Breaking Out

A little over two years ago a season of testing for us at Community Baptist began. The details are not that important now. What is significant is what I have learned and what God is doing in our midst and where God is leading us in a new year.
First, the testing has deepened our fellowship and communion with one another. We have learned to depend on one another. We have learned to listen to one another. We have learned to truly care for one another. The hurt was deep, but the salve of fellowship has been all the sweeter.
Second, we have learned to pray. God is still teaching us to pray- not just for the physical needs, but for Kingdom needs. Our prayer ministry is being transformed into an active and significant ministry that is impacting people all over the world.
Third, we have intentionally started to place our selves in Kingdom ministry. Many of our folks are involved in ministries that take them out of their comfort zones and into places that churches have ignored or been too frightened to go!
Fourth, God has shown us that He will provide. Though we could always use more money, we have been blessed to enjoy a sufficient supply. Our mission offerings this year- Easter- for North American Mission Board; Fall- for the Northwest Baptist Convention; - Christmas for the International Mission Board together have totaled $2073.00.
So, why do I believe that 2009 will be a breakout year? I was reminded last night in some reading of God's ways. When Joseph ended up in Egypt God blessed him. Then Potiphar's wife sought to seduce him and failed, lied about what happened and Joseph ended up in prison. During that time he was faithful to all God gave him to do. During those years he knew God's blessing, but he also knew God had better things for him.
Finally, God set him free from prison to a place of power and abundance. He still had struggles, he still had difficulty, but what his brothers meant for evil and what Potiphar's wife meant for his destruction was all for the purpose of glorifying God.
May we learn to see that all that has occurred- though painful and frustrating at the time- is that God may receive the glory. I believe that 2009 can be a break out year because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He was able to do through one man who was totally yielded to Him in Joseph's life, He can do with a community of beleivers here in Winston!
Join me in seeking God's direction for a breakout year in 2009!

Christmas Rush

Wow. Monday of Christmas week already. What seemed so far off in July and August seems to have caught me by surprise-again. Need to do some shopping for Cindy- why is it so hard to buy gifts for my wife? Need to catch up with some homebound folks. Why do they seem to escape my attention till Christmas? Lot's of need to's this week.
In the midst of the 'need to's' there is a hunger to slow down and savor the moments. Because of weather issues last week our daughter has been home with us for almost a week- longer than we had expected or hoped. I want to spend more time at home and less time doing. Josh is still overseas- so, very likely won't get to speak to him on Christmas day. His wife will be at my house for a while, though- and we are looking forward to that.
Thinking about January's sermons already (actually, wish I had been preparing for those some time ago...). As of now I am planning to begin a series on Exodus- it seems to me that our church is on a journey- from what we were to what God has called us to be. There are some interesting parallels along the way. We'll see what God has in store for us.
I'm sending out a letter to the men in our congregation inviting them to join me in a prayer exercise in January (you can find information at www.bmen.net). I'm anxious to see how men praying for the same things can impact our community.
I'm hoping to incorporate more visuals in our worship- not just video, but banners and specific objects to help solidify the truth of God's Word.
I'm also hoping to be more disciplined at posting- at least once every week. Well, Monday Pastor's Bible Class is set to begin. Since I'm the pastor I imagine they won't start without me, but I do enjoy this class very much, so I'm off!

Thanksgiving Weekend

It's Saturday night. The past two weekends Cindy and I have had the privilege of helping our daughter (our youngest child- at 22 she seems younger than that) move. Last weekend we spent Friday and some of Saturday apartment hunting. This weekend we- and several church families- moved her stuff to Salem for her first full-time apartment all by herself!
I am truly thankful that she has a job- a good job with a future, a job with possibilities for God to use her to impact our world. I am thankful she is a young woman of faith. I am thankful she wants to make her own way and pay for what she can afford. I am thankful that my wife is willing to continue to make sacrifices so that we can serve the Lord in the way we have been called. I am thankful for a church that allows me to serve God in their midst. Though our church is coming through perhaps the most difficult two year stretch of our ministry, we love one another and we are learning to pray for one another and for those God puts in our paths. \
I am thankful for parents who raised me so that faith could grow. I thank God for the head start I had in serving God.
My son is serving our country in the US Air Force- and for he and the thousands and thousands of others serving I daily give thanks. I am thankful he married a wonderful young woman who loves him and puts up with his six month long deployments.
I could probably spend hours and hours compiling lists of things for which I am thankful. Perhaps the most significant part of my life for which I daily give thanks are the relationships God has privileged to bring into my life.
Tomorrow is Sunday- the first Sunday of Advent. Over the past few years I have come to enjoy the Advent season more fully. Focusing on the season enables me to get past the sheer commercialism of Christmas and remember that with the advent of Christ comes all the spiritual blessings and perhaps most significantly, the promise of His second Advent! We celebrate Advent sort of informally at our church- but the Sunday's of Advent are marked by different Scripture readings, the lighting of the Advent Candle, and a particular focus on the multi-dimensional meaning of Christ.
So, welcome to Advent. Welcome to Christ whose presence daily enriches my life. Welcome to the opportunities God brings into my life to deepen my relationship with Him and to share Him with those around me.

Transformation

I've been teaching a class of older adults (yes, it is appropriate that I am in a class of older adults) the book of Acts on Sunday mornings. One of the recurring themes that continue's to arrest my attention is the numerous signs and wonders referred to by Luke as he recounts the expansion of the Kingdom of God. It makes me wonder...First, are we seeing 'signs and wonders' in our ministry? But more importantly, what are we looking for when we talk about signs and wonders? Sometimes I look for those huge, impossible things- mountains that move, earth shifting, paradigm changing events. I wonder if I'm missing the real 'signs and wonders' as God slowly and quietly changes lives? Like the erosion of a river that is only visible over the period of years and sometimes centuries, is God working to make us more like Himself? The big stuff attracts attention- or much of what passes for Christian television would be off the air! In Ed Stetzer and Philip Nation's recent book, Compelled by Love, they mention Jerry Falwell. "To a vast majority of people, Falwell was either a man to love or a man to loath...However, those who knew him through local ministry saw him found a home for unwed mothers and one for alcoholics in recovery. The amount of work he led for the poor, marginalized, and disenfranchised would amaze many." (pp 84-85). Are those the signs and wonders we need to be looking for? People whose lives are transformed becuase someone shared the love of God in a concrete and tangible way?
May God tranform lives through our church! Not necessarily in ways that grab headlines, but in ways that see people fully formed in the likeness of Christ!

