Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
First 100 Days
With all the news about the first hundred days I have had a few strange musings.
First, the toughest part of being the President in my mind would be overcoming the thought that I am personally so important that I should allow a father, son, brother, sister, another human being to take a bullet for me as a part of their job. In all, or many world leaders of history, there is an unusual level of self importance. To gather a following of individuals, numbering thousands many times, that will willingly sacrifice their lives for their human leader is a daunting task. That leader must have an unusual sense of personal self importance. In a recent book by Michael Corda I read that General MacArthur would change his uniform in the middle of the day so that he would always appear pressed. I have read, that to take a certain city Alexander the Great met with the city leaders and stood his troops at the top of a cliff. He ordered several to march off the cliff to their deaths and they did so. Then threatened the city leaders with the thought of 40,000 other trained and determined troops that would attack their city until it was decimated. They surrendered with no resistance. Though I wish for my ideas to effect change in my world, I prefer the leadership model of Jesus. The leader (shepherd) lays down his life for the sheep, not the other way around.
Second, what have I done in the last 100 days? Led 12 people to Jesus Christ! Accomplished some great counseling with three couples in our church. Prepared to teach a college sociology course (started yesterday) which I have never done before. I helped my wife start an at home business, finished the manuscript of my first book, and spun 17 clay pots and fired them with the help of Fred Wyatt. We will sell them this Summer and give the proceeds to local benevolence agencies. Attended District Council helping with the registration and roster committee. Ben, Gabe and I shot a turkey. I went on a two day Royal Ranger camp out with six, six year old boys led by Pastor John. Held a successful missions convention, and week long seminar on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. I Paid my taxes, (which is more than I can say for some others in Washington recently). I assisted my wife in reading with my kids for no less than 2,520 minutes per child in the last 100 days (we have to keep track weekly for school). I helped lead the membership committee of the Optimist Club through the March membership drive and membership banquet. Finally, we have started the renovation of our upstairs to install a bathroom, further demolition will occur this weekend. Perhaps I have done more with my time and money in 100 days than the president has done. I have volunteered more time, stimulated the economy more, and helped kids more. And that, without stimulus money, or the need of personal body guards, even though pastors have increasingly and obviously become assassination targets.
I don't mean to be a political hack. But, the collective greed of our country has caused us immense difficulty recently and the debt of responding to it will be with us for a long time. What we really need is an attitude change in all parties and all levels of our nation. Do we live lives of self importance or self sacrifice? Do we choose our political and ethical standards based on 2010 election poles? Do we find the direction for our life in the largest pay check or benefit check offered? Or, are we guided by an inner sense of our principals of service?
I challenge you today to set some goals for your life in the next 100 days. You have till roughly August 7th, if I have added correctly. Think about your life. What can you do for God, others, your family, the economy, and our nation? Think altruistically and believe God to provide.
P.S. Let's be faithful to God and his word and continue to pray for our President, Governor and leaders.
First, the toughest part of being the President in my mind would be overcoming the thought that I am personally so important that I should allow a father, son, brother, sister, another human being to take a bullet for me as a part of their job. In all, or many world leaders of history, there is an unusual level of self importance. To gather a following of individuals, numbering thousands many times, that will willingly sacrifice their lives for their human leader is a daunting task. That leader must have an unusual sense of personal self importance. In a recent book by Michael Corda I read that General MacArthur would change his uniform in the middle of the day so that he would always appear pressed. I have read, that to take a certain city Alexander the Great met with the city leaders and stood his troops at the top of a cliff. He ordered several to march off the cliff to their deaths and they did so. Then threatened the city leaders with the thought of 40,000 other trained and determined troops that would attack their city until it was decimated. They surrendered with no resistance. Though I wish for my ideas to effect change in my world, I prefer the leadership model of Jesus. The leader (shepherd) lays down his life for the sheep, not the other way around.
Second, what have I done in the last 100 days? Led 12 people to Jesus Christ! Accomplished some great counseling with three couples in our church. Prepared to teach a college sociology course (started yesterday) which I have never done before. I helped my wife start an at home business, finished the manuscript of my first book, and spun 17 clay pots and fired them with the help of Fred Wyatt. We will sell them this Summer and give the proceeds to local benevolence agencies. Attended District Council helping with the registration and roster committee. Ben, Gabe and I shot a turkey. I went on a two day Royal Ranger camp out with six, six year old boys led by Pastor John. Held a successful missions convention, and week long seminar on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. I Paid my taxes, (which is more than I can say for some others in Washington recently). I assisted my wife in reading with my kids for no less than 2,520 minutes per child in the last 100 days (we have to keep track weekly for school). I helped lead the membership committee of the Optimist Club through the March membership drive and membership banquet. Finally, we have started the renovation of our upstairs to install a bathroom, further demolition will occur this weekend. Perhaps I have done more with my time and money in 100 days than the president has done. I have volunteered more time, stimulated the economy more, and helped kids more. And that, without stimulus money, or the need of personal body guards, even though pastors have increasingly and obviously become assassination targets.
