Sunday, June 11, 2006

Über Christ Follower Doug Snow

Doug Snow befriended me, encouraged me, and was a brother to me in one of the loneliest and confusing seasons of my life.

In 1996, I went to Longview, WA, to plant a Calvary Chapel. It was a difficult and friendless endeavor. Church planting can be like that. I was in Washington for two years with my family. Me, a couple from the apartment upstairs, and another couple that lead worship met for two years in my apartment. The couple from upstairs quit coming to the Bible study. I offended them somehow. The Bible study rarely expanded beyond us two couples.

I never understood why that happened. What was God’s purpose in bringing us from Florida to Washington? I could never figure it out.

I don’t think I’m supposed to. But we do need to stick by each other and be willing to encourage somebody even when answers aren’t available. That’s how Jesus appeared to me through Doug Snow, Pastor of Calvary Chapel Southeast Portland.

I ran into him last week in Southern California at a pastors’ conference. He’s a guy who stuck with me, closer than a brother in a difficult and confusing time.

Doug may not know this, but he taught me about pettiness. When pastors, leaders, are petty with one another, I still must love and encourage and be a brother. I never have the right to judge. Or I will be judged. It’s more likely that my sin will come to light before anyone else’s.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello! I was googling Longview WA and Calvary Chapel for some of our family is moving up there...I saw a link to your blog and it caught my eye...it just had a sentance about church planting being a lonely and friendless thing...it caught my eye. So, I scrolled down and what should I see but a wonderful letter written about my very own pastor! :) The internet sure is a small world....

I hope you don't mind, but I mailed him the link. I know it will be of great encouragement to him.

Many blessings to you and your family! Sincerely, Debbie Stuart

Bryonm said...

Debbie:

Thanks for the comments.

I love Pastor Doug. I hope to run into him at the North West CC Pastors' Conference.