21 Day Fast begins August 8
August 2, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we, your Pastor Search Committee have taken the initial steps in identifying God’s appointed leader for our church, we are stirred by the seriousness of this task. Ephesians 5:17 exhorts believers, “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” With soberness, we acknowledge according to John 15:5 that apart from Him we can do nothing. Out of a desire to discern the leading of the Lord and to align ourselves with His will, we feel a fast is in order.
At the request of the Pastor Search Committee (PSC), the Session has set aside Sunday, August 8th – Saturday, August 28th for a 21 day church wide fast. It is our conviction that fasting will deepen our reliance upon Him, tune our ears to His still small voice and enable us to more effectively walk in discernment as we search for our new pastor. We would like to invite you to partner with us in this fast as members of one unified body of St. Giles. Your prayers and impressions are vital.
In addition to praying for the PSC, we also believe this fast is an important component to synthesizing what the Lord has been speaking to the church throughout this interim period. We have heard many prophetic voices preach to us in the last few months and more are on the church calendar for the days ahead. The Session and PSC believe this interim period is significant for us as a church. It is the kindness of the Lord to grant us this opportunity to discover our unique identity in the body of Christ. We desire to come in to agreement with what the Spirit is speaking to us and align ourselves with His heart before we call our new pastor.
We are also confident that there will be personal rewards for you too! Willingly engaging in spiritual disciplines strengthens us and enlarges our capacity for more of His presence. We want that reality for everyone in the St. Giles family! Please pray about how you might participate. Some suggestions are:
* Fast one meal a day for the 21 days.
* Fast one day of the 21.
* Fast something other than a meal, like TV, a certain favorite beverage, sugar, etc.
* Initiate a daily phone call to a prayer partner for the 21 days.
* Get up 30 min earlier than usual for the 21 days.
* Designate a 30 min window to prayer walk for the 21 days.
Be creative and rest in the confidence that the Lord is glad that you said yes to join the fast, even in the smallest way! Include your whole family! Even children can participate in some way. If you need help getting started or have questions about how to fast, please seek out a friend, an Elder or other church leader who can talk with you and provide sound council and encouragement. Please click the link below to review a document composed by the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO. This generic teaching gives good practical guidelines for fasting. It also mentions other helpful resources that we encourage you to read.
Throughout the 21 days, there will be other opportunities to bring unity to our church family in this fast:
* Beginning Sunday, August 8th, a “Fasting Information Table” will be set up in the breezeway after church with someone to answer any questions about the fast. Support materials may be displayed. Dick Leggett of Derek Prince Ministries has generously provided books titled, “Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting” to enhance your knowledge of the power of prayer and fasting. You may pick up a copy from this table beginning on that date.
* The St. Giles website will have daily devotionals provided by leaders in the church specifically geared to encourage you throughout the fast. We want to hear from you, so post your comments and other impressions on this blog.
* On Friday, August 13th, 20th & 27th the church will engage in 24 hour corporate prayer vigils. The church sanctuary will be open for a 24 hour period each Friday for you to join together in corporate prayer and worship. You may sign up for a time slot beginning Sunday, August 8th at the “Fasting Information Table”.
* On Sunday evening, August 29th we will celebrate the conclusion of the fast with a worship service devoted to giving thanks to the Lord and hearing what He spoke to each one of us throughout the 21 days.
It is with great anticipation that we call this fast. Many blessings to you as you begin to seek the Lord about how you will participate.
Love in Christ,
Your Elders (Jeff Barhite, Tim Burns, Bud Carrier, Gerry Edwards, Norman Kaneklides, and Eric Newman) together with
Your Pastor Search Committee (Marty Barkey, Chris Boyd, Missy Evans, Matt Franklin, and Marlise Newman)
August 10th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
I want to say thank you to the Derek Prince Ministries for all the books they have given freely. I have received books at the Aletheia conference and the past weekend as well. Just really appreciate the open hands and the generous heart. It was my first interaction with this ministry. They have left a very good first impression. Thanks Derek Prince Ministries! I love the books and have shared them with my brother in TX. We do book swapping from time to time. He has two of my Prince titles right now. Thanks again.