I don't mean to be a political hack. But, the collective greed of our country has caused us immense difficulty recently and the debt of responding to it will be with us for a long time. What we really need is an attitude change in all parties and all levels of our nation. Do we live lives of self importance or self sacrifice? Do we choose our political and ethical standards based on 2010 election poles? Do we find the direction for our life in the largest pay check or benefit check offered? Or, are we guided by an inner sense of our principals of service?
I challenge you today to set some goals for your life in the next 100 days. You have till roughly August 7th, if I have added correctly. Think about your life. What can you do for God, others, your family, the economy, and our nation? Think altruistically and believe God to provide.
P.S. Let's be faithful to God and his word and continue to pray for our President, Governor and leaders.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Good New Club Good News
Things have been going well for the Fifth Street School Good News Club led by Pastor John. If you get a chance you really need to encourage him in the work and let him know he is doing a good job.
In the last month they have been running around 30 kids, at least four have been saved, and two families with children in the club have begun attending church through their child's involvement in the club. This has become a great opportunity to share the hope that Jesus offers to our community. Special thanks also goes out to some volunteers who have been making the club successful.
If you would like to help support the club financially that would be great. Please contact Pastor John about how to give. Gifts are used to buy club supplies, snacks, and teaching materials.
Be sure to thank Pastor John for his work in the public schools.
In the last month they have been running around 30 kids, at least four have been saved, and two families with children in the club have begun attending church through their child's involvement in the club. This has become a great opportunity to share the hope that Jesus offers to our community. Special thanks also goes out to some volunteers who have been making the club successful.
If you would like to help support the club financially that would be great. Please contact Pastor John about how to give. Gifts are used to buy club supplies, snacks, and teaching materials.
Be sure to thank Pastor John for his work in the public schools.
Monday, April 27, 2009
I Volunteered
I heard a great comment last week at District Council from David Grant. He said, "I wasn't called into ministry, I volunteered." He remembers crying himself to sleep at about ten years old praying, "Lord please let me be a missionary."
When we feel called there is a sense of obligation, "if I don't do this God will be mad at me, I will be out of his will." This will cause us to have moments when we feel that God has forced us to live some horrible life of toil and frustration. But, maybe we need to rethink the moment of our calling. We are far more motivated to work when we have the heart of a volunteer, as opposed to the heart of a conscript.
I remember being filled with the Holy Spirit in the fall of 1987 at fifteen years of age. I remember thinking, "I want to help other people get this like my pastor and youth pastor have helped me." Either just before that or just after that, I don't remember, the Lord dropped it in my heart that I should be a pastor.
On some level, I think that every person who is called by God to full-time ministry responded to the call by volunteering. Let's keep that attitude that will shout out to God, "I will!" Let's keep that attitude that is willing to cross the line in the sand and be a volunteer.
When we feel called there is a sense of obligation, "if I don't do this God will be mad at me, I will be out of his will." This will cause us to have moments when we feel that God has forced us to live some horrible life of toil and frustration. But, maybe we need to rethink the moment of our calling. We are far more motivated to work when we have the heart of a volunteer, as opposed to the heart of a conscript.
I remember being filled with the Holy Spirit in the fall of 1987 at fifteen years of age. I remember thinking, "I want to help other people get this like my pastor and youth pastor have helped me." Either just before that or just after that, I don't remember, the Lord dropped it in my heart that I should be a pastor.
On some level, I think that every person who is called by God to full-time ministry responded to the call by volunteering. Let's keep that attitude that will shout out to God, "I will!" Let's keep that attitude that is willing to cross the line in the sand and be a volunteer.
Weekend Rewind
Sunday was extremely busy. I left the house at 7:10 a.m. Church was good. Good attendance of 150. I was glad so many responded to the message in the Pentecostal Parish series. This week was, The Pentecostal Parish is Surprising. As a church we expect miracles, but they are always surprising at the same time because God is so awesome. I want a renewed sense of awe of God and I desire that God would renew his mighty acts in our day (Habakkuk 3:2).
After church we had lunch with some friends and celebrated their daughter's 13th birthday. happy Birthday Hannah!! Then the whole family went to the nursing home service and our kids sang a few songs. The residents really like the kids being there and my kids love going with me.
We left the nursing home and drove to Labadie to hang out with another family in the church who had their extended family in town to visit. It was a great time, the weather was perfect for sitting outside.
I was back home at about 8:30 p.m. Long day for my kids, but they had a blast all day. I hope that these kind of days will relate to my kids that ministry is a great vocation. If they don't feel called, then I hope that they will find fun, joy and meaning in serving the Lord in some great way.
After church we had lunch with some friends and celebrated their daughter's 13th birthday. happy Birthday Hannah!! Then the whole family went to the nursing home service and our kids sang a few songs. The residents really like the kids being there and my kids love going with me.
We left the nursing home and drove to Labadie to hang out with another family in the church who had their extended family in town to visit. It was a great time, the weather was perfect for sitting outside.
