Saying goodbye to a familiar season brings gratitude for what we’ve shared and questions about what comes next. The people and moments that have shaped us remain part of our story as we take the next steps together.

In Deuteronomy 31:1-8, Moses prepares Israel for a future under Joshua’s leadership. His encouragement rests on God’s faithfulness: the Lord will go before them and will not abandon them. As Pastor Tim Ward shares “Facing the Future” on his final Sunday preaching with us, we’ll reflect on the courage that promise gives us in a season of change.

Join us in person or through the livestream as we give thanks for Pastor Tim’s ministry and look ahead together. The future is unfamiliar; God is faithful.

Sermon Notes

Big Idea: Because God goes before us and never forsakes us, we can welcome every change with preparation, courage, and hope.

Overview

In his farewell message, Pastor Tim Ward compared his four-year interim ministry to Moses’ impending departure from Israel. Just as Moses prepared God’s people for Joshua, the church must prepare for a new pastor and an unfolding future only the Lord fully knows. Drawing on Scriptures that warn against boasting about tomorrow and that promise God’s abiding presence, he urged the congregation to trust the One who already inhabits the future. Three attitudes—preparation, courage, and hope—make it possible to face uncertainty without fear. Through vivid stories (from Carol Burnett’s sign-off to a rescuer who couldn’t swim) he illustrated how believers can step boldly into God’s next chapter for Richland County and for their own lives.

Key Scripture

• Deuteronomy 31:1–8 — Narrative anchor: Moses readies Israel and Joshua, stressing God’s unfailing presence.
• James 4:13–15 — Theological reminder: our plans are fragile; we must live by “if the Lord wills.”
• Proverbs 27:1 — Cautionary warning: boasting about tomorrow ignores life’s unpredictability.

Main Points

1. Face the future prepared.

• Moses told Israel, “I am 120 years old… the LORD said, you shall not cross the Jordan,” signaling an unavoidable change.
• God had already identified Joshua; likewise, God is preparing this church’s next pastor.
• Preparation includes practical steps (wills, insurance) but, above all, securing our eternity through faith in Christ.
• Illustration: outdated experts (Lee de Forest, IBM, a record executive) proved how little we truly know about tomorrow.

2. Face the future with courage.

• Twice Moses declared, “Be strong and courageous… He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
• Courage is not absence of fear but moving forward because the Lord is protector and fortress (Psalm 18).
• Illustration 1: Ray Blankenship dived into a flooded ditch to save a girl—though he couldn’t swim.
• Illustration 2: The man who proudly cut off a dead lion’s tail—God has already “cut off the head,” so believers need not fear the enemy.

3. Face the future with hope.

• God promised Israel a tangible Promised Land; He also promises us a hopeful future (Jeremiah 29:11).
• Richland County is part of that promise—God seeks revival here, using faithful believers.
• Ultimate hope lies beyond this life: story of the dying five-year-old who heard the “bells of heaven” calling him home.
• Therefore, even change and farewells point to the greater inheritance God holds for His people.

Application

The call: Trust the God who already stands in tomorrow; step into the next season prepared, courageous, and full of hope.

Head — Acknowledge life’s uncertainty and consciously submit every plan with “if the Lord wills.”

Heart — Exchange fear for confidence in God’s never-failing presence and promises.

Hands

1. Pray daily for the pastoral search and for lay leaders guiding the transition.
2. Examine personal readiness: secure your relationship with Christ and help others do the same.
3. Encourage one another—share stories of God’s past faithfulness to fuel collective courage.

Reflection Questions

1. Where do you see uncertainty in your own future right now?
2. How might saying “if the Lord wills” reshape the way you plan and speak about tomorrow?
3. Which story or Scripture from this message most strengthens your courage? Why?
4. What concrete action can you take this week to prepare—spiritually or practically—for the next season?
5. How can you spread hope to others who may feel anxious about change?

Prayer

Father, You are the God who goes before us. Thank You that our tomorrows are secure in Your hands. Teach us to plan with humility, to stand with courage, and to overflow with hope. Guide this congregation as it awaits the pastor You have already chosen, and let every change advance Your kingdom in Richland County and beyond. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Recorded September 13th, 2026
Message by Pastor Tim Ward
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:1-8