Pastor Iverson Begins Sabbatical
Pastor Rich Iverson will begin sabbatical starting May 27th. The following is a message from Congregational Chair, Daryl Synstelien, on behalf of Bethel's Elder Board.
The work of pastors is often compared to that of shepherds. Shepherds lead, prod, take care of, watch out for, nurture, rescue and direct the sheep. As shepherds, they work under the Great Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).
The powerful story of rescue and salvation in Luke 15, of the Shepherd leaving the 99 to find the one who is lost, motivates all men and women of God.
A shepherd’s work can be hazardous and grueling; that phone can ring anytime – 24/7. A pastor shares the burdens of his flock, empties himself to strengthen, encourage, and protect the sheep.
We often hear of a pastor’s responsibility to the church, but less often we hear of the church’s responsibility to its pastors.
We must always remember to give thanks for, and to express our appreciation to those who sacrificially give of their lives so that others might be saved. We are called to esteem them very highly in love.
Mindful of the difficult and taxing work of shepherding the church, the elder board of Bethel Church has set a policy to provide a Sabbatical rest for our pastors.
I am pleased to let you know that starting tomorrow, Pastor Rich will enter a time of Sabbatical rest and restoration, which will continue through August 15th.
His pastoral responsibilities will be taken up by other staff so that his time and focus can be fixed upon spiritual restoration and development.
Bethel Church, lift up Pastor Rich in prayer during this time! Pray that God encourages and strengthens him in this time of rest!
The powerful story of rescue and salvation in Luke 15, of the Shepherd leaving the 99 to find the one who is lost, motivates all men and women of God.
A shepherd’s work can be hazardous and grueling; that phone can ring anytime – 24/7. A pastor shares the burdens of his flock, empties himself to strengthen, encourage, and protect the sheep.
We often hear of a pastor’s responsibility to the church, but less often we hear of the church’s responsibility to its pastors.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13:
But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
We must always remember to give thanks for, and to express our appreciation to those who sacrificially give of their lives so that others might be saved. We are called to esteem them very highly in love.
Mindful of the difficult and taxing work of shepherding the church, the elder board of Bethel Church has set a policy to provide a Sabbatical rest for our pastors.
I am pleased to let you know that starting tomorrow, Pastor Rich will enter a time of Sabbatical rest and restoration, which will continue through August 15th.
His pastoral responsibilities will be taken up by other staff so that his time and focus can be fixed upon spiritual restoration and development.
Bethel Church, lift up Pastor Rich in prayer during this time! Pray that God encourages and strengthens him in this time of rest!
Daryl Synstelien, Chairman
On behalf of Bethel Elder Board
On behalf of Bethel Elder Board
