Dear Christ Church family, the new year is stretched out before us, and we have the unspeakable privilege of walking with God. Let that sink in for a moment, dear Christian! You were created to walk with God, and by grace, you’ve been redeemed to walk with God. Christ became a righteous substitute on the cross so that you, by grace through faith, would be restored to a right relationship with God. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13a). Hallelujah! We’ve been forgiven and liberated to walk with God by faith.     

But walking with God doesn’t just happen (Eph. 5:15; Gal. 5:16). It takes Spirit-empowered effort. It takes spiritual discipline and the formation of godly habits. In other words, walking with God is not merely the consumption of biblical truth from sermons, books, devotionals, and podcasts. We are not brains on a stick. Walking with God is humbly responding (by faith) to the truth through the establishment of daily rhythms, routines, and habits that orient the heart towards God. These routines include Bible reading, prayer, family worship, and Lord’s Day observance. On the Lord’s Day at Christ Church, we have a congregational prayer meeting (8:50 a.m.), Sunday school (9:30 a.m.), morning worship (10:30 a.m.), and evening worship (5:30 p.m.). Commitment to this embodied fellowship (not disembodied fellowship through screens) of the church every Lord’s Day will, over time, reorient the affections, transform the heart, and strengthen the believer’s walk with God. The devil knows this, which is why he is always tempting us to disregard the Day that God has called holy (Ex. 20:8). The devil does not want us to establish a weekly rhythm of Lord’s Day observance. He knows the heart-transforming power of gospel-centered worship and fellowship. 

In addition to spiritual exercises, we must remember that service, outreach, and generosity are also vital components of walking with God. Cultivate a heart for others (with the love of God pulsating in your chest!) through daily routines of service. This might include an encouraging note to a struggling believer, completing a chore at home, a coffee meeting with an unbelieving co-worker, welcoming a visitor to Christ Church through hospitality, or faithful stewardship to the church. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, these habits of grace reorient the heart. James K.A. Smith writes that these routines are “pedagogies of desire, not because they are like lectures that inform us, but because they are rituals that form and direct our affections (You Are What You Love, 21). Walking with God is more than receiving information and knowing about God. Walking with God is knowing and communing with God personally— sincerely from the heart — through the daily and weekly rhythms of piety and service that He commands in His Word (Acts 2:42; Rom. 12:1-2).

Therefore, dear believer, take time today to honestly evaluate your daily routines and habits. Which of those daily, heart-orienting “rituals” need to go in 2026 (e.g., social media / Netflix / ESPN binging)? What heart-orienting routines need to be added to grow and strengthen your walk with God … and your love for Him. Saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ ALONE, we have been set free to walk with God in 2026. May we steward our lives to that end, for the glory of God and the service of others.

Preaching Schedule

I began the new year with a three part series entitled — Walking with God in 2026. If you missed some or all of the series, I would encourage you to listen to them. You can access all my sermons through Sermon Audio. In our morning services, we will jump back into my expository series on the highly-engaging and Christ-centered book of Joshua. It’s been seven months since my last sermon (#17) in Joshua. Therefore, I will reintroduce the book this Lord’s Day. In our evening services, I’ve been preaching an expositional series through the Gospel of Mark. We are coming to the end with the moving account of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Pray for God’s Spirit to work mightily through the weekly preaching of His Word. 

As an aside, I would warmly encourage you to establish a weekly rhythm of piety to attend evening worship. A double portion of the means of grace, on the Lord’s Day of grace and discipleship, will strengthen your walk with God in 2026. God’s Word will not return void.      

New Members Class

With thirty-two registered, we currently have the largest membership class in the church’s history. Praise the Lord! This is the result of God’s power and blessing alone. As we begin the class this week, pray that God would give wisdom, encouragement, understanding, and discernment to those who attend. Moreover, as you see new faces in our Lord’s Day services, please reach out to them with a warm welcome and handshake. Ask them if this is their first time visiting, where they are from, and if they have any questions. Go even further and have them in your home for lunch — stewarding your gifts, time, and resources for the glory of God. Think of how much it meant to you to be warmly welcomed when you or your family first walked through the door. Think of Paul’s words to the Romans — “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Rom. 15:7).         