Monday, Monday

Monday Monday, can't trust that day- or so said the Mama's and the Papa's (yes, I know that reference dates me--so I'm old-get over it!)
Took the afternoon off to finish raking the leaves out of my yard. We have three large maple trees - in the summer these trees keep our house cool and comfortable. However, in the fall...Well, let's just say that most of the last three days I've been raking and bagging leaves. The weather has been exquisite. Sunshine, little wind, blue skies, and just right for outside work.
Late last week I received an email from my son who is serving overseas in the US Air Force. His laptop (purchased shortly before he went overseas) died, and he is tired of being away from his wife and family. I honestly don't know how to respond. I wish I had magic words that could speed up his deployment and bring him home, or that somehow I could say just the right thing to improve his outlook.
So, I have a letter going to him tomorrow. I confessed that all of us- yes, even me- have those periods in our lives when we feel like we are on a dead-end street with no end in sight. I told him that the only solution is to do what you have been assigned to do and that God has ways of changing the circumstances to open the dead-end street. I suggested that he read Paul's letter to the Philippians. Though written from prison, Paul expresses an unstoppable joy. So, tonight, I'm going to read Paul's letter myself and sleep well, knowing that God never leaves His own on dead-end streets- here or overseas!

Post-Convention

After a long and wet drive home yesterday- and a long eventful day in the office and in a hospital visit I have some time to offer some observations on the NWBC Annual Meeting.
First- Tuesday evening the Order of Business Committee had wanted to create a service where those attending would be able to prayerfully think and reflect on the past- celebrating our victories and confessing our failures. A number of names had been suggested to speak to us that evening. Circumstances were such that we truly believed the best person to lead us in this process was one of our own. We asked the President of the NWBC to speak to us, and we enlisted two amazing worship leaders to work with him. The service was- indescribable. The atmosphere was worshipful, the music was offered in a heartfelt way, the songs were matched to the mood of the evening and the message was exactly what we needed to hear. In a word- indescribable.
Wednesday afternoon was the time set aside for the discussion of the proposal for restructuring. The conversation was handled superbly by our President. The questions and objections were answered with moderation and wisdom by Dr. Crews and Ron Bryant, the parliamentarian. It was the best example of a Baptist business meeting I've ever participated in. There are still unanswered questions, but that is the nature of change. If we knew all the answers- well, that's never going to happen.
A great meeting, wonderful to see old friends (yes, I am old and so are some of them!)
Change is never easy- nor is it much fun, but it is a reality.
One other thought- since Tuesday night I've been carrying a broken piece of pottery- to remind me of two things- the people God has called us to serve are broken; and secondly, as Keith so able said, it takes broken people to reach those who are broken!

NWBC-Pastor's Conference

The Pastor's Conference was today-generally a good meeting. The actual convention begins tomorrow morning. The business session is Wednesday afternoon. Tuesday evening is a scheduled worship service- in theory it is to identify specific sin, to recognize the value of our past, yet to honestly acknowledge that what we have been doing as a state convention is not helping our churches become what God would have them to be, and to prepare hearts for the transition that will be proposed on Wednesday afternoon.
Two quick thoughts before going to bed- personally, I have not spent the time in prayer I would have preferred about the change. Secondly, there are still some unanswered questions that very likely cannot be answered until the plan is approved and we can allow the staff to move forward.

Reluctant Republican

The last few weeks before Tuesday's general election I often told people I was a reluctant Republican. I was disappointed in the massive bailout that passed Congress a few weeks ago. I am frightened by the willingness of our government to nationalize some banking institutions and allowing others to fail. I am concerned that Americans in general support a traditional definition of marriage, but cannot see their way clear to support a clear definition of when life begins.
So, I am reluctant to be labeled a Republican because basic, foundational principles that used to define Republicans are no longer adhered to or even used as a foundation on which to build policy. After Tuesday's Republican demise I began re-reading Arthur Schlesinger, Jr's massive work, The Age of Jackson, hoping it would encourage my hope for the future of the American Republic. I am just a few chapters into the book and am noticing some similarities to the age of Andrew Jackson and our own. Where his era witnessed the transition from an agricultural based culture to one rooted in industry and production, we are witnessing the decline of an industrial based social order and the rise of an informational culture where most production occurs elsewhere. Hmm. When our country was founded almost all industry and manufacturing occurred elsewhere- Great Britain and Europe to be precise. Now, as many have noted, third world countries are discovering the benefits of industrialization- and thus they are capturing most of the manufacturing tasks that were the heart of the American economy for over 150 years.
The basic premises of society were changing as well. During Jackson's era, Jeffersonian democracy - i.e. local and state supremacy- was losing ground to federalism - the rise of the 2nd national US bank, the strengthening of federal tariffs, and the like. The result of many of those decisions played a huge role in the decision of Southern states to secede a few years later. We are watching the demise of federalism and the rise of globalization. Europe is rapidly becoming more Arab and Muslim based- as population shifts are changing the face of France and Britain in particular. America is becoming less White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, and more visibly multi-cultural- i.e. the first African-American male to be elected president of the United States; the shift in demographics towards those from Mexico and Central American countries.
So, we are in a changing culture. Many Republican leaders acknowledge the need for change-Gov. Tim Pawlenty notes in an interview, “Demographically, culturally, technologically and economically the country is changing,” he noted, while the GOP is “stuck in a 30-year-old feel in tone and image.”

“We need a more forward-leaning, newer, younger, more diverse party. That does not mean that our values and principles get thrown overboard.

“But you can’t be a majority governing party getting almost no support from African-Americans, modest support from Hispanics, with a major gap with women, and decreasing support from modest income Americans.”

The party, Pawlenty concluded, “needs to be freshened up.” (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/politics/politico/main4577248.shtml?tag=topStories;secondStory).

So, from this Reluctant Republican, let me offer the following:
Let's make sure we learn from history.
Let's determine to define what it means to be a Republican- a return to our roots.
Let's determine to enlist and support candidates that embody true Republican ideals.

Those would be a place to start!