I was back home at about 8:30 p.m. Long day for my kids, but they had a blast all day. I hope that these kind of days will relate to my kids that ministry is a great vocation. If they don't feel called, then I hope that they will find fun, joy and meaning in serving the Lord in some great way.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Week Gone
This week flew past! It is Saturday night and I am back home. I just finished posting some pictures on my Face book profile and our church group profile. I had an amazing time hunting with Gabe and Ben. We called to a gobbler for about an hour, talking back and forth. Then, we watched and called to a second gobbler that cam into our area with a hen. We could not get him or her to move in any closer. Then another gobbler came in close and we got him. Big bird, will make four or five meals I think. Fishing was also fun. Then helped grandpa move a couple bulls to another field.
District council was more interesting than I thought it would be. First, Brother Baker and Brother Grant had very good messages for us. I wish I could have been able to stay for Brother Spence, he is always interesting to hear from.
The business was far more interesting than I had expected. We talked a lot about camps and funding camp. A motion was made and passed for us to have a special called meeting in the fall to revisit the camping issues again before we head into 2009. I have never yet experienced a special called district business meeting in all my years of ministry. This will be new for me.
I was ratified as the Assistant District Christian Education Director. That is an enjoyable job. I like working with Curt Rozean, he has a winning attitude. After that announcement I had to go to a microphone and say a few words. That is the first time that I have ever said anything publicly in any kind of council meeting. I was elected to this job a few years ago, but I did not have to say anything.
I had honestly forgotten that the district would have to nominate an ordained pastor under 40 years old for the National Executive Presbytery this year. It is a new position that the General Council enacted in 2007 and is now being implemented. Somehow I was elected to be the nominee. So, I had to go back to a microphone in the meeting hall and say thank you again. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have my name submitted.
My number one goal in life right now is to pastor First AG in Washington. My goal is to pastor one church for life. If the Lord has anything for me to do along the way additionally, I will continue to help out. There are so many other pastors in our district who are my peers and very good pastors. I mean excellent pastors. It was surprising, daunting, and humbling to be nominated.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Continuing in the Pentecostal Parish series. So far we have done, The Pentecostal Parish is: Christ Centered, then Spirit Empowered, and tomorrow, Surprising. With God's power to do miracles and the Holy Spirit's creativity church should be surprising each week.
District council was more interesting than I thought it would be. First, Brother Baker and Brother Grant had very good messages for us. I wish I could have been able to stay for Brother Spence, he is always interesting to hear from.
The business was far more interesting than I had expected. We talked a lot about camps and funding camp. A motion was made and passed for us to have a special called meeting in the fall to revisit the camping issues again before we head into 2009. I have never yet experienced a special called district business meeting in all my years of ministry. This will be new for me.
I was ratified as the Assistant District Christian Education Director. That is an enjoyable job. I like working with Curt Rozean, he has a winning attitude. After that announcement I had to go to a microphone and say a few words. That is the first time that I have ever said anything publicly in any kind of council meeting. I was elected to this job a few years ago, but I did not have to say anything.
I had honestly forgotten that the district would have to nominate an ordained pastor under 40 years old for the National Executive Presbytery this year. It is a new position that the General Council enacted in 2007 and is now being implemented. Somehow I was elected to be the nominee. So, I had to go back to a microphone in the meeting hall and say thank you again. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have my name submitted.
My number one goal in life right now is to pastor First AG in Washington. My goal is to pastor one church for life. If the Lord has anything for me to do along the way additionally, I will continue to help out. There are so many other pastors in our district who are my peers and very good pastors. I mean excellent pastors. It was surprising, daunting, and humbling to be nominated.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Continuing in the Pentecostal Parish series. So far we have done, The Pentecostal Parish is: Christ Centered, then Spirit Empowered, and tomorrow, Surprising. With God's power to do miracles and the Holy Spirit's creativity church should be surprising each week.
Monday, April 20, 2009
This week is already gone!
This morning I leave for district council. I will be back Wednesday afternoon about 4:00 or 5:00 to make everything ready for church. I have a few more things to add to the Wednesday message for it to be complete and will have to do it between meetings at council. Thursday I have been selected, though I don't know how, to be a volunteer helper for the Kindergarten field trip to St. Louis. We will get back at 2:00 and I will have some office time late on Thursday. Thursday evening I am giving the invocation at the annual Optimist Club scholarship banquet and presenting one of the scholarships. Friday and Saturday I am keeping my promise to Ben and myself to go turkey hunting. We may get Friday morning and will definitely get Saturday morning to hunt. Being gone Monday through Thursday and the banquet in the evening leaves little time to pack up for another two days gone and the two hour drive to the hallowed hunting grounds. Sunday is church again, and I am already excited about the message and the potential for great things.
This week is already gone.
This week is already gone.
Weekend Rewind
Sunday was a great day! Attendance was good considering several regular people were out for various reasons. In the 10:15 service we had an amazing response! Seven people indicated that they were making commitments to Christ. I am praying that they will continue to experience God today and this week as they learn to trust him.
I preached on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, from Acts 9:1-19. Interestingly when Ananias visited Paul he added something to the message God gave him in a vision to give to Saul/Paul. The vision told him to restore Paul's sight. When he spoke to Paul he said he was there fro that reason and that he may be full of the Holy Spirit. Why did Ananias add this to the message from God? Did he not fear God enough to give the message without adding other things? Why did he add it?