Serving at Christ Church

Every member of Christ Church is encouraged to serve in practical ways. Some of those very practical ways that help the church to function in an orderly manner would be to serve on the rotation for the sound booth, kitchen crew, security team, nursery team, and Sunday school instructor. Please reach out to Colton Dempsey, our faithful pastoral intern of outreach and administration, if you are willing to serve in one of these areas.

Weekly Bible Studies

As we begin a new year — our 13th year! — at Christ Church, let me encourage you to attend a weekly Bible study, if you are able. We have weekly studies for men, women, and children, and a weekly dinner and Bible Study fellowship in our home for MUSC students and twenty-somethings (young professionals). This year, we are also adding a monthly dinner and Bible study fellowship for young marrieds on the topic of Marriage. This study, which I have entitled Life Together in Christ, will also meet in our home (*For further details, please see this week’s announcements).

Beloved members of Christ Church, we are blessed beyond measure! God has saved us by His grace and raised us up to walk with Him. By God’s design, we don’t walk this pilgrim road alone. He has given us faithful elders and deacons to guide and serve us. He has given us one other for mutual encouragement and accountability. He has given the means of grace for growth, transformation, and spiritual maturity. Above all, in and through these means, He has given us Himself. Therefore, in gratitude, let us offer up our hearts to Him, promptly and sincerely, walking by faith in 2026.

Your pastor, servant, and friend, 

Pastor Jon

Due to the inclement weather this past week, the session has decided to revise our Lord’s Day schedule at Christ Church tomorrow. We are canceling the congregational prayer meeting and Sunday school. 

Please take note of our revised schedule: 

10:30 AM — Morning Worship 
12:00 PM — Fellowship Meal
4:30 PM — Catechism Class
5:30 PM — Evening Worship 

Many thanks to the deacons for clearing the sidewalk and main parking lot at the church today. The gravel parking lot behind the church is covered in snow and ice and will not be available. The parking lot at eGroup next door is clear, as well as the sidewalk to the church. From the parking lot on the other side, there is a stretch of sidewalk with several feet of ice. Please be careful if walking from that lot. 

Looking forward to seeing you soon! 

Your Pastor, Servant, and Friend,

Pastor Jon

Believers are especially intrigued by England’s rich Christian heritage. How could we not be? From the establishment of Christianity through monasteries; to the emergence of the Protestant Reformation; to the courageous reforming of worship and confession by the Puritans; to the bold gospel preaching of the first Great Awakening; English church history is as eventful as it is inspiring.

We certainly found this to be true on our recent men’s trip to London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Canterbury. In preparation for the trip, we studied the lives and leadership of three historically significant figures who made a profound impact on their generation and beyond. These men are Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), John Owen (1616-1683), and Winston Churchill (1874-1965).

Thomas Cranmer was the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury, set apart to the office in 1533. It was an expressly volatile time in King Henry VIII’s court. Cranmer was the principal author of the Book of Common Prayer under King Edward VI (1549 / 1552). Through it, Cranmer and others (e.g. Bucer, Vermigili, Knox) sought to bring reform to the worship and liturgy of the church. Due to his strong protestant beliefs, and his assistance with King Henry VIII’s annulment from Catherine of Aragon, he was arrested by the newly ascended monarch, Queen Mary Tudor (Catherine’s daughter!). Queen Mary (i.e. Bloody Mary) sought to reestablish Catholicism in Britain. In her mind, Cranmer needed to be silenced. She imprisoned him in the Tower of London and then in Oxford. He spent the better part of two years suffering in prison, even being forced to watch two friends — Thomas Ridley and Hugh Latimer — be burned alive at the stake.

