Average Church Pastor's Journey With Jesus

Sharing Generously

2012-01-24T14:05:00.000-06:00

The Apostle Paul gives some great advice in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, about sharing and receiving from others. Paul had just finished praising the churches of Macedonia, who gave out of their own poverty to help those in need in Jerusalem. When we find ourselves with out, or have went through times it often seems easier to relate to someone else who is in need. Paul encourage the Corinthian Church in some practical ways, with regard to giving. We can learn from these instructions some practical steps for giving in our own lives.

First, Paul instructs us that when we are generous the blessings flow back to us. This is not some formula for success, but rather a way in which blessings seem to continually flow. We are blessed that we may bless others, in turn they may bless others, and as Paul points out at the end of this passage in prayer those blessed are blessing the giver. This flow really reminds me that we are not alone, but interconnected to the believers around us. We need one another, and in living we bless one another through life.

A second principle is to give using our mind. We should, when possible take the time to consider what type of gift we can both afford, and that is best suited to the need. Thinking is not just a principle of tithing, but of all stewardship. God's plan is that we bless one another, but if we give all that we have with out thought of our own need, then we might well be unable to help others in the future. Thinking and giving should include how we use all of our resources: time, money, education, and influence.

In thinking we also should make decisions as a family, as to what we will give to any given need. By including our family in the process we accomplish two very important tasks. First, we are teaching our children or other family members the importance of good stewardship and sharing. Second, we are keeping clear and open communication between spouses.

This second area is vital to a marriage, as a couple should be giving together. I know of a church in a town I once lived that had held a great pledge drive. The only problem was that several people promised money with our consulting their spouses. Some of these spouses were neither attendee's of the church, or even Christians for that matter. When it came time to collect the money problems arose in these families. One family in the church already faced some problems, and this issue of money and promises with out talking to the other spouse added into their filing for divorce. While the idea and pledging was good, this is a reminder that we must make such decisions as a family, and not alone.

Ultimately God loves a cheerful giver, and so our giving should be from a heart that desires to share and give. Paul even states that we should not give "out of compulsion" (v.7). This heart felt giving may go far beyond money. I know of ladies who sow quilts for missionaries. Others who collect household needs for missions organizations. When my family were headed off on a church planting adventure a church blessed us with both a monetary gift, and with a van load of household items for a move into a new home.

In blessing of God's ministers and mission workers we are freeing people to focus upon the task of ministering to the people God has called them to. We are directly then involved with that mission in our own lives. We should always be willing to give to such needs in our communities and around the world.

Giving is a way of praising God. Paul tells us in verse 11 and 12 that this giving is thanksgiving to God. As we give we can praise God that we are able to help in His blessing of others. It becomes an attitude of thanksgiving and sharing that passes God's love on to others around us.

What if you find yourself on the receiving end of giving, how should you respond? First, with thanksgiving to God and the person who has giving to help you. You may not always know who has blessed you. I remember a time when our family was down to a a couple of cans of food on the shelf. We walked out of our trailer to go to a mid-week Bible study to find two grocery bags full of food. I do not know to this day who gave those to us, but we thanked God and prayed God's blessing upon them. Paul reminds us that those who receive, pray for those who have given. This keeps the blessings passing along.

We do need one another in life, and I pray that you will be able to be blessed in giving generously, as God would lead and direct you to needs around you and your family.

A Piece of the Puzzle

2011-12-12T09:27:00.003-06:00

The Puzzle

It was a cold winters day, as the snow and wind blew violently against the window pain. The man went to his shelf to find something to pass the time away. He found the box, and opened it up pouring the pieces out across the table. He looked across the pieces on the table all scatter in disarray. There were shapes of all sorts and sizes. Some were more rounded, and others were more square. Some had holes, and others protruding nodules for placing inside. Carefully he turned the pieces over examining the picture on each and every shape. Soon they were all facing up, and he slowly and methodically began to put piece after piece together.

Starting with pieces with straight edges he soon was able to see a frame for the picture that would be formed inside. Carefully as the days of winter went on the he was able to see the beauty of the picture come into being, as each piece found its place within the whole. It was time consuming, but fun as well to see the form it made. Soon there were less pieces and less holes to fill in the picture before him. Then the pieces ran out, and still a hole remained.

The man could be seen with flashlight in hand, searching under the table and along the wall. He searched the closet, the corners, and all through out the house. One piece was missing, what could he do?

God is piecing together a great tapestry of a puzzle in the church. Every person is a part of this great picture He is trying to make. Every part is important to the whole of who we can be in His hands. Some of us are pieces that help to make the frame for others to build upon, and others are at the center drawing the eye to the beauty of the whole. Our part is not determined by us, but by God Himself.

Yet as He brings us all together to complete the greater purpose of His picture, sometimes a piece or two is missing. Sometimes He is searching for the life that has found itself caught in the darkness of busyness, or fallen off the table of peace into the turmoil around. God may be searching for you to help complete his puzzle in this church. We hope that you will know that you are an important part of what God wants to do. Every part is important. We can not finish the picture with pieces missing, so come and join us in growing in Him.

- Daniel Shipton 12/10/11

Learn to Play with Others

2011-10-10T09:40:00.004-05:00

Remember when we were kids, and we would go to a friends house or school to play. If they had a toy we wanted we would get very upset if they wouldn't share. If you don't remember, then perhaps its time to spend some time in the church nursery, and observe the behavior of children.

The real problem is that we do not outgrow such behavior very well. Many adults are still trying to learn to "play well together". I was reminded of this recently in looking at the account of the disciples arguing over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Isn't that just like us, to argue over who gets the best, the most, or our way. Maybe we never learned to play with others in the fun things of life, so it hurts us in working with others in the hard things.

One nice things about children, is that they often forget in a short while why they were angry with another child. A new toy or new interest comes and they are off with life. The problem with adults is that we are locked on the problem, and life can't move on for us. We become consumed with the situation, instead of loving the people God has blessed us with in our lives.

May you put aside your differences in life. May you play and have fun with the people you are a part of. May those blessings encourage love, as God intends it with in His family.

Keep on your Journey with Jesus today.

Technology Is The Pastor's Friend

2011-08-02T11:19:00.003-05:00

I know that there are differing views of technology. Many Christians fight change in how we do thing. The fear of the unknown keeps us from trying a new recipe or trying new technology in a church. We as ministers can sometimes be too far one way or the other on the issues of technology in the places we are called to minister.

I do not consider myself a trend setter by any means, but I do try to keep up where I see benefits to those I am shepherding. This week I have been attending a class on ministry using the Web, and I am challenged in my own ideas of how to use technology in a real way to touch lives and help others on their own spiritual journey. In recent months I have improved our church website, by adding online links to daily devotionals, which some in our church already enjoy. I have also recently started a devotion Pod cast to offer encouragement to people through out the week. The devotions are based around whatever the Lord is leading me to preach on the prior week. It is my hope that this additional contact will be picked up by some in my congregation who could use some extra encouragement in their own spiritual walk.

Last night after uploading my message from Sunday onto my free sermon.net account, I checked my status. I was not worried about the number, only to know if anyone is still accessing the weekly messages. Three people are regularly listening to the message. I was thrilled to know that there are others outside the pews, or maybe those listening again to what was being said. I will likely never have the draw of Billy Graham or Andy Stanley, but I can use this web-technology to give extra encouragement to those I minister to in my own small community of the world.

I utilize email for regular contacts, and reminders. I Face Book to keep in touch with many of the younger crowd, who no longer email. I use the church web page to promote and show our church, and now to offer additional spiritual growth to those I am called to shepherd. John Wesley used a horse to get into the world with the message of God. How much more should we not use the vehicle of the internet to carry the message of Christ today.

God bless your journey with Him today.

Billiards and Church Fellowship

2011-07-19T19:33:00.003-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about fellowship with in churches this past few weeks. Today a thought came to my mind. In a way this thought is a lot like billiards or the game of pool. A church may be made up of several individuals, and a few groups of people (at least in a small town church like my own). Imagine those groups and individuals represented by several scattered balls, and a few setting side by side. They may go along for several years in their little cliches or groups, and the individuals remain solitary.

The first change I thought of was of a new pastor or leader coming into the church. Being an outsider in most cases these new leaders are accepted, at least at some level by everyone. By virtue of their influence they may make connections with groups and individuals. Unfortunately many times this is really like the pastor being the cue ball on the billiard table. The pastor interacts, attracting some, setting others off, and building new groups or clusters. In the end this may actually cause scattering in view of the table, and new groups form into new clusters over time.