Kingdom

I've been reading (actually for the second or third time) Kathleen Norris' Dakota. It is a wonderful account of her spiritual journey set in South Dakota. She has a keen insight into small towns and in particular the role of the church in a small town. Her book is refreshing because it presents honestly the feeling of isolation that occurs in small towns, yet she also presents the rich texture of community that is often possible only in small towns.
Earlier today I was in a meeting with people from several different kinds of service agencies in Winston. I am reminded and refreshed by the devotion and commitment to service that I see. It warms my heart on a cold, rainy Monday to be reminded that the gift of God is community- the ability to come together for the common good.
We had a wonderful service yesterday. We celebrated 'Thanksgiving' as a church family last evening- and had a delightful afternoon and evening. God is good, and nothing is more powerful in reminding us of His goodness as His people!
The upcoming election has many people frustrated and more than a little anxious. I am confident on one thing- God is in control. Perhaps, as some are suggesting, it is time for judgment to begin. Let it come. God is able to sustain those whose hearts are truly His.
This Wednesday evening we will be looking at what it means to pray "Thy Kingdom Come" from the Lord's Prayer. In the richness and depth of that phrase one thing I know it DOESN'T mean- that God's eternal kingdom will be like the United States of America! As we pray this petition we are seeking that which is in line with the nature of God- and our republic- as wonderful as it is can only reflect the character of those who engage in it! God's kingdom, however, reflect His nature, His character.
So, no matter what happens Tuesday, we can continue to pray, Thy kindgom come- and we can live in anticipation of God's promise being finally and fully fulfilled!

Feeling Stuck

You've seen the commercials- where people admit they are stuck where bills exceed their income? (My favorite is the team mascot- a team named the Squirrel's needs all the help they can get!)
Maybe we need an ad for pastor's- stuck between the people to whom he is ministering and the people to whom his church needs to minister! I've got a wonderful group of believers- they care about one another, they treat my wife and I like a king and queen, and they sincerely believe that God is at work in our midst. I've been in this church and community for over 17 years. The congregation I serve is aging (OK, so am I!) The community is younger than those who attend our church. Without some changes we will simply fade into eternity without truly making a difference for Christ in the lives of the people around us.
I believe the congregation will follow whatever direction we need to go, but I feel stuck. I really am not sure how to proceed. I'm old enough to know how to do church- the traditional, 11:00am morning worship (blended); teaching and preaching as my gifts; a children's ministry that seem to be working (AWANA's on Wednesday evening). But making an impact, creating a climate where this wonderful group of believers can effectively engage non-believers, leading them to Jesus.
My doctoral work is aimed right at this problem, and about six weeks into the process, I'm not certain that what I've done and how we are mobilizing believers is really going to work.
So, I'm stuck. I'm not complaining mind you. Great people make for a great atmosphere. BUT, I'm still stuck!

Politics

It is the time of year when newspapers and magazines are filled with news (?) about candidates for political office. From the President of the United States all the way down to Mayor, we are inundated with statements about each candidate's character, their positions on specific issues and their experience or lack of experience.
I wonder whatever happened to the fundamental issues? I'm not real interested in whether or not a candidate will make choices that will increase my purchasing power or insure that my 401(k) will be safe from failure. It seems to me most candidates tend to cast their positions to the crowd to whom they are speaking.
What I want to know, though, is more fundamental.
For example, what do the candidates for President really believe about the role of the Executive Branch of government? Do they believe that judges- appointed by the executive branch with the approval of the legislative branch- really have the right to make policy? I know one candidate says he will appoint only strict constitutionalists, and the other will appoint those most qualified, but those affirmations don't answer the question.
I want to know if the candidates for executive positions (mayor, state governors) truly understand the relationship among the branches of the government. OR, do they believe that as executives they have the right to act unilaterally (and by the way, historically both Republican AND Democratic presidents have done so)? If they believe in the need to act in this way, what criteria do they use?
Those running for legislative offices (city council, state representative, state senate and United States House and Senate) need to articulate their philosophy of governance- not just remind me of what their opponent did or did not vote for or against!
Judges at all levels should have to courage to define their positions- is the United States Constitution enough? Do we need to borrow from European courts, and other philosophies of government?
And the one question I'd like to hear all candidates address- What are effective ways of disagreeing without being disagreeable? I for one am weary of the strident tone I hear- if you don't agree with this candidate or that candidate you are truly an enemy of America and freedom!
Just maybe if these were the kind of questions posed and answered we might elect people who truly have a clue as to what needs to be done.
I am tired of the reactive forms of government intervention. The closer we are to a major election it seems that both Democrat and Republican feel a need to prove they can intervene, they can solve the crises. Let's be honest. The housing mortgage crisis was created by greed. People bought more than they can afford and banks allowed it (loaning sometimes up to 110% of the value of the house) so everyone could have what they wanted. So where in the constitution is is a fundamental right for me to own a newer, larger home than the one I already own? The current credit crisis was created by people like me- I didn't want to wait for purchases, so I used credit cards. Now I am paying some stiff interest rates because I didn't have the discipline to wait. Where is it written that a fundamental right of mine is to have things I really can't afford? I realize health care is in crisis. Insurance is expensive. So if we allow the government to intervene- which both major parties suggest at some level- will that really solve the problem? Raising taxes on cigarettes and alcohol is attractive to me because I don't smoke or drink. But if we raise the taxes and eliminate those behaviors, will they start taxing diet soda? Will they impose taxes on popcorn? Fried foods? Pizza? Where does that end?
If you hear some frustration in this you are hearing me correctly.
Is there a way to change the process where we can hear candidates discuss the issues that are truly important?

Gov. Palin

What a choice! I am inspired by McCain's choice of Gov. Palin as a runningmate. Though the buzz is she has no experience, in truth, as Gov. she has more executive experience than anyone else on the ticket from either party. Congressmen, Senators, Community Organizers, Law Professors are all noble and significant jobs. But they do not compare to the responsibilities of mayor's and governors.
I was very impressed with Gov. Palin's speech on Wednesday evening. I have no doubt that she is more than able to stay even with Sen. Joe Biden. Certainly he has more direct experience in foreign affairs, but isn't the real issue the principles and ideas that direct our foreign affairs? In that category I firmly believe that
Republican's in general have a better handle on what it means to put country first!

Youth Camp

We arrived home around 3:30pm from a long and rewarding week with 64 teenagers and about 30 staff (including kitchen help). Several students prayed to receive Christ. Others made significant choices to draw closer to God.
Probably the most impact was the combination of the speaker we enlisted, Matt Singleton of Scappoose, OR and two dvd's featruing Louie Giglio- How Great is Our God, and Indescribable. The one - two punch of these messages were used by God to impact many lives. If you've not see the Giglio dvd's I urge you to borrow a copy- better yet purchase your own. They are powerful demonstrations of the greatness of God. I cannot do justice to them with my words. They are worth the price and more than worth the time.
The weather turned very warm for Southern Oregon- 100 degrees. It didn't impact the students as much as it did the staff! In every way imaginable it was a great week.

Revelation, part 2

It's been awhile. VBS ended with a bang- about 100 people (including the children) were present for Family Night. I was able to visit with several parents regarding our fall ministry schedule.
Then on Sunday we voted to pursue authorization to begin our remodeling/epxansion project. This week the building plans should be presented to the County and City for approval and discussion. Then, we begin to build....
I've been thinking about the essentials I mentioned a few posts ago. I'm still studying the process of revelation- How God makes Himself known. Raised in a traditional type of church- several hymns, a sermon, an invitation, regular observance of the Lord's Supper - I often fall into the trap of thinking God uses Sunday services to make Himself known. That may well be true. But I've begun to wonder if my thinking has limited how God can make Himself known. Today might be an example. I came to my study around 8:30am- two interruptions between 8:30am - 9:30am. Then at 10:00am a minor emergency required me to leave the office till about 11:30am. Then, back in the office I was able to finish the weekly correspondence. Then it was time for lunch. After lunch, I met with a fellow pastor for prayer and feelowship, met with a couple planning to be married in August, made several phone calls, and now it's 5:00pm and I need to get home to do yard work and fix dinner (I promised my wife I'd grill for dinner) Where was time to encounter God? Must I wait till Sunday? Can't I find ways to know God's presence - even in the midst of a busy and overscheduled day?
How can I create space in my life so that God can make Himself known? And as He makes Himself known, will my choices reflect His presence? Would I have done anything differently? Will I do anything differently tomorrow to make myself availabe for God to speak to me so He can speak through me?

If, as I believe, revelation is the foundation of a theological system, then I must find ways to place my life in the path of God's revelation. John Calvin wrote, "the first step in true knowledge is taken, when we reverently embrace the testimony which God has been pleased therein to give of himself" Institutes(Book One, Chapter 6, Paragraph 2.)

So, reading God's Word needs to be an integral part of my day. Not just at the beginning of the day, but throughout the day. I can build into my schedule 10 or 15 minutes of time to just read God's Word and listen carefully for His voice. In an article I read today about spiritual discernment, the author notes, we must learn to pray with indifference. "This is not apathy. Rather, it is praying that we would be indifferent to everything but the will of God." (Ruth Barton Hailey, Can You Hear God Now?, www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/003/1.90.html).

Does God reveal Himself on Sunday? Of course. Does God reveal Himself any time a person seeks to know Him through His Word- of course. Maw we truly be people of the Word!

VBS Day One

VBS began this evening. It's always hard to gauge attendance as we begin on a Sunday evening. Attendance usually picks up towards Tuesday and Wednesday evening. But there is a great group of adults and kids here tonight for Bible School.
The weather is not cooperating. It's 7:40pm and 92 degrees. It's warm. The air-conditioning is working hard, but not quite keeping up.
I noticed some new families- parents I've not met, so here in a few minutes I'll wander out into the auditorium and wait for parents as they come to pick up their children.
Looking forward to a great but busy week.

Happy Fourth of July

Enjoy the freedoms that so many have fought and given their lives for!

Spend some time with your family!

Gather with friends and just visit- about the weather,about your family, about life in general- and above all, enjoy each other.

But most importantly- Thank God for the spiritual freedom that is ours through His Son, Jesus Christ who is made real in our lives by the Holy Spirit!

Renewal, Revival, ...

More on Dr. Crews "Strategy for Renewal.'
Several years ago- a couple of exec. dir's ago, a model called 'field-based' ministry was developed and planned. However, in a series of personnel moves, the plan fell through the cracks and died an untimely death.
Dr. Crews' Strategy is reminiscent of this idea in that the two 'non- negotiables'(that's my word, not necessarily his), are: 1. Helping churches become healthy; 2. planting new, healthy churches.
The primary thrust of the strategy is bringing resources closer to the local church. As Southern Baptists we have long promoted the church- the local, visible, autonomous, gathering of the people of God- as the primary vehicle for the proclamation of the glory of God (See Eph. 3:10). But in practicality, most resources have been given to associations- local, most often geographical groups of churches in doctrinal agreement, and the denomination- state and regional collections of churches, and the national denomination- which supports seminary's, international and continental mission efforts and a few other tasks- the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, etc....
If we truly believe that the local church is the most viable and visible expression of the Kingdom of God then it makes sense as associations, and state and regional entities to put as many resources as we can near the local churches.
Dr. Crews' proposal does that. In creating at least 6 (maybe more) regions across the Northwest and staffing the regions with church health specialists and evangelism specialists (those labels are currently the ones used by the North American Mission Board- a primary vehicle of funding and support for state conventions).
However this strategy is fleshed out, churches should be the winner. Churches- local gatherings of the people of God- are the front lines of sharing the gospel, discipling believers, and demonstrating the presence and power of the living God.
Southern Baptists have long worn the label, 'A People of the Book' and we have fought the wars necessary to stand for the authority and inerrancy of the Word of God.
Let us now add to that label- The Church: Letting God's Glory Shine!
Steve

Renewal, Revival, Redirection

My wife is a member of the Executive Board of the Northwest Baptist Convention. This group of pastors and laypersons represents the messengers of the 420 churches that voluntarily identify themselves with the NWBC.
Last year, Dr. Bill Crews, then interim Executive Director (and since Nov. 2007 full time Exec. Dir.)shared a statistical overview of the population growth of the Northwest (Washington, Oregon, the Idaho panhandle, and a few scattered churches in Northern California) and church growth among Southern Baptist Churches. The statistics were favorable- if you happen to believe that there is no God, that hell is a figment of some one's imagination, and that Jesus was merely a great teacher who left a remarkable example. If you believe that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for sin, that Jesus is the way, the life, and the truth, then the news was bad, very bad.
The upshot of all this is a proposal put forth by Dr. Crews to reorient the resources of our NWBC in what he calls a "Strategy for Renewal." I won't go into the details here- most of which haven't been fleshed out anyway, but what I can say is that the Executive Board, after a long and fruitful discussion, approved the new direction (with only two dissenting votes that I could see from my vantage point at the back of the room). By early September Dr. Crews hopes to have a more fully developed proposal that can be voted on by the convention in our annual meeting in November- which happens to be the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Northwest Baptist Convention.
I believe that something has to change. Our churches- let me be candid, my church- is not reaching people with the gospel. We are not impacting the lostness of our culture. We are attracting about the same number of people to worship and Vacation Bible School and other Bible teaching opportunities as we always have- there have been a few years when our average attendance was higher than it is currently, and a few years it has been lower- but in the past 17 years we aren't making any more of a difference than we were before.
Multiply this by over 400 churches and you discover that although population continues to grow in the Northwest, churches- at least Southern Baptist churches- are losing ground.
So, change- while formidable, frightening, and even foreboding- must occur. Several asked my opinion. Simply put- Is Dr. Crews suggestion the only way to reorder our resources? I don't know. But I don't see any other alternative strategies being suggested. Will this strategy work for every church? I seriously doubt it. If it enables 25% or 40% or 50% of Southern Baptist churches to become more effective at reaching their communities for Jesus Christ- seeing people come to faith, making disciples, changing the godless culture in which our churches are located, the strategy will be worth whatever the cost.

