Associate Minister
Timothy P. Foster
My tenth year at I. P. C. has been filled joys and challenges. I am regularly amazed by the privilege I have to serve a congregation that loves, encourages, and prays for its ministers. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside a wise and seasoned pastoral staff. Here are a few highlights from my ministry in 2016.
Preaching— During my Sunday evening preaching, I continued to lead us through a series on 1 Timothy. I also helped lead our Wednesday Bible Study. Due to the extensive renovations, the Wednesday midweek service was temporarily suspended from January-August 2016. We restarted the service in September 2016 with a new location( the beautiful and elegant Telfair Hall) and a new format. This brief 30-minute Bible study provided a rich opportunity for spiritual encouragement and fellowship in the middle of a busy week. Thank you to all those who participated.
Teaching— In addition to teaching several of our adult Sunday school classes through the Book of Judges, I also taught one of our elective classes. It was the third time I conducted the seminar I developed for my doctoral work. The seminar’ s title was“ Accepted in the Beloved: How Jesus Redeems Our Guilt, Fear, and Shame.” The main purpose of the class was to discover how the security of the gospel( i. e., our union with Christ) helps us process our negative, threatening emotions. Thanks to those who attended and gave valuable feedback.
Pastoral— I also served on the Congregational Growth and Care committee, provided pulpit supply at area churches, conducted hospital visitation, offered pastoral counseling, attended the Dead Theologians’ Society, and participated in a variety of ministries connected to our church( Savannah River Presbytery; PRIMES; Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation’ s Annual Conference in Chattanooga, TN). I also worked extensively with our Bluffton church plant. Much effort and prayer went into forming a pulpit committee, communicating with the local pastors and presbytery in the Lowcountry, and organizing evening services. We are pleased that a veteran church planter and pastor, Rev. Dr. Ron Gleason, will lead our Bluffton Presbyterian Mission. Services are scheduled to begin in early 2017.
Study— I have finally completed the class and thesis work for the Doctor of Ministry degree at Westminster Theological Seminary( Philadelphia). I am grateful to the church leadership for allowing me to take this valuable course of study. If I am successful in defending my dissertation( Spring 2017), then I hope to graduate in May 2017.
Personal— Caroline and I are grateful for all your prayers, encouragement, and support for our growing family. One of the highlights of the year was baptizing my daughter Ava Anne Foster on March 13. I was especially moved by the outpouring of love and prayers during my recent health issues in November. Thank you for your ongoing concern and commitment to intercede for us. We look forward to what the Lord will do in 2017.
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