This may happen again, with the change of pastoral leadership in a church.

The second thought is similar, but in regard to visitors to our church. Instead of bouncing balls around the table, these new families and faces do not have the influence or acceptance. All too often they come into a church, and instead of causing separation of groups or clusters in the church they are the ones bounced around. Groups, clusters, and individuals in the church have a mysterious force field or glue holding them together. Since the new person or family can not get into a group they either must become individuals or all too often they drift away from the church to another in search of a place of acceptance.

I pray that our churches are not made up of cliches, but of Christians who are filled with Christ and the Fellowship principle of the Bible. Opening their hearts and lives to one another, and any person who comes into the fold. May we always be open, loving, and accepting in our churches.

The Team Needs You

2011-01-15T11:42:00.000-06:00

There was a young man who wanted walked by the basketball court in his small town. He watched, as other children played the game. He recognized some of his friends from the neighborhood, and so he watched for a while. It was surprising to him how many people he knew at the game, and how many people were playing together and having fun. Even more important was the surprise at how everyone cheered one another no matter how well they played. The boy wanted to be a part of the game, and so he walked toward the court and asked the coach if he could play.

“Of course you can play, we are always open to new players. Our team never closes it’s roster, and we don’t even care if you’ve never held a ball before in your life. We do expect a few things though,” The coach said gladly.

“Sure,” the boy said with a smile. “What kind of things do you expect?”

“Well when you are part of a team that means you are accountable to one another. You are responsible to practice to the best of your ability, and you must be at every game. You see every person on our team plays, and every person has a part. We not only carry the ball, but we cheer one another on in our practice and our play. We need one another, and that is what makes us a team.”

“Every game?” The boy asked, “But when do you play?”

“We meet the first of every week to play. We offer a variety of times to practice through out the week, and we sure would benefit from having you join us.”

“Okay. I want to be a part of the team.”

What do you think would happen to a boy who joined a team, and then didn’t show up for the game? Some of us have been a part of a ball team, a theater group, or other team. We understand the importance of being there when the game is played. We understand the importance of cheering one another on, or helping one another learn.

Do we have the same thought about our Church team? In Christ we are a Body, and we are a team. Do we make it a priority to be a part of the team? Do we make sure we are there when the team is meeting? No team is perfect, and no church is either. However, we come together to encourage one another, to challenge one another, and to cheer one another in serving our Savior and King.

When we are missing from the team our lives seem less joyful. When we are missing our team feels the loss. Ask God to help you in your walk with Him. Ask Christ to help make you a stronger part of His team.

May God bless you on your Journey With Jesus,

Daniel Shipton.

Celebrate often

2010-11-15T08:52:00.003-06:00

Celebration is always a good thing. We had our annual Harvest Day Celebration. With a lot of singing and personal sharing I don't think anyone really realized that we went over about thirty minutes. The dinner and fellowship after were a blessing too.

Sometimes we need to pause and celebrate life together in the family of God.

Keep on your Journey with Jesus today

Working the Bi-vocational ministry

2010-10-11T08:35:00.003-05:00

We, as average church pastor's often face the challenge of making ends meet. Many of us have experienced the concern for the financial state of our church, and concern for making ends meet for our own families. Many of us have to supplement our income through work outside of the church. Many churches understand this need, while others seem hard pressed to understand that the minister's family has needs.

I have worked in a variety of jobs through out my time in ministry and in training for ministry. I always tried, as most ministers do, to work a job that would not interfere too much with my ministry needs for the churches I have served. I have worked as an early morning stock person, which left afternoons and evenings to minister and visit in the church. I have worked as a substitute teacher, which if you get to know the school well, offers flexibility to say no if there are emergencies that arise. I spent time working in restaurant work in the overnight hours, which again offered afternoons and evenings free for ministry. Then there was a couple years I worked a few days a week in grocery sales. While the grocery sales called for a full days commitment, it left most of my week free.

Some things I learned early on in regard to Bi-vocational work. First, keep your church informed of what you are doing and the hours you are making available to them. One of the concerns of parishioners is when and how they can get in contact with you for counsel or needs. You may want to print regular office hours, or available times in your bulletin, or other obvious place.

Second, be honest and upfront with your employer from the get go. There will likely be minor conflict with in your heart when crisis' arise; however, these times are less than we often think they are. You need to let employers know your first priority is your ministry, but that you will work diligently in all that you do. We must remember our witness in our work will be scrutinized more, because we have made our stand of faith. When you are upfront about who you are and what you do I have found for the most part that my work has not overshadowed my ministry.

Third and most important have faith that God will see you through. It takes faith to be honest with employers at the start, because we all know there are hundreds of people applying for the same job. Yet, I have found that God will open the right door of opportunity to meet your needs and fit your schedule. Often living in faith becomes a good witness to your church and those you work with at your job. It also helps you in facing your church with the reality that you have to work to add support to your family, which unfortunately seems at times to be the hardest part of the whole situation.

Remember you are not alone in your plight. There are probably more pastors working at least part-time outside of the church than do not. Be encouraged that Paul supported his ministry as well. Trust God and be diligent in the care of your family, as well as the care of your ministry. May God bless you in your ministry, your witness, and your work.

Keep on your journey with Jesus today

Busy Summer, but I am back

2010-10-09T20:38:00.002-05:00

It was an extremely busy summer this year. I took two Master's classes through Asbury Seminary, one on campus. I had the pleasure of spending a week in Wilmore, and through out much of the surrounding area. It was good to learn about the rural ministry of the Appalachian area in the class. It was inspiring to see small communities and churches in a fresh light. It was also encouraging to remember we are not alone in our work as small town pastoring.

Keep on your journey with Jesus

Working with Experts in the Church

2010-05-27T17:51:00.003-05:00

Paul reminds us in Romans 12, and 1 Corinthians 12 that God blesses churches with people of different gifts, in order to bless the whole church. I spent the time today working with an expert in our church. It was a long hard day of laboring on the church porch pillars, with a masonry expert, with more than 50 years of experience. It was great watching him with his pallet and trowl. His passion for what he has been doing so long. His gift will bless our church with some needed repair, while giving him joy in giving to others.

I love to watch experts, and those training in their talents. When is the last time you were able to help others serve in your church. Bless others with opportunity, especially in the church. Who knows you may learn some new things.

-- Keep on your journey with Jesus today.

2010-05-26T06:42:00.002-05:00

In the same passage (Romans 8) Paul reminds us:

"our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (v. 18)
"we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (v. 28)
"if God is for us, who can be against us" (v. 31)
"in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (v. 37)

Sometimes we need that reminder that God is in control. Life throws us lemons, and rocks and blessings may seem far away. However, Paul's reminder is still true. God will help us through in His power and His way.

What are you facing today that you need to trust God with? Even in the darkest hours remember God is there.

-Keep on your Journey with Jesus today.

Encouragement is a must

2010-05-20T17:21:00.002-05:00

Dr. Barnwell is well known for encouraging people, thanking people, and giving little gifts to remind people of the good things they do. From he and other leaders I have learned how important encouragement is.

This past weekend we held our annual meeting. I choose this year to focus on celebrating the victories of the last year. I also laid out some thoughts on the future. We took time to thank leaders, and gave some gifts to retiring and current serving local board members. In the end people seemed more open to new ideas of moving forward in the future. I think it is clear that a simple thank you and seeing even the small victories is very important to the life of your church.

Encourage others in their Journey with Jesus.

Jesus Prays For You

2010-02-17T10:16:00.005-06:00

In John 17 Jesus prayed for all believers. He prayed that you and I would know and understand the power of being in Him, as He was in the Father. Too often we are so busy in our world today that we are running like a laptop with out it's plug.

This past weekend I noticed that our church laptop was running slow, as I put a couple of slides on the overhead. Then a minute before the worship was to start the projector went blank. I asked if anyone had stopped the power point announcements, but no on had. Then I went up front and found that the plug had been pulled. The slow action should have been a warning. However, at the moment of need for worship the computer was not available.

Jesus knew we had to live in the world, which will pull at our spiritual life, and wear us down physically and mentally. He knew the stress of what it would take to be a real follower of Christ. Yet on the night before He would carry the sin burden of all the world He took time to pray for all who would follow Him. He loves us and He wants us to strong in our walk with Him. Stay in connection, and be blessed by Christ this day.