It seems the great physical and psychological pressure got to him. While in prison Cranmer recanted his protested beliefs and declared his allegiance to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Queen Mary, however, was not convinced. His execution for treason and heresy would not be rescinded. Not long before Cranmer’s execution, many gathered in a worship service to hear Cranmer’s penitence and further recantation. Instead, to the great surprise of all, he recanted his recantations! He boldly proclaimed the gospel and declared that the pope was the antichrist. He also announced that he would stretch out his hand to be burned first, the same hand with which he signed the recantations. Cranmer died a martyr for Christ in 1556.

During our trip we visited numerous locations connected to Cranmer’s life and ministry. We visited Jesus College in Cambridge where he was educated and began exploring Reformation ideas through men like Luther and Zwingli. We visited Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Canterbury Cathedral, three places where Cranmer boldly preached God’s Word. In addition, we went to Oxford where he was imprisoned and finally executed. In fact, we stood over the clearly marked spot where Cranmer was burned at the stake in 1556. It was a powerful, humbling, and inspiring experience. One cannot help but reflect upon one’s own commitment to Christ when contemplating those who’ve given their lives for Him.

John Owen is my favorite minister and theologian. You’ve heard me quote him often over the years. The English Puritan and his theology were the subject of my post-graduate work at the University of Edinburgh in the early 2000s. During his life, he mainly served as a pastor and theologian. However, under Oliver Cromwell, he also served as a military chaplain, author, statesman, and academic dean of Christ Church, Oxford. Our group visited Christ Church, Oxford, including University Church, where Owen preached his mortification of sin sermons in the 1650’s. We also went to Bunhill Fields burial grounds in London where Owen was interred in 1683. Other notable figures buried at Bunhill Fields are John Bunyan, Thomas Goodwin, Isaac Watts, Joseph Hart, and Susannah Wesley (mother of John and Charles).

Winston Churchill is one of the greatest leaders in history. Although not a professing Christian, his leadership and oratory were used by God to deliver Western civilization from fascism. His life was truly an adventure. It all started at Blenheim Palace. We visited Blenheim Palace and its marvelous Churchill exhibit. It was there that we lingered in the room where Churchill was prematurely born in 1874. In London, we explored the Churchill War Rooms, the underground bunker where Churchill, his cabinet, and his staff led the war effort during the Blitz. From there we walked to Parliament and on to the formidable Churchill statue. It was all very inspiring. It also provided a lot of exercise. We figured out that we walked well over 40 miles on our trip!

Our daily routine was a blessing. Each morning, after breakfast, I led a group devotion from God’s Word. The fellowship and time of prayer were deeply encouraging. During the trip, Dr. Tom Clark and I shared two lectures on the life and leadership of Churchill and Cranmer. I also gave a lecture on John Owen during our time in Oxford. While in the city of spires, we spent time with Rev. Andy Young, one of our gifted missionary church planters. The Lord is working powerfully through his ministry at Oxford Presbyterian Church.

We spent the Lord’s Day with Cambridge Presbyterian Church— attending morning and evening worship, as well as a fellowship meal! The congregation was very warm and encouraging. It was a privilege to preach in the evening service from Acts 4. We concluded the week by visiting Westminster Chapel in London. At this church, not far from Buckingham Palace, D. Martyn Lloyd Jones (d. 1981) faithfully preached God’s Word for thirty years.

The writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to reflect upon that “great cloud of witnesses” from the past. We do so, in part, so that we will “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2a). The leadership lessons in London men’s trip was a catalyst to that reflection and a great encouragement to our souls.

The passage of time is strange and mysterious. In some respects it is slow. A year can seem like a long time, and twenty years can seem like an eternity; especially to a young person. However, time also seems to pass quickly. This is especially true as one gets older. Years and decades begin to run together. The quick passing of time was highlighted for me recently in a painting of a small girl gazing into a mirror with her elderly self staring back at her. It all goes so fast.

