Pastor Stan Scripps | On January 21, Rev. Jim Osterhouse was granted his request to retire from the ministry after many years of faithful service both in congregational and denomination-wide settings. He left us with a few short thoughts, which he called, "musings", which are presented here. I have already heard a couple of them repeated and affirmed by some of our younger pastors in Classis Holland. So here is the list for your thoughtful perusal.

Ministry is a privilege, not a profession; a calling, not a career.         

Ministry is hard; find your strength in God.         

Relationship with (and time with) Jesus is critical. 

God always prepares us for the next step. 

In ministry, modeling beats “mouthing”. 

God does His best work through you when He is doing His best work in you. 

Every person needs a quest; God’s goal is the best. 

Make love supreme --

      Love God above all.

            Love yourself (without being in love with yourself.)

                  Love your neighbor as yourself.

                        Love is bringing people to Jesus. 

When making disciples, make disciples to who make disciples. 

Servant leaders still LEAD. 

God is faithful, as are the godly. 

Trinitarian theology surpasses Christocentric or Spirit-centered theology. 

The Kingdom of God is like a parallel universe which is breaking in all over the place. 

Take care of yourself-- and your family – before taking care of others.