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From: Craig Hensel
Pastor at Community Bible Church
Dale Howe was pastor at Community Bible Church from June 1, 1996 – October 2004. In 2001, Dale followed Jesus leading and brought me to Community Bible Church as his associate to which we served together for 3 years. The impact that he had on my life was tremendous. His legacy in my life is leadership, pasturing, loving my wife and kids and making more Jesus followers. He had similar impact with countless others. One lady in his dying hours said, “He still served me in the midst of coughing and lack of breath.” She said, “What kind of man is this?” The question today is, what do you do when your pastor dies?
The Bible addresses this question:
First - Jesus compels us to honor widows, in this case his wife Karen. (1 Timothy 5:3).
Second - Jesus exhorts us to practice hospitality in times of need (Matt 25:35-40; Galatians 6:10; James 1:27).
Third - Jesus intercedes for us on our behalf, as our example, we must pray for widows on their behalf (Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27; Romans 8:34; 8:26-30).
Fourth – Mourn and Grieve. The bible says a good name is better than perfume and the day of death better than birth. The bible says the mourning is better than feasting (Ecclesiastes 7:1, 2).
Fifth - When your pastor passes on, consider his legacy. With God working salvation in Dale’s life, one of Dale’s lasting legacies will be discipleship/mentoring. As you are reflect the gospel of Jesus’ impact in Dale’s life and your own, prayerfully consider and examine your own legacy in making disciples who make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:11-16).
Come celebrate, remember Dale and thank Jesus for his life with us.
Saturday, April 2, 2011 @ Community Bible Church 69 E 3rd St Winona MN
2:00pm – 3:00pm - Memorial Service
3:00pm – 4:30pm - Dessert and Fellowship
Please consider donating: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dalehowe
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