The Pastor's Pen
Just these lines, to say that ……
you can’t imagine how privileged I feel for the honor that has been given to me to become one of the pastors of the Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church. The thought of helping to lead the Long’s Chapel congregation takes my breath away.
I know that you have been extraordinarily well led. Rob Fuquay is one of the finest pastors we have in The United Methodist Church. Any person not in awe of following Rob in the Long’s Chapel pulpit is not thinking clearly. Your interim leader, Rev. Woody Adams, has led you splendidly. Like any number of Old Testament figures, I have questioned my own capacity for so great a calling. But I, too, receive strength from the ancient promise, “I will go with you.”
Your Staff Parish Relations and Parsonage committees have represented you admirably. Collectively and individually not only are they impressive, but they have personified Christ’s love to our family. We would double our membership tomorrow if the unchurched of Haywood County ever felt a small portion of the love our family has felt from Long’s Chapel members.
Transitions are difficult times. In a sense, we are like acrobats between trapezes. But times of transition are when we are forced to rely most completely upon God. In those moments, we discover God’s faithfulness. While you have received a new pastor, you will be hearing the same message and following the same mission to reach people for becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
One thing that scares me a little when I think of Long’s Chapel are Jesus’ words in Luke 12:48: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much more will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” You are a prodigiously gifted congregation to whom much has been entrusted – in resources, vision,staff, influence, faith and love. Over the last few years, I’ve even heard of church leaders in North Carolina beginning their planning process by asking, “What are they doing at Long’s Chapel?” Our mission extends far beyond our walls. Our calling is to dream God-sized dreams and be all we can for God’s glory.
One of my favorite authors, Frederick Buechner has said, “The place to which God calls me is where intersect the world’s deep need and my great joy.” Bishop McCleskey’s appointment of me as your pastor is a source of deep joy to me today and will be for many years to come.
Your pastor and friend,
Dr. Charles (Chuck) W. Wilson II
