There is what appears to be an incidental statement in Acts 27:23, as Paul addresses the captain, crew and fellow passengers on the ship to Rome. It is the compound clause, "...whose I am, and whom I serve." Elder Gowens insists that we pause to consider this statement that we might otherwise tend to skim over in reading the narrative, for it is a personal "confession of faith." And it is the reason Paul modeled such peace and poise of spirit in this mighty storm. This sermon was delivered 7/2/23.

In this fourth and final message from our special meeting, Elder Sam Bryant considers Ephesians 2:1-10. This sermon was delivered on Sunday morning, June 25, 2023.

In this third message from our June Communion Meeting, Elder Sam Bryant begins in Romans 8:18 and proceeds to emphasize the glorious future awaiting God's children, as outlined in verses 28-39. This sermon was delivered on Saturday afternoon, 6/24/23.

In this second sermon from our special Communion Meeting, guest minister Elder Samuel Bryant considers Psalm 103:1-14. This sermon was delivered on Saturday morning, 6/24/23.

Elder Sam Bryant was our visiting minister for our annual Communion Meeting. This first sermon, preached on Friday 6/23/23, is based on 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Elder Gowens' 6/18/23 sermon looks at Ephesians 6:4 in a special sermon on fatherhood. In a very real sense, a father is called to pastor the little flock that is his respective family. That means, in specific terms, he is to lead them, protect them and provide for them.

Guidance is basic and fundamental to a shepherd's role. In this 6/11/23 sermon, Michael Gowens considers a principle from 1 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 2:7, namely leadership by example. Pastoral ministry is intended to be a microcosm of the Christian life. A gospel shepherd leads the flock by modeling the message before them.

Elder Gowens' 6/4/23 sermon looks at Acts 20:28-31 in message #3 of the "Shepherding the Flock" series. Shepherding is a stewardship, and faithfulness is the most crucial quality for stewards of someone else's property. Study along as we explore the nature of pastoral ministry.

In this 5/21/23 sermon, Michael Gowens continues the study began last week by looking at the parable of the Good Shepherd in John 10. Unlike the religious leaders of the Jews, the Lord Jesus takes the initiative to lead his flock, genuinely cares about them, sacrifices Himself for their deliverance, and is intimately familiar with each lamb in his fold. An excellent under-shepherd will take his cue from the perfect Shepherd & Bishop of souls. 

Michael Gowens begins a topical mini-series with this 5/21/23 message in an attempt to develop a Biblical, pastoral theology. Using Jeremiah 3:15 as the text for the study, Gowens emphasizes the nature of the pastorate in terms of this rich metaphor of shepherding. In Scripture, spiritual leadership is always couched in these terms, whether we talk about the patriarchs, King David, or the Lord Jesus Christ himself.