Confessions of a pastor...

I can still remember driving through the streets of Rancho Santa Margarita overwhelmed by the absurdity of God’s calling. While the idea of planting a church in RSM was exhilarating, it also exposed the ridiculous nature of God’s decision making process. I couldn’t wrap my mind around why God would call us to this task. At that time I was just a 26 year old youth pastor with no “senior” pastor experience. It would have made much more sense, in my mind, for God to send an older, wiser and more “locally” established pastor to begin a work in RSM. He should send a pastor who was experienced in church planting, and had a lot of relationship in this area.

At the height of my insecurity and confusion about being God’s choice to start and lead this church he finally said something that cut right through the fog. I heard Him say, “Because I’ll get the credit.” That statement was followed by a verse:

“God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Cor 1:27-29 ESV).

Peace immediately flooded my soul as I realized the pressure was not on my shoulders. God didn’t need me to be older, wiser and more established. He only needed me to obey and be a fool crazy enough to trust Him rather than in myself. God wants the credit for what has taken place here at The Bridge over the last 5years. He wants the credit for will take place in the next 5years. Verse 29 says, “...so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” God loves to reveal His power and glory through us. We often think to highly of our contribution in following God’s plan. I am convinced that so much less depends on us and our ability than we’re comfortable admitting.

As we look into a new year and the future of our church, let’s remember that God is looking for those who are willing to look like fools for Him. Our church was started by a small band of fools who believed God could do “anything” with “nothing.” As I look around this church I realize that to the untrained eye we are a far cry from our humble and modest beginnings. But do not be misled by such perceptions. We are still a church being lead by a bunch of fools who believe God can do “anything” with “nothing” and rejoice in watching Him do so. If being called a fool for God is offensive to you, please know it is a badge of honor to us.

To God alone be all glory, honor and praise, in this church and throughout this city!

With Great Joy,

Pastor Ryan