jesus job, after all it is His church.  Not mine, not yours – His.  He even said He would take care of it;

Matthew 16:18 (ESV) And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Instead of trying to do what Jesus said He was going to do.  I am going to focus instead on what I believe Jesus wants me to do.  As your pastor, I am tasked with equipping saints (you) for works of service (ministry).  I want to help you to see not only how much God loves you, but how He has equipped you specifically to do things for Him.  I want to give you opportunities to serve Him doing things that are keeping with how He has equipped you.  I want to show you that you are fully capable of serving Him effectively.

That is part of what I am going to focus on.  I am a Christian too (does this surprise you?  I hope not!), and I have the same responsibilities as you.  I have a slight advantage in that a large part of my gifting has to do with equipping you, but I also have the responsibility of giving others the opportunity to receive the Greater Life God offers.  So I am going to focus my attention on this and kiss growing the church good bye!