Moses reminds us in Psalm 90 that God is not subject to time — “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night” (v. 4). He is infinite, eternal, and almighty. Fallen humanity, however, is finite and weak. We are like grass that “flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers” (v.6). Indeed, the “years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away” (v.10).

Dear ones, these words are not intended to foster despair and hopelessness. On the contrary, they are meant to encourage us to trust God, abide in his steadfast love, and live out all our days in godly wisdom. Moses’ prayer is meant to be our prayer— “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom … satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (v. 12, 14). Let’s incorporate these verses into our prayers in the month of January, giving thanks to God for His faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Christ Church Officer Training

God has blessed Christ Church with godly and faithful elders and deacons. They labor joyfully and continually in the service of our Lord and His church. After recent officer nominations by the congregation, the elders approved six men who accepted the nomination and are willing to go through the training. Those who are being considered for deacon are Charles Gee, Max Kendall, William Broadman, Matt Pepin, and Nathan Guthrie. John DuRant is being considered for elder. Please be in prayer for these men as they prayerfully go through the training beginning in mid-January.

Congregational Meeting | February 9

The session is calling the members of Christ Church to attend a congregational meeting on Lord’s Day, February 9th, after the morning service. God has blessed Christ Church with wonderful spiritual and numerical growth. As a result, new needs have emerged. The purpose of the informational meeting is to communicate strategy and plans for future facility needs. In addition, there will be information provided on the Christ Church security team.

Christmas Gratitude

Christmas at Christ Church is an absolute joy! Many thanks to all of you who helped to make it special this year. I especially want to express gratitude to a few of our ladies. Many thanks to my precious wife for hosting yet another spectacular Christ Church Ladies Christmas Fellowship. Well over thirty were in attendance! PTL. I hear from many that it’s the highlight of their Christmas season. A new addition to our Christmas blessings this year was the Christ Church Children’s Christmas Choir (CCCCC!). Many thanks to Jenni Hester and Kendall DuRant for doing such a great job organizing, preparing, and leading the choir over these last few months. The kids sang beautifully. Gospel truth from the mouths of children is powerful! Finally, many thanks to the Ramos’s, Earles, Russ Tomlinson, Hans Payne, Helen Royal, and Susan Kreider for assisting with the decorations this year. Thank you to everyone who labors behind the scenes to joyfully serve our congregation.

Christ Church family, I can’t wait to have all of you back at Christ Church after a busy time of holiday travel. We’ve missed you! As you contemplate the start of a new year, and reflect upon ways that you can grow in the days ahead, let me encourage you in three vital areas of your walk with God. 

Lord’s Day Observance — The Lord’s Day is God’s gift to us, His dearly beloved. On the Lord’s Day He gives us Himself through the means of grace. What more could one ask for? Through the preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments we receive and rest upon Christ (by faith) for our salvation. Therefore, the Lord’s Day is an entire day set apart (sanctified) for communion with God. The world has sought to usurp this day, to downgrade it and make it all about sports and shopping and errands. But we must resist the cultural push to destroy our communion with God in the church. At Christ Church we have a wonderful and full Lord’s Day schedule for the entire family, beginning with a congregational prayer meeting. Commit in the new year to attending the prayer meeting, Sunday school, morning worship, and evening worship. It will be revolutionary to your growth and maturity in Christ. It will help you to be an encouragement to others in the body of Christ.

Personal Worship —  As the new year begins, let us devote ourselves afresh to daily Bible reading and prayer. It’s important that we spend time with God at the outset of our day. It’s how we put on our daily spiritual armor (Eph. 6), and remember our identity in Christ amidst the temptations of this world. There are many Bible reading plans out there, and Ligonier Ministries have made them available online: Bible Reading Plans. Set out a plan for your 2025 Bible reading, and commit to listening to the voice of God in Scripture. Of course, let’s also recommit ourselves to family worship. May our homes be schools of discipleship. 

