Associate Minister
Timothy P. Foster
My eleventh year at I. P. C. was marked with joys, challenges, and milestones. Caroline and I feel privileged to serve a congregation that loves and prays for its ministers. I am grateful to serve alongside a wise and seasoned pastoral staff. Here are a few highlights from my ministry in 2017.
Preaching— During my Sunday evening preaching, I completed a series on 1 Timothy and began a new series on 1 Peter. I am the primary preacher for our Wednesday Noon Study that meets in Telfair Hall. The combination of lunch and Bible study provides a rich opportunity for spiritual encouragement and fellowship in the middle of a busy week. This year we were able to finish a series on“ The Seven Deadly Sins” and begin a new series on the Gospel of Mark.
Teaching— I enjoyed the opportunity to teach some new topics this year. The Winter Sunday School elective featured a new class— Women and Counseling— which I enjoyed leading. The purpose of this class was to equip the women of our church to provide godly help and counsel to other women, in fulfillment of the mandate of Titus 2:3-5. I also led an elective during the Fall quarter on How to Read, Study, & Teach the Bible. The purpose of this class was to develop basic principles for preparing and leading a Bible study. In addition to these elective classes, I also participated in our regular adult Sunday School rotation and I assisted Mr. Johnson in teaching Officer’ s Training.
Pastoral— I served on the Congregational Growth and Care committee as well as two committees of the Savannah River Presbytery( Candidates & Credentials; Sessional Records). I provided pulpit supply at area churches, conducted hospital visitation, participated in weddings and funerals, offered pastoral counseling, and partook in a variety of ministries associated with our church( Dead Theologians’ Society; PRIMES; Coastal Empire Reformed Fellowship). I also served on the Provisional Session for our Bluffton church plant. It was a privilege to preach for the installation service of our church planter, Dr. Ron Gleason, on January 15. The church plant officially launched in May with morning and evening services.
Study— I defended my dissertation in March, and in May I graduated with the Doctor of Ministry( Pastoral Counseling Emphasis) from Westminster Theological Seminary( Philadelphia). It was a rewarding conclusion to several years of fruitful study. I am grateful to the church leadership for allowing me to take this valuable course of study.
Personal— The month of May was a busy one for us. In addition to graduation, we welcomed our second child, Luke Timothy. He was baptized on September 3. He has been a wonderful addition. It has been a joyous year for us. The beloved members of I. P. C. make this such a tremendous place to serve the Lord’ s kingdom. Thank you for your continual love, prayers, cards, encouragement, and support for our family. We look forward to what the Lord will do in 2018.
14