We feel better when someone cares

Exodus 4:29-31 (NIV)
29 Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, 30 and Aaron told them everything the LORD had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, 31 and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

Interesting. The Hebrews were not free yet. As a matter of fact, they still had more hardship on the way. Yet, in the previous chapters of Exodus, out of bitterness and desperation the Hebrews prayed to God. So I think that it is interesting that although they are still struggling with their lives, the fact that they knew that God knew about their suffering actually was the first moment of relief for them. They felt better. And they were going to need to because their bitterness was about to increase. So how many times would we deal with a hardship in our lives if we could simply take comfort from the fact that God knows all about it and that He is working for our good too? Many times we just need to know that someone cares about what we are facing. And that Someone is God.

So what made them worship?  The signs or the fact that God cared for them?

Missional Small Church

How does a small church become missional?  This is a question many small church pastors might ask.  This is also a question that many witnesses for Christ might ask also.  While at New Life Wesleyan Church, we were missional in the late 90’s, and they still are.  This is where we focused on a ministry called the ROCK, Reclaiming Our Community’s Kids.  Our goal was to be Jesus, otherwise known as be Incarnational, to children. 

What each church should know is that each church is different.  We are different because God sets every mission up.  In other words, he creates the opportunities while preparing the church that already exists and while sending new lay people in to take part in the mission.  God goes before because He prepares the way, and God’s people must respond to His lead.  Duh!  We have heard that before.  Yet, what does it look like when God is leading you to a specific mission?

God uses frustration over injustices.  He breaks hearts.  Here is what frustrated our church and broke our hearts which brought us to action and this is what our mission looked like. 

Our community’s kids were not recieving proper love from the adults in their lives.  These kids were struggling with school, social skills, and having adequate clothing and a home.  Our kids did not have any adult in their life to create the sense of being valued.  They were not being heard.  Some were staying in multiple houses and where they stayed depended on where the party was the night before.  Some kids’ parents were working multiple jobs which meant they were too worn out to do things with them, or even cook supper at night.  In other words, our kids were too worried about what they needed to live in this life to learn another Vacation Bible School story about Jesus in the next. 

Notice that I said, “Our kids.”  You have to look at God’s children that way.  You have to own or take responsibility for the mission.  Plus, our goal was to let them know that Jesus wants to be part of their lives in this life.  Lordship now is what they needed too, on top of the sinner’s prayer to escape hell when they die.  Jesus wants to  be known now as the God who is with us. 

To other churches, mission may start to take root from frustration that some in the church might feel about any type of injustice that they see in the community.  This becomes the seed of something great.  Think about it.  If Christ’s people are frustrated about any type of injustice, then there is a huge chance that the Spirit of God is spurring that frustration so that we will get burdened enough to move. 

Next, someone needs to talk about a practical Jesus way of dealing with the injustice.  Practical means finding a way to be the hands and feet of Christ while sharing the Gospel.  One without the other won’t do.  They must be happen jointly.  This ministry must not be one that is duplicated from what someone else is doing.  A better way to say that is the ministry or mission should not be developed because someone else, who seems successful from doing that type of ministry, is doing it.  It is a ministry that should meet two requirements.  One is that the ministry fits the community, or situation, like a glove.  Two is that the ministry will have to be accomplished by faith.  This is important for God to demonstrate His awesome power to individuals.  Why?  He wants to show those who are lost that Jesus Christ is the answer.  But . . . He also wants to demonstrate His power to the individuals in the church too!  This is faith education 101. 

You will know that you are on the right track when the needs to run this ministry are being met continuously, by those outside of the church, those who did not know that there was a need, and from people inside the church who are willing to do without luxuries, like never before, and give their money or time.   This is when you are able to see God working.  This is when the church is supposed to join Him.  Joining God in His work is the only way to success.  God is missional and this is why His Church is led to be missional. 

Finally, for small churches, the mission might consume the entire focus of the church.  It may be all that the church will do.  Being missional is not necessarily a way to achieve growth.  Instead, it is how we introduce others to Christ.  When we expect to grow numerically from this mission or ministry, this is when we begin to get discouraged.  Pastors and lay people listen to me, “It is not about receiving, it is about sacrificing.”  Being missional will have a heavy work load for pastors and the men and women who attend church with a light pay off.  In other words, the pay off may be something different than what one might expect.  There will be a huge pay off in Heaven because people will receive Christ as their Savior, but it may not have anything to do with building a mega-church here on earth.

