Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus!
I don’t know what your May looks like, but if you are like us, it is a crazy month. Crystal’s younger sister Abby graduates at the end of the month, along with several of our young members. Confirmation for our four confirmands happens the first Sunday in May. There are plays and recitals and soccer events to attend. Crystal is finishing up her semester of college (a year of classes left and then student teaching) and I’m going back to school!
About 8 weeks ago, I was contacted by the head of the Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Outreach program at Concordia St. Paul. He was a professor of mine at the seminary but now works with the Oswald Hoffman School of Christian Outreach. He was forming a group to go through the doctorate program (aka D. Min.) and asked me to come be a part of it. I spent much time in prayer and talking with Crystal about this opportunity. We decided that this was the time and chance for me to further my studies.
But this is not just an opportunity for me. This is an opportunity for St. John’s and St. Paul’s. The focus of this doctorate is outreach -- better equipping me to develop strategies for our local context, enabling me to better equip you to spread the gospel, and growth of God’s kingdom in this place. The program isn’t meant to be just head knowledge, but real, practical ways to outreach. And for that, I will need you to come along side me in ministry and be busy at the task Jesus has given to us -- to make disciples wherever we are, teaching them all he has said.
The classes for this program are done in the intensive format. In other words, three times a year, I go to Concordia St. Paul for a morning and afternoon class that last two weeks. There is reading and papers beforehand, and afterwards. Our first session begins May 19 and goes through May 30, including classes on Memorial Day.
While I have some apprehension about going back to school, I am also very excited. We are living in an area that is going to be changing. This summer, they are starting the Highway 63 North by-pass by Baldwin. Within the next two years, there will be four-lane roads from our area all the way into the Twin Cities, either via Highway 63 or Highway 64 (well, with the exception of the Stillwater bridge that may be replaced sometime before 2050, maybe). Even if gas reaches $4 a gallon, people will still be making the move to our area and commuting to their work in the Twin Cities. For some, the increase in population isn’t welcomed. But for us, we should rejoice that God is bringing people to our doorsteps so that we can carry out his task for us right in our own backyards. With God bringing these people to us, we need to be proactive in reaching out, welcoming them to our area, and inviting them to join us in worship, Bible Study, Sunday School, and kingdom living. This is what I pray will be the outcome of my studies as I share the information with you, equip you for making the most of the gifts God has equipped you with for his kingdom work, and watching the kingdom of God increase in this area.
So be prepared -- I may be calling on you for some help in this program and in reaching out with the love of our Father in His Son Jesus! May he receive all the glory as we do so.
In His Service, Pastor Dan
Listen to Pastor Coppersmith's Memorial Day 2003 address.