“In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:4-6)

This week, I am pausing to reflect over my life and my years of ministry…and I am absolutely amazed at the rich partnerships God has blessed me with.

Years ago, when I was in grad school I was recruited by a young pastor, Greg Wasser, to help at Grace Baptist Church in Boyertown. He was patient and kind…teaching me servant-leadership and allowing me to explore my gifts. That turned into a remarkable 11-year partnership from 1990-2001. Thanks Greg!

In 2001, Virginia called and Pastor Bob Perdue and I shared an amazing 13-year partnership here at Grace Life Community Church. I am forever indebted to Bob for his mentorship and profound impact in my life. No one has impacted me more. Thanks Bob!

There are tons of other partnerships I have to celebrate: my 25-year partnership with my wife Pam, my 9-year partnership in the public schools with EDGE clubs with my sons Josh & Justin, my productive & blessed partnership with our GLCC board and elders, who come along side of me to teach & assist in so many ways, and our ministry team of Matt, Jamie & Joanne, who share the heavy load of ministry in such extraordinary ways. Thanks EVERYONE!

In fact, I am thinking that there isn’t a single area of my life in which I am particularly effective alone! God has designed us to work together to advance His kingdom. It keeps us humble, it strengthens our weaknesses, it keeps us accountable, it involves everyone, and models the type of participatory fellowship that God wants for his people. Are you involved in partnerships or are you a lone wolf? People trying to do it alone are sitting ducks for the enemy. We are stronger together! Next week, we are celebrating another phenomenal partnership…our 10-year relationship with Jamaica Link Ministries (JLM). Dave Falconer and his wife, Nadine, will be flying up from Jamaica for a weekend of celebration and planning, as we spread the word about all the ways God has blessed a decade of partnership between GLCC and the church of Jamaica. We have a dessert fellowship scheduled for Friday, September 23, and then Dave will be preaching & celebrating with us in our worship service on Sunday, September 25. Let’s celebrate our partnership in the gospel!