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Category Archives: Pastor Mike

A Letter from Pastor Mike

Mike MinterPastor MikeMarch 31, 2022 3 Comments0

“Give me a candle and my Bible, lock me in a dungeon, and I will tell you what the world is doing.”

Dear Saints at RBC, 

The above quote has been credited to Cecil Dischard, who lived in the 1700s. Over these last 47 years as a pastor of Reston Bible Church, my main theme in preaching could be summarized similarly: What does the world say, and what does the Word say? The Bible needs no other apologetic than its clear and unambiguous revelation of the human heart. Dischard’s observation three hundred years ago has been true since the fall of man and remains true today. The world’s never-ending secular treadmill, seeking utopia through human intellect, human wisdom and human innovation, has proven over and over to be a colossal failure. Nevertheless, the stubborn will of fallen humanity leads the way in rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. It has been my supreme desire over the years to help our church body see the dark frustrations of the world through the penetrating light of the Scriptures. With that in mind, here are a few final reflections now that I have officially moved on to my next ministry post.

Perhaps distilling my thoughts cannot be fully realized now that I am no longer fully present with you. Yet even Paul said he was with the Colossian church in spirit though bodily absent from them (Colossians 2:5). I resonate with this because the legacy I so desire to leave has far more to do with you than with me. The success of a church is built on its people, not its pastors. The people make up the body of Christ, and He is the One to be exalted. I can’t help but think of the thousands of people throughout the years who have contributed to this most successful journey. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 shows us the source of any success we have experienced: “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” What a privilege to be called out of the darkness into Christ’s marvelous light. His providence reflects this monumental truth: Jesus is the successful one who graciously completes the task to which He calls us. The glory is His and His alone.

Looking back, I knew Kay and I had been called to this work those many years ago. Were there doubts that plagued us at times? Yes! But there was always an inner witness of the Spirit that held us to the promise of His calling. Even with doubts and difficulties, by the very nature of my position I get a lot of praise (which I certainly appreciate.) But it always drives me to consider this reality: those who do the most in the Kingdom rarely even get a thank-you. The missionaries that will never get a ticker tape parade for their labors on foreign soil are the first that come to mind.  Of no less Kingdom value are the thousands throughout these years who’ve faithfully served Jesus within and beyond the walls of our church. When I reflect on the many ministries here at RBC, I can’t help but wonder how many of these precious saints are given the credit they so dearly deserve. Far too few, I suspect. To all those working tirelessly behind the scenes, to the ones doing the unseen grunt work of service and ministry — I applaud you with everything in my being. Better still, “…when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4).

At the end of his epistle to the Romans, the great apostle Paul listed a number of saints that did the heavy lifting. God used Paul to accomplish significant things for His kingdom, but it wasn’t about Paul—and he knew it. Every pastor knows he cannot stand and preach on Sunday morning without a strong supporting team. The elders and staff have lifted my arms at times when I thought I didn’t even have any arms to be lifted. The weight of ministry has pushed me to the brink on many occasions and taken my soul into moments of despair. Long walks and many tears made me realize how valuable you have been through your counsel, friendship, encouragement and wisdom. This is your legacy as well as mine.

May I take a moment to once again thank my precious family? All four of my children are walking with the Lord and have been a monumental support over the years. There were many times when they could see I was under a great deal of stress, but I always tried to shelter them—only to later find that my shelter had leaks. Yet by the Lord’s grace, they have done well and I trust will continue to do so. My dear wife Kay, as I have often said, has been the wind beneath my wings. She is a true prayer warrior and one who has great confidence in God’s providence. There has never once been a time when she has joined me in feeling sorry for myself during difficult seasons. “Mike, God has this, and there is a lesson to be learned,” she would say. “The last chapter has not been written.” Translation: stop whining and get back to it. Thank you, Kay—I will always be thankful for the ways you mended my many leaks. 

Few people on this planet will ever have the privilege my wife, four children and I have had being immersed in ministry. Marinating daily in people’s lives—their joys and pains, sorrows and triumphs—does something to the soul. It forces deep reflection on the value of life and drives one to ponder the brevity of it while considering how it must be lived out. So one of my key takeaways from all these years of pastoring is this: Life is short. Eternity is long. Invest heavily in the latter. Jesus made this abundantly clear when He said “…Lay not up treasures on earth…” (Matthew 6:19-20).

