It was a special Sunday at Daypring Christian Church.
We gathered on the Lord’s Day to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, to praise our good Father, to hear from His Word, and to once again offer ourselves fully to Him. Days like this are sacred—not because we are celebrating human accomplishment, but because Scripture tells us that moments like these matter deeply to the heart of God.
Romans 13:7 calls us to “render to all what is due them… honor to whom honor.” Hebrews 13:7 adds, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” At Daypring, we often say we want to be a church that reads the Bible and then does what it says. This day was exactly that—an act of obedience rooted in Scripture.
Honoring Faithful Servants
As a Christian church non denominational in both conviction and practice, we believe honoring faithful servants ultimately magnifies the faithfulness of God. Behind decades of steadfast ministry stands a Savior who never stops building His church.
On this morning, we honored Mark and Karen Sutherland—two servants who have walked among us, loved us, prayed with us, wept with us, and faithfully pointed us toward Christ for more than three decades. Since 1994, they have stood in the gap through seasons of joy, growth, challenge, and pruning. Through it all, Jesus has shown Himself faithful.
Scripture gives us a clear pattern for moments like this. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Paul urges the church to appreciate those who labor diligently among them and to esteem them highly in love because of their work. This kind of recognition is near and dear to the heart of God—not for human glory, but because it highlights His grace at work through willing servants.
Throughout Scripture we see this same theme: Moses publicly blessing Joshua, Paul pausing in his letters to acknowledge faithful coworkers, Nehemiah recording the names of those who rebuilt the wall. God sees, remembers, and honors faithful obedience.
A Legacy Built by Christ
Mark and Karen never sought the spotlight. The heart behind this day was not to elevate them, but to shine a light on Jesus Christ—who has been shining through them for 30 years.
Lifelong ministry is not sustained by human strength. No one has the stamina or faithfulness to endure apart from Christ. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” That truth has been evident in their lives.
Jesus gave the calling. Jesus sustained them through long days, hospital visits, hard conversations, and unseen sacrifices. Jesus gave wisdom, preserved joy, and expanded influence. Through thousands of faithful, often unnoticed moments, Christ has shaped this church to look more like Him.
Families have been strengthened. Marriages restored. Children discipled. Leaders developed. Wounds healed. Outsiders welcomed. The gospel proclaimed. A church made healthier, stronger, and more unified—all because Mark and Karen were willing vessels and Christ poured His love through them.
Hebrews 6:10–12 reminds us that God does not forget the work and love shown in His name. It also challenges the rest of us: “Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Their legacy is not programs or positions—it is people whose lives bear the fingerprints of Jesus.
A Call to Imitate Their Faith
The most fitting way to honor faithful servants is not applause alone, but imitation.
We are called to imitate their faith, humility, perseverance, servant-heartedness, loyalty to Christ, and commitment to His church. We are invited to stay the course, love Jesus deeply, love His Word and His people, and live for what outlasts our lives.
Faithful ministry does not end with retirement. Psalm 92 tells us that the righteous still bear fruit and continue to flourish. Seasons may change, but the mission of Jesus continues—and so does the influence of a life faithfully given to Him.
A Legacy That Continues
As one of the Windsor Colorado churches committed to Scripture, community, and mission, Daypring continues to be shaped by the foundation laid through decades of faithful obedience. Mark and Karen are not stepping away from kingdom work; they are stepping into a new chapter of it.
Ultimately, this day was not about looking back—it was about looking forward with gratitude and resolve. Jesus builds His church through people who give Him their lives. The ministry of Mark and Karen Sutherland stands as a lasting testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness.
To God be the glory for the great things He has done—and for the work He will continue to do through His people.