Evangelism — There are tens of thousands of people in the Charleston area who need Christ. Right now they are walking in spiritual darkness and unbelief. Dear ones, we have the glorious privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others — that Christ lived, died, and rose again to rescue us from what our sins deserve. Let’s recommit ourselves in the new year to reaching the lost. Let me challenge us all to reach out to at least one person per month in 2025. Think of it — if we all did this, hundreds of people in our area would hear the gospel and receive invitations to Christ Church. Evangelism doesn’t need to be scary. Indeed, it should bubble over from one’s own joyful walk with God. A few years ago I reflected upon the nature of evangelism and outreach in a TableTalk article: Winning the Souls of Unbelievers. May we all grow in our love and concern for the lost in 2025.

Dearest Christ Church, have a wonderful, safe, and happy new year celebration. I look forward to seeing you next year!

Your Pastor, Servant, and Friend,

Pastor Jon                      

 Last Lord’s Day we were reminded that the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to deliver very good news to the virgin Mary. During his surprising visitation, the angel announced: “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus” (Lk 1:31). The long-awaited Messiah would soon arrive, and his divinely chosen name highlighted the purpose for which He was sent — “to save His people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21). Some might hear this announcement and think: “That’s impossible!” But the angel Gabriel tells Mary (and us!) that “nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk 1:37). The virgin SHALL conceive and bear a son! Beloved Christ Church, we have every reason to rejoice in this good news this Christmas. Moreover, we have every reason to share it with others! A Savior was born in Bethlehem, and He is Christ the Lord. 

Make sure to join us as we rejoice in this gospel truth at our annual Christmas Eve service on Tuesday, December 24th at 5:30 p.m. It’s a very special service of lessons and carols. A new addition to our service this year will be the debut of the Christ Church Children’s Christmas Choir. Mrs. Kendall Durant and Mrs. Jenni Hester are doing a wonderful job directing the choir, and our pianist, Mr. Misha Pekar, is accompanying. Join us on Christmas Eve for this special time of worship!        

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and anticipate the start of a new year, I thought I would send out a pastoral letter full of warm encouragement, informative updates, and key reminders.        

A Year of Growth

Spiritual and numerical growth in a church are gifts from God. The Apostle Paul states: “Neither he who plants nor waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (I Cor. 3:7). Christ Church Presbyterian has grown to 229 members. Many of those members are precious covenant children (Autumn Rowan just gave birth two weeks ago), and three more ladies are expecting (Hillary Dempsey, Sarah Grace Brodmann, and Lizzie Godwin). We give all glory to God for this growth. The increase in numbers has created space issues in classrooms, nurseries, and, at times, in the sanctuary (a wonderful problem to have!). The session, with the assistance of Mike Petrakis, is presently determining the future facility needs of Christ Church as we experience these growing numbers. 

The new 2025 church directory will be published this week. Hopefully, it will serve to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and encourage us to pray for one another more faithfully. Colton and I prayed through the directory on Tuesday morning during our weekly meeting. We prayed specifically for each of you and your dear children. Our love for and interest in one another grows as we pray for one another. Perhaps you could commit to praying through the directory each month. By doing so, you will become more familiar with those fellow church members who sit on the other side of the sanctuary during Lord’s Day worship services.      

Serving as pastor of Christ Church since its inception in 2013, I’ve witnessed significant spiritual growth in our congregation; from our covenant children, to our young adults, to our seniors, and many in between. Indeed, it’s one of my greatest joys to see you and your children “walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4). The children’s catechism class on Lord’s Day afternoons has grown by leaps and bounds. Over twenty children consistently gather to learn sound doctrine from Dr. Matt Watson. The nurseries, under the loving and nurturing direction of Mrs. Alicia Williams, continues to expand as well. Moreover, the “MUSC & Twenty-Somethings” weekly dinner and Bible Study fellowship that Marla and I host in our home averages twenty-five to thirty people. I’ve taught on various subjects such as the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of Scripture, and preparing for godly marriage. This past week we sang Christmas hymns and spent a few minutes reflecting upon glorious themes from Advent.    

