Ron and I discussed the idea of an installation service several months ago, before Huffman even contacted him. I had a similar service like this when I was called as pastor of First Baptist Church of Center Point.

An installation service is a formal way of recognizing a man’s call to serve a church. Although Ron has already been preaching there for a few weeks, this service will acknowledge his call to this choice church.

I look forward to this opportunity to encourage Ron. I welcome the opportunity to applaud the people of Huffman for calling him as pastor. Sunday evening will be special, and I invite you to join me at 6:00 PM.

I sincerely appreciate Ron’s observations.  However, I think his opinion is skewed for two or three reasons.  One, Ron is a lifelong friend of mine, and I therefore believe he review is based more on his love for me than his serious critique of CrossPoint.  Two, Ron has only been our guest two or three times in the past five years, so his intimate knowledge of our church is lacking.  Three, I am confident there are many who would disagree with Ron, and they may have good reason for doing so.  With that said, however, I do appreciate Ron’s appraisal.  My prayer is that CrossPoint would someday embody each one of his glowing remarks.

Thank you, Ron.  You do know you are a CrossPointer at heart.  And, I trust you know how much our family of faith loves you.

I am asking you to pray for Ron because he is currently searching for a church where he can serve as pastor.  Some of you may recall me recounting Ron’s story in a message last December.

In short, Ron followed a pastor who retired after two decades of service in the church.  As soon as Ron arrived, the church began growing and reaching many people for the Kingdom of God.  Just as soon as they turned the corner from the previous few years of stagnation, a small group of people decided they wanted to run Ron out of town.  The disgruntled few could not argue with his theology or his methodology.  Both were biblical.  Neither could they argue with his love for the people.  The small group just flat out did not want him to be their pastor.

John and I encouraged Ron to stick it out and fight the battle, if necessary.  Ron, on the other hand, was compelled by the Holy Spirit to resign and quietly walk away from the turmoil.  When I asked why he made the decision to leave, Ron said he did not want to impugn the character of Christ by saying or doing things that would have been unlike Christ.

I have to give Ron credit.  He took the high road.  I would have stayed and fought the battle.  In doing so, I would have probably split the church.  Instead, Ron moved on and is now going on two years without a full time pastorate.

Whenever I speak with Ron he responds with optimistic faith.  Ron firmly believes he is in the center of God’s will, even though his double income family is now down to one income.

In speaking with Ron last week he made two statements that still stick with me.

First, Ron said he would rather be planted firmly in God’s will while unemployed, than to be outside of God’s will fully employed.

He reminded me that Jesus prayed, “Father, your will be done” rather than “Father, show me your will.” Ron believes part of being in God’s will is to wait on the Lord to do what He wants to do.  And while he waits, he works – sending our resumes, contacting churches, providing pulpit supply – yet he waits.

Someone once said that trials do not build character, they reveal character.  In Ron’s case, this is very true.  Ron’s Christ-like character is shining through in this aching circumstance.

The second statement Ron made focused on God receiving glory.  He quoted the exchange between God the Son and God the Father in John 14:

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.  28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

John 12:27-28

Ron said he awakens each day praying, “Father, glorify your name” so that someday he would hear God say, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” Ron desires for God to be glorified in his trial.

Ron, no doubt, is a special man of God.  I have known him for more than 30 years.  During that time I have seen him grow through trials and tribulations.  Perhaps the test he is encountering today is his biggest.  And in my opinion, I think he gets an A+ for his tenacious faith.

So, please pray for my friend, Ron Ethridge.  Pray God will soon plant in him in a church to serve.  Pray also for God to meet all of his family’s needs.  And if you know of a church looking for a pastor, I have a strong recommendation to make.