Keep on Your Journey with Jesus Christ today.

Called To God

2010-02-16T10:09:00.004-06:00

Abraham was called to leave what he knew. He was called away from family ties, traditions, and his past to a new place. The problem is that most of us do not like to go where we do not know. We prefer the comfort of staying where we are. For Abraham leaving would mean going into the unknown. However, the only way that God's blessing would work was by stepping out in faith and into God.

We as the children of God are called to be His. We are called out of the traditions of humanity into a relationship with the God who creates us. We are called out of our present pain, into the promise of being a part of God's family. Jesus came to open a door, and said "Come, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." He called us to a new life, and the blessings are being a part of building the Kingdom of God. We are not alone, but are going with and under the guidance of Jesus our Great Shepherd and Guide. Follow Him.

Keep on Your Journey with Jesus

Time & The Healing of Wounds

2010-01-28T07:33:00.003-06:00

The old saying "Time heals all wounds" is very true. However, wounds leave scars and may remain tender for many years. When I was in my adolescent years I had to have surgeries on my ankles to build my arches. While the surgery went well and was quite necessary for a better walking posture in the future, it left scars. I recall many, many years going by before those scars healed to the point of not hurting or being tender. No, they didn't hurt everyday. Yet, if the side of my foot was bumped in the slightest on those scars it could nearly bring me to my knees with pain.

We deal every day with people who have wounds, but they may not be so obvious to the world as a cut on our body. Sometimes we have the opportunity to be with someone who has been hurt by divorce, death, sickness, or other situations as those situations happen. We may be the first-responders of the heart and soul for these people. Other times we may come along years after an event and we may be dealing with people who are afraid to reach out or open up their life. The reason is usually a hurt from years gone by.

People may go on for the most part as if nothing is wrong, and then something happens similar to the pain suffered years before. This leads to a relapse for some, and at least a wince of apprehension for others. It happens in our own lives too. Past hurt in ministry, mistakes made in our lives, or change that didn't go as smooth as we had hoped.

Change in a church causes pain at some level no matter how careful the change may be. Just like the surgical scars left on my feet, past change in a church may come up in new opportunity for change. Things may not have went well for someone in the past. A past change may have been handled too quickly. Sometimes we come into a hurting situation, which requires us to wait, and change at the pace the majority can handle. In fact most situations are not so life threatening to a church that time can not be given to allow people the time to work through their needs.

Healing will come, and trust will be gained. Then in time the change that God is leading us toward as a church will happen. It will be less abrupt and hurtful for most. We can never think that no one will be hurt in a change, but we can work to make the wounds smaller and less intrusive in how we choose to handle it. Let us lead in the gentleness of our Gracious Heavenly father in all that we do.

May God bless your journey with Jesus today

Turning a Ship Takes More Than turning a Speed boat

2010-01-27T21:31:00.007-06:00

When you go to the lake in the summer and watch a water skier turn and twist to hit the wake of the speeding boat it looks fun. It is exciting to change directions and create a great stir in the water, which is felt by even those on the shore sometimes.

A ship may create a deep and far reaching wake as well; however, it takes far more to turn a huge ship in the water. It will not turn in seconds, but it takes a larger berth in making a change of direction.

It is the same for most churches. The affects of change can not be pushed through because the quick waves of change will make a churning that will rip and tear on the fabric of the church. Does that mean we do not make change? No. It means as we grow in ministry we learn that it will take more time, patience, and effort to change direction. Things that have been done a certain way will take time to change. I have been part of change in the speed boat, and I am learning the lasting changes come when the whole church can go together.

May God bless your Journey with Jesus today

Taking a Break

2010-01-23T07:50:00.002-06:00

It's your day off and you have decided not to travel to the place where you go to renew. That place is different for every minister. There may be some quiet table in a nearby park beside a stream where you like to relax. Some pastor's like to go fishing, play a sport, or just take a drive. However, today you want to just stay home. The problem, your home is next to the church.

There are many advantages to living next door to your job both for a pastor and for the church. Protection of property, easy access to the office, and you are able to get home for lunch, I personally thin that since a minister's schedule often gets changed by needs, it is sometimes a blessing to be able to step next door to spend some time with your family.

Then comes the question of time off. Even in the most respectful of churches comes the realization that being so close to work means work may invade those times off. The phone rings with a need that may not be so pressing it couldn't wait, someone stops by just to say hello, or worse yet we sabotage ourselves by deciding to go to the office for just a minute. Face it we minister have fallen into the same logic as everyone else. 'My job is important, and I can't afford to take time away, because someone may take my job.'

Recently studies have been coming out stating that the average person takes less than three vacation days from their job. The reason is that people fear for their jobs. However, other studies are showing that in societies where people take breaks, vacations, and even naps people are healthier and live longer.

We must remember to take a break, because we need to be refreshed and ready to serve the need. We also need time with our spouse and our family, because they are our greatest responsibility in life.

Keep on you journey with Jesus

Working in and out of Season

2010-01-13T09:28:00.002-06:00

Paul reminded Timothy to preach in and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2). We must continue to minister whether the mood strikes or not. Sometimes this isn't easy. Sometimes we may not feel that inspired to prepare a message, file reports, or visit a person in the hospital. Face it some of our tasks are rather draining on the emotions. However, we should take Paul's words to heart in doing the Lord's work. We should try to do our best to keep our schedules before us and give our best to the task. I pray God will strengthen me when I feel weak, and that He will strengthen you too.

Lord bless those who minister and serve others through their churches today. Give an extra dose of strength during this middle of the week day. Help us all to have the energy and focus to get the tasks ahead of us today and into the future done in You.

- Keep on the Journey with Jesus today

Keeping up on Paper work

2010-01-12T13:47:00.006-06:00

I have been finishing up paperwork, for year end financial information. With taxes and student loans this can really be a chore. When you find out that you may have to make corrections in information that has been incorrect for years it really can make you crazy. I am talking about keeping files in order for quick recall, and review when needed.

It reminds me of how important it is in a small church when information and files are passed from one person to another, that you are sure to follow up that all the information is correct and all there. Sometimes years later you will realize that something was left out, or a number on record was a wrong reference and it can cause a lot of undue stress, confusion, and a lot of extra work to get fixed.

I appreciate people who pass along records clearly. I hope we do our best to keep good records, and pass those processes on to the people who follow us or who work with us. In a church many records have public accessibility (ie. financial records) and it will help if a question ever arises too.

I am far from perfect, but hope that we can continue to improve ourselves. After all for ministers everything comes back to us and our leadership. We may celebrate joys, but we also have to pick up the pieces of our weak areas. I am learning to do better, but realizing that there is always room for improvement.
- Keep on your Journey with Jesus (and good record keeping in your future)

Ministry Has Many Sticky Wickets

2010-01-07T16:27:00.003-06:00

A Sticky Wicket is a term that comes from the game of cricket, and indicates a tough and sometimes hazardous situation. In ministry we may find ourselves in situations that are very touchy and hazardous to our ministry and the community we are a part of. We may out of necessity be placed in the midst of family struggle, disagreements, divorce, or other situations where we may be called to negotiate or mediate. It is in these situations we need God's grace and mercy to see our way through.

I pray that you will not have to face anything to difficult, but mostly I pray that God will guide you through all the tough situations in your life.

- Keep on your journey with Jesus today

Getting It Done!

2010-01-06T11:19:00.002-06:00

Larry the Cable Guy has a statement that people all over continue to say, "Get 'er done." I have even heard Christians say this in jest. The problem with ministry is that you often feel like you'll never get it all done. Worse yet, to get things done it often seems to take a lifetime. People talk and share ideas for months or even years before a project or ministry ideas gets off the ground and under way. We need more time in prayer and listening to God when we plan together, so that when we come together we can have a clearer plan to getting things done.

Thank Goodness Christ only took three years, and three days in the grave to get the most important thing in the world done for us.

Let's work less in our power and more in Christ's guidance and strength.

Keep on your Journey with Jesus Today

Pass God's Blessing as You Go

2010-01-05T19:53:00.002-06:00

Matthew 10:12-13 reminds us that as we go about spreading the hope of the Kingdom of God we are to go among and be a part of the life of those we witness to. We are to pass a blessing on to the "houses we stay in." This really means a lot to us as ministers. We are invited into the fellowship of a church to be a blessing of God to the people, whom He calls us to. We should keep these words of passing God's blessings in mind, and before us always.

