As we enter a time of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for you, for the opportunity to serve and shepherd our church as a pastor, and for the others who share in that sacred responsibility. Here’s a summary of what Paul expected for church leaders and pastors: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV). Instead of “those who have been given a trust,” older translations often used the word “steward.”

Many people today would misunderstand the word “steward.” A steward in the Scriptures doesn’t serve drinks in airplane cabins or act as a personal attendant for a powerful person. A steward was someone whose role was to manage what didn’t belong to them with all the care and wisdom they can muster as if it did belong to them. It’s the type of trust a business owner puts in a chief executive, or the trust of a groom handing his bride’s wedding ring to the best man, or the trust of a parent in faculty and staff as they enroll their child in school.

God trusts his most precious possession—his church, his bride, his people to other people who are gifted to lead, instruct, and shepherd their souls. For those trusted individuals—nothing less and nothing greater than faithfulness is required.

For 13 years, Jennifer Daniel has served the Lord and his church faithfully at GFC. Parents have trusted her with their children, students have trusted her with their spiritual life, staff have trusted her leadership—and she has responded with faithfulness—faithfulness in her calling, in her convictions, and in her opportunity to guide children and students to understand Jesus’ love for them and to love him in return.

At the end of December, Jennifer’s time on our staff will conclude, as she keeps exploring what God has next for her. I’m grateful for Jennifer’s faithfulness, and I’m also delighted that she and Dave plan to continue being part of GFC. This Sunday we will honor her in our worship services, and I know in the coming weeks you will want to express your gratitude to her personally.

With gratitude for your continued faithfulness,

Titus