The women’s ministry is vibrant with bi-weekly Bible studies led by Mrs. Amy Clark, and monthly ladies’ fellowships where an average of twenty Christ Church women gather in homes for devotion, prayer, fellowship, and occasional baby showers. These monthly ladies’ fellowships culminate in the annual Christmas celebration hosted by my dear wife Marla. The weekly men of the covenant Bible study has been well-attended, with an average of 12-15 men who gather at the church on Thursday mornings. We recently worked through David VanDrunen’s fantastic book “Living in God’s Two Kingdoms.” It was a great study leading up to the presidential elections! Kings and kingdoms of this temporal world will rise and fall, but God’s eternal kingdom will outlast them all! In addition to these Bible studies, there are a half-dozen small groups that meet monthly in homes for fellowship around God’s Word. Two new groups were formed this past year, and we expect new ones to form in 2025. 

Of course, the main Day of spiritual growth and activity at Christ Church is the Lord’s Day— the Market Day of the soul! God Himself set apart the Christian Sabbath as the day of Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through the means of grace (Word, sacraments, and prayer). Therefore, those who are unyieldingly committed to Lord’s Day observance will experience consistent growth. Our normal Lord’s Day schedule includes a congregational prayer meeting, Sunday school, and morning and evening worship services. It’s the high day of the Christian’s week and shouldn’t be neglected for lesser things.  My prayer for 2025 is that we will see more individuals, couples, and families earnestly committing to the weekly prayer meeting, Sunday school, and evening worship. Don’t underestimate what God will do in you and your family through faithful Lord’s Day observance. All week long the world is laboring to catechize you and your children in its corrupt and deceptive ways. Therefore, we (and our children!) need more than just an hour of spiritual instruction and encouragement. The Lord says that we need an entire Day — “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8). Dear ones, you will never regret committing to a full Lord’s Day observance.

We should also be grateful to God that the giving at Christ Church has increased over the past year. Several months ago, I challenged you, the members of our congregation, to make giving to the church a priority, no matter what age or stage you’re in. I mentioned that if every member of Christ Church gave out of the first fruits of our income we would have ample resources to support the work of ministry at Christ Church and grow our support for mission around the world. You responded to that biblical call to give, and I pray that we would all be committed to this again in the new year.

You should have received a 2024 giving letter (via email) from the treasurer last week. Please look it over and make your final contributions before the end of December. As a reminder, we are also receiving contributions towards our building fund.    

Hard Farewells

We have welcomed many new families, couples, and individuals into church membership in 2024. We’ve also said goodbye to many beloved members. Recently, the Petersens moved to Greenville; the Copes to Mississippi; the Smiths to Georgia; the Wans to Florida, and the Cochrans to the upstate. There are many other members who graduated from various programs of study and have moved away to begin new jobs or programs of study. Altogether we’ve said farewell to 30-40 members this year alone. In addition, the Morgans will move to Tennessee early next year. It’s hard to say goodbye to those whom we love. God’s providence can be hard. Nevertheless, we are confident that one day we will all be together again. Separation and tears will be no more.     

Officer Training & New Deacon Chairman

A new group of godly men were nominated for elder or deacon at Christ Church. Next month I will begin leading a 4-5 month officer training course. Please pray for the men during this time of intense training and discernment. Christ Church has a need for new officers since Jake Earle and Ralph Charles will soon move to emeritus status, and Matt Cope and John Morgan roll off due to relocation.

We thank God for John Morgan’s faithful service this past year as chairman of the deacons. Due to the Morgan’s imminent move to East Tennessee, Mr. Russ Tomlinson will serve as the new chairman, and Mr. Jeff Gee as vice-chairman. Join me in thanking God for our wonderful deacons, and for the yeoman’s work that they carry out week after week in service of our Lord. Moreover, consider coming alongside the deacons to serve in various ways in the future. Many hands lighten the load! In addition, join me in giving thanks for our faithful elders. They take seriously their vows to shepherd the flock of God and carry out their responsibilities with humility and love (I Pet. 5:1-5).    