For some ministers this means reevaluating how we relate to those who are serving along side us, and those we are responsible for training under our direction. We are to help people grow in the way God would desire, and not lord our personal opinions or directions over people. This may mean slowing down plans in order for people to catch up. It may mean spending sleepless nights in care of those who are in need. We may be called to bless others in being faithful with our lives and witness before men in how our work ethic is lived out. There are numerous ways which God may call us to serve those we are called to serve.

We must take time evaluate ourselves, our witness, and whether we are blessing others in our ministry. The New Year offers a thought of new beginnings. I pray that we can all better serve and follow Christ in His great example.

Keep following the Leading of God

2010-01-04T12:47:00.003-06:00

Traveling this weekend through snow I was reminded of God's hand and protection upon us. My mom told me the story of a lady and man traveling. When they finished a long trip and pulled off the expressway a the man said, "Thanks Lord for the protection, I can handle it from here." The car immediately went into a spin, and reminded the man that God needed to stay in control.

How often we want to take life in our own hands instead of staying in the will and guidance of our Lord. We need to stop and remind ourselves early in this new year that God needs to direct our paths, since He knows what is truly best for us.

-- Keep on your Journey with Jesus this week

Tribute to a great believer who's gone home.

2009-12-28T15:52:00.004-06:00

Christmas was a wonderful season this year. While our church lost one of it's long time members just before the holiday, we all felt blessed during the season. We celebrated with his wife, the memory of a person who gave of himself continually to the need of others. His life verse was "you must be born again." He told everyone he met those very words. Everything about his life was a blessing to others. He constantly gave of himself to help others. Hopefully we can all do the same

Thanksgivng

2009-11-22T15:12:00.002-06:00

"Give Thanks with a grateful heart."

We have much to be thankful for in our world. Yes, we may be going through a recession, but God still cares for His people. When we stop to ponder, we realize that we are blessed to overflowing.

We are not Super-Pastor's

2009-11-16T15:44:00.004-06:00

Look up in the front it's a singer. No, it's an entertainer. No, it's a prayer. No, it's a manager. No, it's the C.E.O. No, it's a compassionate friend. Actually it's just the smaller church pastor, and it must be Sunday morning.

Somewhere between planning worship, preparing sermons, and visiting the sick you are still called to help feed the poor and encourage the newly wed's down the street. How can one person do so many things? Well remember Paul said, "I was all things to all people that some might be saved." This is our motto, and our creed. We praise this creed, and promote it to others would follow in our footsteps.

For Superman it was the the sun which gave him his extraordinary strength, with which to do his mighty deeds. The reality is that for us we need to spend our time with the Son, as well. We do not minister under our power, but in the power of time spent with Scripture regularly in our lives. Be sure your soaking in the the Son continually to be a vibrant minister long term

Keep It Real With Those Closest To You

2009-10-12T20:39:00.003-05:00

You need to keep it real with family, and with the leaders you work alongside. You may need to give information to your leaders, at the right time, but don't withhold information too long, or you risk loosing their trust. Trust is essential in working together in church leadership.

The busy life

2009-10-08T07:09:00.002-05:00

We had one of the most busy times since arriving here at Clifton during August and September. The church celebrated 150 years of ministry. Amazingly the usual few people offered their help in preparing. With historical research, preparations for dinners, and all of the work to carry it off I know several of us put in 80 hour weeks for over a month. Was it worth it? I am still not sure.

In many ways celebrating the victories of the past can be a blessing, but I also watched some people show their sadness and anger with times of struggle in the past of the church. I think remembering is good, and that working through life is needed. The only way we can move ahead and change ourselves is to change our past, but we must truly use history as a tool to push us to a strong future. I and others stressed this, as we celebrated the past.

We were challenged to move to a brighter, stronger future by a former District Superintendent. We were challenged to move and grow to a place beyond our current size and out grow our facility. The potential exists. God is big enough. I just pray we all were listening, and that hearts are willing to grow.

We All Need An Update and Reboot

2009-09-03T05:51:00.002-05:00

This morning before starting my devotions I started the automatic antivirus updates. I did my devotions, and took some time to think. In a real sense doing daily devotions of Bible reading, prayer, thinking, and journal writing is a way of updating and rebooting our spiritual lives. We go through each day and hear and see millions of things that are unholy, unrighteous, and ungodly. We all need time to step away from the everyday. We need to download the thought and presence of God to protect us against the evil of this world. It strengthens us to be able to continue our work in the world around us. Make sure your taking your daily update and reboot in devotions.

- Keep on your journey with Jesus.

Church Camp Still A Needed Element of Spiritual Growth

2009-08-05T15:36:00.001-05:00

I am part of a Holiness denomination, which was built on the foundation of camp meetings. A time of bringing together all who people of the same faith, belief, and foundational background. For many this is a blessed tradition, of getting away from the everyday life to spend time focused on spiritual growth.

I didn’t grow up in this background, but began attending with my wife when I was twenty. She loved going to camp, and I quickly fell in love with the Northern Michigan camp we attended. We were blessed by many speakers, special music, and the fellowship with those of kindred spirit. It was nice to get away from the computers and television to enjoy some time with God. Helping out with children’s ministry a couple of years was an additional blessing. It is great to enjoy the outdoor’s, and a place a little off the beaten trail.

The problem today is that many, even in our own denomination are forgetting the revivals and the blessings of going to camp meetings. Many feel that older camps are far too outdated to be effective. They want glamour, flash, new buildings, and physically aesthetic places to seek God. Some are closing campgrounds, even when people are coming in large number. They may wish to build a more modern facility, which will cost far more than adding or maintaining what is already owned.

I find it funny to hear friends in other districts who are facing these fights to save their campgrounds. People will not come to an old tabernacle to worship, yet the younger generation will gather in garages, pole barns, warehouses, and even barns to worship every week. The younger generation may be hooked on IPODS and computers, but when they worship they love traditional atmosphere, with new amenities. Maybe those considering closing a camp should look at this upcoming culture and realize what they really like. With a few modernized changes, most due to electronics and not the look of the building a camp may be able to be used for the next generation to be blessed by a new revival spirit.

We now live in Central Illinois and our district hasn’t had camp in years. There is a great separation between many of our church. We do gather yearly for conference and we try to get together at other times, but it is difficult to pull the district together at times. We miss the fellowship of pastors, generations of believers gathering for worship, and the atmosphere of revival found at church camp.

My wife is in ministry training and attends FLAME courses from the Wesleyan Church. They often use district camps to offer training through out the country. I am blessed to join her each year in Frankfort, Indiana; at the Wesleyan Campground. It is not exactly like going to a family camp, but it helps to fill the void missing to the two of us. I hope and pray that those considering the closure of camps think long and hard about the purpose of camp meeting. I also hope they never forget either the foundation we are built upon, or the ability to reach the next generation through camping. May the fires of revival continue to burn from campgrounds, just as the fires of the campers shine into the darkness of the night.

- Keep on your journey with Jesus

Helpmate in Ministry

2009-07-18T11:44:00.002-05:00

Billy Sunday once said, "Praise your wife, even if it scares her at first." Does your spouse fear when you are being kind, or say a kind word. More important, how high in value is your spouse. I know I do not thank my wife enough for standing by my side in the ministry. I try to say thank you, but then I know the sacrifice, the work, the time, and the energy she puts into the ministry alongside me.

There are many young people going into ministry who may say, "Ministry is my calling, and my spouse has no need of being involved. The churches I candidate to must understand that she is not a free laborer for the Lord."

My wife would argue that she is called to work along my side, and that ministry is package, which she is very happy to be a part of. She is valued by those who seek her counsel, the children she ministers to, and those whom she is able to demonstrate her gifts of hospitality to.

She is not paid in monetary amounts, and she gets tired. However, she understands the bigger picture of the Kingdom. It is the Kingdom she willingly keeps in mind when she works alongside me as helpmate, advisor, and friend.

Yes, I know we should set limits and be responsible with the most precious resource we have on earth; our spouse. I am not saying that you should sit back and let a church walk on your spouse. However, your spouse should be part of your ministry. They should be as involved as you expect any parishioner in your church to be involved. Too many seeking or in ministry are willing to protect their personal time and family involvement, while expecting high commitment from members within the church. Be sure your commitment levels in your ministry begin within your own life, and your own family example.

