Fifteen Years for Mark Dever at Capitol Hill
It should be noted on this blog that this past Thursday, the congregation of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC gathered to surprise and recognize Mark Dever for fifteen years of gospel ministry. I was there when Mark was installed as the pastor--a tiny church and a sea of grey hair. God has done amazing things through Mark's ministry through the years. He has raised up men who have gone into pastoral ministry (many of us were there to surprise Mark). Some have planted churches others are in established congregations. God has raised up missionaries. Others have gone to labor in seminaries. I stayed through Sunday and the church is bursting at the seams with men and women eager to sing God's praises and hear his word preached.
Mark has often said that young pastors overestimate what can be done at a church in five years and underestimate what can be done in ten. Thursday night was a living example. From 1994 (when Mark was installed) to 1999 there were three men trained for pastoral ministry. From 2005-2009 there were gobs (no, I don't have the exact number--but trust me, lots!).
So, as one who came through Capitol Hill years ago, I'm thankful for the faithful preaching of the Word and shepherding of the flock that I've witnessed first-hand. Seeing a congregation celebrate fifteen years of ministry with Mark was a great encouragement to me to press ahead for as many years as God allows.
A powerful tribute, indeed. If you haven't seen it, CHBC member Allison Morgan wrote a moving summary of the evening as well as her own testimony of God's faithfulness to her and her family through the ministry of CHBC. We posted her work--including a video--at The Gospel Coalition Blog: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2009/10/24/in-praise-of-the-local-church/
Posted by: Mike Pohlman | Oct 29, 2009 11:48:08 AM