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
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
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
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
Friday, March 21, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
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
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
Sunday, March 2, 2008
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
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
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