- Keep on the Journey with Jesus today

Ride the Wave God Sends You

2009-07-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

Jesus said that we should be watchful of the seasons, and know when the times are approaching. He compared farmers who watch the seasons to know when to plant or harvest. As ministers much of the success we will have will be due to learning to ride the waves God sends our way.

We may go through weeks, or even months of normal everyday activity. We sometimes get lost in the mundane, and then all of a sudden many things start happening in our churches. It may be that several families start coming all near the same time, or several people get saved. Maybe a new ministry is launched that has a far larger reach than expected. Then an older person who has been struggling for many years comes forward for prayer, and soon several others are at the altar renewing their passion for Christ.

We need to preach "in season, and out of season," as Paul instructs Timothy. That is to continue to minister to people no matter what is going on, or how little there may seem to be going on. Yet, we must always keep our eyes open. Often what looks to be a small breakthrough will have far reaching effects in lives of others. Churches that haven't seen a salvation in years may open the door by one or two people coming to Christ. We need to be aware of God's moving among us. We must ride the wave of blessings and open doors he may send our way.

We are in a season of blessing, after a year of rebuilding. I made the decision a month ago to make a new attempt at building a new youth program, after have a shut down a year ago. In the process we hosted an event for youth and young adults. Over the last year our young adult Bible study averages about four or five people. By combining the fun event, in an attempt to bring in youth we actually added four or five more people to our young adults. These four or five additions within one month are already getting involved in ministries, such as helping with VBS.

We have been able to reach a few young teens, which was the goal. However, God sometimes takes the wave in directions we do not expect. Through one ministry plan we may see other ministries blessed.

Watch what God is doing. Where are the open doors He is sending your way? Where do you see the current wave of your ministry? Get on and ride. If your in doldrums, just pray and wait, because another wave of blessing is soon coming your way.

- Keep on the journey for Jesus in your lives

Keep on Focus and Purpose

2009-06-23T08:03:00.000-05:00

Most of us have probably heard of the lighthouse keeper, who was given his monthly delivery of oil to keep the light shining brightly. The lighthouse safely guided hundreds of ships around the jagged shoreline. The lighthouse keeper diligently worked to keep the glass clean, and repairing any damage. He never wanted to let the ships in need down.

The days of the month passed by, and one evening as a storm was reported to come their way, a man came to visit the keeper. The man requested a gallon of fuel to help him run the stove on his boat, it would be the only way he would be able to eat on his journey. The keeper was reluctant, but gave the request to the man. Several days later a woman came to the kind keeper in tears, and begged some fuel to heat her home. You see at home she had a very sick child and without heat in the home the child would likely die. Two more requests of life threatening need pulled at the light keepers heart, and he was driven to help with more fuel.

Late in the month a raging storm arose. The skies were dark and the waves crashed against the rocks below the light. In the darkest part of the storm the keeper ran out of fuel for the light. Soon a ship carrying two hundred people came near the shore. The Captain could not see the rocks near the shore. The light house keeper sat helpless and in tears as he watched the ship crash on the shore and most of the people perished in the rough waves.

The light keeper had one main job. Keep the light lit. However, many things pulled at the keeper. In the end he did not have the fuel to do the job, because he had forgotten the main purpose and focus of his work.

Many people in our world today do the same thing. We stretch ourselves between many things that may seem important and good at the time, yet we are spread thin and ineffective to carry out the purpose God may have given us to do. I see this in ministers and in church goers where ever I have been. Life is hard to balance, and someone will always want our time. Many of the things we could be doing may even be good things to do.

Recently I have preached on Gideon, who God told to reduce the number of men from over twenty thousand to three hundred. The first order God gave was to send anyone home who was afraid or worried about their families at home. God understands that we need focus, and knew men divided in their task would fall prey to failing in the mission. I also have started a series in Corinthians, in which Paul says, "For I resolved to no nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

Family, friends, work, hobbies, sports, and more will pull at our lives. We may even have requests of other ministries across town, or across the world. We do need to help with missions needs, yet we must keep a strong balance. While helping with other good things may be a blessing for the moment, if it causes us to drop our focus, our help, our responsibility in the ministry God has called us to we still fail in meeting our purpose. It is the idea that we sacrifice the great by doing the good.

In my 16 years of working around churches I have watched ministers put their needed work aside for ministries that are good, and miss meeting the needs within their own mission field. I have watched church attenders go across town to be involved in studies, and yet question ministers at the church they call home as to why studies can't grow here. I have seen people focus so much on good works that they never find Jesus Christ as Lord, but fall prey to a "works" religion. I have watched people wanting to support family who have put church aside to be with their children in every way, and in the end they can not figure out why those kids are not growing in the church or in Christ.

We all are light house keepers of the Hope and Word of Jesus Christ. We all need to keep our focus on the mission for our lives. I am not advocating that we stop missions support, or stop seeking to do good. What I am saying is that we can do these special things from time to time, but that we must never forget the main purpose that God give each of us. You see what ever your gift is in your church, it is needed. I guarantee you are missed when you are not there. More important, an opportunity for reaching a lost soul may be missed, because you are stretched to thin or maybe missing in action.

- Keep on the Journey with Jesus today.

Sometimes we must be the gate keeper

2009-06-13T16:15:00.001-05:00

I know a lot has been said in leadership circles about knowing who the gate keepers in the church are. The idea is that we must learn to work through those in the church who can support and make an idea come to fulfillment in the church. However, as ministers we must step up to the fact that we are gatekeepers of the theology and Biblical teaching of the church that we pastor.

I recall a few years ago, sitting in a Bible study and challenging everyone to say if they had grown up in the Wesleyan Church. I already knew the answer. There were thirteen people in the room, and my wife was the only one who had grown up in a Wesleyan church. I grew up in a Baptist church, but have found a solid foundation in the Wesleyan church. The church I am privileged to pastor was formed as a Congregational church in 1859, and became Wesleyan in 1975. Many of the elderly still struggle to understand their identity as Wesleyan's.

I was impressed at our District conference yesterday to hear Dr. Jerry Pence state that defining who we are is a priority of the church. It is not that I believe no other denomination is heaven bound, but to be tossed around in a world filled with human thought will not help us stand firm. We must take a firm stand on the foundation of beliefs that we choose to uphold. For myself this is the leading of men like John and Charles Wesley.

We as leaders have a responsibility to keep our people from falling prey to the plethora of thoughts that they get from our world through the variety of media that exists. Our minds are on information overload, and for many they are getting lost and missing true hope of knowing Jesus Christ.

- Keep on Your Journey with Jesus

Where Have All the Prophets Gone?

2009-05-10T16:09:00.000-05:00

This past week a friend sent me one of those online personality tests. It was based on Bible characters. The test revealed that I have an Elijah personality. It was greatly encouraging (ha, ha). Elijah was a great prophet, willing to say what needed said, willing to confront the need, willing to preach what God said, and faithful to God's leading. However, Elijah was depressed, often ran away after fights to rest, and in many ways might be considered a manic depressive by today's standards.

This all made me think. Elijah preached hard and confronted the sin of his day. He was not a people-pleaser, and never compromised. He had to live outside the normal way of life, and was considered an enemy of the state and many of the average people. Other prophets did similar things. When Samuel came to anoint David people were afraid. They wondered why the "Prophet of God" was coming to town. Isaiah had to confront the situations in some very strange ways. Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern to think about his confrontation of the ways of Israel.

I wonder sometimes if in our world of positive thinking, self image building, and leadership development; is there room for the Elijah's and other prophets? Those men and women who are simply willing to carry God's Word to a world living and lost in sin. Have we, in our effort to be loving, lost our zeal to confront the worlds sinful ways? Have we compromised to the waves of public opinion?

I know it was easier for the prophets who had to come to town only when God said to come. They could preach hard and walk away from town to leave the people to decide to do the right thing, or live with the consequences. Yet, I would rather burn out in a blaze of fire like Elijah, than face my Father in Heaven one day to account for not saying what He has told me to say.

May we as ministers preach with conviction, worship with sincerity, and live with passion that is filled with Christ our Lord.

- Keep on your journey with Jesus today

Who's Responsible For Our Culture

2009-05-07T07:47:00.000-05:00

Recently I used on our church sign, which apparently attracted the young people's attention. While using signs to attract attention is a good thing. I apparently was unaware that this term which is intended to get attention was changing it's meaning. My son told me that it didn't have the same meaning to his friends, as he put it, 'like gay used to mean happy.' You know the funny thing is that in the technical sense gay still means happy in the dictionary.

