‘I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.
Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. (Deut. 4:25-28)
Dearly Beloved,
I stand before you today in the fifth year of my pastoral working this congregation, the one hundred and tenth year of existence of our great church and fourth year of our returning back after the fire incidence of November 2003.As I prayerfully considered my message for our Annual meeting, my attention was drawn to this scripture.
Lets recall that before Moses died God permitted him to climb up on a very high mountain called Nebo, and up to one of its highest peaks, called Pisgah. From this height he looked across the river Jordan and saw the wonderful Land of Promise on the other side. Have you ever been up on a high mountain? I have never been but at least I have driven to Upstate New York! On those mountainsides, you know that you can see very far. Moses' eyesight was so keen that he could see a very great deal of the good land which God had promised the Israelites. He saw from that point a great future ahead of the Israelites. God had a big vision ahead of His people somewhere ‘beyond the Jordan’.
The last few years have been years of much wandering in the wilderness. From starting everything virtually from the scratch; no office, no computers, no meeting place, rectory that was falling apart, church that needed major renovations .We were tossed into the wilderness with a young Priest with very little experience with the Episcopal church and traditions but willing to try new things and move on. If I ever gave an impression that I was an expert at rebuilding destroyed churches or leading people through the desert, then I need to correct that impression quickly. I came here clearly by instructions from God to rebuild this church. I didn’t get a guide or map. Sorry I got one: THE BIBLE. This has been my key guide and with the Holy Spirit stirring us, look at where we are today.
To a great extent, we have done pretty well rebuilding a good worship center; cool in summer and warm in winter. Reviewing our programs for last year, we have done fairly well. The heads of the different units have given a good report of their work for the year.
Our financial situation is clearly itemized by our Treasurer and Financial Committee.
Let me formally inform you that a full audit of our church was done in this church year and the full report and recommendations will be released to us soon. From the preliminary reports, we have already received very useful advice. Of course we still have some unfinished business.
As we ponder over these issues and wrestle along with other changes, we must refocus on our goal. We must look over Jordan.
The Israelites had three major phases of their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land:
Phase One: Leaving Egypt
Phase Two: Wandering in the desert for forty years
Phase Three: Entering the land of Promise.
Having wandered for this long together in the wilderness, I call you all to look over Jordan. Let’s look into the good land ahead of us. Its time to enter the Promised Land.
From the day I signed up for the job of Priest-in-Charge of this church, I set out clearly with five mission tasks which I hope to wrap-up in the next phase of our work together.
Again, I say unto you, Look over Jordan ! For me, looking over Jordan may imply shifting from a Mosaic mission to a Joshua task. Will I be opportune to lead this church into the promised future? Or will chariots of angel be coming to carry me to somewhere else? I honestly don’t know. The only thing I know very well is that God is calling us to look over Jordan and see the good land ahead of us.
Look over Jordan and see endless opportunities ahead of us.
Look over Jordan and see untapped resources
Look over Jordan and see a land flowing with milk and honey.
Look over Jordan and see the St Augustine’s Church of the Future!
A vibrant church radiating with God’s glory, exuding God’s power and displaying God’s anointing and might.
A prosperous church, with pews filled and overflowing! Parking lot showing signs of people of abundance.
A church respected by men ,feared by the devil and honored by God with His presence.
Again and again, I say unto you, Look over Jordan.
PREPARING TO ENTER JORDAN
Loren Mead (an expert in Congregational Development ) wrote two very great books. ‘The Developmental Tasks of the Congregation in Search of a Pastor’ and ‘Critical Moment of Ministry: A Change of Pastors.’
From readings from these, I have outlined below what I consider our preparatory mission task for the next months ahead.
1. Coming to Terms with History
It is important for us to know our history so that we can appreciate our heritage and at the same time be aware of the issues and concerns that need to be resolved in order to move freely into the future.
2. Discovering a New Identity
Identity is the task of understanding "who we are now in our present context and what it is we understand God is calling us to be." It is the task of developing the vision to which our congregation is being called.
3. Shifts of Power/Leadership Changes
In most congregations over a period of time the leadership begins to take on much of the style and values of the previous pastor. When that pastor leaves, there is often a time when persons who have been in leadership rethink their commitment and determine whether or not they want to continue in leadership positions. Other persons often find the interim time an opportunity to take leadership roles. This is an opportune time to empower those who are out of power and to welcome leadership gifts from all parts of the congregation.
4. Rethinking Denominational Linkages
Congregations often are not aware of the support and resources they receive from their middle judicatory and national denominational structures. That relationship is normally more visible while the structures of the church beyond the congregation are engaged in working with the congregation in moving through the interim period . The transition time helps raise the awareness of a congregation to its denominational heritage, ministries and resources.
5. Commitment to New Leadership and to a New Future
When a congregation has developed a shared vision of its future and has sought to call a pastor to help lead it in moving into that future, there will have to be a new commitment both to that new leader and to that new future.
The Lord clearly says: “ For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”.
(Jer 29:11)
God has a plan for us. Yes He does!
Let us rise today determined to walk into our God given inheritance. Beginning with the leadership, I will be organizing training sessions to prepare us for these. I hope we are all ready to go along.
Let me round up my epistle by offering my special thanks to our Staff, Vestry, Wardens and you all for all that you do each day to make St Augustine’s church great.
I also express my profound gratitude to God for the wonderful family that He has blessed me with. Can you imagine Florence waking Imohimi, Emilomo, and Osariemen at 4.30am to prepare them for the journey to Atlantic City? This is a lot of sacrifice and I know that God will truly reward you all.
May the Grace of the Lord be with you all . Amen.
The Rev Augustine Aigbovbioise Unuigbe,M.D
(Priest-In-Charge)
