Pastor Letter: August 7, 2019

Dear Buck Run Family:

I feel of you as Paul did of the Galatians when he called them “my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19). My greatest desire as your pastor is to so preach and model Christ that He is constantly before you as your model and your enabler, your hope and your comfort. That is my goal in preaching and leading, in praying and studying.

I never want you to think that my voice is the only one worth listening to. I hope you will listen to other expository preachers who will help you understand and love the Word of God and grow in grace and as disciples of Jesus. That is why I have invited three premium preachers of the Word to be with us for each of the next three Monday evenings.

This Monday at 6:30, Dr. Kevin Ezell, former pastor of Highview Baptist in Louisville and now President of the North American Mission Board will be preaching. Kevin is one of the greatest evangelical leaders of our generation. Frankly, I’ve never met anyone like him. He walks with the Lord, trusting God for a vision to reach people and the strength and wisdom to implement that vision. He has led Southern Baptists in a church planting revival like we have never seen. You need to hear what he has to say to our church!

On Monday the 19th, Nathan Lino, pastor of the Northeast Houston Baptist Church will be bringing the Word. Nathan grew up on the mission field, the son of Southern Baptist missionaries to South Africa. He leads one of the most creative and strategic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. When Hurricane Harvey destroyed so much in Houston, teams from Buck Run rushed to the area to assist Northeast in reaching their neighborhoods and getting their ministries up and running again. They feed the hungry, care for women in pregnancy, single moms, and struggling families. And EVERYTHING they do is saturated with the Gospel. Nathan is a tremendous preacher, but he is much more than that. He is a great pastor to an entire city. I want you to hear him.

On Monday, the 26th, one of the greatest preachers in America is going to be at Buck Run. Charlie Dates is amazing. I marvel that he is so young and so accomplished. He pastors an urban Chicago church, the Progressive Baptist Church. He is one of the most in-demand conference speakers, and you will see why. I can’t wait for you to hear him.

I realize that your lives are busy, and we try to balance discipleship with sensitivity to all the other demands on you. Every now and then, the extra investment of time is worth it. I want us to come together as a church for these three extra services to begin the school and church year well. Please make this your priority on the next three Monday evenings. I am praying that God will use it to form Christ in us!

Your grateful pastor,

Bro. Hershael