It was already a matter of doctrinal discipleship for the early church to encourage new believers who trusted Jesus to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Paul followed this same practice in his ministry later in Acts 19 where he met what he thought were disciples of Jesus Christ and asked a discipleship question, "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" The baptism, or fullness of the Holy Spirit is a part of normal Christian growth.
I encourage you today to read Acts 2:1-4, Acts 9:1-19 and Acts 19:1-7 to learn more and know what to expect from God as you pray about this important Christian growth opportunity. The fullness of the Holy Spirit is for every believer. God does not show favorites and has promised this fullness of the Holy Spirit to all who trust in Jesus. Begin to pray and ask.
Here is what is amazing. When you have people experiencing the Holy Spirit in a prayer time, people are pointed to Jesus and people get saved. The Pentecostal Church is Spirit empowered, but it is always Christ centered.
I preached on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, from Acts 9:1-19. Interestingly when Ananias visited Paul he added something to the message God gave him in a vision to give to Saul/Paul. The vision told him to restore Paul's sight. When he spoke to Paul he said he was there fro that reason and that he may be full of the Holy Spirit. Why did Ananias add this to the message from God? Did he not fear God enough to give the message without adding other things? Why did he add it?
It was already a matter of doctrinal discipleship for the early church to encourage new believers who trusted Jesus to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Paul followed this same practice in his ministry later in Acts 19 where he met what he thought were disciples of Jesus Christ and asked a discipleship question, "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" The baptism, or fullness of the Holy Spirit is a part of normal Christian growth.
I encourage you today to read Acts 2:1-4, Acts 9:1-19 and Acts 19:1-7 to learn more and know what to expect from God as you pray about this important Christian growth opportunity. The fullness of the Holy Spirit is for every believer. God does not show favorites and has promised this fullness of the Holy Spirit to all who trust in Jesus. Begin to pray and ask.
Here is what is amazing. When you have people experiencing the Holy Spirit in a prayer time, people are pointed to Jesus and people get saved. The Pentecostal Church is Spirit empowered, but it is always Christ centered.
Friday, April 17, 2009
LOL Ministry Ideas
Some of the best ministry ideas have come out of joking conversations about what might happen if we did something weird in ministry. About seven years ago I was hanging out with Jason Patterson and we were joking about some of the weirdest sermon outlines we have ever heard. Then, we started joking about the weirdest sermon outlines that we could think of.
One that came up together was, "Jesus Cs." What if all the points were the same word or sounding word? The Scripture would be from the gospel story of Jesus calming the storm. Point One, Jesus Seas. The sea of life is not always easy, Jesus allows us, maybe even commands us, to go through rough seas at times. Point Two, Jesus Sees. Though he was asleep peacefully in the boat, Jesus was in control. Jesus sees your rough times. Point Three, Jesus Seize. At our point of desperation Jesus seizes the situation to prove his power and love for us. That is by far my goofiest sermon ever!
When I tried out for First AG in Washington I have a great treatise on the work of the Holy spirit prepared to preach on Sunday morning complete with printed handouts. At about 4:00 a.m. the Lord impressed my by the Holy Spirit that I should preach Jesus Cs. I was like, "oh, no." I will never get voted in here now. But I did.
Starting the Everyday series in 2006 with the same video introduction each week came out of a joke, but it was really powerful! That was before I had seen some churches create a video trailer for sermons. This was literally the introduction to each message. Five sermons, one introduction that led into them all. Hearing the intro five times really made the message stick.
One that came up together was, "Jesus Cs." What if all the points were the same word or sounding word? The Scripture would be from the gospel story of Jesus calming the storm. Point One, Jesus Seas. The sea of life is not always easy, Jesus allows us, maybe even commands us, to go through rough seas at times. Point Two, Jesus Sees. Though he was asleep peacefully in the boat, Jesus was in control. Jesus sees your rough times. Point Three, Jesus Seize. At our point of desperation Jesus seizes the situation to prove his power and love for us. That is by far my goofiest sermon ever!
When I tried out for First AG in Washington I have a great treatise on the work of the Holy spirit prepared to preach on Sunday morning complete with printed handouts. At about 4:00 a.m. the Lord impressed my by the Holy Spirit that I should preach Jesus Cs. I was like, "oh, no." I will never get voted in here now. But I did.
Starting the Everyday series in 2006 with the same video introduction each week came out of a joke, but it was really powerful! That was before I had seen some churches create a video trailer for sermons. This was literally the introduction to each message. Five sermons, one introduction that led into them all. Hearing the intro five times really made the message stick.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
H2O Baptism
We tentatively have a water baptism service scheduled for May 17th at 2:30 in the afternoon. If this does not work out I will update the time and date on this blog later. We are striving for 20 people to be baptized this time.
If you have never been baptized by immersion or if you have not been baptized since you have been saved, you really should be baptized. Let's make it a great celebration of salvation!
If you have never been baptized by immersion or if you have not been baptized since you have been saved, you really should be baptized. Let's make it a great celebration of salvation!
Wednesday Rewind
Last night we move the Attic Youth to the sanctuary and the adults down to the Children's church room. The Girls Club moved to the youth room. This is a trial run but it has great potential.
