To My Branches Family,

I’ve been in turmoil these past few days. Not because I’m surprised by what’s happening in the world, but because I’ve felt the spiritual weight of it all. So many thoughts, emotions, confusion and heartache. I’ve watched the firestorm of angry posts unfold online, some words written with grace and truth only to be shredded by hurt, division, and misunderstanding. Some of it has come from people who are angry and some who are lost and don’t understand Jesus. And some from those who are grieving and don’t know how to walk with their pain and find peace at the same time. And honestly, I’ve sat in silence more than I’ve spoken. (some of you are wishing I was still not speaking) But it’s not out of fear, but out of reverence for the moment. I had a friend who told me (and I agree) that our relationship with Jesus should produce more peace in us.  And so I’ve been praying: “Lord, what do You want Your people to know right now?” Here’s what keeps rising in my heart: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God… that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”, Ephesians 6:10–13

We are in a real spiritual battle. And in the middle of it, Jesus is still the only firm foundation. He’s the only One we build on when the world shakes. He’s the only refuge when storms rage and they do. He’s the One who steps into the fire with us and says, “You are not alone.”  “There is another in the fire, standing next to me... and should I ever need reminding of how I’ve been set free...”

Yes, this week, we were reminded of just how fragile life is. A man, imperfect like all of us, who loved Jesus, who pointed people to Scripture, who wasn’t afraid to speak truth… is gone. And what is our response?  We grieve. We pray. We reflect. But we don’t just reflect on his life, we look to Jesus and then back at our own. Are we living surrendered? Are we loving people toward Jesus? Are we walking in grace and truth?

This week, I do mourn His loss to God’s Kingdom work, yes, even when it was controversial at times. I didn’t always agree with him. There were things I would’ve said or done differently. But I also heard him many times confess Jesus as Lord and boldly point people to the cross. I thank God for that. And in this moment, I’m reminded of this truth:

None of us are perfect. (I often follow up that statement with “but trying to serve a perfect God”) But yes no one is perfect...and we follow a Savior who is. And that Savior is calling us back to Himself, to grieve like Him, to love like Him, to forgive like Him, to act like Him, and to go after the one like Him. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way…though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.”,
Psalm 46:1–3
Some have asked if we’re going to preach about the events of this week. And I get that. Some because of honor, some because you want to know what God says about how to react or speak about this week.  But here’s what I want you to know:

We’re going to keep preaching Jesus. We’re going to keep calling people to love like Jesus, with heart, soul, mind, and strength. We’re going to keep opening the Word, praying like it matters, and leaving the ninety-nine to go after the ONE. Because that’s what this is all about. That’s what Jesus wants us to do.
That’s where we stand right now. Not on opinions. Not on platforms. Not on preferences. But on the unshakable, immovable, eternal foundation of Jesus Christ. “Christ is my firm foundation, the rock on which I stand / When everything around me is shaking / I’ve never been more glad...”
Let the world swirl. Let opinions fly. We will stand, Church. We will stand on the gospel. We will stand in love. We will stand in truth. And we will keep leaving the ninety-nine to go after the one. So if you’re feeling discouraged, shaken, or unsure, come back to Jesus. We will be teaching more Jesus again this Sunday.  And if you’re watching the world spiral and wondering what to do, come back to Jesus. If you’re unsure how to respond to what’s happening around you, come back to Jesus. Let Him be your fire, your fortress, your foundation. Let Jesus be the answer to your hurt.  He’s mine even when I fail myself. Let’s keep being a church that loves others well, prays boldly, and lives on mission to REACH others for Jesus. Let’s keep going after the one. I love you each deeply and I’m standing with you. And I believe more than ever, He is enough.
With all my heart,
Pastor Shane