Success in this age is measured by faithfulness over decades.

This morning, I get to celebrate the faithfulness of some of my dearest friends.  Tim and Becca Westrom are celebrating 10 years of faithful leadership at Hope Springs Christian Fellowship in Cumberland, MD.  My friendship with them goes back even farther than that.  While they were getting their Master’s Degree at Asbury Theological Seminary they were also some of the most faithful leaders in the church we started in Wilmore, KY.  They were one of a handful of couples that could always be counted on to serve and more importantly to pray.

For the last 10+ years, they have raised a remarkable family.  Asher, Anna and Lydia love Jesus.  They worship, dance and pray.  Some time this year, the Westroms will add another son to their family.  He is a 4 year old special needs child living in a village in northeast India right now.

For the last 10+ years, they have been faithful to plant and lead a wonderful church family.  I celebrated with them when they started in their living room and I will celebrate 10 years of public services this morning in the beautiful sanctuary God has given to them.

They have labored intensely for this Church family.  Over this last decade, God has used Tim and Becca bi-vocationally.  They are both highly trained pharmacists as well as ministers of Christ’s Gospel.  I’m so proud that they have carried the bi-vocational mantle so faithfully.  They are an example of what I believe Church leadership is going to look more and more like as we approach the end of this age.

This morning, I will lay hands on them again after preaching a message from Ephesians 3:14-21.  I will pray that they can continue to apprehend what we can’t comprehend:  God’s love that surpasses knowledge.  Paul challenges us to grasp this love and to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Paul also promises that there will be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus.  Tim and Becca are being used in a beautiful way to bring about this promise.  They are amazing examples of success…faithfulness over decades.

And I get to be their friend.