This must be the first focus. He is not just playing a role in our lives, He is our life. Leading people to a more clear focus on Jesus and His ministry is what my ministry is about. I am blessed to serve a wonderful congregation. It has been difficult for some members to responding positively to the changes in our fellowship.
Reform is always painful.
Several families left the fellowship of our local congregation to form another local splinter group who hold to most of our former teachings. A number of our members were formerly employed by our church offices and have relocated to find employment out of state after they lost their jobs. Since our membership has been declining nationwide, a financial crisis has followed. Church officials have had to make deep budgetary cuts to manage our declining income. Another challenge has been to help members to be patient with each other through the process of change.