Emmaus has recently received the news that the most recently called pastor has declined the congregation’s call to be pastor here. There are many different reactions to such news. But we are called in the midst of this time of calling to remember what does not change.

Many of you have heard me remind the congregation that the Lord Jesus is and always will be the pastor at Emmaus. He works through pastors, but He is the head of the church, his body, and the chief pastor or shepherd for everyone.

What does He do through pastors? Through members? He touches others with the good news of eternal life. We celebrate Trinity Sunday in early June. We are reminded that our God is not some generic god, spelled with a small ‘g.’ God the Father, Son, and Spirit created us, redeems us, and makes us holy. The work of every Christian in every Christian congregation revolves around the daily application of such good news.

Parents are given the task of telling that good news to their children. They are to hear that good news and apply it to the everyday lives of their children, who are a “temporary” gift from God as they raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Husbands and wives are given the task of living out that good news as they forgive each other and start over again and again through the difficulties of life, so that offenses are given to the Lord instead of held onto. Fellow members are to share the good news with each other and those who come from the outside, so that the power of eternal life can touch lives and affect daily living. All are to love others as loved.

A pastor is to keep the members centered on the good news and the mission to share Christ’s love. He is to guide the people in living out their salvation as empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our Christian life is a daily affair, not seasonal or only if the right people are in place. As most pastors write to members this time of year, please be in worship in the summertime too, and join with us for Bible study. Stay away only when the Lord quits giving you the things for this life and eternal life. We worship him and honor him and do so together.

So let us continue to be guided by our Lord, who speaks through us and strengthens us. Let us confess to him when we resist his leading and think we can make it on our own or that we are in charge. Let us do the tasks he gives us gladly and trust him to bring the shepherd in his own time who will assist in getting his message out to the world. I would ask that you would work with me while I continue to serve and cooperate in what I believe we can do to act on his grace and to be part of the community he has formed for us.

In Christ our Lord and Savior,
Pastor Thomas Trapp