The World’s trouble with the Church

I shared a conversation today with someone who challenged me and caused me to defend what I believe with answers that went beyond “Because the Bible says so!”  Here is what needs to be defended according to those who do not attend church and have family members who go to church.

• Why won’t some churches allow people to serve in leadership if they have had a divorce, but will gladly receive their money and allow these people to work themselves to death?  I don’t care if you are a Bible scholar; this looks bad!  I have known people who have been damaged because of this.  If the Church is supposed to be the corporate character of Christ, then how can this happen? 
• Why does the Church spend a great amount of time screaming and complaining about what they are against instead of doing something to help those who are lost to find Jesus?  Isn’t this simply about control?  Is control an attribute that Christ bestowed upon the Church?  Or, did He bestow love as the main attribute of the Body?
• Why do small churches spend so much time condemning other churches and denominations?  Does this come from jealousy?  The most frustrating accusations from these churches who try to keep what little people they have scared straight is that Billy Graham is going to hell (a preacher in Phoenix has this video on youtube).  Wow!  If this is true, we are in serious trouble. 
• Why are so many churches and ministers trying to escape from the run-down neighborhoods instead of staying to minister (serve) in them?  I listen to some church planters and get excited to dream with them.  Yet, some want to plant in the affluent areas instead of the places that are surviving on government help.  This is a whole new type of “Left Behind.” 
• Another question in our conversation that was asked, “Why doesn’t the Church like to talk about Jesus in casual conversations?”  It does seem that we Christians try to keep our faith quiet instead of shouting about what God has done for us recently.  As a matter of fact, this person said that most of the time sermons come from the OT or Paul’s letters to the churches.  There needs to be a good balance of the Word of God in light of the Gospels people!
• My favorite.  Why do Christians get stuck in debates over alcohol or cigarettes?  Shouldn’t God be allowed to be God by letting Him help these people to quit for their health and not eternal damnation?  Could it be that God might be more concerned with children who are starving in Africa?  Isn’t gossip more damaging to the Body of Christ than someone drinking a glass of wine?
• My last favorite.  Why is it that those Christians that God has blessed financially give less than those who do not have much?  This trend seems to be true even in the secular world. 

Well these are some good discussion starters that should get those of us who care about the Church being Christ thinking.  If you comment and use Scripture, remember not to take special verses out of context.    And please limit yourself to what the Bible actually says about this stuff; nothing more and nothing less.

Last Week’s News

• Launched first night of Faithweaver kid’s ministry.  It went very well.  I was able to connect with some families.  All churches need to know that kids and teen ministry are important.  I don’t understand how we, Christians, become so churchy that we lose sight of the fact that most kids and teens are important to their parents.  This means that we have the opportunity to connect with families through those avenues.  Besides, I like kids and teens. 
• Gas was high enough that I chose not to mow the church and the parsonage yards.  I know.  Pitiful ain’t it.  How’s this for irony?  Some churches are setting attendance records.  While we struggle to mow our property.  The good news is that we are going get past this in future.   When we do, everyone will know that the Lord has done great things among His people.   
• Our local church leaders, and I, looked at our local church history together and saw that we need to adjust our emphasis to reach out to our community and world.  This was a great starting point. 
• Someone, besides me, showed some of our board people that until we have do something with our sanctuary, we will not be able to get more than 48 people on a consistent basis to our Sunday morning services. 
• I ran two laps around the Liberty High School track.  Whew!  How did this being out of shape happen?
• I preached a sermon at Pelzer Wesleyan Church Sunday.  They have a good pastoral couple!  They also have a great bunch of people! This means that because they serve a great God, they are primed to do great things for His Kingdom!  This church gave out the New Testament on audio CD!  Everyone listen, we must be busying ourselves with seeding God’s fields with His Word.  It is the only hope for our community and world.  I was blessed this Sunday preaching in a different environment for a change.  I love preaching at our church, but a change up once in while is good. 
• Pastor Jon preached a great sermon at our church while I was gone.  People, you should know that Pastor Jon is a gift from God to our church.  It is not surprising that he preached a good sermon because he has gifts and abilities that only God can give.  Plus, he obviously is not in ministry for the money, because we (our church) are not financially in a place where we can support him full-time.  If you attend Smith Chapel, then you should be praying that God will create this possibility at some point.   
• Last week I realized that not only do we need to make our communities children a priority, and hire Pastor Jon full-time, but we also need to admit that we need to do something with our sanctuary at some point.  Simply put, we need room!  If you are not familiar with our church, it is not that we are experiencing a large church growth.  Instead, we are plateaued at a particular number right now; and have been for a while.  We need to expect that more people want to come to our church, but they do not have a place to sit, or park.  How are we going to fix these problems?  I don’t know.  But God knows, and He will do it. 