Bottom line- as an older pastor (I am over 50) I have fewer years of ministry ahead of me than behind me, and I want to be desperate enough for God to use me in Winston to see people come to faith in Jesus Christ, to see the number of believers who are growing into fully formed followers of Jesus Christ increase, and to make a difference in the world in which we live.

Steve

Saturday

I'm at the church office this beautiful afternoon to conduct a wedding vow renewal service (I'm not really sure what to call these kinds of activities). The couple- celebrating 20 years of marriage (his second, her first) ran away to get married. Now, after 20 years they want their family involved, so we are renewing their vows- with wedding music, flower girls, and a ring-bearer. The bride's father will 'give' his daughter away! Tradition.
It is interesting how 'tradition' continues to be important. This couple is but one example of a hunger for that which defined a past generation. The symbols and practices of the past often don't become important until it seems as though they are perilously close to being lost.
I also updated my profile today- my daughter reminded me- she is no longer a college senior- she is a graduate, with a BS degree in History from Corban College. So...since it is Saturday...and the renewal starts shortly, I guess I'd better scoot...

Essentials # 1

The Bible is infallible and timelessly true.

When most Christians hear the word 'revelation' they immediately are drawn to the last book of the New Testament. Interestingly enough, when asked most Christians want to study the book of Revelation. I rarely have heard anyone desire to study Zephaniah, or Micah or some of the other lesser known books. But, anyway...

Where do you begin? Every person has a starting point, a place where their beliefs and values rest. It may be in a creed, it may be in a statement such as "there are absolutely no absolutes (except obviously the statement that there are no absolutes.)" Some would argue that every person is free to create or define their own starting place- which sounds wonderful till the place I choose collides with yours...then who is right?

The Bible opens with the words, "In the beginning God...." That is a starting place. God. He is. He exists. He reveals Himself. The Apostle Paul, writing thousands of years after Moses penned the words of Genesis 1:1 reminds us that God is a revealing God, that God is making Himself known (see Rev. 1:18-following)

Much ink has been spilled over the past generations- some seeking to prove the Bible is true, some seeking to demonstrate that the Bible cannot be true, and some suggesting that there may be truth in the Bible as well as other sacred documents.

The Bible consistently testifies to its own accuracy, authenticity, and authority. The Ten Commandments are said to have been written by the finger of God Himself and given to Moses. The prophetic books of the Old Testament repeats the refrain again and again, "Thus saith the Lord...." Jesus spoke of the Old Testament as true. His disciples used passages from the Psalms, from the prophets, from the historical books of the Old Testament as witnesses to the veracity of Jesus, the necessity of His death, and the reality of His resurrection.

Indeed, we need a place to begin. God has spoken. We have His word in the Bible.
We can trust all He said. We can bow in submission to Him as He reveals Himself in His Word.

Next time we'll continue to examine this idea of revelation, inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency.

Till then...


Steve

What a Month

What a month!

Last week my daughter and I travelled by car from Winston OR to Blue Springs MO. We stopped for a couple of days in Rapid City SD to visit my son and his wife, and our granddog- yes, we have a granddog- Slevin.

It was a long trip - on Memorial day we drove almost 1000 miles...through Montana- which is a beautiful state that stretches on and on and on and ....

Now that my daughter is safely with her aunt (my sister) and Cindy's family (her momn, sister and family, brother and family) our life has become fully emptynester time.

Life continues to accelerate at quite a pace. Even though our school year is not over till June 13 (the district had to add snow days...) it seems like summer is already half-over. Of course, today it is cloudy, rainy and could reach a sweltering high of 62 degrees...it makes me wonder if we've already had summer and are now back into fall!

I hope to start posting regularly on the theology issues. I recently proposed a list of essentials to our church- here is that list:
We believe…

1.The Bible is infallible and timelessly true.


2.God is absolutely sovereign and completely knows the future.


3.Jesus was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life.


4.Humans are born with a sin nature that is totally depraved.


5.Jesus’ death is punishment for our sin.


6.Jesus is the only way to salvation.


7.The Holy Spirit is a real person who indwells and empowers believers.


8.Male and female are created in God’s image and created to be complimentary.


9.Hell is a real place of eternal, conscious torment for unbelievers.


10.God’s kingdom will be victorious over human culture.


11.Satan and his demons are real and work in the world even though they are defeated by the cross of Jesus Christ.


12.Baptism by immersion is the appropriate public response to receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

(Adapted from Mark Driscoll, “The Church and the Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World,” in The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World, ed.’s John Piper and Justin Taylor (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2007), 125-147.)

I hope to take each topic and explore what the Bible teaches and how it matters in our lives....

So,

I'll be back!

Steve

A Beginning

Any system of theology has to begin somewhere. The very word 'theology', which means ' the study of God', gives the best beginning.

In the beginning God...read the first words of Genesis 1. Truly, the Bible asserts that He is before the beginning and will continue after the end of history has occurred (see Revelation 1:8- alpha and omega). There are many issues that must be addressed- first, can God be known? If He can be known, how is He known? Does He reveal Himself? Are we forced to develop our own strategies for discovering His nature?

To these questions we could add dozens if not hundreds of others. Many of these questions still produce massive books on a regular basis. Most of these questions are answered primarily by faith. Hebrews 11:6 indicates "and without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

So, first and most importantly the quest to know God is an issue of faith. Wayne Grudem writes "All persons everywhere have a deep, inner sense that God exists, that they are his creatures, and that he is their Creator" (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology [Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994[ p. 141.)

One of the reasons I identify with the theological system labelled Calvinism is because Calvin preached an extrememly high view of God. In other words, as a system, Calvinism insists on emphasizing the transcendent nature of God in proper balance with His immanence. In other words other systems of theology - without intending to- exalt human beings to a position of prominence over God. Calvinism insists that God be treated as he is revealed in His Word and that human beings must respond to Him with reverence, awe, and worship.

The nature of God, the way He can be known and the difference knowing Him makes is for a later paper.

Steve

Just Thinking

Tip O'Neill, Speaker of the House during the Reagan years (1977-1987), once observed that all politics is local. There are almost 7 months till the general election. Most of the media attention is- of course- focused on the presidential race. As it appears today, Barck Obama will be the nominee of the Democratic Party and John McCain the nominee of the Republican party. Nothing new or insightful there. My thinking today is stuck on the word 'change.' All three viable candidates (yes, Hillary Clinton is still a viable candidate) promise change. But what change will occur locally? What changes need to be made locally?

