Christopher Paul Nelson
November 4, 1952 - June 18, 2017
Senior Pastor at Bethlehem, 1994-2017
I did think, let’s go about this slowly.
This is important. This should take
some really deep thought. We should take
small, thoughtful steps.
But, bless us, we didn’t.
-Mary Oliver
by Pastor Kris Tostengard Michel
On a Sunday afternoon in June, shortly after the congregation gathered for
worship and held him close in prayer, our beloved senior pastor, Chris Nelson,
made his journey to the edge of this life and traveled on to be with God. For
someone who had loved this congregation so deeply and delighted in leading
us in worship, the timing seemed just right. In the days that followed, we came
together to sing and pray, comfort one another in our sadness, and entrust Chris
to God’s everlasting care.
Since then, we’ve been sharing stories. That’s part of how we grieve. A recurring
theme has been that Chris connected with people. He welcomed first-time guests
and recognized them when they returned. He challenged people about stuff that
mattered. He had an irreverent sense of humor. And he listened well.
Chris was an innovator, and he believed we could learn from others. He looked to
business and technology, to other churches and parachurch organizations, and he
gleaned the best learnings and made adaptations for our context.
Chris set his sights on what came next. He articulated Big Hairy Audacious
Goals that only God would be able to accomplish and invited us to pay attention
to what God was doing in our midst. Taking things slowly, as suggested in the
Mary Oliver poem above, was not Chris’ style. Taking small steps was not his
way either. He surrounded himself with thoughtful leaders and practiced being
nimble. Through his leadership, we were deeply blessed.
As we look to the future, three priorities from Chris will help us move forward:
Keep the main thing the main thing.
For Chris, the main thing was sharing “the incredible life-changing love of Jesus
Christ.” That’s it.
Take care of each other.
Hold each other close. As Chris often told the congregation assembled at
funerals, be there for one another long after the funeral is over. For some of us,
Chris’ death will stir up grief that we thought was already settled, and we’ll be
surprised by the depth of emotion. Let’s walk this road together. If you would
like to talk to a pastor or member of the grief ministry team, contact Diane
Waarvik, [email protected], or a pastor. If you would like to learn
how to support others, reach out to Diane, as well. To be part of a prayer team
that receives a weekly email with scripture and guided meditation, contact Marsh
Pechauer, [email protected].
Keep moving forward.
Keep dreaming, keep reaching, keep innovating. Risk failure for the One who
gave everything for us. The future of the church is not about preserving the
institution, but about expanding the kingdom. Let’s give ourselves up for the sake
of our Savior.
Thanks be to God for the life and mission of Christopher Paul Nelson.
2
ON THE COVER:
For most of us, the book of Revelation
is the spooky/scary book we never
read. While the imagery can be a little
odd, the message within the last book
of the Bible merits our attention. In
the midst of all the things in this life
that threaten to overwhelm us, again
and again Revelation points to the God
who has chosen to share life with us.
It points to God who is remaking this
world, and remaking it into something
that exceeds all our deepest longings: a
forever home where peace rules and joy
is complete.
July 9: John, the Risen Christ, and the
Churches
Revelation 1:9-2:7
July 16: God the Creator
Revelation 4:1-11
July 23: Christ the Lamb
Revelation 5:1-13
July 30: The Four Horsemen
Revelation 6:1-8, 7:9-17
August 6: The Two Beasts
Revelation 13:1-18
August 13: The Harlot and Great Battle
Revelation 17:1-6, 19:11-16
August 20: The New Jerusalem
Revelation 21:1-6, 22:1-5
Next CONNECT deadline:
July 10, 2017
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bethlehem-church.org