M.J. Sewiert, whose been our Middle School pastor for the last eight years, is about to become the lead pastor of Zion Community Church in Wilmot, South Dakota. He leaves this week. It’s a bittersweet moment for all. Few churches enjoy such a long and successful run by the middle school guy. (I am on record and saying that I wouldn’t last more than ten minutes.)
Last weekend MJ preached, Sarah (his wife) sang and the whole family was celebrated at several different events. Yesterday MJ sent around the following note – it’s a post of the 25 things he appreciated about Christ Church. I pass it along with only minor edits.
- Christ Church has been the only church I’ve known since surrendering my life to Jesus over 13 years ago. I’ve grown tremendously here through all manner of events and programs – e.g. men’s softball and basketball leagues, retreats and rafting trips, Men’s Fraternity, serving as an usher, nursery volunteer, walker room coordinator, and Club 56 leader; Summer Nights events and all-church picnics, etc.
- The staff, elders, and deacons genuinely care for and respect each other and work to serve each other.
- The physical layout of the Lake Forest campus is so refreshing: little clutter and lots of natural light make it a pleasant place to worship, meet a friend or read a book.
- Christ Church took a chance on me nearly 8 years ago, an unproven leader with little experience and almost no seminary training. And yet the leadership was open to discerning and obeying God’s call…
- David Weil has been a fantastic boss who has mentored me, given me important advice at crucial times, and also allowed me to run with my God-given gifts without micro-managing me.
- I have a great office/work space that I enjoy coming to each day (I think I’m the only guy in the world whose office is bigger than his house! ).
- When I started here I inherited phenomenal teen and adult leaders who love the LORD, love the students, and work to encourage me—and this has continued through today.
- The staff is comprised of such incredibly competent and capable servant-leaders who not only know how to “get the job done” but whom I also simply enjoy to be around.
- Mike Woodruff has given me many opportunities to preach in the adult services—this is not common for Middle School pastors and I am so thankful for these opportunities that have been offered to me enthusiastically, not begrudgingly or reluctantly.
- Many individuals have been a blessing to me and my family over the last 12 years—praying for us, seeking us out to see how we are doing, babysitting our kids, dropping off anonymous Target gift cards, etc.
- I am given such freedom to do what I need to do to honor my family (e.g. leaving work early some days, teaching art at my daughters’ school), spend time with God uninterrupted (personal retreat to St. Mary’s once per month), and organize my weekly tasks according to my own unique personality.
- I am not pressured with an idolatrous focus on “numbers numbers numbers” (though of course we all want Christ Church to grow numerically!).
- I have a generous budget with which to help minister to the Middle School students, their leaders, and their families.
- My children have thrived here over the last 10+ years—they truly enjoy attending worship services and know that our family’s main community/network comes from this local church. Our participation in this local body is central, not periphery, to our family’s life.
- Christ Church has enthusiastically and generously supported the pursuit and completion of my Masters degree over the 7 years it took me to complete it.
- I am not constantly pressured to do more programs, and am even encouraged to keep my work pace at a sustainable long-term level.
- The teaching has been fantastic, Biblical, relevant, and humble, with a mix of topical series and serious expository studies in Hebrews, Acts, etc. Messages have been practical and intellectual without being stiffly academic.
- There are fantastic opportunities throughout the year to get to know the other staff on a personal level through retreats, lunches, Christmas gatherings, etc.
- Christ Church considers Middle School to be an equal and important ministry amongst many others. The 5th-8th graders have not once been treated like a second class ministry since I have been here.
- The administrative assistants have rightly been treated as equal members of this staff and ministry team.
- The leadership of Christ Church genuinely desires to honor the LORD in everything and to come alongside both the seeker and the saved in every Biblical way.
- The leadership have never been content with status quo – there has been a desire to follow the LORD wherever He leads, shining His love throughout the Ten Miles around Christ Church’s steeple.
- The staff has fantastic medical, vision, dental, vacation and other benefits.
Godspeed MJ. May you have a long and fruitful run in Wilmot, and leave behind as many fans there as you leave here.