In our county and state there are numerous changes that I would love to see. However, the changes I wish for will not occur regardless of which politician wins the White House. I live in a culturally and politically conservative pocket of people, whose political will is almost always overridden by the larger segment of population in Oregon- they are liberal- culturally and politically and irreligious at best.

Yet I continue to talk up local candidates that I think can make an impact in city, county and state offices. I continue to encourage the folks with whom I have influence to exercise their right to vote- to make change a reality.

I'm not sure where all this is leading, except to vent a little and to try and make some sense in my own mind about the incessant use of the word 'change' in this political season.

What a Month!

My daughter graduated from college on May 3. It's hard to visualize her as an adult. She is 22 years old and quite competent to manage her life. Boy, that is challenging!
I came down with bronchitis a few days before her graduation- and that is a new experience for me- I am still coughing and fighting other symptoms. Our son (his wife was unable to come with him) came home for the graduation of his sister- for about 5 days both kids were at home- kind of like old times- except it wasn't like old times at all!

Things are still a little challenging. Our community group found out this past week that the city had hired an engineering firm to evaluate the community center- which is open and functioning. Ever since it's completion it seems that the city has done everything in their power to resist taking over the operation of the center. While we acknowledge that the center is owned by the city, it appears that their purpose in hiring the engineering firm is to identify issues that need to be changed now that construction is complete. Our community group has limited funds and changes will require us to either do more fund raising or get extremely creative in finding the dollars that may yet be required.

Of course the contractor was not consulted in this process either- and he is as frustrated as we are. Since the county has issued an occupancy permit we are a little confused as to why the city is making the choices they make.

Spiritually I am weary. It appears that my schedule has grown beyond my control. I need to make some adjustments so that I can do some significant planning for the summer and the coming fall. I have tons of research that I need to incorporate into my doctoral project as well. That will take about 5-6 days of writing. So, busy seems to be the operative word for my life.

I know I promised some writing on Calvinism- why I am proud to be a Calvinist and why I believe that Calvin's systematic approach to theology is the most balanced and accurate interpretation.

It is still on my radar- and when time allows I will get to that project.

If you are truly interested, I would suggest that you get hold of any of John Frame's books- his writing is easy to read and very accessible.

That's all for now!

Steve

Revival, Renewal, and Recovery

We've been in services this week with an evangelist who makes his home in the Northwest. As far as he or I know, he is the only full time Southern Baptist itinerant evangelist in the Northwest.

Attendance has been good as numbers go. What is more important is that we as a church are closer to where God needs us to be than we've been in quite some time. There are still issues that need to be resolved.

The speaker is excellent- and his messages come from the heart and from the Word of God. His emphasis on the cross and the sacrificial love of the Father expressed through Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit is timely. I particularly enjoy the way he ties Romans 5:6-10 with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, especially Matthew 5:38-48.

I guess the biggest issue that a series of meetings such as this one raises- at least for me- will there be long term change in the lives of people that will facilitate the spread of the Gospel and expansion of the Kingdom of God?

Obviously, only time will tell. But what will be the measurable effect of a series of meetings such as this? Will people be intellectually stimulated, or will significant spiritual change occur? A article posted today on one of Christianity Today's websites, I think it was their Books and Culture site, which reviewed a book about the new Pope's theology. His approach is that Christianity is not merely an issue of 'knowing.' Rather, it is an issue of loving- which means a relationship.

Of course that sounds right in evangelical ears. However the Pope goes on to explain how the liturgy and the mass express that relationship, and how the church is the only atmosphere that can nurture that relationship.

Which brings me back to the question- how can we measure significant growth in relationships?

So, there you have it- reflections on a revival, thinking about renewal, and trying to recover from the pace of a very busy day.

Taxes and Death

You've heard it said, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. Today I conducted a memorial service for a 61 year old woman who died suddenly last week. Tonight I finished calculating my taxes. So I guess that means I've confronted death and taxes- all in the same day!

Seriously. The memorial service today was hosted by our church- and our folks do as good a job in hosting families as any church in the business. I am reminded of the transitory nature of life every time I conduct these kind of services. I try and marvel every day that God continues to give me the gift of life. Since my brother passed away almost two years ago- unexpecetdly right before his 47th birthday-almost every day I have awakened with a renewed sense of thanks for the gift of life.

On to other subjects....

I am thankful that we live in a society that allows civilian oversight of military operations. However, the pressure on our military to hurry up and finish the job in Iraq concerns me. Too often what I hear from our civilian politicians sounds shallow and aimed at votes not truly assessing strategic needs and long-term objectives. Maybe it's because I have son in the service that I feel strongly about supporting our troops on the ground. I happen to believe that our current involvement in Iraq is the right thing to do. I believe that the a peaceful Middle East is absolutely critical to the long term survival of our country- not just because of the oil. From what I understand there are enough oil reserves in America that are untapped because of environmental concerns.

Well, that's all for now...
Steve

Small Church...Big Impact March 27-29, 2008

As I reflect on the experience of last weekend I am reminded of something almost every speaker said or alluded to- God must love the small church since He made so many of them! Though spoken with tongue in cheek, the truth of that statement is refreshing. God does love the church-size is not an issue in God’s eyes- only our own!

The conference, hosted by Les Puryear and his church family at Lewisville Baptist Church was extremely well designed and well hosted. The church family was friendly, gracious, loving, and responsive to every question, every need. It is very clear that Les poured his heart into the planning and implementation of the conference and that his church family bought into his vision completely.

The speakers were genuinely encouraging, specifically helpful, and compellingly honest. As a pastor of over 25 years, and in full time ministry 30 years I have attended too many conferences to count. Most denominational conferences (Evangelism Conferences, Sunday School Workshops, Vacation Bible School Clinics, Annual Meetings, Semi-Annual Meetings and the like) have such a broad focus that it is easy to attend such a conference and several days later wonder what the subject was! This conference, hosted and planned by small church pastors is different. First, each speaker was assigned a topic of interest to small church pastors- innovative evangelism projects; involvement on international mission projects; ministering to youth and children; financial issues; and so on. Second, each speaker had personal experience in serving in small churches. Taken together it was clear that small does not mean unhealthy. There are times when our denomination- without thinking- seems to suggest that small is the same as unhealthy. The reality is different. Third, those that were enlisted to speak were positive and encouraging. Instead of a list of five keys to growing a church, or a discussion of ten steps to double your attendance by next Sunday, the speakers acknowledged the demographic reality of small churches as well as the specific ministry of small churches.