I then told my son,"It isn't my fault that people want to destroy the meaning of words. It is up to those people of your generation to try to stop the destruction of good English words, by using them correctly. It is up to you to take captive the wrong, and seek to make it right."

This really makes you think, because the reality is that it is up to each generation to grow in their understanding of right and wrong. It is up to them to defend the right, by doing, saying, living, and walking in what is right. If we allow culture to capture us in it's grasp, then we will never change the culture for good and Godliness. We as parents, pastors, teachers, and mentors must teach the next generation to take stands on principles of right, holiness, and goodness. We must teach them to speak up and make a difference in the culture of our world.

While culture will continue to change, we must take the challenge to reach the culture at their level. However, it doesn't mean that we ever put aside our values or beliefs. In fact the more culture changes toward sinfulness, the more we must stand in holiness. The world will not follow us if we are not the counter cultural expression of Jesus love and holiness in our world. We must take captive the sinful ways of the world in prayer, and work with the Holy Spirit to change our world for God.

-- Keep on your journey with Jesus today.

Monday Again

2009-05-04T22:21:00.000-05:00

Monday Again. The busy weekend is behind us, and the Monday Blaahs have been worked through. God moves. God is good.
- Keep on Your Journey with Jesus.

Praise God For Busy Days, As well as Days of Rest

2009-04-13T10:40:00.000-05:00

I want to say thank you to our gracious Lord for the past few weeks of very busy times. I know we all have busy schedules, but sometimes we are so busy we forget to say thanks to God for allowing the energy and drive to stay busy. In the recent weeks of prepartations for the Easter holiday season I was busy, but I praise God for the two souls who accepted Christ yesterday. The efforts of hard work and busyness seem light, when you weigh the two souls who came to know Jesus.

Jesus drove himself in the last weeks leading up to the Cross. We should expect no less than to work with Him in the carrying on this work of the cross (salvation) today.

Today I am working at a far more leisurely pace and I praise God for this easy start to the week too. He knows what we need, and will give us the energy to face ever trial, storm, and peaceful day in Him.

-- Keep on the journey with Jesus today

Look Further and see More

2009-03-15T08:28:00.000-05:00

I have been taking our church through a study on the book of John. I didn't allow myself the usual time I would to cover a study on Christ's life. I went through and broke the book of John up on a less detailed pattern. Don't get me wrong, I personally still have to go through and study far longer texts.

You see often when I preach I focus on part of a chapter, possibly ten or twenty verses at the most. However, I am seeing John unfold in a new way, since we are following entire sections as they unfold. From Christ's beginnings to a night before going to the cross. The sections of the book tell a far different story than one may get by looking only at few verses.

For instance, this week we are looking at the week Jesus goes to the Feast of Tabernacles. In this week at various points Jesus shows that He is clearly the Messiah. The crowds and Jewish leaders show clearly that they are unwilling to accept the truth which stood before them. The question of the fulfillment of Jesus birth, his home town, his ability to do miralces and more come out in John 7 through 9. This clear message of who Jesus was could be missed if you only take sections, such as the Woman Caught in Adultry, one by one.

I do believe indepth study is very necessary, but we must always keep the big picture in mind. After all if we loose ourselves looking at small points and miss the biggest points of Salvation, Hope, Joy, Peace, and God's Love. We will miss an awful lot.

- Keep on your journey with Jesus

Christ Mission Leads us Beyond our Comfort

2009-02-25T09:19:00.001-06:00

When Jesus led the disciples through Samaria, instead of to the eastern side of the Jordan it was a time of learning that God's Hope is for everyone. They were traveling a way not normally taken, and going through where people they really didn't love lived. However, they knew the usually road home would have been filled with many who were in opposition to the message.

Jesus didn't despair, because the road taken was different than the usual way. In fact, Jesus used the opportunity to witness to a woman by a well in the heat of the day. He latter reminded the disciples that His food was to do God's will in reaching the world. There are some great things to learn about Jesus going outside of the usual way that we should keep in mind in our daily routine and witness for Jesus.

God will challenge us to look outside our normal routine in order to reach the souls of the world around us. a. Sometimes God has to forcibly move us to the place where He wants us to be.

2. To reach new people for Jesus, it takes fresh and new approaches
a. This is true in going to every new culture of our world
i. The Culture of an area
ii. The Culture of a people
iii. The Culture of a generation
3) We must reach people where they are: their level of understanding and their need
4) The Methods of Reaching change, but the Message for the heart never changes
a. Jesus never accepted the woman’s sinful life
b. Jesus did love her as a person
c. Jesus did not accept the woman’s mixed up version of the truth

5) What this means for us & reaching our world:
a.We must be open to where the Holy Spirit leads us
b. We must realize we live in a Secular Society, and we must reach people where they live
c. We must learn to understand the culture we live in, so that we can be missionaries to our own society
d. We must not compromise the truth of Scripture
e. We must make the truth understandable to the Culture we live in

We must step up, and step out where ever Christ calls us. We must be the witness to our world.

- God Bless your Journey with Jesus today

Go Fishing

2009-02-20T10:37:00.000-06:00

I enjoy fishing. There is nothing like standing by a quiet moving river, or sitting by a calm lake in the early morning. I do not get to go fishing as often as I like, and I am far from an expert angler. In fact, when I go fishing my wife and son always say, “Pizza for supper tonight."

About ten years ago, the three of us took a vacation to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, spending a week on a good fishing lake. We were able to go fishing every day for as long as we wanted to go. It was a very nice secluded area, and the fishing wasn’t bad. While the lake did have Bass and Pike, we were blessed with many pan fish. We enjoyed the fresh fish and the time together.

Late in the week, we were fishing in a small cove far away from any houses. We had caught a few fish, and were watching an eagle on the trees nearby. Suddenly I felt a small tug on my line. I began to reel the line slowly, and it became extremely heavy. Soon the water thrashed and the fight was on. I turned the reel and tugged my pole for what seemed like an hour, although it was only seconds. The fish was coming near the boat, and I asked my wife to get the net to get this monster fish in the boat. I had not caught a fish that fought like this, since I was about ten years old.

My adrenaline was high; my wife watched the water as the fish approached. I called again for the net. Then just as the fish came along side the boat there was a hit to the side of the aluminum boat, a splash followed, and then the struggle stopped. My pole straightened and out of the water came a four inch Perch. The bulging eyes of surprise on the fish nearly matched my own. What had been on that line?

My wife revealed to me that she could see the fish swim away under our boat, and it looked like a four foot Pike to her. I was devastated. To this day it remains a running joke in our home that mom never got the net quick enough to get the big fish into the boat. A typical day of fishing ended later and we had pan fish for dinner. Yet, the one that got away was still fun to try and catch, and the memory will always be with me.

We read in the Bible that after a long night of fishing with little luck Jesus asked Simon to put out and fish again. Simon went out again, listening to this carpenter who was no expert at fishing. Simon and his brother soon had to call their partners to help bring in what was likely the largest haul anyone had ever seen in Galilee. Most men would have wanted to get right to fishing again. However, these men recognized that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus challenged them to change what they were in the fishing business for. He asked them to fish for men.

We as followers of Jesus are still in the fishing business. I have learned from some wonderful people that there are techniques and equipment that do help when you go fishing. We can see from some of these things, how we can use better strategy to reach the souls of men and women in our world too.

We need to be in the right place at the right time: in fishing, it may be the right part of a lake or river, or maybe near a nice weed bed or drop off. When trying to reach people it is keeping our eyes open to the changing tides of their lives. We have opportunity to reach people when they are in transition. A new job, a new baby, a move, marriage, or a death in the family often make people open to spiritual things.

We need to go where they are: I have not had fish just come to me yet. When you go fishing, you have to pack your gear and go to a lake or river. When you get there, you have to find the place they are biting and go. Only recent stories of the growing Asian Carp in the Illinois River are exception, as they jump out of the water to attack people in their boats. Usually we will have to go to people. People will not just stop by our homes and say, ‘I want to become a Christian.’ We need to be with people in order to have opportunity to save them.

Use attractive Bait: In fishing, you have to change your bait depending on many factors. In the spring, you can use hatching larva, but in summer months you may need to use bait that looks like grown bugs. We must realize that our lives are the attraction to people. This is true of the life of a believer, and of the church. In both church body and individual, we must be attractive. It is not likely that you will be able to use the same technique with a seventy-year-old widow that you would with a twenty-year-old college student. Good anglers study the area they are trying to fish, and good witnesses study before inviting people to Jesus.