First, the youth can grow past 35 with the extra room. Also, they can grow in prayer as we institute altar time and prayer responses to the youth messages. They also have access to better sound and video tools in the sanctuary.
Second, this is the start of us growing the Wednesday night ministries beyond the size of our building. If we want to be healthy, we need Wednesday night ministries and Small Groups to grow with the Sunday morning ministries. Sunday Morning is going to max out soon and we may add a third service at some time. Small Groups can never outgrow their space because space and time is unlimited for groups. Wednesday however is a bit of trouble unless we get really creative. We can not offer two Wednesday nights, so we need to spread out in other ways.
With the adults in the Children's church room we are going to move in the coffee house furniture and work out an acoustic type set-up for worship. The smaller setting already made some improvements actually. We shared a couple prayer requests which is normal, but when asked about praise reports, we had FOUR! That is really good. The smaller setting may allow for better sharing in the Wednesday night Bible Study.
I need a few people to help with set-up and tear down on Wednesday nights in the next two months. Also, if you play an acoustic instrument that might fit into our worship let me know. We need to keep a contemporary style, but could get really eclectic and beautiful adding a violin, Cello, guitar, shakers (no tambourines!, too loud in a small room), and some other things that could be beautifully blended together.
Brent Nissen played the bongos last night and suggested that if we serve coffee, and do the acoustic set that people might want to start reading poetry. lol. But honestly, if you have a poem to read, bring it and let's try it on for size. Some of the best ministry ideas I have had actually came out of joking around about what we could do that would be crazy. I'll write one out in a bit for you.
So far, so good.
First, the youth can grow past 35 with the extra room. Also, they can grow in prayer as we institute altar time and prayer responses to the youth messages. They also have access to better sound and video tools in the sanctuary.
Second, this is the start of us growing the Wednesday night ministries beyond the size of our building. If we want to be healthy, we need Wednesday night ministries and Small Groups to grow with the Sunday morning ministries. Sunday Morning is going to max out soon and we may add a third service at some time. Small Groups can never outgrow their space because space and time is unlimited for groups. Wednesday however is a bit of trouble unless we get really creative. We can not offer two Wednesday nights, so we need to spread out in other ways.
With the adults in the Children's church room we are going to move in the coffee house furniture and work out an acoustic type set-up for worship. The smaller setting already made some improvements actually. We shared a couple prayer requests which is normal, but when asked about praise reports, we had FOUR! That is really good. The smaller setting may allow for better sharing in the Wednesday night Bible Study.
I need a few people to help with set-up and tear down on Wednesday nights in the next two months. Also, if you play an acoustic instrument that might fit into our worship let me know. We need to keep a contemporary style, but could get really eclectic and beautiful adding a violin, Cello, guitar, shakers (no tambourines!, too loud in a small room), and some other things that could be beautifully blended together.
Brent Nissen played the bongos last night and suggested that if we serve coffee, and do the acoustic set that people might want to start reading poetry. lol. But honestly, if you have a poem to read, bring it and let's try it on for size. Some of the best ministry ideas I have had actually came out of joking around about what we could do that would be crazy. I'll write one out in a bit for you.
So far, so good.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Weekend Rewind Easter Re-Mix
We had a wonderful Easter weekend. We had a new attendance record. We have not compared attendance notes like we usually do on Tuesday yet but it looks like 208 for now.
What was really great was to see so many people that we and other friends had personally invited. It makes everything so much more meaningful for everyone involved when there have been personal invitations!
Worship was great. There was an amazing attitude of worship on Sunday and it was beautiful to end the service with communion.
We started a new sermon series, something that is a bit strange to do on Easter Sunday, I know. It is called the Pentecostal Parish. This series will run till Pentecost Sunday. The first message was, The Pentecostal Parish is Christ Centered. If you don't know anything about Washington, Missouri, then you may not understand why we are doing this series. It is a town with a very strong German liturgical church tradition.
A Pentecostal Parish is Christ centered. It is exemplified in Peter's address to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus rose from the grave. In Peter's address to the crowd on the day of Pentecost he did not explain the details of the Holy Spirit's work, he pointed to Jesus.
In Peter's message he pointed out, Jesus is Real (Acts 2:22-23), Jesus is Risen (vs. 24-32), and Jesus is Relevant (vs. 34-39). As a Pentecostal Parish following the example of the early church, we believe that Jesus was a real man from a real place. We have committed real sins, they are historical facts in our lives. We need a real savior, that invades history, for real sins to be covered. We believe that Jesus rose literally and bodily form the grave. Finally, we believe that Jesus is relevant today because he is Lord, he is still speaking, forgiving and empowering.
We serve a wonderful God. His plan of salvation is amazing! It is also available for more than just us. "All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
What was really great was to see so many people that we and other friends had personally invited. It makes everything so much more meaningful for everyone involved when there have been personal invitations!
Worship was great. There was an amazing attitude of worship on Sunday and it was beautiful to end the service with communion.
