2 Corinthians 5:18–19
Dear Friends,
In his second letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes something remarkable:
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” (2 Cor. 5:18)
That phrase—the ministry of reconciliation—has been echoing in my heart lately. It’s not a ministry for pastors alone. It’s not something reserved for professionals or theologians or the exceptionally outgoing. It’s something given to the Church—to us. It’s part of our shared identity as the body of Christ.
Over the past few years, we’ve tried to live that out together here at West County Lutheran. We’ve prayed for one another, served our neighbors, welcomed visitors, and spoken words of peace in a world that often feels divided and frayed. That’s what reconciliation looks like in everyday life: extending the same grace we’ve received.
And here’s what I want to remind you of today: that ministry—your ministry—doesn’t pause when seasons shift or leaders change.
You may have heard by now that I’ll be stepping into a new call later this summer. I’ll share more about that soon. But for now, I simply want to speak a word of comfort and encouragement: God’s mission in this church is not built around one person’s presence—it is built on Christ. And Christ has not left the building.
God has called West County Lutheran Church to be a reconciling presence in St. Louis. That calling didn’t start with me, and it won’t end when I go. In fact, I believe God is already preparing the next chapter—and He’s preparing you to be part of it.
So here’s what I ask of you in this moment:
Stay rooted in the gospel. Stay faithful in worship. Stay kind and curious with one another. Stay involved.
Because this church still has a mission—and it’s still yours to carry.
And know this: I trust the One who called me here. And I trust the One who is already working in what comes next—for me, and for you.
With love in Christ,
Pastor Mark
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