Revitalize Your Church

Prayer Carries It

2009-11-10T06:39:00.004-06:00

Prayer must carry our work, as well as our preaching. He does not heartily preach to his people who does not pray for them. If we do not prevail with God to give them repentance and faith, we are not likely to prevail with them to repent and believe.

-- Richard Baxter

White Picket Fences

2009-11-09T06:53:00.007-06:00

Susan Meissner has done it again. (Previously, I reviewed Shape of Mercy, which ended up winning the Christian book award for fiction.) Now, she's given us another powerful novel which leaves the readers reflecting on their relationships and the deeper meanings of life's experiences.

White Picket Fences tells the gripping story of a seemingly "perfect" suburban family. Beneath a thin layer of varnish, however, lies major unresolved issues. Things are not always as they seem and people often go to great measures to hide from the truth which will set them free.

A good read -- haunting -- intriguing -- which reminds us of the old adage, "You're only as sick as your secrets."

Excerpt Here

Order here

(Preview copy was provided for review by the publisher.)

I Love it When God Does Things Like This!

2009-11-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last August, when teaching FLAME Courses in Frankfort, Indiana, I met a wonderful brother, Dr. Thuam Khai, who is providing leadership for the Burmese Bible College in Syracuse, New York.

After classes, Brother Thuam needed transportation to Chicago, Providentially, I was heading the same direction myself, so I gave him a lift.

While we travelled, he told me about a small group of Burmese believers in Milwaukee, that needed an affiliation.

Through this Divine appointment, the wheels began to roll.

I helped Brother Thuam connect with our Wisconsin District Superintendent, Dan Bickel -- and last week, they all met together to begin the groundwork for a brand new Burmese Wesleyan Church!

Tragedy

2009-11-06T16:50:00.004-06:00

A few days ago, a young man in our community, Arthur Garcia, killed another man, David Palm (his ex-girlfriend's brother) and then committed suicide.

It was a sad and shocking turn of events -- which hits awfully close to home. Just today, I discovered that Arthur attended services here at Hayward Wesleyan Church five out of the last seven Sundays of his life. I even prayed with him one Sunday after church last month.

It really breaks my heart -- and I wonder how this possibly could have happened. Oh, how I wish we would have reached out to him further.

Please remember the families in your prayers.

Something to Ponder

2009-11-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

The average church member has listened to 6000 sermons and 8000 prayers, sung 20,000 hymns, and asked zero people to receive Christ.

-- Herb Miller (Fishing on the Asphalt)

Comfort Zone

2009-11-05T06:50:00.001-06:00

Simply to enclose oneself in "the given" is no glory to God. It is an evasion of life and of growth, a hiding your light under the bushel.

-- Thomas Merton, A Vow of Conversation (p. 24)

Seven Year Old Steals Car to Keep from Going to Church

2009-11-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

Poor kid. There have been times when I've felt the same way myself.

Driver's Education

2009-11-04T06:12:00.002-06:00

A quote from my son, Wes, after I took him driving last night:

"Dad, it really doesn't help me much when you grab the dash and yell, 'WOAH! WOAH! WOAH! WOAH! WOAH!"

Why So Many Marriages Fail

2009-11-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

One of the chief reasons so many marriages fail is that the functions of a date and mate differ radically: that of a date is to be charming; that of a mate is to be responsible; and, unfortunately, the most charming individuals are not necessarily the most responsible, while the most responsible are just as often deficient in charm.

-- Sydney Harris (journalist)

Defining Success

2009-11-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

How do you define success?”

A good friend asked me that question recently, and I’ve been mulling over it.

Many people define it as MORE:

More money.
More toys
More vacations
More luxuries
More things.

Others define it as BETTER:

Driving a better car.
Living in a better house.
Having better vacations.
Being promoted to a better position.

Still, others define it as ATTRACTION:

Being beautiful
Being intelligent
Being popular
Being acclaimed

Some define it as POWER:

Influence
Authority
Strength
Conquest

But how does the Bible define success?

Read the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They are considered wisdom literature, written by Solomon, noted as the wisest man who ever lived. How is success defined in the world’s greatest wisdom guides?

1) Trusting God.
2) Being Faithful
3) Seeking Wisdom and Understanding
4) Enjoying your Work
5) Enjoying your Relationships
6) Staying Sweet
7) Doing Good
8) Blessing (Refreshing) Others

In other words, true success goes far deeper than the outward appearance. It is a matter of the heart.

“Commit to the Lord all that you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. . .” Ecclesiastes 9:10
“A generous man will prosper. He who refreshes others, will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

Tapped Out: Pastor's Job Can Easily Breed Depression

2009-11-02T17:39:00.003-06:00

What kind of personal pain would cause a 42-year-old pastor to abandon his family, his calling and even life itself? Members of a Baptist church are asking that question after their pastor committed suicide in his parked car in September.