We started a new sermon series, something that is a bit strange to do on Easter Sunday, I know. It is called the Pentecostal Parish. This series will run till Pentecost Sunday. The first message was, The Pentecostal Parish is Christ Centered. If you don't know anything about Washington, Missouri, then you may not understand why we are doing this series. It is a town with a very strong German liturgical church tradition.
A Pentecostal Parish is Christ centered. It is exemplified in Peter's address to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus rose from the grave. In Peter's address to the crowd on the day of Pentecost he did not explain the details of the Holy Spirit's work, he pointed to Jesus.
In Peter's message he pointed out, Jesus is Real (Acts 2:22-23), Jesus is Risen (vs. 24-32), and Jesus is Relevant (vs. 34-39). As a Pentecostal Parish following the example of the early church, we believe that Jesus was a real man from a real place. We have committed real sins, they are historical facts in our lives. We need a real savior, that invades history, for real sins to be covered. We believe that Jesus rose literally and bodily form the grave. Finally, we believe that Jesus is relevant today because he is Lord, he is still speaking, forgiving and empowering.
We serve a wonderful God. His plan of salvation is amazing! It is also available for more than just us. "All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Broken Legs
Reading the story of the crucifixion of Jesus this week I ran across something interesting and disturbing in John 19.
31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."
Jesus had a conversation with the two thieves on the crosses with him. One mocked Jesus and the other asked for grace which Jesus gave when he said, "...today you will be with me in paradise." The man who asked for grace, and was repentant, was promised heaven that very day.
Here are some thoughts:
First, it is apparent from the context of John that crucifixion took a long time, even days, to complete. But Jesus promised the man on the cross that he would be in heaven that day. What a reassuring promise Jesus made to him! You will not hang on this cross for two or three days of agony. It was already afternoon and Jesus promised that by sundown (a few hours) he would be in heaven, his suffering ceased. An amazing prophetic promise from Jesus.
Second, though Jesus made this gracious promise that alleviated days of suffering and promised Heaven to a criminal, the path was still not pain free. What struck me was that the man who received grace still had his legs broken. He has always been our hero at the cross. The guy that proves that it is never too late to accept Jesus! So, why couldn't he have been saved from the leg breaking process? Shouldn't following Jesus make our life more comfortable? Hummmm...
Following Jesus has eternal benefits that can start today. There is no better way to live life, than the way Jesus teaches us to live. That does not mean that we will be saved from every trouble and pain in life. I have people constantly say, "If there is a God, then why did he let this and that happen to me?" There is a God. He has a plan to bless you. Sometimes that plan to bless you the most may mean discomfort at the time, for a moment. And remember, some of our suffering is brought upon us by our own actions.
So, which is worse, broken legs for a few moments and then meeting Jesus in Paradise just like he promised, or being nailed to a cross for two or three days and dying just the same?
31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."
Jesus had a conversation with the two thieves on the crosses with him. One mocked Jesus and the other asked for grace which Jesus gave when he said, "...today you will be with me in paradise." The man who asked for grace, and was repentant, was promised heaven that very day.
Here are some thoughts:
First, it is apparent from the context of John that crucifixion took a long time, even days, to complete. But Jesus promised the man on the cross that he would be in heaven that day. What a reassuring promise Jesus made to him! You will not hang on this cross for two or three days of agony. It was already afternoon and Jesus promised that by sundown (a few hours) he would be in heaven, his suffering ceased. An amazing prophetic promise from Jesus.
Second, though Jesus made this gracious promise that alleviated days of suffering and promised Heaven to a criminal, the path was still not pain free. What struck me was that the man who received grace still had his legs broken. He has always been our hero at the cross. The guy that proves that it is never too late to accept Jesus! So, why couldn't he have been saved from the leg breaking process? Shouldn't following Jesus make our life more comfortable? Hummmm...
Following Jesus has eternal benefits that can start today. There is no better way to live life, than the way Jesus teaches us to live. That does not mean that we will be saved from every trouble and pain in life. I have people constantly say, "If there is a God, then why did he let this and that happen to me?" There is a God. He has a plan to bless you. Sometimes that plan to bless you the most may mean discomfort at the time, for a moment. And remember, some of our suffering is brought upon us by our own actions.
So, which is worse, broken legs for a few moments and then meeting Jesus in Paradise just like he promised, or being nailed to a cross for two or three days and dying just the same?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Atypical Church Marketing
OK, this has been a bit of an experiment, but so far it is working. Today I am going to go public with the idea. For the time I feel it is God's direction and plan for us as a church.
Lately I have been thinking about church marketing. It has become a popular term lately among a lot of church leaders. There are even websites dedicated to the study of church marketing. The popular, or hot items seem to be, branding, bulk mailers, billboards, radio ads, and TV adds.
Here are my thoughts. We finally have the money to do those things! And now, I don't want to do them. Let's look at the reasons why.
1. The best invitations are personal. People respond to trusted references from friends. So, how should our church be marketed? Through believers who share their faith and tell their faith story.
2. The best testimonies involve people. If we market the church using the latest business models, in a way that bypasses our people, our people will not have testimonies of God working through them.
