From the G.S. - January 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As the calendar turns to January, we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year—a time to reflect on God's faithfulness in the past and to anticipate His work in the days ahead. By looking back, we see how God has guided us through challenges and blessed us with His grace. Psalm 126:3 reminds us, "The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." As we step into 2025, we are called not only to gratitude but to faithfulness. The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Galatians 6:9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

This year, may we be steadfast in our service, united in our purpose, and joyful in our fellowship. Whether it’s in our local churches, on the mission field, or in our day-to-day lives, let us strive to lift high the banner of Christ. As we move forward together, I ask for your prayers—for our association, for each of our churches, and for the leaders who are serving faithfully. Let us not lose sight of the great privilege and responsibility we have to make Christ known.

I want to share something I've noticed that we need to push back in our churches. Whether it's where I pastor, your church, or those outside our association, it's the same. We all know the world is corrupt because of sin. But there's something that has gripped people everywhere from inside the church. 

First, in previous generations, their schedules were made around what was happening at their church, the conference, and their service of good works for God. Now, it is the other way around. The Lord has to fit into our schedule. As Hagagi charged the people, "Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste" (Hag. 1:4)? Until individuals whole seek the Lord first and center their lives around Him with our time, talents, and tithe, and stop treating church like an optional add-on to our week, we won't see a full outpouring of the Spirit. 

I was speaking to a pastor and he shared that he had a similar situation and it was seen in a different place. He had been speaking with a funeral director and the director was talking about how people would drop everything at the death of a loved one. Now, the funeral and everything is pushed back. Oh, how our priorities have changed when it comes to church and family. 

But, what can church leaders do? What can we do personally? Jeremiah 12:5 gives a sobering statement, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" Today, many believers are worn out by the demands of life, so much so that priorities like attending church, serving, and worshiping are treated as optional.

Here's a challenge for the new year for each individual as I have your best interest at heart.  Take your calendar and write down each church service, gathering, camp meeting, and whatever else your church is involved with.  Then schedule your vacations, games, and other items. Of course, I'm not talking about sickness, and it's fine to be out every once in a while for some travel on a vacation, but for the most part, we should not be missing church as often as we see happen. Hebrews 10:25 says that we should gather more and more as we get closer to the return of Christ - not less. This is not legalism - this is the tangible fruit of our faith. As James says, "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works" (James 2:18).

Pastors and church leaders, what can you do?  First, emphasize the importance of faithfulness by regularly teaching the value of gathering together, serving, and putting God first. Don't let up on this. Demonstrate it in your own life, preaching, and teaching. Second, make it easier for them to plan.  Providing clear and accessible calendars of events—camp meetings, Bible studies, and outreach opportunities—can help members plan around church activities. Don't plan something less than a month in advance and hope for people to show up, or to even do something with excellence before God. 

Print a monthly calendar, or something weekly, that helps people look ahead. Thirdly, send out texts, emails, one call phone messages, and let people hear from you multiple times about something outside of church. Keep it in front of them. There will be those who say they knew nothing about an event, even though you made plenty of announcements, but then it's not on you at that point. That brings me to the final thing you can do, accountability. We are afraid of offending people. However, we don't have to be mean, but we can be lovingly firm in holding our people accountable. It's a part of our calling.

I am afraid of wearing you out through much writing (and space for our editors to worry about). For now, I will have to defer to return this in the next issue with more practical help on the matter. Thank you for your continued faithfulness to the Lord and His work. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, renewal, and impact for His Kingdom.

In Christ’s service,

Dr. Jeremy Kamer

General Superintendent