Dear Pacific Union Member:

As we come to the start of another year in a few weeks, this is a good time to take a look at your life and sincerely ask if there are some things that need to change. Chances are, if you are honest, the answer will be “yes.” Now comes the hard part: identifying those changes in the order of their priority and then developing a plan to make them happen. Very few good changes come without a plan and determination to follow it.

As you develop your list of changes for your life, let me suggest some things I have observed in my interaction with members and their churches. If any of these apply to you, I pray you will give them careful attention. Our life is either an encouragement or discouragement to those around us. Some may even be giving up as a result of us. That makes these things more than just casual observations; they need serious attention to the glory of God.

Shortage

There is a terrible shortage of members who are willing to give time and energy to leadership in the church. One large church had to close a children’s Sabbath school division because no one was willing to lead it or assist. In another church, no one would lead Pathfinders, so a busy OB/GYN doctor decided it must be done even if he had to lead it. He did so with wonderful results. Are you just a consumer at your church, or have you volunteered to help?

Closed Doors

Does your church get involved in evangelism of some type, or are the doors never opened to seekers? I hear of dozens of churches that will not go to the effort of raising the money and members who will not attend public meetings. Is sitting in front of your television set for five nights and spending money on yourself really more important than providing others a way to know about God? And don’t say it is just because we lose so many new members. I have yet to hear of a church not evangelizing that is growing.

Dictators

Numerous churches are letting a few powerful people, sometimes pastors, make all the decisions and control the direction of the church. It happens when no one wants to rock the boat and challenge the ones doing it. Member silence will lead to dictatorship in the church. From there, the devil only needs to influence one person to take over the direction.

“No man is ever to set himself up as a ruler, as a Lord over his fellowmen, to act out his natural impulses. No one man's voice and influence should ever be allowed to become a controlling power” (Ellen White, Christian Leadership, p. 33).

Faithful

How much did you invest in the work of God this year? Were you faithful in the 10 percent He claims as His? Are your priorities in life reflected in your giving patterns? If Jesus were sitting beside you right now would He commend your faithfulness or suggest some changes?

Priority One

Have you made it a daily prayer for the Holy Spirit to come in and fill your life so you can be a true reflector of God’s character to everyone around you? Without this promised gift controlling your mind, it is impossible to think and act like God, no matter how hard you try. It this the reason your life didn’t influence another for Jesus and His truth this year?

I pray this has been a growth year in your walk with Jesus. Surely He is coming soon, and more than anything He wants you with Him in His kingdom!

Sincerely your friend,

Tom Mostert, President

Pacific Union Conference

P.S. During 2007 you will hear from all four officers on this page. Each will write three articles on a rotating basis through the year.