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A letter from Pastor Ed Borycz
A traveling salesman received a new rural sales district. On his first visit, even armed with maps, he was lost. He drove around until he spotted a boy in a field. He called to the boy, “Do you live here?” “Yes, sir,” the boy responded. “Do you know where Union meets State Street?” the salesman inquired. “No, sir,” answered the boy. “Do you know where I-76 runs into Main Street?” the salesman questioned. “No sir,” the boy shook his head. “Well, then, do you know if this road runs into I-76?” asked the frustrated man. “Can’t say I do,” smiled the boy. “You know, for someone who lives here you sure don’t know much,” stated the exasperated salesman. “Well,” responded the boy with a twinkle in his eyes, “I know I ain’t lost.”
I, too, with a twinkle in my eye know I “ain’t” lost. I know my Lord and Master is Christ Jesus. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). His Word is always relevant and needed (II Timothy 3:16). It is unique and authoritative. It is this biblical Jesus who has saved, called, prepared and sent me (Romans 8:29-30). It is this Christ that I preach, teach, counsel and live. It is Christ to whom I am accountable (Hebrews 13:17).
The Lord has greatly blessed me. Jeanette, my wife for 36 years, is a wonderful, wise woman of faith. Jeanette has earned two college degrees with honors and is an R.N. Nonetheless, out of her faith, she has chosen to be a homemaker. I rejoice daily in her and our home. The trade-off of less money for more Jeanette is a joyful gain for me and our five children. Jeanette is deeply involved in ministry, e.g., bible study/prayer group leader, seminar leader, teacher, mentor and more. Our five children are believers and church participants. They boldly and fully engage in Sunday School, worship, youth groups, missions and service.
David Nathan (27 years old) graduated with honors from the University of Chicago with a double major in mathematics/philosophy, and from McCormick Theological Seminary with a Masters in Theological Studies. David is married to Tiffany who is a graduate of the University of Chicago. Tiffany is currently attending Trinity Theological Seminary. David is pursuing a masters in information science and works for the University of Chicago as project manager for the new library. They attend a Vineyard Church and teach young couples.
Rachel Eve (24 years old) graduated from Calvin College with honors with a double major in Latin/literature. Rachel married Michael, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. They are in training for missionary work with Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Micah Aaron (21 years old) is attending Norwich University. His major is in architecture. He is a cadet in the U.S. Army.
Joshua Daniel (19 years old) is attending Hope College majoring in chemistry.
Leah Ruth (17 years old) is a junior at Moline High School interested in art and biology.
All the children love the Lord. They are faithful in their faith and church. We have been blessed beyond comprehension with a Christian home. It is a joy to not only love our children but to respect and like them too. Wow! Praise the Lord.
In Galatians 2:20 Paul writes, “and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.” In I Corinthians 15:31 Paul states, “I die everyday!” so that Galatians 6:14, “I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Church is called back to its Lord, who is its content (Ephesians 1:3-14). There is a strong temptation to focus on how we do things/package Jesus. This focus on our process detours us away from prayer. Prayer is the discipline by which God shows us His will (Colossians 4:2, Ephesians 6:18). There is too much church as business and minister as professional (Galatians 5:25). The church needs to pray, study, and reflect; to obey, declare and follow; to submit, serve, sacrifice and live Christ. Packaging Christ in worldliness is a mistake. Let God be God. The gift of God is greater than our packaging. We need to give the gift and stop worrying about the wrappings. It is Christ who convicts, saves, transforms and empowers.
This is the Church’s call and unique message. Many in the secular world can entertain, educate, pass laws, run social programs and do psychological services better than we can. The worldly church is second rate and redundant. We are not called as a loose federation of people to care for a church property and us; a club; a social service organization; a school; an entertainment center, a political forum; a therapeutic center. We are not called to conform to this world but to transform the world (Romans 12:2). It is foolish to offer what is merely good at the expense of the best. Feeling good by doing good is not our call. Our call is to give the best, i.e., Christ. The crowds, Romans, Sanhedrin, and tomb could not silence Jesus. Even a distracted worldly church cannot silence Jesus. If we do not heed, then others will.
I rejoice in a spirit-filled and spirit-led church. One hungering to worship, not be entertained; thirsting to become Christ-like, not self-actualized; and straining to serve Christ, not us (Colossians 3:16-17). I lead by following Christ. I submit daily to Jesus as a man, husband, father and partner. I have a twinkle in my eye, a bounce in my step, faith in my heart, Jesus on my lips, grace in my soul, love in my family, a home in my house, joy in my life and a call to Jesus’ ministry. I am not Romeo. And I know no church is Juliet. We are not all beautiful, vital with youth, wise as Solomon, courageous as Joshua, and strong as Samson. I don’t part the waters or walk upon the waters. Like Peter, I would sink. Like Paul, I have thorns.
Some say, “you’re a wonderful preacher!”
Others say, “too long, too loud, too male.”
Some say, “your humor is refreshing.”
Others say, “you’re irreverent.”
Some say, “I like your honesty, your challenge.”
Others say, “what about me?”
Some say, “your teaching is insightful, practical and helpful.”
Others say, “too forceful, intimidating.”
Some say, “you’re a rock, we can count on you.”
Others says, “you frighten me, you’re not responsive enough to me, intolerant.”
Some say, “you don’t look like or act like a minister, I like that.”
Others says, “you don’t look like or act like a minister, I don’t like that.”
Some say, “you see more in one verse than I see in a chapter. You teach clearly, biblically, honestly with new insights and challenges.”
Others say, “too risky, too demanding.”
The Bible teaches that the saints are called to live Christ (Galatians 2:19-21). The mission field is not the church but our lives, homes, workplaces, communities and world. The church is the gathering of saints to worship God and equip us for ministry (Ephesians 4:12). A common remark about me is, “you tell it like it is.” I pray, read and study the bible daily. God is my constant companion. I need this. I use 20-30 hours a week to empty and open myself into a sermon: prayer, reading, reflection, prayer study, reflection, reading, collaboration, prayer, writing, reflection, prayer, writing, prayer, delivery. Bible studies take approximately 5-8 hours. I lead Bible studies regularly, not discussion, self-actualization, or social groups. Over two decades of ministry have taught me the richness of God’s Word is desperately lacking and needed. Why use our limited time to study other or secondary materials when we have the best? I do not. I love to preach/teach the Bible.
I seek to serve Christ. I am well aware that I am not an easy fit, not everyone’s cup of tea. But if the Holy Spirit calls us together, let us be of the same mind as Christ (Philippians 2:5) and serve God.
Let us be “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that (we) may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called (us) out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once (we) were not a people, but now (we) are God’s people. Once (we) had not received mercy, but now (we) have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10).
May the good Lord lead your search, inform your mind, discipline your heart, show you His will, and bless your faithfulness,
Pastor E. A. Borycz
801 16TH Street, Moline, IL 61265 | (309) 762-6857 | mainoffice@fupcmoline.org
