Change is inevitable; it’s always going to occur. So, as I move away from the role of Senior Pastor, with John Culbertson filling that role, I want you to see that the important thing is being obedient to the Holy Spirit.
As we look at some leadership transitions in the Bible, you’ll see an admonition to Pastor John as the new Senior Pastor; but, you’ll also see how the same things apply in your life during times of transition…
“And Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up and struck the waters, and they divided this way and that, so that the two of them went over on dry ground. And when they had gone over, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.’ And Elisha said, ‘I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.’” – 2 KINGS 2:7-9 (AMPC)
I want Pastor John to have double of any strength, anointing and ability that I have had. We see from God’s Word that there are qualifiers, and they’re found where the Bible talks about Joshua and Moses.
“And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Moses returned to the camp, but his minister Joshua son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the [temporary prayer] tent.” – EXODUS 33:11 (AMPC)
Part of Pastor John’s condition in receiving a double portion is to stay in God’s presence. How can you help Pastor John do this? You can lift him and his family up in prayer. You can pray out the things he needs, the things God brings before you.
Don’t try to figure them out; pray them out. That can help usher him into the presence of God.
“It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit—depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].” – DEUTERONOMY 31:8 (AMPC)
As one translation simply puts it, be strong and courageous! Do not fear. Some say that fear is the strongest emotion a natural man can have. But God has equipped the Church so it can face anything and be courageous and strong.
Over the years, I’ve probably had 1,000 opportunities to quit. But in the worst of those times, God reminded me about the lambs (the most vulnerable). It is time to understand where we are in history. Being a Christian is not for the faint-hearted; it is a belief that requires strength and humility and it demands courage to live it before men.
“And Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him; so, the Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” – DEUTERONOMY 34:9 (AMPC)
When hands were laid on Joshua, there was an impartation. I lay hands on Pastor John to impart wisdom, but that’s one part of it. The other part can be found in James 1:5 where it says if you lack wisdom to ask of the giving God Who gives liberally to everyone…unfailing, generously, unflinching, not chastising. He needs to ask for wisdom, believing God for it daily.
I believe wisdom is a grace gift also. God wants to use it to make a difference in the lives of people everywhere. I believe God will give Pastor John wisdom that will confound and surprise people to a point where they go, “Where did you get such revelation?”
Stay in God’s presence, be courageous and receive wisdom. Those three things are so important; but, there’s one other thing that is so important when dealing with transition…
BECOME FULLY ACQUAINTED WITH THE GIFT
“This gives me all the more reason to remind you to fan the flame of God’s grace-gift within you into a blazing hot fire. Your life and ministry mirror mine; I endorsed the gift of God’s boldness within you when I laid my hands on you. Become fully acquainted with His gift in you; there is nothing timid about it. The dynamic of a mind liberated in the spirit of love is fearless and unstoppable.” – 2 TIMOTHY 1:6-7 (MIRROR)
I asked Pastor John and Shanti to become fully acquainted with His gift in them. As far as the body of Christ at Gethsemane, I’m asking you to become fully acquainted with God’s gift for you. I’ve laid hands on Pastor John – as have others – to transmit the portion to equip him for this new chapter.
Don’t discount that gift. Fan the flame and become fully acquainted with it! Good things will happen as you are fully supportive of Pastor John.
The devil would like to get you to lose fervor for God, His Word, and assembling yourself together with others of like faith, but you know such an attitude can get you in trouble spiritually so I know you won’t fall into that trap.
Just as Paul told Timothy, Pastor John is empowered and equipped for the future. His mind-set is on God’s grace-gift and that kind of mind – liberated in the spirit of love – is fearless and unstoppable!
Have that mindset yourself and look toward our future with excitement and expectation!
To watch or listen to the entire message from August 30, 2020, click here.
