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.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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
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
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