Deltona Christian Church Disciples of Christ

Pastor J. C. Steele

Pastor's Desk

“Look Forward”

The Apostle Paul had some keen insight in challenging the church to not dwell on the past, as we are all prone to do. Let me suggest you read the 3rd chapter of Philippians to put the following verses in context. . .

“...but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14)

The church is at its best when it heeds good advice. The same is true with us as individuals. We are at our best when we keep our eye on the prize. We are only on this earth a short time. We are temporary residents of planet Earth. Our destiny is to be with God in heaven who is bidding us to follow his son, Jesus.

Until we are called home, our joy for living will only be found as we grow closer to God, obey his commands, and work in his vineyard — the Kingdom of God. What a privilege it is to serve the Creator of the universe; and that’s what Christ calls us to do. Serve. Make disciples. Teach. Obey. (See Matthew 28:19-20)

Life is a journey of faith. Sharing our faith with others may inspire neighbors, strangers, friends, even family members to join us on this journey. Many people start down the path that leads to eternal life. Some fall away or get distracted, or become disappointed when life becomes hard or hands us losses.

This is when the church family can encourage those who are discouraged or who have lost their way. The Spirit of Christ is always wooing us back into a meaningful relationship. Though some find it difficult to believe, Romans 8:31 reminds us that ‘God is for us and not against us.’

Transitions in life are always unsettling...whether it be a change of jobs, moving to a new city, birth of a baby, a child leaving home for college, death of a loved one, loss of a friendship, retirement, or any number of other life changes. Our church family will be experiencing a transition in pastoral leadership when I retire this year shortly after Easter.

I believe God will help you through this transition. Some of you will rise up in taking responsibility and encouraging one another as the congregation looks for an interim minister (with the Region’s help) and eventually in the search for your next full-time pastor.

I believe the Lord will send you some new members who are looking for a place to do ministry and serve in God’s Kingdom through the Deltona Christian Church. Be faithful to God and God will see you through this transition. Don’t rush the process of searching for your next pastor. Be patient and wait upon the Lord.

The best way to honor my ministry among you for these past 28 years is to stick together, join your hands and hearts and follow the admonition of the Apostle Paul. “...but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

I have been privileged to be with you on this journey of faith. Let us pray for one another in this time of transition and give God the glory for the great things He has done.

His servant and yours,
Pastor J. C. Steele