Thankful to be a Part of the OPC

I am writing this post from the lovely little village of Oostburg, WI – specifically, the session room of Bethel OPC, one of the very first churches to enter the OPC back in 1936. I am here this week to speak at the church planting conference of the OPC and then to co-teach the preaching class for the ministerial training institute of the OPC (MTIOPC). It is an honor to be here. But the primary feeling I have is that of gratitude. Specifically, gratitude for the OPC.

It isn't something I say a lot or often feel. Unfortunately, I tend to see things from the glass half empty approach. I don't like it, but it's true. And when it comes to the OPC I see so many areas where we could do better. However, I’m here this week with all the heads of the various OPC ministries: men like Danny Olinger (Christian Ed), Jeremiah Montgomery (Home Missions), Douglas Clawson (Foreign Missions), David Nakala (Diaconal Ministries and Short-Term Missions). I have known some of these men for over 30 years. Danny Olinger was a classmate of mine at Westminster in California. Douglas Clawson was part of the presbytery that examined, licensed and ordained me. And as I reconnect with them, I am struck by the fact that these are extremely gifted, godly, and good men. I genuinely love these men. They are dear brothers in the Lord, and I feel extremely privileged and honored to work and walk with them all these years.

One of the things I love about the OPC is its commitment to getting the Bible right, and keeping Jesus Christ and him crucified at the middle of everything. These brothers are all passionate about that. It is extremely encouraging to talk with them. Their relentless passion for those things is what I love about the OPC. We have many flaws and much room to grow but I love the foundation!

I am thankful to be allowed to participate in the broader ministry of the OPC. I have the privilege of serving on the Home Missions board and work with Jeremiah Montgomery. I am thankful for the privilege to come and talk to these church planters and encourage them in their work period and it is a great privilege to work with men who want to grow as preachers of the word. It all adds more work to my plate, but I am very thankful for the opportunity to speak into the broader mission of the church and to encourage the next generation of young ministers.

I am thankful that Harvest allows me the opportunity to engage in the broader ministry of the OPC. I am thankful for the session for Encouraging me in this work. I'm thankful to the Harvest congregation for your patience when I'm away. I am deeply thankful for my fellow pastors Wayne, Adrian, Daniel, and soon-to-be-pastor Eddie. :) It is such a joy to know that the work at Harvest moves forward with full vigor and skill when I'm away.

In short, I'm deeply thankful. I am thankful to the Lord for allowing me to serve Him in these ways though I am undeserving.  And I'm deeply thankful for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The Lord is doing some very good things here. May we continue to grow numerically and spiritually as we engage in the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ!