I was in college and went to “supply preach” at a little Church in Missouri. Amazingly, they invited me back. At the end of September 1993, I was asked if I would come back every week. Since that day, I have been preaching for 31 years.

Through that time, the world has changed dramatically with the arrival of cell phones and the internet. Computers went from being something that I might be able to use for ministry to an absolute necessity. The list of ways that being a pastor is different today is exceptionally long.

During that time, I have also changed. I have gotten married, had four children, and raised them while living in four different states. Not only has my personal life seen its share of changes, but the way I do ministry has been transformed over the years. Now, I write articles, preach without notes, and share sermons on social media.

There were two constants in those thirty-one years.

The Bible is still the inspired word of God and contains the essentials of all we believe. While the presentation may have varied, the content is still the same.

The Church is still the people of God and is composed of all who believe. While the names and faces have changed over time, the community of faith remains strong and is still doing the work of the Lord.

This Sunday, I will walk to the front of our auditorium, stand before my community of faith, and preach the Bible to them. I take comfort in the fact that if the Lord gives me another thirty-one years, those two things will remain.

If you are looking for something to build your life upon that will endure, then know that the Church is waiting for you to come and is ready to share the teachings of the Bible with you.