A Reflection on 5 Years at Rainbow Forest Baptist Church

Joy and Learning—Weakness and Praise

These are the words that join together as overarching trusses by which all the other things hang. It has been an incredible joy to serve the Lord and his people at Rainbow Forest Baptist. God has provided other leaders, resources, experiences, and grace each day. When I look around, I see it is clear that God has done so much work that no one else can take credit for: stories of redemption and salvation that God has worked on for years; a response to the Word that families longed for as addiction was overcome; the peace that filled the hearts of those that escaped medical scares and diagnoses; and finally, the comfort in the loss of loved ones. God did all of that, and he gets the glory…but I get the joy.

Additionally, one fact of ministry is that when you follow a long tenured pastor (here 25 years) then the next guy becomes the sacrificial lamb…it is a joy that I have not yet been slaughtered. Many pastors take on this task and become an unintentional interim pastor. When one see the statistics (25-40%) of those pastors being forcibly terminated, one can’t help but to thank God in enduring.

I am naturally an avid learner. Taking on the role of Lead Pastor has catalyzed my learning in ways I could not imagine. Oddly, it was not a result of the knowledge-based pursuit of reading or exploring the Word in more depth (that had already been a task that I jumped on). The learning came from being placed into more situations that taught me who the Lord was, what was in man, and how much more sin I had/have in my own heart. God is the master teacher, and, in this role, I’ve gathered to his feet in learning even when I desired not to.

Weakness is the hard part of ministry—seeing the ends of yourself and the limits of your strength, influence, and skill. In a transparent act of expression, let me list some of my weaknesses: hope in people too much; burn the candle at both ends; make it hard for others to love me well; allow details to scatter in my mind; try to take on too much; place myself into the role of savior; reflect on the needs for improvement more than the work that God is doing. I could go on and on, but I think you see some of my weaknesses.

Being at Rainbow has revealed more weaknesses that I’ve carried for years in the unknown.

One not listed above, but on the edge of my mind each day, is my response when people leave our church. I hurt deeply when someone leaves. I tend to personalize the reason no matter why.

For example, A family moves and has to find a new church. My response: Why can’t everyone just sit still?

A family is hurt by something I said. My response: Why didn’t I realize they would take it that way?

A staff member leaves because of unmet or unfulfilled expectations. My response: Why didn’t I give them more time or ask them more questions?

A pastor leaves because of sin or failure. My response: I failed them. I couldn’t get them to love the work. I wish I was a better leader.

In a church our size, this is a weakness that is laid bare monthly. I grieve inwardly for weeks. Only my wife knows the distant stares or late-night tossing and turning. This is also when I experience some of the most intense times of prayers and reliance on the Lord. For that I’m thankful to say, when I am weak, then I am strong…for the Lord’s strength is apparent.

Finally, praise. This may seem odd at the end of my weaknesses. But praise that Lord that he still sits on the throne.

Praise the Lord that I haven’t imploded the church that I love.

Praise the Lord that although 40% of our church is different from just 5 years ago, he is still adding to our number and giving us favor with others.

Praise God that spending $140K in HVAC replacement hasn’t put us into debt.

Praise God that people are still growing in the knowledge of him.

Praise God that he has provided staff that are second to none.

Praise God for the incredible people of Rainbow Forest…who have loved me and my family well.

Praise God that in 20 years (Lord willing) I’ll pass this church on to another faithful saint.

How do I continue into the next 5 years?

“I have found the one that is worthy of praise forever…and He loves me.”

-Pastor John Richardson