Those who counsel pastors say Christian culture, especially Southern evangelicalism, creates the perfect environment for depression. Pastors suffer in silence, unwilling or unable to ask for help or even talk about it. Sometimes they leave the ministry. Occasionally the result is the unthinkable.

Experts say clergy suicide is a rare outcome to a common problem. But Baptists in the Carolinas are soul searching after a spate of suicides and suicide attempts by pastors. In addition to the September suicide of David Treadway, two others in North Carolina attempted suicide, and three in South Carolina succeeded, all in the last four years.

Being a pastor -- a high-profile, high-stress job with nearly impossible expectations for success -- can send one down the road to depression, according to pastoral counselors.

Read the rest of the article here (USA Today)

Pray Back

2009-11-02T06:00:00.004-06:00

A friend from another church sought my advice some time ago about a conflict she had with the pastor. "Do you ever pray together?" I asked.

"Well," she replied, "He has prayed FOR me several times, but no, we have never really prayed together."

Those words haunted me long after the conversation. How many times in my life and ministry have I been guilty of the same thing -- praying FOR people, but not really WITH them.

As a direct result of that encounter, I began conducting a prayer experiment.

Almost always now, whever it comes time to pray with someone, I say, "I'd like to pray for you, but then would you be willing to say a prayer for me?"

I've done this with staff and ministry leaders of course -- but I've also done it with people who have come in for counseling, during nursing home, hospital and shut in visits -- even with folks coming in seeking benevolence assistance.

At first, they look stunned -- then they normally smile, and almost everyone is willing to pray back. (Even the few who say they'd rather not pray out loud, always tell me that they will remember me in their private prayers.)

A few outstanding things have come from this new approach:

1) Empowerment:
The request gives them confidence. It tells them that we are not in a hierachical relationship -- but are on the level. God listens to their prayers too.

2) Tears:
Often, people cry when they're praying aloud for me. It deeply touches their hearts -- and ministers to their souls. (mine too!)

3) Responsibility:
It reminds them that they have a duty to pray for others -- and it is more blessed to give than to receive.

4) Fulfillment:
It brings great joy and more love to their hearts.

5) Faith:
It stretches their faith -- and that's always a good thing.

I recommend that every pastor give the "Pray Back" a try. It's a great way to hit heaven.

Some Days are Like That

2009-10-31T20:50:00.001-05:00

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-31T08:44:00.002-05:00

Light a Candle

2009-10-30T16:02:00.003-05:00

Dr. Hannah Massad will be the guest speaker at Hayward Wesleyan Church this Sunday (8:20, 9:40 and 11:00 a.m.)

He the pastor of Gaza Evangelical Baptist Church in the Gaza Strip, and professor at Bethlehem Bible College.

This precious saint has suffered much, and knows firsthand what it means to be "persecuted for righteousness' sake", as he serves in one of the most violent places on earth.

His message is one of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Brother Andrew has written about Pastor Hanna in his book, Light Force. (Copies of this book will be available at the church on Sunday.)

More information on Hanna and his ministry here

When you find yourself surrounded by darkness, light a candle!

The Secret to a Vibrant Prayer Life

2009-10-30T07:44:00.002-05:00

How many Christians there are who cannot pray, and who seek by effort, resolve, joining prayer circles, etc, to cultivate in themselves the holy art of intercession, and all to no purpose.

Here, for them, and for all is the only secret of a real prayer life -- Be filled with the Spirit -- who is the Spirit of grace and supplication.

-- Rev. J. Stuart Holden

Bringing a Blessing from Hayward

2009-10-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

For my readers who have never been here, Hayward is pretty remote. It's a land of wilderness forest -- and there are more deer than people.

We're not quite the end of the earth, but you can see it from here!

However, I've been blessed to see our people engage in missional activity around the world.

Right now, members of the Hayward Wesleyan Church family are serving in the following areas:

1) Robyn Bjork is returning from bringing a blessing to Ethiopia, where she has spent the last several weeks training medical workers in wound care.

2) Rachel Skime is teaching school and bringing a blessing in the remote Alaskan village of Quinhagak.

3) David and Leah Teran are bringing a blessing in Vera Cruz, Mexico, where they are launching some powerful community based ministries.

4) Ralph Jacobson is bringing a blessing to the people of the Philippines. He has just finished reconstructing an airplane by his own hand -- which he will sell and donate the proceeds for a scholarship fund for Bible translation in the various regional dialects.

5) Next Friday, a team from our congregation is departing to bring a blessing to the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala.