A few final words of exhortation: 

  1. Keep missions as a priority. Whether you send or are sent, never lose this focus. The world must hear the good news of the gospel.
  2. Do not forsake the assembly. If you feel comfortable in social settings but have not returned to church, I implore you to gather with the saints “…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).
  3. Maintain generosity as a priority in your life.
  4. Be prayerful for and supportive of Jim Supp and his family as he seeks the Lord’s good help to faithfully proclaim the Word in this new season at RBC. 

Many letters like this one include this saying: “Words cannot express…” Though true in many ways, God has given us words for the purpose of expressing our deepest thoughts and emotions. So let me choose my next words carefully. They will not be “goodbye” but “see you later.”  After all, this is but a pause in our time together. We will have all of eternity to chat as we enjoy the finest of fare in the New Heaven and the New Earth. 

I so look forward to it.

With all my love and blessings, 

Mike

Click here to watch the full service from last Sunday

Click here to watch a short photo slideshow from last Sunday

Stay the Course: Is Religion a Crutch?

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMay 18, 2021 Leave a comment0

Is religion a crutch?

Stay the Course: Is God Obligated to Do All He is Able?

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMay 13, 2021 Leave a comment0

Is God obligated to do everything He is able to do?

Stay the Course: Becoming People of Encouragement

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMay 4, 2021 Leave a comment0

Are you more discouraged with life than encouraged by life? Bear the burdens of others by becoming a person of encouragement.

Stay the Course: Simple Answers to Complex Questions

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseApril 27, 2021 Leave a comment0

Can God create a rock so large He couldn’t lift it? How can you trust the Bible? Hasn’t science proven the Bible isn’t true? We all come across difficult questions, but often the answers are simpler than we think.

Stay the Course: Eight Questions I Ask Married Couples

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseApril 13, 2021 Leave a comment0

Your spouse is likely harboring things they’d love to correct in you. We’ll admit to the surface stuff, but are you willing to go deeper? Stepping into their world with open, humble dialogue is key to cultivating a marriage that thrives.

Stay the Course: Dealing With Sin

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseApril 1, 2021 Leave a comment0

You can’t just “stop sinning.” And with sin, there’s always something lurking behind the surface. Ask the Lord to examine your heart. Once you determine the root cause, then you can apply the eternal perspectives of the gospel.

Stay the Course: The Trajectory of Sin

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMarch 26, 2021 Leave a comment0

We often think we have a handle on our sin, but Scripture shows us a different picture. It may look tame on the surface, but what lies beneath? Sin is always trying to take us further than we ever though we’d go.

Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 9

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMarch 19, 2021 Leave a comment0

Be wise by recognizing that human pride is the greatest barrier to true dialogue. Have a humble, teachable spirit and set aside your pride.

Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 8

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMarch 17, 2021 Leave a comment0

Be wise by navigating adversarial dialogue with civil words. Gracious words, seasoned with kindness, will tear down barriers.

Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 7

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMarch 15, 2021 Leave a comment0

Be wise in dialogue by determining to prepare through prayer — especially when the dialogue is adversarial.

Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 6

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMarch 12, 2021 Leave a comment0

Wisdom in dialogue is determining to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19). When you enter into dialogue, put your expectations aside. Expectations are an invitation to disappointment.

Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 5

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMarch 10, 2021 Leave a comment0

Wisdom in dialogue seeks to learn the other person’s story. Until you understand someone’s story, you’ll likely have more judgement than empathy.

Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 4

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMarch 8, 2021 Leave a comment0

Terminology today tends to be a moving target, so genuine dialogue is key. Wisdom seeks to understand before seeking to be understood so as not to perpetuate misunderstanding.

Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 3

Mike MinterPastor Mike, Resources, Stay the CourseMarch 5, 2021 Leave a comment0

How do we apply wisdom? Start with the Word. Understand how to discern between things you can change, and things you can’t or you’ll default to what is wise in your own eyes.

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