Class of 2022

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

- Romans 12:2

Wow did 2021 fly by fast or what? One way I know life is moving quickly is how long it has been since I graduated from high school (thirty-three years ago…add gasp sound effects here). As I write to you on this first week of 2022, SCHOOL is on my mind. Each year there is a senior student body remembered by a class name, honored for a campus contribution/gift, and culminated with a graduation featuring a valedictorian speaker.

As believers of the Lord Jesus, as the faith family known as Shepherd’s House Church, and as citizens within our communities, I declare this to be the CLASS OF 2022, when it comes to following Jesus and loving people. As the year unfolds may the way we live, the way we shine God’s light, the way we walk in humility and compassion, is recognized by others as distinguishable traits accompanying Christians. 1 Peter 2:12 challenges this class to, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” For far too long the church world has been portrayed and viewed as unloving, hypocritical, out of touch, and at arms-length from the world. We can change that in 2022.

The Holy Spirit is ringing the bell to begin teaching class, and I am inviting us to get ready for TRANSFORM SCHOOL. Transform School is all about learning and applying what it means to follow Jesus. Transform School will begin this weekend (January 8-9) as our first teaching series of the year. We will answer the following questions: 1) What Jesus Does? 2) What Bible Says? 3) What Fuels Faith? 4) What Blesses Others. We will then be offering a year-long, more in-depth discipleship version of Transform School on Wednesday nights beginning in February. In 2 Timothy 3:14, Paul instructs his pupil, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, because you know those from whom you have learned it.”

In this Year of Amazing Returns, it is time to prioritize living by faith, believing for more, and watching in hope. It is time to break open THE GOOD BOOK, it is time to head to TRANSFORM SCHOOL, and it is time to ACE THE TEST of life and faith. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and ensure that the Class of 2022 be remembered for its contribution and impact for years to come!