Small church pastors need to remember . . .

Here are some things that I try to remember as a small church pastor.

• God called me to preach!  This means that I am not responsible for church growth.  It would be nice.  Yet, God causes the growth.
• I must understand what victory looks like.  Planting seed is the result of sharing the Gospel.  Victory occurs when seeds are sown.  Victory also occurs when seeds are watered.
• Do not worry about your ministry position.  In other words, do not try to hang onto your job; (No, I am not getting fired; I don’t think:)).  If you are asked to leave, then it is better to be asked to leave because you continually brought the Word of Life to your congregation’s ears.
• Do not count on people.  Simply, you are called to count on Jesus.  This is the real pastoring because this is when you demonstrate God’s faithfulness because of your reliance upon Him. 
• Take advice from others.  However, do not become consumed by what other pastors are doing.  You are called to imitate Christ; not the Pastor of Mega-Church that seems to have all of the answers.  (I struggle to keep this in mind).  It is better to get advice from others smaller, as small as, and bigger than you. 
• Do not rely upon visitation programs to go out and get new people for the sake of bringing in people who have money.  We are used by God to save the world.  We do not look to the world to save us.  If you have been here, then you know what I mean.
• God called you to the church you are at because He is investing you into them.  Or, He is investing them into you. 
• Think of it as swimming.  Quit splashing water and be saved.  In other words, quit flapping around and let God take over. 

Just some thoughts to think about.

Bi-vocational Ministry article by Pastor Mark Wilson

I recently commented on Mark Wilson’s blog.  He wrote a great blog about bi-vocational pastors.  I care about this subject since I have been bi-vo pastor for most of my ministry. 

In my comment on this blog, I talked about a lack of respect these ministers receive.  I wish that I woul have used the word appreciated instead since that was my intent. 

I have a heart for those who work multiple jobs so that they can minister to God’s people.  Many of these ministers are broken because their families, and etc. do not support them because they do not understand. 

I know that secular employment is tough too; I’ve done it.  I have also had multiple secular jobs too.  At one time my wife and I had three jobs a piece.  Also, I do not lessen the importance of what volunteer lay people do for God in the church because I have done that too. 

I definitely feel that those who are working multiple jobs, and some taking classes on top of all of that, should be acknowledged for their sacrifices.

Things I am trying to dwell on

• God has called me to His mission where I am.
• God has given me everything and everyone that I need to be able to carry His mission out.
• God has the right to decide what success will look like.
• God needs more of my time in prayer.  If communication is important between staff at the church, then it must  be extremely important for God to communicate with His servants.
• God wants to use me to share the Gospel in missional ways.
• God wants to teach me.  I am not always willing to learn.
• God is showing me that sometimes inaction pays off because it leaves Him the opportunity to work things out as He sees fit.
• The Potter decides what the clay vessel will look like; not the vessel.
• God is trying to communicate with me and I need to listen. 
• I need to talk more about what He has done, will do, and can do. 
• I must spend more enjoyable time in His Word.  This does not include sermon prep time.
• I do not have to look, act, seem, or dress like I am cool.  God created me to be me another instrument in His hands.
• I must be more Incarnational.  In other words, be like Christ in all situations and not just those times when it is easy.  But especially in those times when it is hard. 
• And the big issue; I must quit worrying about what other pastors are doing and do what God knows I can do. 
• I must be okay with His results, and trust that I will see the impact of being an instrument in His hands when He wants me to. 

Campmetting message #2 by Dr. Ott

“What on earth are you here for; for Heaven’s sake?”

Scripture: Mark 1:16-21, Mark 9:33-34, Mark16:1617

Brick carriers:

1 person carries bricks at a haphazard pace because he has a job.  This person looks at life as a vicious cycle.

Another person carries bricks at a fast pace because he has a career.  The person with a career is always looking at the next step.  These people miss everything that life is about; love, time with children, and etc.

