Resources > Pulpit Committee Updates
September 12, 2009
Dear Friends at Marquette Manor Baptist Church,
Over the past several months, the Lord has brought to my mind frequently the familiar words of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own under-standing. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” I am always encouraged by that text, with its assurance that God will give us clear direction if we will trust Him wholeheartedly. From our earliest conversations with members of your pulpit committee, Becky’s and my desire has been to trust the Lord to give direction as we have prayerfully considered the possibility that God would have us come to Marquette. Many of you have shared with us that same fervent desire for you as a church—that you would rely upon God to clearly direct you to the man whom He has chosen to be your pastor. Throughout these months we have sensed, in a special way, God’s leading in our lives. God’s hand became increasingly clear to us as we met initially with the pulpit committee in July, spent time with all of you during the two weekends in August, and learned of your vote last week asking us to join in ministry with you. Over the past week and a half, Becky and I have sought the Lord’s final confirmation for us through His Word, through counsel, and by prayerfully seeking the Holy Spirit’s ministry in our own hearts. We are thankful to be able to share with you that God has brought us to the firm conviction that His direction for our lives is for me to accept your call to be the pastor of Marquette Manor Baptist Church. I do so with gladness in anticipation of God’s blessing in the days ahead, but also with a sober sense of my own inadequacy. Thankfully, we know that when we trust God to lead us, we can with equal confidence trust in His enabling power in our lives.
Becky and I know that many of you have been praying faithfully for us during this time. We cannot express how much we have appreciated the kind words of encouragement and the assurances of your prayers that have come to us by phone, by mail, and firsthand during our times with you. As we look forward to investing our lives in the wonderful work that God is doing at Marquette, we desire your prayers all the more. Please pray for God’s continued direction as we now turn our focus to the practical challenges inherent in a cross-country relocation. Pray for God’s wisdom in the timing of things and for His superintendence in real estate transactions and the like. Pray for us, for our children, and for our present ministry here at Westgate as we make preparations to say “goodbye” to people we love and appreciate. And pray for God to knit our hearts together with yours as we begin serving with you for the cause of Christ at Marquette. We know that we are insufficient for these things, but praise the Lord, He is more than sufficient.
Thank you in advance for your continued prayers for us during this time of transition. We are excited to have seen God’s hand in leading us to this point, and we are even more excited to see all that He will do in and through your lives in the months and years ahead.
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Dave Schlagel