Colton Dempsey | Pastoral Intern of Outreach and Administration        

Last year Colton Dempsey became our first full-time pastoral intern. His responsibilities include outreach and follow-up with visitors, and various aspects of administration. With the loving and faithful support of his wife Hillary, he has exceeded expectations in his position at Christ Church. He is also making good progress in his theological studies at Greenville Seminary. Recently, after a rigorous season of study and examination, Colton was licensed to preach God’s Word in the Lowcountry Presbytery. Therefore, he will begin preaching at least once a month in our evening services, beginning Lord’s Day, December 22nd. Pray for Colton in his labors at Christ Church, seminary training, preparation for ministry, and leading his growing family.     

Christ Church Trips | Leadership Lessons in London | Honduras Mission Trip

In approximately one month, Tom Clark (ruling elder) and I will lead a group of nine men to London, England to study the lives and leadership of Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), John Owen (1616-1683), and Winston Churchill (1874-1965). In preparation for the trip, there has been much prerequisite reading. In England, we will visit numerous historical sights connected to the legacy of these three notable leaders (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury). Please pray for a safe, encouraging, and life-transforming trip. 

Next summer, July 19th-26th, Christ Church is planning to send a mission team to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. We will be working with Rev. Aaron Halbert, one of the PCA missionaries that we’ve been supporting for several years. The focus will be evangelism, VBS, work projects, teaching, etc. The trip will cost $1300-$1500. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Colton Dempsey at colton@christchurchcharleston.org. 

Dearest members of Christ Church, it is a profound privilege and honor to serve as your pastor. I love you dearly and thank God for you this Christmas. Your constant encouragement is wind in my sails. Please continue to pray for me as I toil and labor in God’s Word, shepherd our congregation, love my wife and family, and endeavor to humbly serve the wider church. Pray that God’s Word would produce much fruit in our congregation and that many would come to know the Lord through our witness in the new year.  Pray that all of our hearts would be newly ravished by the love of God exhibited in the sending forth of His beloved Son.

Your Pastor, Servant, and Friend,

Pastor Jon

Grace and peace to you on this soggy Wednesday afternoon. The past few weeks at Christ Church have given us many reasons to rejoice. These reasons include the receiving of over thirty new members, eleven baptisms, a wonderful and well-attended vacation Bible school, numerous weekly visitors, strong giving, new friendships, and a growing zeal to commune with God and reach the lost. It’s important that we pause and express gratitude to God for His lavish blessings upon our congregation. His faithfulness reaches to the heavens. “We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks … we recount your wondrous deeds” (Ps. 75:1). 

It is true, however, that our culture is in a time of unprecedented moral and political chaos. Wicked and subversive ideologies have infiltrated our core institutions. Confusion is rife. Common sense is scant. Society is unraveling. Nevertheless, amidst the darkness, we remain a confident and rejoicing people. For our risen and exalted Lord is building His kingdom one individual, couple, and family at a time. He is saving sinners and adding them to the church. This soul-enlarging truth destroys fear and hate, and cultivates faith and love. It’s gospel truth that compels us to live as “children of light” (I Thess. 5:5).                                         
On Sunday morning we were exhorted to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom.13:12). The works of darkness are the idolatries associated with this passing evil age, and the armor of light is the righteousness that corresponds to Christ’s coming kingdom. Therefore, having been “called out of darkness into his marvelous light” (I Pet. 2:9), believers are no longer to live according to the warped values of the world or the corrupt desires of the flesh. Instead, we are to live by the light and truth of Christ’s word and kingdom; a kingdom that will be fully realized when He comes again.  