Use the right Equipment: Similar to having bait you need to have good equipment for the fish you are going after. You would not fish for one hundred pound shark on a two-pound fresh water line. When we know we are going into witness to a person who is less open we may want to prepare with some Apologetic resources. We are not going to dump deep theological questions on a young child, but we may if the person has already done some deep research and has questions. Be ready for the challenge you are facing.

Close the net: It is vital to close the net or pull the net up at just the right moment. If you move to quick, it will scare a fish away. If you move too slowly, the fish may see you and swim past. In our witness to others there will come a moment when we must ask the question of whether they are saved and whether they want to be in Christ’s family. Do not miss that moment. We must ask the question and close the net at that time, or we will miss the opportunity.

Patience and trust in the Holy Spirit: The hardest part of fishing for most people is the wait. Many people in our busy world cannot fish, because it is too stressful on them to remain calm and quiet. This is true of many Christian witnesses too. They cannot wait upon the Lord to tell them when or how to speak. They cannot wait upon the person being ready to accept the Lord. They sometimes push so hard that the person breaks away and runs. We must be patient in the Holy Spirit and move when we feel His calling.

I encourage you to get out and drop your fishing lines for Christ. If you have not had a lot of luck lately, have patience and trust that God will guide you to the right person. Keep your eyes open and sometimes the opportunity will be a surprise right before you. God bless, and happy fishing.
- Keep on the journey with Jesus today.

Follow the Dream

2009-02-19T11:21:00.000-06:00

Growing up I had a poster with an astronaut in space which read, "Those who dare to dream, dare to do." I grew up wanting, like many children to be more than what I was. I dreamt of being an astronaut, or making a difference in the world. Time has changed some of my dreams, but I never stop dreaming.

Deep in my heart, as the dark and stillness of night is around, a stirring wakes me. I can not sleep, I must write down the thoughts and ideas that press from the depths of my inner most being. The thoughts surface and I see the way things can be. The way things should be. I see a church that is carrying out the work of Jesus Christ in such a way that everyone is on fire and involved with the process. I see people helping one another to become what God has purposed for their lives. I see lives turning from a past of sin and lost direction to focus and living for Jesus.

God still gives dreams to those who are willing to listen. It is He who directs the path of the leader who lives in His Word. If we are to remain open to God's leading, then we must be willing to dream. We must be willing to change our lives as God gives us vision. We must take the risks and live where God is showing the way.

I would rather strive to follow the dreams God puts in my heart, then sit on the sidelines of life.

Let God direct your dreams. You will never go, if you can't envision the way.

- Keep on your joureny with Jesus today

Decisions Are Tough, But Needed

2009-02-18T18:37:00.000-06:00

When making big decisions, it is a challenge to see the end of the road. Sometimes we have to take the risk, and jump in with both feet. Sometimes we should pray and consider before moving ahead. In the end the only choices that are complete bad are the ones never considered.

How to proceceed?

Ask God, in prayer and waiting upon His guidance.
Seek advice of godly people in your life.
Seek advice of experts in the area of your question.
Weigh the cost and the benifits.
Pray again.

God will bless the road we take, but we should always be sure we are taking the road that He is leading us down.

- Keep on your Journey with Jesus today

Church Valentines a great sucess

2009-02-15T07:39:00.000-06:00

The church valentine banquet was a great sucess at our church last night. Forty people came out for a wonderful night of food, fellowship, games, and movie. The youth traditionally has carried this banquet, but with the changes in youth leadership and so few youth in our church now I was a bit concerned. However, the great people here at Clifton Wesleyan Church pulled together for a great banquet. All proceeds will help off set some of the costs for the 150th anniversary celebration in September.

The Mistake of Not Running the Calendar

2009-01-05T17:01:00.000-06:00

I must admit from time to time I forget one of the basic rules of life and minstry taught me by the first Senior Pastor I worked under. He told me to 'run your calendar, or your calendar will run you'. I have been so busy lately that I haven't stopped to say hello, or pass on a note to my readers and friends. I was run over by my calendar leading up to Christmas.

Were the things I was doing a benifit to God's Kingdom? I would like to believe so. However, this doesn't take away the fact that I have not been able to do some of the things I enjoy. I enjoy spending quiet Christmas Eve's by the light of the Christmas tree contmplating God's love for me. I enjoy taking a walk in my neighborhood and praying over the homes of my neighbors as I go. It is a joy to read a book, just for the joy of reading and not for study.

Since October I have been unable to many things I enjoy, because the demand of the ministry has kept me busy. Yet, I am the one who makes my schedule. Like many of you I sometimes have a hard time saying no, and find myself far too busy.

We took four days as a family from January First to Today. I didn't worry about the service (at least not much). I didn't visit people in need, although I visited a lot of family. I didn't preach, (at least not offically). I enjoyed the company of family, which I only see a few times a year. I took a walk through the snow. I acted young, and went sledding. I played games with my family, and extened family. I revived my soul by listening instead of preaching as Sunday message.

Even as I drove home I felt my revived soul urging me to move ahead. New Sermon ideas just seemed to flow to my mind and heart. I know we need rest, and there are demanding times of year. I only pray that God will help me to say no once in a while, and learn to run my calendar a bit more dilligently. I pray the same for each and every one of us in this New Year.

- Keep on your journey with Jesus

Leading In The Journey of Church Life

2008-11-10T09:22:00.000-06:00

Where does responsibility lie for direction, mission, vision, and more? We live in a world that is rapidly becoming obsessed with front line managers, due to poor upper management in the church. Jesus Himself was on the front lines in much of His ministry. The fact is that for many of us in smaller church leadership we are always in a front line leadership role, even if we don’t want it. We will likely never have the luxury of some larger church leaders who are in their offices with several people to go through to get to them. This doesn’t change the fact that we still must lead the people before us.

In change and direction God will usually give us the lead, and in fact we will likely be the first to see needed direction and change for the churches we lead. In leadership the “Trickle Down Theory” still has a vital place. I have been reminded of my leadership roles, by God in recent weeks.

Our church has been going through a rebuilding process, since my decision last spring to make a staffing change. Some left and some remained angry and concerned for quite some time. We have also had an influx of newer people, which has filled that gap of those who left. Now I have felt the need to work to unite the new and the old. I am realizing that I am the catalyst to bring them together.

God has led me back to Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a front line leader, but he was also behind the scenes. Much like Moses he would go about encouraging people, but God directed in their lives long before the other leaders or the people. Moses was the go between, and in battle he let the people fight, while he remained in prayer and held his hands to God. Trust me he was in the battle, and was the greatest encourager to those below who could see his hands held high.

Nehemiah was impressed upon by God to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. The wall was a foundation for the Jews. It meant security, hope, a future, and a uniting home for their nation. Jerusalem was their capital of faith and national unity, and the wall meant the capital was secure. Nehemiah led the direction to rebuild the wall, and rebuild the people. The wall took only a few months to build under the direction and encouragement of Nehemiah. Yet, the reforms of the people took over twelve years.

To be united as God’s people Nehemiah led the people in national and spiritual reform. He implemented policy and gave spiritual direction to the people lost in their way. This is much of the goal of a pastor today, even in smaller churches. We are given the vision and we must lead in the necessary change.

I gave the following illustration in church yesterday. I disassembled a large wooden cross we keep in storage, and I gave various screws, supports, a drill, a battery, and a bit for driving screws out to people of all ages through out our church. Then to illustrate the leadership’s need in direction and the plan, I held a large paper with the words “THE PLAN” written on one side. The back of the paper was blank, but I called people up one by one with their parts. I asked some if they could see the plan to what I was building, and a few recognized what it was, and said yes. Others said it’s blank, and I shared two valuable points about leading. One, the leaders often sees what others have yet to envision. Secondly, those who have been somewhere with God before can see clearly where we are going.
I had planned to help them reassemble this cross, but a 5th grade boy took the drill and said, “We’ve got it. You need to let us do it.”
While I shared the importance of teamwork, and how the city worked under Nehemiah’s encouragement the group of people ranging from preschool to middle age built the cross behind me. It took about ten minutes to assemble the cross and stand, but the people got the point. I was reminded in the midst of all of this of a valuable point too. The people have to take up the cause, just as that fifth grader said. We must lead, and we must be going through encouraging and directing, but the people must take up the cause of Christ.
Jesus was on the front lines, but he was also behind the disciples directing, teaching, and leading them to do far more than he could do alone. We must be taking the time to hear God’s direction, and we must lead the people to carry out the vision He has given. God has called you and me as leaders to lead in His cause, for His glory.

