Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for the feedback on the opening week of our Twelve Weeks of Prayerful Discernment. Week 1 was intentionally longer to provide background and explain the purpose behind this journey. Going forward, the weekly forwards (such as this) will generally be shorter and more action-oriented.
My hope is that each of us can set aside 15–30 minutes each week to read, reflect, and pray. Just as importantly, I encourage you to discuss these reflections with fellow members and share your thoughts and observations with members of the Planning Committee. These conversations are an important part of our ongoing discernment together.
My prayer is that this process will help prepare us for meaningful discussions leading up to our December Voters' Assembly to have an aligned and unified plan. At the same time, we do not want to rush ahead of the Lord, but allow the Holy Spirit to continue working through His Word, through prayer, and through the mutual conversation and consolation of the saints.
This is also posted on the "Pastor's Corner" page of Holy Trinity's website and also posted on FaceBook.
In Christ,
Pastor Justin Pahl
Twelve Weeks of Prayerful Discernment
Listening Together for Where God Is Leading Holy Trinity
Week 2: Christ Sustains His Church
Scripture Readings
Read:
Matthew 16:13–20
Colossians 1:15–23
Psalm 127
Reflection
Last week we began with a foundational truth: God is the primary actor. The future of Holy Trinity does not depend ultimately upon us, but upon Christ, who calls, sustains, and sends His people.
This week, the Scriptures invite us to go deeper.
Not only is God at work among us, but Christ Himself is the One who sustains His Church.
In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter confesses that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus then declares:
"On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Notice who is doing the building.
- Not Peter.
- Not the disciples.
- Not committees.
- Not pastors.
Christ says, "I will build My church."
Likewise, Paul reminds us in Colossians that Christ is before all things and that "in Him all things hold together." He is the Head of the Body, the Church.
Everything finds its life, its purpose, and its unity in Him.
Psalm 127 adds another reminder:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
These passages are wonderfully humbling.
They remind us that Holy Trinity belongs to Christ.
- Not to one generation.
- Not to one pastor.
- Not to one board.
- Not even to ourselves.
We are stewards, not owners.
The Lord who has sustained His Church through persecutions, wars, divisions, and countless challenges has also sustained Holy Trinity throughout her history.
As we continue this Season of Discernment, we should resist the temptation to think that everything depends upon our wisdom, our effort, or our plans.
Instead, we are invited to ask:
How has Christ already sustained this congregation?
What gifts has He preserved among us?
Where do we see evidence that He continues to build His Church?
Perhaps some answers are obvious.
Perhaps others have become so familiar that we overlook them.
Faithful saints.
- Years of Word and Sacrament ministry.
- Generations of children taught the faith.
- Quiet acts of mercy.
- The fellowship of believers.
- The prayers of God's people.
- His forgiveness.
- His promises.
- His presence.
The Church does not live by anxiety.
The Church lives by promise!
Christ has not abandoned His Church.
He remains her Head!
And because He remains faithful, we may move forward with confidence, patience, and hope.
Luther's Five Questions
Instruction
- What do these passages teach us about Christ and His Church?
- What do they teach us about our place within His Church?
- How do these readings challenge the temptation to place our confidence in ourselves?
Thanksgiving
- In what ways has Christ sustained Holy Trinity throughout her history?
- What blessings do we sometimes take for granted?
- For whom and for what do we give thanks?
Confession
- Where have we acted as though everything depends upon us?
- Where have fear, impatience, or pride distracted us from trusting Christ's promises?
- Where have we forgotten that Holy Trinity belongs to Christ?
Petition
- Ask Christ to strengthen His Church.
- Pray for faithfulness among pastors, leaders, teachers, volunteers, and members.
- Ask for patience, wisdom, and confidence in His promises.
Recognition
- Where do you already see Christ sustaining Holy Trinity?
- What ministries, relationships, and traditions have proven remarkably resilient?
- What signs of God's faithfulness might we overlook because they have become familiar?
Three Layers of Reflection
Personal Reflection
- What comfort do these passages give you?
- What worries or anxieties do they challenge?
- What does it mean for you personally that Christ is the Head of His Church?
Congregational Reflection
- What strengths has Christ preserved among us?
- What traditions, ministries, or relationships should we treasure and protect?
- What blessings have we perhaps stopped noticing because they have become familiar?
Discernment Reflection
- What themes keep surfacing as you pray through these readings?
- What aspects of Holy Trinity's life together seem especially healthy and fruitful?
- What strengths should we continue to build upon?
- What concerns should continue to be held before the Lord in prayer?
- What recurring observations should be shared with the Planning Committee?
Conversation Challenge
Before next Sunday, discuss one or more of these questions with:
- A family member.
- A fellow member.
- Your Bible study group.
- A member of the Planning Committee.
As you listen to one another, pay attention to recurring themes.
- What blessings do many people mention?
- What strengths are repeatedly recognized?
- What stories of God's faithfulness continue to surface?
Record these observations in your discernment journal.
No one person sees the whole picture.
But together, as members of Christ's Body, we may begin to recognize the larger tapestry of His work among us.