Shepherd's Heart 2/21/25
When I arrived at Good Shepherd in 1995, I saw a committed group of church members who had survived a very difficult chapter in the life of the church. Leading up to this time, there was a call that lasted just 11 months, followed by a year of interim pastoral leadership, and there remained a remnant of faithful members who loved the church and most importantly loved God and the ministry and life of Good Shepherd. Over the next few years, we would see growth and resurgence as many came to find a life rooted in Jesus at Good Shepherd. Not only did the number of people grow, but the depth of ministry grew significantly. Worship, children & student ministry, fellowship opportunities, significant moments of serving, and the adventure into global outreach. Worship, prayer, and study were important foundational aspects of the church, and individuals and families stepped into life together as they supported the church financially.
What I saw then, is what I see now. God has blessed us with a resurgence grounded fully in the desire to seek God’s guidance and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. Under the leadership of Pastor Tara Beth Leach, a dedicated Church Council, and a talented staff, joining a special community of people, our church is traversing a pathway to represent God’s desire to live in the Great Commandment and Great Commission. Worship numbers are growing, financial support is increasing, lives are being changed with God’s power, children are learning, students are maturing in their faith, and so much more.
I see this happening as people want to learn more and dedicate their lives fully to being the church. I relish moments of conversation around the Gospel and as I watch the journey we are all on I see a deepening desire to be disciples who make disciples who make disciples.
I see this happening as we gathered on Valentine's Day for fellowship. Multiple generations were represented in an evening of fun, food, and life together. I see this happening as people sign up to give their time and energy to Feed the Need and Hesed House. I see this as our students head to winter camp. I see it as women gather of Tuesday morning. I see it in so many places here at Good Shepherd. Look around and you will see it too.
I give thanks… thanks for what God is doing. What we see now we will see flourishing in the future. I invite you to give thanks with me. This is a gift we are receiving from God and it is a blessing!
~Pastor Greg Wenhold
What I saw then, is what I see now. God has blessed us with a resurgence grounded fully in the desire to seek God’s guidance and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. Under the leadership of Pastor Tara Beth Leach, a dedicated Church Council, and a talented staff, joining a special community of people, our church is traversing a pathway to represent God’s desire to live in the Great Commandment and Great Commission. Worship numbers are growing, financial support is increasing, lives are being changed with God’s power, children are learning, students are maturing in their faith, and so much more.
I see this happening as people want to learn more and dedicate their lives fully to being the church. I relish moments of conversation around the Gospel and as I watch the journey we are all on I see a deepening desire to be disciples who make disciples who make disciples.
I see this happening as we gathered on Valentine's Day for fellowship. Multiple generations were represented in an evening of fun, food, and life together. I see this happening as people sign up to give their time and energy to Feed the Need and Hesed House. I see this as our students head to winter camp. I see it as women gather of Tuesday morning. I see it in so many places here at Good Shepherd. Look around and you will see it too.
I give thanks… thanks for what God is doing. What we see now we will see flourishing in the future. I invite you to give thanks with me. This is a gift we are receiving from God and it is a blessing!
~Pastor Greg Wenhold
Posted in Shepherds Heart