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Pastor’s Report 2023

by Doug DeFord | Published February 12, 2023

There are some things that could be written every year in every pastor’s report in every church across America in which such reports are given. As always, there have been ups and downs. We’ve gained a few members, and lost a few members. We have felt that opportunities were scarce at times, and at other times we’ve felt overwhelmed. In our individual families and in our personal lives we have also experienced the ups and downs.

Some things change so little.

That’s exactly what we would say if we were to sit down and watch an oak tree grow. However, given enough time, and in an environment conductive toward growth, we would see solid growth. That is happening at Alathea!

If there’s one thing that stands out to me as we move into this coming year more than in other years is a sense of anticipation. Based on the promise of Christ to build His church, and based upon the growth I’ve seen in individuals as we disciple one another, along with some tremendous doors of opportunity that God has opened to us, I am excited about what lies ahead.

I hope that you share this anticipation with me! You have persevered in faithfulness to Christ and to Great Commission living. You are actively pursuing redemptive relationships with unbelievers around you. Some are beginning Bible studies with individuals you’ve gotten to know. Others are getting close to being ready for Bible study. At the foundation of all of this is the active personal growth you are all pursuing in your disciple-making work with each other.

I am so encouraged by your faithfulness, and I want to challenge you in this coming year to “abound more and more”. As pastors, we are looking at ways to enhance the good work that is already going on. We’re looking to tailor some of the disciple-making principles to our specific needs at Alathea. We want to see what is already good get even better! We want to see increased opportunity for fellowship and look forward to seeing some of the fruit that can come from that.

Thank you for the prayers you offer up for me, for the other pastors, for the deacons, and for every member of the family! We are all utterly dependent upon our Lord for any and all good things that will be accomplished in us and through us.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Love,

Pastor Doug

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