Weekly Update // Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

A church in a small urban neighborhood wanted to help improve education for local kids. The pastor and congregation decided the best way to make an impact was to build a tutoring center on their property. Excited about the idea, they began fundraising and drawing up plans. But before moving forward, a wise member of the church suggested they spend time in prayer and conversation with the community to discern what God was already doing.

As they listened to parents, teachers, and community leaders, they discovered something surprising: retired educators in the neighborhood were already tutoring kids after school, but they lacked a consistent, safe place to meet. The church realized that instead of building something new, they could open their underused fellowship hall to host the tutoring sessions.

By partnering with these educators and providing space, the church didn’t just meet a need—they built deeper relationships with the community and joined in what God was already doing through the teachers’ efforts. The ministry grew, and the fellowship hall became a bustling hub of activity where students received help and families felt welcomed into the church’s mission.

This story reminds us that, as Christians, our role isn’t to impose our plans or agendas but to pray, discern, and join in the work God is already doing in the world around us. It’s a lesson I’ve needed to relearn at times in my own ministry. It can be so easy to come into a church or ministry setting with big ideas for what we think should change or improve. But when we push ahead without first seeking to understand how God is already at work, we risk missing the beauty of what God is already doing in and through the people around us.

When I arrived at Asbury four years ago, I brought hopes and dreams for what our church could become. But I quickly discovered that God was already doing incredible things here and was calling me to join you in discerning how we could grow in faithfulness together.

This reminds me of Paul’s words in Philippians 1:6 (NLT): “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” God’s good work was alive in this church long before I arrived, and it continues to unfold in ways that inspire me.

As I prepare to transition to my next chapter in the Air Force chaplaincy, I carry with me deep gratitude for having served alongside you. Over these years, I’ve seen God at work through the warmth of your welcome, the care you extend to one another, and the ways you reach beyond our walls to serve our neighbors. Whether it’s the laughter of children in Sunday School, the faithfulness of our community groups, or the generosity you show in so many ways, God’s Spirit is moving among us, shaping us into a church that reflects Christ’s love.

As we look to the future, I encourage us to keep asking, “What is God doing here?” and to remain open to how we can join in that work. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” I believe that as we continue trusting God’s guidance, we will see lives transformed and faith deepened in remarkable ways.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I am deeply grateful for the time I’ve spent with you and for the ways God has worked through this church. It has been an honor to serve as one of your pastors and to be part of this incredible community. 

Blessings,

Chris