1 Thessalonians 2:4-12
…but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
For 10 years, Brian Lowe has been a faithful pastor and shepherd of Exodus Church. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we do it not to lift up Brian’s accomplishments, but to celebrate the work of God through Brian.
Brian has devoted his life these past 10 years to be worthy of God’s trust with the gospel. He has not sought glory, but rather to be a tender and affectionate servant leader. Striving to conduct himself as holy and righteous and blameless, he exhorts and encourages the people of our congregation, charging us to walk in a manner worthy of God.
As Brian has said, “We do not need famous pastors; we need faithful ones.” Brian, you have truly been a faithful pastor to all of us at Exodus Church and we thank God for your continuing love and service here.
