It’s a Small World

I recently had a conversation with Steve about my new position here as associate pastor. Steve has a close friend who used to pastor in Pierre, so Steve asked me whether CBC was the same church where his friend pastored. After I asked around, it turns out that this is the case. One of CBC’s former pastors, Dave Reimer, and Steve have been good friends for a long time. In fact, Dave influenced Steve to go into Christian Education and start a Christian School at Bethany Bible Church in Plano, Texas.

Before I tell you the rest of the story, I want you to think about 2 Tim 2:2. Paul writes, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” This passage teaches a discipleship process that entails four different links. The process goes from Paul to Timothy to faithful men to others. This approach to discipleship is God’s chosen method of reaching the world with the gospel and growing believers in the faith—through relationships and mentoring.

Now for the “rest of the story.” Dave encouraged and discipled Steve, and Steve encouraged and discipled me. You see: Steve is my oldest brother. I first got involved in a Bible church through Steve, then I went to Bible College, and eventually became a pastor. Now I am at Community Bible Church serving where Dave served many years ago. This local church had a part in God calling me to ministry many years ago! We never know how planting God’s Word in others will affect the lives of people for years to come! Yes, it is a small world, but we have a big, amazing, all-knowing, loving, and, yes, sovereign God!

Blessings, Pastor Phil