- Keep up the journey with Jesus today.

Get to know your neighbors

2008-10-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

I have mentioned before that in a small town, or community everyone is your neighbor. Sometimes getting to know them is easy. You can open your church up through activities on the lawn or in your parking lot. Our church regularly hosts events several times a year in our yard.
In the fall we host "Trunk or Treat", which many churches do. It really makes your church facility and family more open to the people right around you all the time.

One of the best, yet old fashioned ways to get to know my neighbor's is over a cup of coffe at the local deli, or the local gas station. I can see anywhere from 10 to 50 people in less than an hour, while I read the paper and drink coffee. Some may not see this as important, but I can think of no where else I would rather be.

I enjoy visiting at local sporting events too. It aslo boost the joy of young people when they know their minister cares enough to visit and watch one of their games. This isn't just teens either, infact attending children's events can often be very meaningful to them.

Say hello to one and all, and make contacts everyday that you can.

- Keep on your journey with Jesus today.

Perfect Sunday

2008-09-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

It was Sunday morning, the highlight of the week. Everything had built up to this day. The pastor arrived about an hour and a half before the Sunday School was scheduled to begin, and with in minutes members of the church began to drift into the church facility. There were many things to be done, before the official start to the day. Some of the members went to the sanctuary to pray for the day, the church, and the needs of the community. Teachers were preparing for classes, as they made sure classrooms were ready to teach the expected students. Soon the worship leader and team were gathered to pray and harmonize in preparation for the services later in the morning.

The Sunday School hour came, and the classes filled with bounding children who were excited to learn. The teens came with open eyes to share their hearts and souls, while studying God's Word. The Adults met and discussed everything from the past week's news to deep theology, as they sipped coffee and tea. All the classes concluded with times of sharing and prayer for the needs of one another.

In the sanctuary the worship team played melodious harmony, as people came in with expectant hearts. Everyone worshipped in comfort, and excitement of being in God's House for the most holy day of the week. The minster soon rose to preach and draw the souls of one and all to deep growing relationships with the Lord. While the last songs brought the worship to a crescendo, many gathered to pray at the altar with the several people who had come to open their needs to the Lord in this loving environment. People took time in leaving the church, as they visited and shared their lives with one another, praising one another for God's work in their lives, and setting up times to get together through out the week ahead.

I'll let you know that I am one of the best coaches in football too, well at least in my fantasy league. In the world of fantasy we can imagine a perfect place where everything goes great, all worship and Bible studies are a blessing to one and all; and the pastor has full support of everyone with no fires to put out anywhere in their ministry. However, fantasy can only last in the brief moments somewhere between sleep and unreality. We all live in a real world, and I am sure I lost your into this fantasy at members arriving early to the church, let alone attentive and awake Sunday School attendees.

Sometimes we just have to share our reality with a trusted comrade or prayer team, so that we can make it through the times we face in our ministry. We may need a short break from our reality by heading to a favorite fishing hole, taking a walk, or hitting some balls down the links. Somewhere though we must face our reality with the only one who really understands, and really can guide us through what we face. We need to get serious and spend time with our Great Shepherd and Lord.

As the old hymn Turn Your Eye's Upon Jesus reminds we must refocus the heart from the heat we face to the guidance of God in all our ways. We may find help in books, other ministers, and many other places, but only God can help us face whatever the reality of our ministry is before us. Never forget He has called us, and He has been there in His own ministry. Take up the Bible, and spend some time in prayer. Be overwhelmed in the arms of the Lord, and carry on in His work before you.

The Risk of A Minister’s Heart

2008-09-15T11:32:00.000-05:00

When I was about ten years old I was helping my mother in the kitchen, as we prepared a meal. I enjoy cooking, and always have. This particular day I was helping to peel potatoes, and cut them up for dinner. While cutting through the potato I managed to cut the end of my left ring finger. The slice went fairly deep, and we washed it, cleaned out any thing that might cause infection, put ointment and a Band-aide over the wound. More than twenty-five years have passed since the accident of cutting my finger, and yet when ever I look at the tip of my finger I see a straight line indented permanently into the skin. The wound healed and my finger works fine, yet a scare remains.

I have on my body other scares from other incidents through out life. Most scares are minor, and were caused by accident; some even from my own stupidity in my younger years. I have two scares, one upon each ankle which was intentionally put upon my body. You might ask why someone would intentionally have scars put upon their body. In my case they were surgically placed there, when in my preteen years a doctor rebuilt arches into both of my feet. You see I had been born with fallen arches, and the doctor had to operate to change the form of my body, so that I would walk better in latter years.

Healing of wounds, whether surgical or accident, take time. Some wounds heal, and are hardly noticeable to the eye. Other wounds will leave a scar that can be seen to remind us of what happened so long ago. Some healing, like my finger will leave little pain to remind us, although they may feel funny when rubbed just a certain way. Other wounds, as with my ankles, may heal and the scar may not be sensitive, but under the surface may remain sensitive the rest of our lives. If I put too much strain on my ankles, or do get hit near where the surgery took place it sends pain to my body to remind me of what was done so many years ago.

The healing of emotional and spiritual wounds is a lot like this too. We may go through a situation, which was not planned, and end up with a scar deep in our heart and soul. While the old saying is, “Time heals all wounds”, we all know that time often doesn’t heal completely. O we can bury ourselves in living our lives, and we can get over the initial pain or suffering. However, when someone says something just a certain way, or a situation comes up that is similar to where we were hurt those feeling of pain come to mind and we hurt a little again.

One of the things in ministry that I have heard, and have come to realize is that we as ministers risk being hurt. We can not minister to others, if we are not willing to be rejected, forgotten, torn down, disregarded, or hurt in some other way. After a time of hurt we may need to reflect, grow, and overcome. Yet in time we will feel the need to minister to others, and put our lives on the line of getting hurt again. It is part of caring for others, and being open to them.

Our church has been through some hurt in the past six months. I made a decision, which was not accidental, but more surgical in nature. I felt I could not recommend the keeping of a staff position, a position which was in place before my arrival two years ago. The end result was arguments from various people in the church, and an eventual split of several people. It was painful, and I wish the separation never would have happened. I know the change of position was needed, but I and the church would have done far better with out the fall out. Wounds were formed in my life, in many individuals, and with-in the church as a whole. Big decisions in smaller churches often have larger impact, simply because everyone is interconnected, and often interrelated.

The church is healing, and beginning to pull together and grow again. We know there is a long road ahead, but we are following God’s lead to where He wants our congregation to be going in the future. We have given the past few months as healing, and now are desire to reach out more. Some who left have begun a new work in our area, and are now talking and reopening friendships with those who remain in the church.

A recent suggestion from one of our church leaders was to offer our facility to the new ministry work, as a fundraising space for their church. Most of my leaders felt that this was a good gesture of Christian friendship and love. I have no idea whether they will really be open to doing something with us, but I see in the leaders here a desire to help healing, by reaching out to those who left in a supportive way.

Scars remain, and I must admit that the suggestion of doing something with this group does cause some concern. However, I know from experience that for full healing to happen it sometime takes a little stretching of ourselves. After having my ankles operated on, and spending three months in a cast I had to rebuild some of the muscles that had atrophied a bit. I also had to get my ankles stronger over time by using them.

Sometimes the best healing for a hurting heart is to love others, as you would want to be loved. You may not be ready to step out or reach out to one who hurt you or your ministry just yet, but you can love others in your community and the church where you now minister.

Some may argue that this is just some psychological play on emotions, but in the Bible when a prophet was low and felt down God often put them back to work. Many times the work the prophets required them to go back and face the ones who hurt them. Samuel had to anoint David, after wanting to give up on leadership and living in fear of Saul. Elijah had to leave the cave and go back the way he came in order to anoint new leaders and his replacement. Jesus had to go to Jerusalem in order to finish the work he was called to do.

We may need time to heal, and recover from the pain of situations in life. I would suggest taking time to heal and rebuild your self in the Lord and His power. We must in the end, trust God to face the challenges that lie ahead of us. We must risk loving others again. We must learn and take from the pain that we have been through, so we can better love and reach others with the love of Jesus Christ.

- Keep on your Journey with Jesus this week.