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The very first thing I did was to do a brief study of 1 Timothy 3:1-7. In this passage Paul lays out the qualifications of an “overseer” or pastoral leader in the church. I was deeply affected by the importance of the pastor’s leadership in the home. We often spend all of our time talking about a pastor’s skill in the office and pulpit, that little else seems to matter, unless of course the leader makes a major moral mistake and then we’ll talk about personal character.
In the midst of the pressure to “succeed at work” and “not screw up in life” the roll of pastor as husband and dad often gets lost. But Scripture pulls these rolls to the forefront and that made me look at my “performance” with new eyes. It exposed a lot of sin in my life and dictated to me what I needed to be reading and thinking about during this time.
April 10-16, the McFarland's packed up the vehicle and drove to Louisville, Kentucky to spend time with some dear friends and mentors. I was blessed with the chance to attend the Together for the Gospel 2010 Conference and sit in on a couple classes at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where my friend and mentor Dennis is currently studying.
This week was challenging, inspiring and encouraging. It is truly a grace from God’s hand to have people like Dennis in my life who love me enough to ask tough questions and pray for me. Sitting under the wisdom of great men of the faith like John Piper, R.C. Sproul, C.J. Mahaney, John MacArthur, Mark Dever is life-giving in many ways. Pastor David Platt delivered a message that is by God’s grace still working its way deeper into my heart and wrecking my comfortable and self-serving view of the gospel. You can listen to it at www.t4g.com.
On May 2 Bekah and I dropped our precious daughter off with Grandpa and Grandma and spent several days alone in a cabin in Wisconsin. Life has a certain momentum and inclination about it that makes marriage easy to overlook. We spent these days reading, resting, sitting together and having truth filled conversations about our relationship and the joys we find in it and the areas that need attention and work to be more healthy and enjoyable. What a gift it was to have this extended time to focus on our marriage.
May 10-15, I participated in two three day intensive classes Youth Leadership taught called “Lead” and “Manage.” It was really good for me to sit in a room with some truly gifted leaders and managers and learn from their wisdom, humility and skill. I was struck with a deep sense of “I have a lot to learn,” and a thankful and humbling awareness that “I’m not where I was”!
Throughout my time away I worked through some really good books in my personal study:
Every one of these books acted like a finger of The Potter’s hand in my mind and heart. God speaks to His people like you and me, and we would do well to share with each other what He says. I’m so grateful for these brothers who’ve spent time in God’s presence and took the time to share their experience with us. I would heartily recommend every one of these books to you.
From the bottom of our hearts Bekah and I would like to thank you, the congregation of Moose Lake Covenant for taking such good care of your leaders. The resources and time you sacrifice to make a sabbatical possible are greatly appreciated! My marriage, family, ministry and soul thank you for your sacrifices.
I would also like to thank publicly the team that carried the load in my absence: Kristin Edmond, Ramona Rice, Ross Degerstrom, Lowell Rice, Terry Degerstrom, Kathi Hedberg, Dale Halls, Jesse Degerstrom, Scott and Kristine Salzer, Shelly Wallman and Steve Gerdes. You guys are great and I am so blessed to be able to work with such devoted and faithful believers as you!
Leon and Kathi, Dad and Mom: Thank you for serving us in so many ways for us to be able to take this time to make corrections and investments. I don’t know what we’d do without you and your intense generosity!
With deep affection and gratitude, Pastor Drew, Bekah and Ella