Rev. Michael Davis
December 2020
As we prepare to conclude calendar year 2020 at the end of this month, we’ve asked our pastors to answer the question: What did you see in 2020, and what did you learn from it? The sixth pastor to answer that question for us is Rev. Michael Davis, Pastor of Berryhill Baptist Church. Here is what he has seen this year:
As I look back on this Coronavirus Pandemic year, I had high hopes and excitement for the theme of Gospel Focus 2020. I was ready to bring hope and new life to a church in need of revitalization. And then the March shut down occurred and I was hoping to prevent the church doors from closing permanently.
But I must say, “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us- to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20, 21)
I knew if I just did the very best I could, without grumbling and complaining (Philippians 2:14) and I trusted God, then He would do what I couldn’t do. I knew ministry had to be done completely different. The way I was doing ministry wasn’t working well anyway.
Two big ministry adjustments came out of this year. First, I spent more time reading and studying how missionaries and church planters pioneer their work. I started reaching out to other pastors to consult, share ideas, and seeking prayer.
Secondly, I developed more partnerships with our church members. Our church members knew how the coronavirus took away our normal church life. I started having more regular meetings with deacons, teachers and members, sharing our conversations and prayers about how we could navigate our church through COVID-19 and still connect with and impact our community. As a result, I have built greater relationships with so many more of our church members. There is excitement to see what God is going to do in 2021!
Thanks to Pastor Michael for sharing his 2020 perspective!
Watch for a final article on 2020 that will review what we’ve seen in this year, and what we hope to see in the coming year. We will release that article on December 31, 2020.
