Who or what is a pastor? Scripture tells us that a pastor is a gift from God to His people. “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15) God’s gift is a leader who will follow Him, filled with wisdom and understanding. The pastor, God’s gift, has been charged to “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3) For fifty years, it has been the desire of this pastor to adhere to God’s instructions in leading His people. From the day I was called to be the pastor at Friendship until this very day, I have been acutely aware that you are God’s people. For fifty years, the charge has been “lead and feed.” As Paul says in Romans 1:15-16: “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome (Friendship) also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation.” These fifty years have been a joyous journey, and you dear people, have contributed greatly to that joy in the journey. With God’s help we have come a long way, and it has been a joy to enlist others to join us in this journey to heaven. The blessing in the journey has been the people, the people of God. I thank God for fifty years of relationships. Not only has this been a joyful experience, it has also been a learning experience. I have seen the faithfulness of God, the mercies of God, and the love of God. Simply put, if it had not been for the Lord who was on my side, I would not have made it. To God be the glory for all He has done these fifty years. Thank you Friendship for your love, your caring, and your followship. We have come this far together!
Pastor J. Amos Jones