What a blessing it is to be serving at Hoffman United Methodist Church! My name is Justin Williams, and I am the new pastor at Hoffman. This is my first pastorate, and I am excited about what God is going to do through the ministry of this church. God always seems to know what is best for us. I believe that God has sent me to this church for a purpose. I am looking forward to getting to know the church, its ministries, and each of its members over the next few months that I may serve and lead the church more effectively.
My wife, Chanda, and I just moved from Moraine to West Milton on August 3rd. I am originally from Portsmouth, Ohio, and she is from Miamisburg, Ohio. We are learning to love the community of West Milton. We have much more to explore, but we believe that this is an excellent place to live.
As I begin my ministry here at Hoffman, I am preaching a series of sermons on my model for ministry in the local church: E5= Embrace, Encourage, Empower, Equip, and Engage. By doing these five things, I believe that Hoffman United Methodist Church can fulfill its mission in this community.
• We embrace all people that they may experience God’s love through us. This means that we reach out to people. We welcome them, serve them, and listen to them.
• We encourage people to follow Jesus Christ. All people need encouragement. We share our stories with others that they may be encouraged by what God has done in our lives.
• We empower people through worship and prayer. People are empowered through the Holy Spirit. We work through prayer and worship to make people feel the Spirit’s presence that they may receive the power of the Spirit in their lives.
• We equip people through discipleship and spiritual formation. It is important for the Christian to be equipped with knowledge, skills, and gifts. We work through Sunday School, small groups, and Bible studies to equip people.
• We engage people in mission and ministry. Now, is the time to serve. We help people find a place to serve God and people through our church. The engage part completes the circle of the ministry model. As people are engaged, they are involved in ministries that embrace, encourage, empower, and equip others.
As I begin this new endeavor at Hoffman, I invite all of you to come be a part of the exciting things that are happening here. Thank you for all of the prayers, support, encouragement, and words of affirmation that many of you have offered already.
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