I enjoyed every speaker. But two stand out. First, Frank Page, President of the Southern Baptist Convention and Pastor of Taylor’s Ferry Baptist Church, South Carolina. First, his presence at such a gathering sent a message. He certainly could easily have argued that there were more important things on his agenda. He could have easily scoffed at the idea- after all, he doesn’t serve a small church! However, he came and shared a message of encouragement and a mild rebuke! The rebuke was positive, and quite honestly, needed. Instead of whining, small church pastor’s should stand up and speak up!
Tom Eliff, as every time I’ve heard him, was right on the money. His message about effectiveness was again, significant and timely.

The segment with Micah Fries was worth the price of admission. His wealth of information and expertise will be helpful in the long term as my church continues to improve our communication skills with a new generation. Go to his website-MicahFries.com and get acquainted with his ministry.

Let me just summarize by saying- I love my job. I love my church- even on the hardest and most difficult of days. I love my Lord who saw fit to bring me to Winston and leave me here to build a legacy of ministry that brings glory to God!

STEVE

IMPACT 2008

It is Saturday evening here in North Carolina. The IMPACT 2008 Conference is history-in several different ways. First, it is the first conference that I know of sponsored by Lifeway, Guidestone, SEBTS, IMB, NAMB that was aimed at small church pastors. Les Puyrear and his folks at Lewisville Baptist Church did an absolutely awesome job handling the conference attendees. The food was excellent. The service was exemplary. The facilities were perfect. The speakers were excellent- probably the best group of men that could have been assembled. Each message was encouraging and each speaker gave specific ideas that can be easily implemented in smaller churches. The meeting is history in at least one other way- it brought together a widely diverse group of pastors and their wives from all across the country. I was the only West Coaster to attend, but if and when the conference is held again I will do all I can to encourage others to attend. Because of the location most of those attending were from the area around North Carolina, but that in no way limited or changed the impact of the conference.

Cindy and I both were challenged, inspirired, and encouraged by attending the conference. We fly back across the country tomorrow- pretty much an all day affair- leave our hotel around 8:30am, fly out of Charlotte at 11:30am, then through Phoenix to Portland, and then drive home. Our goal is to arrive home around 12:00am Sunday/Monday. A long trip- but well worth the effort and the time.

Several observations that were shared by the speakers that really struck home- research done by Lifeway and anecdotal evidence indicates that small church pastors are lonely- feeling isolated and cut off from support. Part of that is our own past- we have all been hurt and so it is easy to just stay isolated. Part of the problem is that we have no real strategy to invest our lives in others.

One other observation that was emphasized by Frank Page, pres. of the SBC and a pastor in South Carolina is that many small church pastors have an inferiority complex. During his service as president he has heard multiple times people say, I'm just a small church pastor... as though being a small church pastor makes one insignificant. As Frank Page said, "Who said you were unimportant?"

Well, there is basketball calling- UCLA is up on Xavier by 15. I am anxious to see the North Carolina game-later.

Steve

An Evangelism Deficit

An article on Baptist Press today (March 24) claims that North America is suffering from an evangelism deficit. The number of new church starts is lagging behind the population growth. As a church ages, it's evangelistic effectiveness tends to diminish. So, while the population grows- both biologically and by immigration- new churches are needed in order to create an atmosphere of healthy evangelistic growth.

After another Easter Service I agree, and yet I wonder if new churches are THE answer. OVer the past 16 1/2 years I have attended every Sunrise Service in our community. I have noticed attendance dwindling year after year. Though we never 'count' attendance, there has been a noticeable change in two groups of attenders. First, those who were in their 60's and 70's a6 years ago are in their
80's now. Their health makes attending a sunrise service difficult. The cold, damp air tends to accentuate already existing health conditions. The other group I have noticed- rarely do young adult couples/families attend. The children that I noticed yesterday were apparently with grandparents- not parents (unless 50-60 year old adults are having children...).

Our church attendance reflects yet another interesting trend. There are a group of adults in our church whose children are in the same age range as mine (early to mid-20's). Instead of the adult children coming home for Easter, their parents (i.e. those in their early to mid-50's) travel to their children's homes for Easter. (Not all of us- Cindy and I kind of feel linked to our church congregagtion, and with our son and his wife in Rapid City SD and our daughter currently living in Washington DC going to either of their homes/apartments was a little out of the question!)

While I wholeheartedly understand the need for new churches I sometimes wonder if the leadership of our mission organizations hear what their message often sounds like- since older churches are less effective evangelistically we need to replace them with new churches. I know that is not the message, but there are times-particularly after evangelism conferences- when the message is proclaimed and new church starts are highlighted, and those pastors who are starting new churches are held up as role models- there are times when I wonder what the real message is?

I am not quite ready to give up on the tradtional church (i.e. the one I pastor). I want to see our church used by God to reach people effectively- and at a rate similar to the one reflected in many new churches. While I certainly see a need for new churches, the communities near where I live are small and timber dependent communities that barely manage to keep basic infrastructure alive- roads, postal service, schools and other services. Will starting new churches and the financing the require really be viable in these communities? If these communities cannot afford basic services and are becoming more and more dependent on government assistance (i.e.families living on unemployment and other types of government subsidies, communities depending on county, state, and federal grants), how can we expect 'self-supporting' churches to grow, and sustain a long term ministry presence?

I pray regularly that my church- and those like mine in my community and the small communities nearby- will sense the challenge to allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate our communities with the good news of Jesus. I pray that God will open doors of ministry- and if new churches result, we will praise God.

Just some radnom Thoughts

Steve

EASTER WEEKEND

It's Friday, March 21. While I have been scurrying around complaining about the early arrival of Easter, I am reminded that I serve a God who is never behind. The Bible says that God sent His Son "in the fullness of time" (Gal.4:4). While we may be challenged by the rapid pace of events and the seemingly suddenness of Easter, God is patiently waiting till the next moment, the next 'fullness of time' moment when He sends His Son to call His own home and begin the process of preparing the heavens and the earth for His eternal Kingdom.

It helps me to remember that God's perspective on time is so radically different than mine. When I get frustrated by events that throw off my schedule, when I fail to use the time God has given me to the fullest and I am pressured to catch up on my responsibilities, I remember that the flow of Jesus' life was controlled not by the pressing of the crowd, but by the eternal purpose of our God.

I plan to take some time today, reread the accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection and remember, that at just the right time, Christ died for my sin (and yours) and at just the right time, we will be invited to step outside of time as we know it and into eternity!

