Bigger and Better

 

This morning I was preaching on Joshua chapter one where Joshua takes over after the death of Moses.  I talked about how God's plan and promise is bigger than any one person.  The vision of every church should be bigger than any one leader can accomplish.  We should be leading our churches with future generations in mind.  If our churches don't outlast us, then we're doing something terribly wrong.  

A couple of years ago, Norman took Holly and I to the Chichester Catherdral in the UK.  On the wall was this plaque with all of the Bishops/Pastors.  The one at the very top lists S. Wilfrid as the Bishop of this church in the year AD 680.  The most astounding thing is that the ministries of this church are alive and well today.  1500 years of ministry. 1500 years of the Gospel being preached in one place.  

I like to keep our 4 years of River Stone in perspective.  It's been a great ride, but we've got a long way to go.  God's plan is bigger and better than what we could ever plan for ourselves.