The Team Needs You

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.