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.

Jesus Prays For You

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.