*This is part of a series on “Pursuing Gospel Joy” in church ministry. Visit replantblog.com to read more from the series.
Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This verse resonates deeply with me as a new senior pastor at Clinton Baptist Church in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia).
When I first stepped into this role, my heart was overflowing with joy. Joy for being called to lead, joy for the opportunity to reach our community with the gospel of Jesus Christ, joy for serving others joy for witnessing people accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, joy for the frequent baptisms, and joy for the growth of our church. My joy was evident and contagious.
This joy, however, was soon tested by a series of unexpected and disheartening challenges. Within a single month, our church was broken into three times. Vandals defaced our church corner with red spray paint. Two men stole our church van and used it to rob a local liquor store. Each incident chipped away at my joy, replacing it with frustration and discouragement.
Have you ever been there, where your joy seems to vanish amidst overwhelming difficulties?
As I navigated these challenges, I realized my initial joy was too closely tied to our achievements and outward progress. While those are important and worth celebrating, they must not be the foundation of our joy. True gospel joy comes from knowing and delighting in the Lord himself.
In those dark moments, Philippians 4:4 became my anchor. It reminded me that our joy should not be rooted in the success of our ministry, our community outreach, or our leadership development. Instead, our joy must be anchored in the Lord.
In an urban context, where challenges can be numerous and relentless, this distinction is crucial. The urban landscape often presents unique obstacles – crime, vandalism, social issues – that can easily discourage and dishearten us. Yet it is precisely in these contexts that our joy in the Lord must shine the brightest. Our communities need to see a joy that is resilient, a joy that perseveres through trials, a joy that reflects the steadfast love and hope found in Jesus.
In urban ministry, this truth is especially vital. We are faced with unique challenges and opportunities. The density and diversity of the population mean we always have new people to reach and new needs to address. The pace and pressures of city life can be intense, and the brokenness and beauty of the urban landscape can be overwhelming.
Yet in the midst of it all, we are called to rejoice in the Lord!
As I continue serving in the urban context of the DMV, I remember to “rejoice in the Lord always.” I will let my joy be a testimony to those around me, pointing them to the true and lasting joy found in Jesus Christ.
Published November 25, 2024