3. The best Christian experience involves adventure. Our people can be proud that their Pastor spent their tithes on a hip advertising scheme that kept them from witnessing, and for a few thousand dollars, yielded a handful of families who visited. Or, they can be proud that they heard the Holy Spirit's voice in their conscience to go and invite a friend and their obedience resulted in a handful of families who visited. I'll take the second.
So, this year we did not buy a newspaper ad or radio ad for the Easter Egg Hunt. We sent people out door to door the last two Wednesday nights and hit over 2,500 homes. We made about 200 invitation cards and only about 25 were not taken to be handed out. Our Egg Hunt attendance was great even though the weather was really bad, the worst we ever experienced.
What is the moral of the story? Look at Acts 8:26-40. An angel appeared to Philip and told him to leave a very profitable place of ministry to go wait on the side of the road that leads to nowhere, the desert. There he meets an Ethiopian who he leads to Christ. Here is the big question. Why did the angel tell Philip to go and witness to the man? If God sends an angel, send the angel to the guy that is lost so that he will believe! No, the Gospel is not to be preached to humans by angels. Preaching is the duty of the saints. It is the adventure, the privilege, the honor, the mission and the pleasure of the saints to share the good news about Jesus. So should we really put the task of evangelization in the hands of non-saints?
So, I realize that all the fastest growing churches in America use modern church marketing methods. I know that many church plants use these methods to get 250 people to show up on their launch date. Do I want the church to grow fast? Yes! But also, I want God's people to be loving, friendly, outgoing, bold, witnesses. I am putting my future ministry success in the hands of the church I pastor. If I can't lead the church to lead the lost to Christ, then there is something wrong with my leadership. Let's trust, hope, believe, that if we trust the saints with the task, we will not be disappointed.
Lately I have been thinking about church marketing. It has become a popular term lately among a lot of church leaders. There are even websites dedicated to the study of church marketing. The popular, or hot items seem to be, branding, bulk mailers, billboards, radio ads, and TV adds.
Here are my thoughts. We finally have the money to do those things! And now, I don't want to do them. Let's look at the reasons why.
1. The best invitations are personal. People respond to trusted references from friends. So, how should our church be marketed? Through believers who share their faith and tell their faith story.
2. The best testimonies involve people. If we market the church using the latest business models, in a way that bypasses our people, our people will not have testimonies of God working through them.
3. The best Christian experience involves adventure. Our people can be proud that their Pastor spent their tithes on a hip advertising scheme that kept them from witnessing, and for a few thousand dollars, yielded a handful of families who visited. Or, they can be proud that they heard the Holy Spirit's voice in their conscience to go and invite a friend and their obedience resulted in a handful of families who visited. I'll take the second.
So, this year we did not buy a newspaper ad or radio ad for the Easter Egg Hunt. We sent people out door to door the last two Wednesday nights and hit over 2,500 homes. We made about 200 invitation cards and only about 25 were not taken to be handed out. Our Egg Hunt attendance was great even though the weather was really bad, the worst we ever experienced.
What is the moral of the story? Look at Acts 8:26-40. An angel appeared to Philip and told him to leave a very profitable place of ministry to go wait on the side of the road that leads to nowhere, the desert. There he meets an Ethiopian who he leads to Christ. Here is the big question. Why did the angel tell Philip to go and witness to the man? If God sends an angel, send the angel to the guy that is lost so that he will believe! No, the Gospel is not to be preached to humans by angels. Preaching is the duty of the saints. It is the adventure, the privilege, the honor, the mission and the pleasure of the saints to share the good news about Jesus. So should we really put the task of evangelization in the hands of non-saints?
So, I realize that all the fastest growing churches in America use modern church marketing methods. I know that many church plants use these methods to get 250 people to show up on their launch date. Do I want the church to grow fast? Yes! But also, I want God's people to be loving, friendly, outgoing, bold, witnesses. I am putting my future ministry success in the hands of the church I pastor. If I can't lead the church to lead the lost to Christ, then there is something wrong with my leadership. Let's trust, hope, believe, that if we trust the saints with the task, we will not be disappointed.
Weekend Rewind
Sunday was a very good day. Second service was over 100 again. I really loved the sermon that the Lord put on my heart. The idea behind the handout with lots of pictures rather than lots of Scripture is that pictures help us remember experiences. I wanted people to remember the main points and so pictures help.
The Easter Egg hunt went well even though the weather turned very, I mean VERY!!!, cold. The attendance takers told us we had about 300 people at the egg hunt. I think it was a bit less than that, but it was very good attendance considering the weather.
Stephanie and I invited several people and THEY ALL CAME! It was really great. I met several new people and many people who are new to our church helped out with the event. Be sure to tell Pastor John he did a good job putting the event together.
The Easter Egg hunt went well even though the weather turned very, I mean VERY!!!, cold. The attendance takers told us we had about 300 people at the egg hunt. I think it was a bit less than that, but it was very good attendance considering the weather.
Stephanie and I invited several people and THEY ALL CAME! It was really great. I met several new people and many people who are new to our church helped out with the event. Be sure to tell Pastor John he did a good job putting the event together.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Very Proud
Last night I was very proud of the five Elders we elected Monday night. One was with Pastor John and I going door to door. One was helping lead youth. One was leading a Royal Ranger boys class and the last two led the prayer meeting in my absence from the building. That was very cool!
