Yesterday was a high day for me. We publicly named Geno Hildebrandt as Senior Pastor of Hope Chapel. 
Here are some photos from the service. (Thanks, Dave Huss, for the terrific photo account of things.) After 30 years at Hope Chapel, leading worship, eldering, pastoring, it seems that the Spirit is saying “time to do something else. ” We don’t know the something else yet, but we are Abrahamic in our journey, trusting God. In the meantime, it is a good thing that Geno is stepping into the senior role.
It was a treat for us to invite Dean Smith to speak at Hope Chapel. Dean has become a good friend in the last few years. 
I audited a preaching class from him and learned of his love of the scripture and his excellent skills in teaching. Dean grew up in the Church of Christ tradition and we at Hope Chapel have been blessed by good relationships with the Churches of Christ. Dean blessed us by telling us his perception of Hope through the years and by challenging us to embrace the leadership God has given us. Dean is currently leading a ministry called Urban Connection Austin. Thanks, Dean. It was a terrific sermon and we are so glad you joined us for the installation service.
A couple of things stood out to me yesterday. As I was preparing for the service, it struck me how blessed I am to have Geno as a friend, for us to be pulling for each other. I am very happy to be entrusting our family with Geno. He is a trustworthy pastor, a God-fearer, one who will lead us well.
Secondly, I quoted Psalm 133 (NIV) in my sermon.
How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
It is sometimes difficult for former leaders and current leaders to co-exist in the same organization. Geno and I are committed to demonstrating it can be done. Every time we work well together, in harmony, it is like precious oil being poured on our heads. 
It is a flowing of God’s anointing oil over our heads and whole beings. I grabbed a bottle of oil and began pouring it into another container at hand. It was a spontaneous thing which helped me (and hopefully others) see the point. As I watched that golden liquid pouring down, I could see the fluid nature of the oil, the representation of unity, of togetherness with God all over it. As we, who follow Christ, work together in our city, I think that is what should be seen, the unity of the Spirit flowing like oil. “For there, the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. ” I’m not sure words explain what happened as well as being in the moment, seeing that flowing oil, but there you have it.
So, it was a good day. I enacted my fatherly role over the congregation and blessed them in this transition and blessed Geno as a great friend and co-laborer. I think I will have more to say on fathering at another time so stay tuned.
blessings
jack
