By Pastor Tedd Mathis, for the members of Pueblo West Baptist Church

April 2026

This is the last time I will be writing a newsletter essay as your pastor.

My first essay was in June of 2013. I began as pulpit supply and interim in late 2012 as PWBC searched for a pastor after John Tanner’s retirement. On Sunday, April 28, 2013, the members called me to be your pastor. And now, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, I will end my time as your pastor.

I being in the way

When Abraham sent his servant back to Mesopotamia to find a wife for covenant son Isaac, the servant prayed for unmistakable clarity as to who that woman might be (Gen. 24). That prayer was answered when young Rebekah checked all the boxes: She offered him water. She provided water for his thirsty camels. And Rebekah confirmed she was from Abraham’s clan. As the servant praised God for answered prayer he said, “I being in the way, the LORD led me” (Gen. 24:27 KJV).

I’ve always smiled at that statement, because sometimes the LORD leads us– despite our being in the way! What the servant meant was that his covenant-making, covenant-keeping God had led him all along the way from Abraham’s tent in Canaan to Nahor’s door in Mesopotamia to provide a wife for Isaac. What the LORD promises, He fulfills.

That’s my story, too, and I’m sticking to it. Back in 1979, God’s grace so worked on my heart and mind I was moved to leave the broad way to destruction and enter the only narrow way that leads to life. What He begins He finishes.

In 2011, Dawn and I began pondering and praying if the Lord would have me back in the pastoral ministry (for about six years I had stepped away from being a pastor). We determined to remain faithfully active in a local church and that I would not actively seek a pastor’s position. We prayed that the Lord would ‘drop something in our lap.’ He did. In the summer of 2012, Chuck Schultz, whom I had known in Westcliffe, contacted me about his SBC church being in search of a pastor. Since I was not a Southern Baptist, I did not consider this a ‘lap drop answer’ but did send the search committee a letter letting them know I was available to preach as they searched for a permanent pastor In November 2012, Jim Waldenmeyer asked me to fill in for a Sunday. The rest is history. I being in the way, the LORD led me.

Looking back at my time at PWBC, I see that sometimes, despite my being in the way, the Lord still led. A few weeks ago, I was cleaning out files and notes of situations I had to deal with and decisions I made. It was a reminder this one being in the way is a sinner saved by grace alone. I have been extended mercy that Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience (I Tim. 1:16). And His mercy has often come through you patient, forgiving, praying people.

I being in the way, through many toils and snares

Back in 1779 John Newton wrote, “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” The toils and snares of Newton’s day included the brutality of man-stealing and chattel slavery. Once a slave trader himself, with his conversion Newton switched sides, advocating for the abolishing of slavery.

Consider the toils and snares in our society since 2013.

+ Living with and working among many who now assume sodomy is to be celebrated and defended.

+ Seeing parents seduced by the professional discipleship of their children in deviancy and transgender mutilation.

The list could go on and on.

But God…

His grace has led us thus far!

+ His grace has confronted us in our sin and taught us full salvation is found wholly in Christ.

+ His grace has taught me and us discernment and to seek our own holiness.

+ His grace has taught me and us to humbly take a stand – some of us with our own kin, even our own children.

+ His grace has led us to partner with the Minnetts as they faithfully instruct and stand for truth to the west of us.

+ His grace has led us to partner with HeartCry that instructs and trains pastors around the globe.

+ His grace has led us to fellowship with other pastor and churches locally and throughout the United States as they joyfully stand and confidently make disciples.

+ His grace has led us to like-minded Bryan Pichura coming as your next pastor. I am confident his gifts and energy along with his godly helpmate Kristin will honor Christ and serve you well.

I being in the way, His grace will lead me home

How grateful I am for you folks the Lord has put in my way. Your faithfulness, your encouraging words, your interest in and kindness toward each other, your love for the truth. I end this essay with the words of a hymn that was a favorite of my mom. At her funeral in 2018 a couple sang the following composed by John W. Peterson. Christ is worthy for us to turn our eyes to Him:

Some day life’s journey will be o’er

And I shall reach that distant shore,

I’ll sing while ent’ring Heaven’s door

“Jesus led me all the way.”

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

“Jesus led me all the way.

If God should let me there review

The winding paths of earth I knew,

It would be proven clear and true

Jesus led me all the way.

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

“Jesus led me all the way.

And hitherto my Lord has led,

Today He guides each step I tread,

And soon in Heav’n it will be said

Jesus led me all the way.

I, being in the way,

Pastor Tedd