Friends, would you please pray for me today? This week I'm in Orlando for our denomination's annual national gathering. I will be accepting and beginning a leadership position, Moderator, for the next couple of years in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The role of 'Moderator' is essentially moderating, or leading, the elder board of the EPC. I'm humbled, honored and energized by this.
It was not an easy decision to say 'yes' to. I thought you might like to see a letter I wrote to our elders and staff last February, after I had sought their counsel whether or not this was the right time to make this committment. It expresses the final way I decided, and my hopes for the EPC the next few years (by the way LFC, its a volunteer deal, so you're still stuck with me as full-time pastor, tripping out most Sundays on the Bible in our worship services).
Hey LFC Elders and Staff and a few other people (if reading this by email click to see pictures)
Today’s snow day coincided with my DAWG Day (stands for Day Alone With God for our staff). The theme for today: now that I’ve received counsel from so many wise folks, decide: Am I called to be Moderator-elect of EPC? Do I want that role?
This morning Angie and I talked and assimilated the themes that I heard from so many of your helpful thoughts and questions. Then we prayed together.
Then I took my dawg Copper and my favorite pipe for a long snow walk. We decided to pray the Lake Forest Prayer Trail’s ‘Journey With Christ on Good Friday.’ Here we are identifying with Christ, taking up our small cross at the trailhead.
We enjoyed the presence of God informed by the Word of God along the trail, which had already been prayed once before today by a holy bunny.
We paused for some time at the heart of the prayer garden, snow falling like the Spirit. What a gift to have my discernment-oriented prayers shaped by this careful selection of God’s Word and crafted thoughtful prayer responses.
And then we finished, led by the sign to pray a prayer of thankfulness, renunciation, and laying down our life for our friends. (Thank you Jeff Hathcock and the Motley Crue community group for the prayer trail!) As we gazed at the church Copper and I love so much.
That’s when I Done Did Decide. I accept the calling to be Moderator-elect from the EPC. And I want to do it.
1. I hope to serve the EPC to accelerate its transition from transfer growth into a church planting movement.
2. I pray I can serve the EPC by contributing to culture change that increasingly values missional creativity and experimentation, especially by giving permission to young leaders.
3. While keeping my eye on the ball of Lake Forest Church vision forward and staff health.
4. While living a personally healthy life with much play, recreation, and time with Angie, Dmo and Amo.
I have journaled practices and goals that I think will support these four priorities (based upon many of your helpful suggestions).
Thank you for ‘doing life together’ with me in Christ. Especially for praying with and for me.
Your fan in Him,
Rev. Dr. Mike Moses
Lead Pastor, Lake Forest Church