A Completed Ministry and Unfinished Task

By Don Robinson, Retired

Nearly twenty years ago I heard John Weborg, former professor at North Park Theological Seminary, preach at a Midwinter Conference on the theme, “A completed ministry and unfinished task.” His text was Hebrews 11, but it was the last verse that caught and captured both my imagination and heart.

39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39)

This month, I complete my full time vocational ministry with the Pacific Northwest Conference. I will enter the company of retired pastors. It will be a completed ministry, but an unfinished task. That unfinished task, that mission, will continue through other sisters and brothers.

I am thankful for the conference staff, the Executive Board, individuals and churches for the many ways that they have expressed appreciation and have said “good-bye.” I complete my ministry with you, using words I have modified from the “Service of Farewell” from the Covenant Book of Worship.

“I thank the Pacific Northwest Conference, its pastors and its churches, and my colleagues on the staff, for the love, kindness, support shown me these last 23 years. I am grateful for the ways my leadership has been accepted. I ask forgiveness for the mistakes I have made. As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.”

“. . . I accept your gratitude . . . trusting that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God.”

Sincerely in Christ,

Don


We in the Pacific Northwest Conference Office appreciate the dedication, hard work and faithfulness Don has shown over the course of his ministry with us. Enjoy this slide show we made to honor him at the 2018 Clergy Retreat.