6) Ryan and Heather Reissner are bringing a blessing to the campers and alumni of Camp Forest Springs, where they are now serving in full time ministry.

7) Michael and Heather Drown are bringing a blessing via Mercy Ships.

8) Jathan and Becky Brubaker are bringing a blessing to the LCO Reservation by establishing a ministry center called Hope Haven.

9) Linda Talboom, the beautician with a mission, is bringing a blessing to the Sawyer County Jail.

10) Charlene Rohr just returned from taking a month off work to bring a blessing to the hip hop culture of Detroit. She organized a Christian Hip Hop event in a city park.

And I'm just barely scratching the surface!! It is so exciting to be a part of a church where the people really get the idea of blessing their neighbors and the nations.

Long Haul Living

2009-10-28T07:10:00.000-05:00

You were designed to live for the long haul! Life’s a long distance marathon, not a 50 yard dash.With that in mind, it's vital to keep the big picture in mind. Most of us get tangled in the minutia of the moment and forget to look beyond the current situation.

Most worries aren't really that important in light of the big picture – the long haul. The next time you find yourself “all worked up” about something, ask this question, "Will this really matter ten years from now?" That question puts it in perspective. I’ve discovered that most of my frettings of very little consequence.

Long haul living requires some long range thinking.
What are you willing to sacrifice today for a greater gain tomorrow?
What habits today will destroy your health and/or relationships tomorrow? I
f you continue in the same direction and at the same pace as you are going today, where will that lead you tomorrow?
If your money management patterns today continue, what will your financial picture be tomorrow?
What does your spiritual condition today say about your spiritual destination tomorrow?
Are you content with where you are heading in your life? If not, what changes need to be made?

Here's a wild idea: Think of something you really should be doing -- but you've just not gotten around to it.

Get up from reading this and go find a mirror. Look at yourself in that mirror and say, “Do it now! Do it now! Do it now! Do it now! I’m not going to delay another day. I’ve been wanting to do this someday – and someday starts today. I’m going to do it now! “

Then, go out and do it!

This very instant is the first moment of the rest of your life. There’s no better time to get going than right now!

Wisdom Hunter

2009-10-28T06:43:00.003-05:00

I recently read Wisdom Hunter, a fascinating novel, by Randall Arthur.

It's the gripping tale(a re-release) of Pastor Jason Faircloth's journey through tragedy -- from a cold-hearted, rigid legalism to rich and vibrant faith.

An eighteen year quest across the globe to locate his only suriving family member (a grandaughter he has never met) takes Faircloth through several hair raising and heart breaking experiences -- which ultimately lead to the discovery of true peace.

Although Arthur probably won't win a Pulitzer for this piece of literature, it's a great story -- liberating for people who have been ensnared by legalistic systems.

Order here

(book provided for review by the publisher)

Church Sponsors Bible Burning??

2009-10-27T06:38:00.003-05:00

Amazing Grace Baptist Church has scheduled a Bible burning and bar-b-que on Halloween night

They're burning other versions of the Bible besides King James.

Pastor Marc Grizzard claims the King James version of the Bible is the only true word of God, and that all other versions are "satanic" and "perversions" of God's Word.

Other books by Christian authors such as Rick Warren and Billy Graham will also be fuel for the flames.

Hmmm. I wonder how many lost, broken and hurting people will be drawn into God's family through this outreach event?

Deuteronomy 28:28 (KJV), "The Lord shall smite thee with madness. . ."

What is Your Ministry Age?

2009-10-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Quiz: Determine Your Ministry Age.

I'm younger than I thought! :)

Bible Reading Resources

2009-10-26T07:36:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned yesterday in the sermon, Bible Gateway is an outstanding resource for Scripture reading and study.

There is also an option for listening to audio rather than reading it.

A couple of other helpful tools I use are Crosswalk and Strong's Concordance.

Best devotional books: My Utmost for His Highest and Streams in the Desert.

A great place where you can donate Bibles to international pastors.

Scriptural Truth

2009-10-24T08:05:00.000-05:00

Spiritual men and women – those filled with the Holy Spirit – are not unduly concerned with either higher or lower criticism. They do not rest merely in the letter which must be defended by argument.

They have a broader and more substantial basis for the faith.

It rests in their risen Lord,

the glorified Christ.

They know that the Bible is true, not primarily through the efforts of apologists, but because they are acquainted with its Author.

The Spirit which inspired the Word dwells in them and witnesses to its truth.

-- H. Orton Wiley, in Christian Theology

Oblivious Serenity

2009-10-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

If you can stay calm while all around you is chaos. . .

you probably haven't completely understood the seriousness of the situation.

Double Days

2009-10-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

Bill Easum on How to Have Three Easters a Year. What pastor wouldn't want that?