May God's Presence Guide, Direct, and Fill You;

Pastor Steve

Home Again

Memorial Service -The Day After

Yesterday I conducted a memorial service for Cindy's dad. I have no idea how many people attended, but Ed touched many lives. He never met a stranger and could quickly put people at ease in any situation and circumstance.
I was privileged to meet many people that Dad's life had touched.

Just a few random thoughts about memorial services. The funeral home suggested a two hour visitation period prior to the service. For two hours people did exactly that- visit. One of Ed and Vicki's nieces is a graphic artist and she pulled together as awesome video display of pictures and music. The hardest part of the service for me was looking through those pictures. I enjoyed working with the folks from the funeral home- one of the few remaining family owned and operated funeral homes in the Kansas City, MO area. Having worked with some of the corporately owned homes and family owned homes in Oregon and Washington, the family owned homes are much easier and much more comfortable.

My reading schedule and writing plans have been thrown off kilter- again. The next three weeks will be filled with travel and meetings. Maybe in April I can finally get around to the plans of posting my notes and observations regarding Calvinism.

Steve

Kansas City/Independence, MO

Cindy's dad died unexpectely Wednesday, Feb.27. He was 68 year old. To say it was unexpected is an understatement. Both Cindy and I knew these days were going to come. All of our parents have lost their parents (our grandparents). No matter how many times you visualize these events in your mind's eyes, they never quite play out that way.

I am thankful for my church family which immediately let me go to minister to my wife and family. I am thankful for the Winston-Dillard School District for allowing my wife to take leave so that we could be with the family. I am thankful for the provision that God has made in our lives that made it possible for us to purchase airline tickets and travel. I am thankful to be part of a denomination that provides support in emergencies such as this one. One phone call and an email went out to dozens of people that were able to assist me in providing someone to lead worship in our church in my absence.

Most of all I am thankful for the love and support that Cindy and I have received from numerous friends during these days.

The days literally pass in a whirlwind of activity. We arrived Friday morning. Our daughter had flown in Thursday evening. Our son and his wife arrived by car on Saturday. Here is is just after noon CST and we are together on a Sunday. That is a rare occurrence- but thoroughly enjoyable.

So far everyone including Vicki, Cindy's step mom, is holding up well. That seems to be a normal pattern. The weather- which has been gorgeous is supposed to change later today and tomorrow.

Spending time with Cindy's family- totally unchurched, though they would all consider themselves Christian- is always an interesting time. Their lives have been filled with activity- their children (two nieces and one nephew) are heavily involved in school and typical extra-curricular activities (tae-kwan-do; piano; sports...and the list is literally endless). The parents work, belong to gym's,
have their own hobbies and interests. Trying to interest them in 'church' would be a significant challenge. Their Sunday activities are almost exclusively focused on family and home activities- in many weeks Sunday is the only day the family is together during waking hours.

We have tried different ways to engage them in finding a church but to no avail. I honestly don't know how to approach them about it any longer. We have had 'the' conversation about their relationship with Christ with all of them- and they all claim some kind of faith experience, though it makes little or no difference in their lives.

So, every time I visit I am challenged by the question- how do I live so that my faith relationship with Jesus is so vital, so real, so attractive that those in my circle of influence are impacted? Have I been truly transformed by the power and presence of Jesus in my life? Am I living transparently enough to demonstrate the reality of Jesus?

Somehow I've got to reconnect with that kind of presence and power so that my life leads people to faith instead of away from it!

More later-


Steve

On Target Evangelism

I am in Anaheim, CA- No, I am not going to Disneyland. I am attending the California Southern Baptist Evangelism Conference. The topic: Comeback Churches. Nelson Searcy of The Journey, a church in New York City, spoke this afternoon, addressing barriers to growth. I am looking forward to hearing and reading more of his thoughts and experiences. Then tonight, Ed Stetzer and Voddie Baucham spoke, setting the stage for tomorrow afternoon when Ed Stetzer will talk in some detail about comeback churches.
I kind of feel like I am intruding - I've never attended another state evangelism conference besides the Northwest Baptist Ev. Conference. I did meet Bob R, he and I struggled through several DMIN seminars together. He is now the Director of the DMIN program at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, CA (I have not finished my dmin yet- and am now a student at Southern Seminary).
Several issues are fighting for attention in my brain tonight-
a). renewing a thoroughly biblical basis for every ministry activity we engage in at CBC in Winston.
b). developing a biblical vision that will guide and direct the ministry of our church- and renewing the ministry vision for my life. After 16 1/2 years in Winston, it has become clear to me (finally) that my ministyr had become stale- I'm pretty sure most of the folks in the pew already knew that!
c). enlisting a group of men to hold me accountable in every area of my life.

Voddie B spoke tonight of the Great Commission- and how he and his wife feel called to home school their children because of the Great Commission- he made a powerful point- how can we invest in discipling others if we are not discipling our children. I cannot re-educate my children, but I can- beginning today- disciple my family through the letters I write them, through the prayers I pray, and through the gifts I give (i.e. books that can help them and challenge them to grow spiritually.)

Ed Stetzer spoke of the new perspective we need in order to see people as Jesus see's them (see 2 Cor. 5:16-21). Only then can we truly recongize the transforming truth of the cross and how that literally changes everything in our lives!

Well, there is more to be said- but it's late, it was a very long day travelling and I need to get some sleep!

Pastor Steve

WOW!

I can't believe I last posted in December. Seems like years have gone by.
It's about 20 minutes till our Wednesday evening service begins- with dinner followed by AWANA's and adult Bible Study. Things have been rockin!
Mid January our daughter left for 3 1/2 months as an intern on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. That was a hard goodbye. I know she'll be back- but May seems like a very long time from now...And when she comes back it is to graduate from college.
The community center I've been part of building (OK, I helped raise funds, I serve on the community group's board, and act as liason with the city) is finally finished and in the city's possession (actually, it is on park land owned by the city, so they always owned the building, but now they are responsible for operations and management...).
I have begun a series on Doctrines for Living on Sunday nights. I hope to post some notes from earlier sessions (on the doctrine of revelation [not the book of], and the doctrine of God soon.
Our web site is up- though still pretty sparse. But next week I will have some time to write some and develop some ideas. I'll be in CA. at a conference focusing on "Comeback Churches." There is a book by that title by Ed Stetzer, of Lifeway, NAMB, IMB and various other groups. He will be speaking as will several others who have led churches from the brink of death to life and vibrancy. I will have some extra time to work on web issues and such next week.

Well, I promise to be more consistent and post more often than I have in the past...

STEVE