leadership – Church of the Servant King

Upson Downs 5-25-2020

This is the week of joyful sadness as we remember Ravi Zacharias, gone from our world too soon. We are also reminded of Rich, born in 1946 (a very good year) and his dying at age 74, just like Ravi. I’m not trying to draw too many comparisons, or to overly stretch the similarities, but we who knew Rich also know him as a great man and a true apologist for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rich and Regan’s 47th anniversary is May 27th, and the Zacharias were married 48 years at the time of his death. If the two men haven’t met in heaven yet, I am confident they will some day, maybe gathering with some of their heroes: C.S.Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Malcom Muggeridge, still learning from each other, sharpening their minds, and sharing a love of Jesus.

We are shifting our Bible study to an in-depth dive into Church leadership, looking forward to a SALT class in partnership with Hope International University, led by the team of Jack McCorkel and Gene Sonnenberg. How blessed we are!

Today we celebrate Memorial Day with an outdoor barbecue, remembering those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf. Grace and peace to all.

Upson Downs

Quiet streets in Gardena, April 2020

…we all strive to not merely exist, but to thrive and grow in these strangely unprecedented times
Regan

Last night we enjoyed wonderful, refreshing laughter as we gathered together outside for an evening of fun. But is was fun with a serious purpose: raising money for a ministry in Mexico providing food and educational supplies for a needy family. People were generous in donations, and generous in laughter for a memorable experience. We will do it again as one of our young men has committed himself to raising monthly support for another less fortunate boy.

We continue to wrestle with the question posed to Jesus so long ago: “Lord, what do I still lack?” as we study the gospel of Matthew for the straightforward truths laid out by Jesus. Last Thursday Jose finished his commentary on Matthew 16, reminding us of the things that make gates fall: reconciliation, forgiveness, discipline.

Against these weapons, Hades doesn’t stand a chance. He also referenced Acts 15:1-15 noting the mandate to reference and submit to godly leadership in the church, another essential element of life together. We were also edified by Drive through History, taking us virtually to the places where Jesus endured His trial and execution. May we never forget.

Finally, we all strive to not merely exist, but to thrive and grow in these strangely unprecedented times. God is still good. As Dennis Prager says, “Never take normal for granted again.” May it be so.

Regan Read
April 18, 2020