April, 2025

I PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED, BUT GOD GAVE THE GROWTH

On March 16 we had a bon voyage celebration for Fred and Dana Rothermel, as we thanked them for their ministry among us, and asked God’s blessings upon them as they move to be near their family in Northern Virginia. Fred served as the minister of this congregation prior to my arrival and did so with his wonderful gifts of preaching and pastoring. He led this congregation with passion and compassion and continued to serve as our Pastor Emeritus. At the celebration, many members shared how blessed they are to have Fred and Dana as part of their lives. I think we can all agree that they will be greatly missed.

Sometimes having the former minister stay as a member of the congregation is hard on the new guy, which is why the ministerial code of ethics discourages the former minister from staying. Fred and Dana avoided us for three months, until I called and asked, “When are the two of you coming back to your church home?” They showed up the next Sunday.

I, for one, will always be thankful for Fred and Dana’s support of my ministry. From the beginning, Fred made it clear that his objective was to support me and be my advocate. He did this well. From his sound advice, his steady encouragement, and his willingness to serve, my ministry here was made that much easier. Fred lived out Paul’s words to the Corinthian church: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”

Ministry builds upon ministry. My ministry stands upon the shoulders of those who have preceded me. Each of us with our special skills and talents added to the church ministry we have today. But whatever we contributed, the true strength of our ministry was God’s power through the gospel.

God provided special gifts to Fred. He is a gifted leader who has never forgotten that it isn’t his educational degrees or his keen intelligence or any other human attributes that have made him a good minister. It is his ability to let the word of God lead him so that all he says and does points beyond himself to the Christ who called him.

In every generation, God raises up witnesses and messengers. Some will plant, others will water, but it is God who gives the growth. Thank you, Fred and Dana, for nourishing us. May God continue to bless you every step of your journey.

Blessings ~ Pastor Richard
April, 2025