The last person carries bricks for a cause.  This person dies to self, and if it is for the sake of Christ, care for others and Christ’s mission is inserted in place of a vicious cycle of life, and only looking at self instead of the more important things of life.   

I don’t know if I told this story right, but you get the picture. 

So pastors and laymen, “What on earth are we doing here; for Heaven’s sake?”

My take:

Those of us who struggle to serve in a local church must decide why we serve.  Is it a job?  Career?  Or, a cause? 

It is amazing how much frustration and failure that I can endure when I am serving a cause.  Of course, Christ is not a cause, He is a Person.  But, if I have truly surrendered my life to Christ, then He continues to transform me into His Image.  Therefore, I take part in His cause.  My heart is with His Heart so that means we serve together for His cause which is to save and redeem everything. 

If we lose sight of the Person, then we lose sight of the cause.  This means that our frustrations in ministry, and at church, will eventually overwhelm us.  Consider, Jesus, the Person, rejoices wit us when things go well.  On the other hand, He hurts with us with things don’t go so well.

To the priesthood of all believers, “What on earth are we here for; for Heaven’s sake?”  Pastors do not get stuck in a job or a career.  Take part with Chirst, “suffer with Him, like a good soldier.”

Camp meeting sermon outline from Dr. Ott

Those of us who serve small churches need to apply this passage to each of our situations.  Especially when we are easily frustrated and want to give up and quit. 

Mark 6:45-50

“LIving in the eye of the storm”

Every community has had at least one big storm and everyone still talks about it.  Even after years.  Mine was the Blizzard of 77 in Indiana.  Yet, some storms are one word: cancer, bankruptcy, divorce, widowed, and etc.

3 lessons of this passage in Mark

1. You can be in the center of the storm and at the same time in the center of God’s will.

• Jesus told His disciples to get into the boat and go across the lake.  He knew there was a storm coming.
• Strange territory and there is no landmark that is recognizable which makes us fear.

2.  Don’t ever give up; even if it looks like the ship is going down.

• The disciples were straining with the oars against the wind for 9 hours.
• Ist it possible that if they quit rowing, then there is no boat for Jesus to get into?
• It’s always too soon to quit.
• A Holy life is obedience; like keeping the boat afloat.

3. Even though you can’t figure God out you still have to be willing to let God, even though you are terrified.

• Knowing you’re not alone in the darkness is worth hanging in there.

The mark of a Holy life is not success; it is obedience of trusting the heart of God. 

This is what many small church goers and pastors are called to today.  This sermon spoke to me, in the context of my frustration of seeing where our church stood in comparison with other Wesleyan churches in our district.  However, as Dr. Ott pointed out, for others there are storms in life that are more devestating than where our church ended up statistically.  Therefore, this outline is able to speak hope into your soul in whatever tough situation that you are in. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to quit or give up.  Let’s all hang in there together, and wait for Jesus to get into our boats.  Then we will find peace.

Following the map to success at Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church pt. 4

This was the final installment of our MapQuest series.  This series was designed to give us direction to success in fulfilling the mission of Jesus Christ.  This series was meant to help us, as church, to become outward focused instead of inward focused.  I beleive that the answer to growth is being missional about spreading the Word of God; the Good News.  

Endpoint

The text:Mark 8:34-38

We are on a long journey together.  There will be days when we will want to give up.  To be successful as a church means that we will all have to sacrifice together and practice total allegiance to Jesus Christ and His mission.  Smith Chapel will have to focus upon Christ while ignoring the various distractions that world has to offer.  Mark wrote that Jesus expects total allegiance to a church who was being killed for following Christ.  This type of example should speak volumes to the American Christian that only has to fear people making fun of us; or disagreeing with us.  Jesus gives three reminders that should help Smith Chapel to fulfill her mission.

1. We must deny our self to complete our mission-we must remember, as Mark Driscoll has said, God does not exist for us, but we exist for Him.
2. We must not deny Christ during our mission-when sacrificing the journey becomes long and personal goals seem more natural to us.  If our allegiance gets divided, then we are dangerously close to denying Christ. 
3. We must deny the world to benefit from the mission-according to Jesus, those who seek comfortable life and profit and do not deny the world, these are not making wise decisions.

The world has a lot to offer for a short time, and sacrifice and allegiance can make the mission seem long.  Yet, Jesus would desire us to focus on what He has called us to do, “Transforming our world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”