Hi folks. The board took a four-day retreat last week and finished on Friday afternoon. We returned home tired but filled with hope about what God is teaching us and the progress we are seeing. Here are some highlights:

• We spent time reviewing some of the feedback sent to us from the pastors and people in Sovereign Grace Ministries as well as from outside this ministry. We are very grateful for those who have cared enough to convey their experiences and concerns. And we are encouraged that even in these challenging times, there are hopeful signs and many evidences of God’s grace. Please continue to pray that we will better understand where we need to change. And keep the feedback coming!
• We spent a good portion of Wednesday with the pastoral team of Covenant Life Church. The SGM board arranged this meeting because we wanted to discuss various matters of importance and to better understand the unique challenges this season is creating for the members of Covenant Life. We love these men and look forward to connecting again.
• We spent three sessions working on two things: the adjudication process for C.J. (including matters like panel selection and proposed issues for adjudication), and the group reconciliation process that Ambassadors of Reconciliation (AOR) is leading us through. Ted Kober, president of AOR, is leading our group reconciliation process and joined us to discuss plans for it. We’ll announce details about that by the end of this month. I have to tell you: our faith is growing for what God will accomplish in us and for us through this.

Just one last thing: please pray for the board. These guys, who already shoulder significant responsibility in local churches, stepped forward in this dizzying season to accept the burden of interim leadership for Sovereign Grace. Every time we meet like this Pete Greasley flies over from the UK, Craig from Dallas, Rick from Minnesota, Aron from Orlando… well, you get the point. These guys give it all because they love the pastors and people of Sovereign Grace Ministries. They believe our best days are ahead of us. And you know what? I do too. That’s why it’s a privilege to be serving the churches we love.