Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. Psalm 133

I have been in difficult situations in various churches, so I know the importance of this passage of Scripture. It‘s amazing how a few people can cause serious problems for a congregation! And, although I’ve experienced a variety of issues in pastoral ministry, I’ve discovered that it’s just as painful when a family member is going through a rough time.

My son Andrew is the youth pastor in an Evangelical Free church. By all accounts he’s doing very well, and is well liked by most of the congregation. However, that’s not the case with the senior pastor. Even though my son feels that that the senior pastor is being unjustly persecuted, the situation has become drastic enough that the elders are calling for a vote of confidence on July 30th to determine the future of his ministry at the church. To show their support, the entire staff has made this a vote of confidence on them as well. The vote may be over by the time you read this, and it looks like the staff has the support they need to weather the storm, but I would appreciate your continued prayers for them as I’m sure that there will continue to be problems for a while.

Now, having said all that, I am especially grateful to God for the season of ministry we are experiencing at First Baptist. Thank you for your support, and thank you for your continued work and outreach for the church. As we get ready for our August Fund Raiser, let’s make it a time of celebration and thanksgiving. Come out, enjoy some fellowship, eat some good food, and maybe even have a chance to dunk the pastor again this year!