We gave out well over 300 door hangers yesterday. I hope you will make it to the Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. Invite your friends, it starts at 3:30 p.m. at the City Park pavilion on High Street. I just sent out an e-vite. I hope that you can use it in the next day or so to invite a friend from your e-mail box.
Have a great day.
We gave out well over 300 door hangers yesterday. I hope you will make it to the Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. Invite your friends, it starts at 3:30 p.m. at the City Park pavilion on High Street. I just sent out an e-vite. I hope that you can use it in the next day or so to invite a friend from your e-mail box.
Have a great day.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Worship Together Training
Yesterday we attended the worshiptogether.com worship training seminars. Tony and several of our team members went along. This was outstanding! It was a fairly small group considering the people that were presenting. The smaller, more intimate setting was helpful.
The first session that we attended was taught by Tim Hughes. Tim is the author of Here I am To Worship. You really should check out his website and learn a bit about him.
The second session that I attended was taught by Al Gordon on being an authentic leader. Al is also from Holy Trinity church in London where Tim Hughes is also a worship leader. Al's session was absolutely packed with information and super inspiring.
Here is the #1 thought for the day that I needed to hear. It was in the Al Gordon session. He quoted Dee Hock, the founder of the VISA Corporation as saying something like this:
The great leaders of the world from all times and cultures have one thing in common. They spent 50% of their time (life) improving themselves.
When I look at my life I see that I spend most of my time serving people because that is the picture of a good Pastor that is painted for me by so many sources and authorities. But, I often feel like I am out of energy, and mental stuff for serving. What is the problem? I am too focused on serving others to the point that I have noting to serve.
Here is an illustration. Imagine I run a restaurant alone. If I spend all my time cooking, no one will be served. If I spend all my time serving, the food will be junk. Maybe I am doing too much waiting and not enough cooking.
My prayer: Lord, help me balance my life so that I make time and energy for my wife, my kids and myself, so that I can have a life that is capable of giving to others with excellence.
The first session that we attended was taught by Tim Hughes. Tim is the author of Here I am To Worship. You really should check out his website and learn a bit about him.
The second session that I attended was taught by Al Gordon on being an authentic leader. Al is also from Holy Trinity church in London where Tim Hughes is also a worship leader. Al's session was absolutely packed with information and super inspiring.
Here is the #1 thought for the day that I needed to hear. It was in the Al Gordon session. He quoted Dee Hock, the founder of the VISA Corporation as saying something like this:
The great leaders of the world from all times and cultures have one thing in common. They spent 50% of their time (life) improving themselves.
When I look at my life I see that I spend most of my time serving people because that is the picture of a good Pastor that is painted for me by so many sources and authorities. But, I often feel like I am out of energy, and mental stuff for serving. What is the problem? I am too focused on serving others to the point that I have noting to serve.
Here is an illustration. Imagine I run a restaurant alone. If I spend all my time cooking, no one will be served. If I spend all my time serving, the food will be junk. Maybe I am doing too much waiting and not enough cooking.
My prayer: Lord, help me balance my life so that I make time and energy for my wife, my kids and myself, so that I can have a life that is capable of giving to others with excellence.
Monday March Meeting Minutes
Monday night was our special business meeting to set our church in order as a General Council church. I was so proud of our members! It was a long meeting and so I am extra proud of Davis Gruber (6) who sat patiently through the whole thing! Way to go Davis.
We elected five Elders (board members). Louie Day and Darin Gruber were elected to three year terms. LeRoy Morgan and Laura Glastetter were elected to two year terms, and Bob Montgomery was elected to a one year term. I am so proud of the individuals who were on the ballot. The Lord has blessed us with a number of great people that can run for Elder (board) positions.
Here are a few highlights for me personally.
1. Our church is amazingly peaceful. I think that our District representatives were pleased and surprised at the peaceful feeling of our meeting.
2. Our church is wonderfully united. We know what we value and we knkow what we believe.
3. God is helping us to grow in number and in intimacy with God.
4. Our church is intense about God and the mission he has left us, but we are relaxed about the business process and understand that relationship with God and others is first, business is second.
Let's keep up the good work. Let's work together. Let's pray every day for our church and our friends at Church and Small Group.
We elected five Elders (board members). Louie Day and Darin Gruber were elected to three year terms. LeRoy Morgan and Laura Glastetter were elected to two year terms, and Bob Montgomery was elected to a one year term. I am so proud of the individuals who were on the ballot. The Lord has blessed us with a number of great people that can run for Elder (board) positions.
Here are a few highlights for me personally.
1. Our church is amazingly peaceful. I think that our District representatives were pleased and surprised at the peaceful feeling of our meeting.
2. Our church is wonderfully united. We know what we value and we knkow what we believe.
3. God is helping us to grow in number and in intimacy with God.
4. Our church is intense about God and the mission he has left us, but we are relaxed about the business process and understand that relationship with God and others is first, business is second.
Let's keep up the good work. Let's work together. Let's pray every day for our church and our friends at Church and Small Group.
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