Pastor's Thoughts: February

Yesterday, Dylan and Molly Stopher joined the New Hope membership. When they joined, I announced that Dylan had accepted the position of Interim Worship Director. I have met with Dylan multiple times, including once with his previous pastor. FBC Friendswood, Dylan’s previous church, had a commissioning service for Dylan last Sunday and sent him out to serve at New Hope. It is a beautiful thing when churches cooperate to build God’s kingdom together.

Over the last couple of months, I have had the chance to get to know Dylan and see his heart for God, God’s people, and leading God’s people to worship Him. The deacons also met with Dylan multiple times and saw the same things I did. I believe that God has brought Dylan and New Hope together.

I believe that Dylan is going to be a great leader at New Hope as we move in a new direction in our worship. I also believe that New Hope is going to be a great blessing to Dylan and his family. I am looking forward to seeing how God uses Dylan at New Hope. Church family, let’s be sure that we make Dylan and Molly feel welcome and a part of our church family.

There will be an evening for everyone to get know Dylan on a more personal level as well. On March 9th, at 4:00 p.m., we will have a time for meet and greet with Dylan. This will be a great opportunity for you to come and get to hear from Dylan. He will share his heart for worship and his vision for the worship ministries at New Hope. There will be a time for questions and answers as well. If you are musically talented, come and meet Dylan and talk with him about your talents and let's see what it looks like for you to serve in this area of ministry. 

At our last Member’s Meeting, I announced that we would be moving in a new direction for our worship. Before moving on, I want to express my gratitude for Chris Brown and his faithful service to New Hope for years. Chris resigned from his position back in January. Since that time, Dylan Stopher has been filling in for us, except last week when he was back at his former church.

The purpose of moving in a new direction for our worship is to create a blended service where both younger and older members can worship together. We want everyone who comes to our church to feel like this is a place where they can engage in worshipping God together. Worship should never be reduced down to one style or the preference of a single group. We want everyone to be able to worship at New Hope.

The approach of a blended worship service is to incorporate both older hymns and new hymns and praise songs. I believe that a blended service best tries to capture the biblical principle found in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” I want to assure you that we are not going to swing the pendulum to the extreme of only doing newer songs. The goal is to find a balance that engages everyone as we worship the Lord our God together.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being our glorious God. Thank you for Your love, mercy, and grace that abundantly pour into our lives. I pray for New Hope that You will give us the grace we need to worship You in the way that brings Your great name glory. I pray for Dylan and his family during this transition. I pray that you give him the grace he needs to lead Your church in praise and worship. Father, give the congregation grace to walk through this time of transition in a way that glorifies You. Father, give us the conviction that all that we do in worship is through Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and for Your glory. Help us to always remember that worship is not about us or our preferences but for You and Your glory. Father, help us to always remember the promise of salvation, that one day we will be worshipping You forever in Your glorious presence.

Your Servant,
Pastor Ben