Same Mission, New Methods

I recently had the privilege to sit down and talk with NWLife’s former lead pastor Wes Lindseth.

When he arrived at NWLife (formerly Fairwood Assembly of God) roughly 75 people attended on a weekly basis.

It was under P. Wes’ leadership that the church underwent great growth and expansion.

He served for 18 plus years as the lead pastor at Fairwood and was known for his love for people.

P. Wes was the only pastor my siblings and I had ever known as we came to the church from a Catholic upbringing.

Under his leadership I was:

  • Saved
  • Baptized
  • Married
  • Given my first (and only) job in ministry
  • Welcomed our first child home (Andrea)

 

P. Wes has had a major impact on my life personally, spiritually, and professionally.

As we talked and reminisced about the “good ol’ days” he mentioned something regarding change that I absolutely loved.

He was referring to changes that occur when new leadership steps in. Specifically at his church and here at NWLife.

He said, “The mission remains the same, there are simply new methods.”

Jesus said before he ascended to heaven, Go and make disciples of all the nations.” (Matthew 28.19, NLT)

That’s the mission.

As for the way to accomplish it, well when you read the rest of the New Testament you’ll find lots of methods.

Paul wrote this about the methods he used to reach people:

I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever.

I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. (1 Corinthians 9.20-22, NLT)

Some people get upset when church isn’t done their way.

Their church is changing and they’re not wanting or ready for the change.

The truth is the mission has always been and always will be the same; reach people with the good news of grace.

The methods have changed and will continue to.

It would be understandable if P. Wes were upset with the changes we’ve made since his departure, but he isn’t.

As he’s always done, he embraces the mission over the methods.

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