Sitting consistently and attentively under the preaching and teaching of God’s Word on the Lord’s Day is fundamental to Christian discipleship. Moreover, mutual accountability among the elders and fellow church members is essential. Family worship and catechesis are also key to spiritual maturity and growth in grace. That being said, there are some helpful resources out there that I want to bring to your attention. Those of you who’ve been in Reformed circles for a long time will be quite familiar with my recommendations. However, some of you are new to the Reformed faith, and still discovering the abundance of trustworthy Christian resources that you can utilize at home, on your commute, etc. I hope this curated list of resources will provide some clear direction. In our information age, where an endless array of resources are available, it’s vital that we exercise caution and care in what we take in. Here are a few recommendations by category:   

Publishers
Reformation Heritage Books
Crossway 
Banner of Truth
Reformation Trust
Christian Focus 
Presbyterian & Reformed (P&R)

Podcasts 
Between the Times [Hosted by myself and Gabriel Williams]
Mortification of Spin [Hosted by Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt]
The Briefing [Hosted by Albert Mohler]
Thinking in Public [Hosted by Albert Mohler] 
Abounding Grace Radio [Hosted by Christopher Gordon] 
Things Unseen [Hosted by Sinclair Ferguson]
Five Minutes in Church History [Hosted by Stephen Nichols]
Renewing Your Mind [Ligonier Ministries] 
Today in Perspective [Hosted by the late Harry Reeder]
    
Daily Devotionals and Websites
TableTalk Magazine [Daily devotional / physical copy and website]
Be Thou My Vision [Daily devotional by Johnny Gibson] 
The Valley of Vision [Collection of Puritan Prayers]
Voices from the Past [Two volume daily puritan devotional] 
Clearly Reformed [Website and blog of Kevin DeYoung]
Gospel Reformation Network [PCA-focused] 
World Magazine [Physical copy and website] 

Dear ones, in these resources you will discover a treasure trove of spiritual encouragement. Of course, my list is far from exhaustive. But it’s a list that I can recommend without reservation. I hope that you and your family will benefit greatly from it. Always feel free to reach out to me or one of the elders with any questions concerning resources for spiritual growth. 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your pastor. I love you and your families very much. Your constant encouragement and steadfast prayers are the wind in my sails. I joyfully anticipate all of us being together again this Lord’s Day. Join us for the prayer meeting at 9:30 a.m. If ever there was a time for us to pray, it is now. 

Your Pastor, Servant, and Friend,

Pastor Jon 

Christ Church family — I am delighted to announce that after much prayer and deliberation the session of Christ Church voted to hire Colton Dempsey as a full-time Pastoral Intern of Outreach and Administration. He will begin his new position on October 10th. We thank God for leading Colton to serve Christ Church during this wonderful season of growth and blessing.

Colton and Hillary moved to Charleston in the fall of 2019, in part, to sit under the ministry of Word and sacrament at Christ Church Presbyterian. Prior to moving to the low country, Colton served in full-time pastoral ministry from 2015-2019 at Grace Bible Church in New Jersey; first as assistant pastor, and then as interim pastor. The Dempsey’s theological convictions changed and matured during that time, however, and they desired to be a part of a Confessional Presbyterian church. They wanted to grow in their understanding of the Reformed Faith. They have been faithful and active members of Christ Church since October 2020.   

For the past 2.5 years Colton has been working in telecom sales for Comcast Business. Over the last several months, however, his sense of calling to gospel ministry intensified. After numerous conversations with me, our session, and other trusted friends, Colton has decided to pursue his theological training at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary through their excellent and engaging online program. In addition, he has agreed to serve as a full-time pastoral intern at Christ Church. 

Colton’s primary duties will be outreach and follow-up with our many visitors, as well as key aspects of church administration. He will also assist with public worship, teaching, and shepherding the flock under my mentorship. You will learn more about Colton and his new position on a future podcast episode of Between the Times, where Gabe Williams and I will interview Colton about his new role. 

We praise God for Colton and Hillary, and their four precious covenant children, Toryn, Gabriel, Owen, and Cora. Take time to pray for the Dempseys. Encourage them as they commence this new and exciting season of life and ministry. 

Your Pastor, Servant, and Friend,

Pastor Jon