Pastor Ken Kelly

Blog Hiatus

2009-10-08T09:26:00.001-04:00

Just wanted everyone to know that I am going to take a break from the blogging world for a while. Although I enjoy blogging and hope to return, right now there is no definite target date. I appreciate all those who have taken time to read. Thanks for all the feedback through my months of blogging what God has been doing in my world. You’re a blessing.

JOURNEY THROUGH JEREMIAH (2)

2009-09-28T17:08:00.001-04:00

Here is part two on my journal chapter by chapter in Jeremiah.

11. Churches today sometimes do what the disobedient people of Judah did. If the sermons hit home a little too hard, they plot, "Let's get rid of the preacher."

12. What preacher can't relate to Jeremiah and share the feelings of "what's the use"? We preach our hearts out and people don't respond.

13. People can turn from sinful lifestyles. But the longer they wait, the less likely it will happen. And God withholds His judgment for only so long.

14. Jeremiah's plea with God is my prayer for CBC--"Don't quit on us! Don't walk out and abandon your glorious Temple."

15. What a great comfort to know that God is at my side, defending and delivering.

16. No matter how bad things may get, this chapter reminds us there there is always hope because God is always in charge.

17. The Sabbath must never be considered as just another day. God has very strong feelings about this.

18. Discrediting preachers is not a new phenomenon.

19. Preachers today think they're breaking new ground when they use a prop or object to illustrate a sermon. Jeremiah was a champion at ojbect lessons. In this chapter, it is a clay pot.

20. Take a look at verses 14-18 and you'll read the words of someone deeply depressed, perhaps even suicidal. But he kept talking to God. And that's the key to pulling out of depression.

21. The anger God displayed against Judah--could He ever display the same level of anger against the church? How angry is He now?

22. Verse 9 explains why God brings judgment on His people--becuase they walked out on His covenant. Today, that is still the reason He brings judgment.

23. Reading this chapter is daunting for preachers. It reminds me how important it is for me to make sure I'm teaching God's words and not my own.

24. Lord, give me a heart to know you--just like you gave your people in exile.

25. 70 years of exile--that's about as measurable of a prophecy as you can get. And it was fulfilled accurately just like the rest of biblical prophecy.

JOURNEY THROUGH JEREMIAH (1)

2009-09-24T14:25:00.002-04:00

Did you know Jeremiah is the longest book in the Bible? But you thought Psalms was the longest? Count all the words yourself and see. I'm taking Dr. Huey, my seminary OT professor, at his word.

Jeremiah's life and his book are one and the same. We live in very troubling times. What we're going through is nothing new. During these times we like to find wisdom, strength, and help through someone who has been there and who has a biblically-based worldview. Jeremiah is that person.

The main message of the book--If you don't change morally, God will let you crash. In a way Jeremiah was a failure because he didn't receive the results he wanted. But he was a success because he did what he had to do.

Here is my chapter by chapter journal, reading through the Message Bible.

It still amazes me to ponder that God had plans for me long before I was ever born.
It's not a wise thing to walk out on God.
Jeremiah preached a scathing message to Judah and Israel--outright calling their sinful rebellion prostitution--leaving the true God for makeshift gods. Certainly there is a scathing message to today's church as well.
God never goes back on His Word, whether it's about judgment or blessing.
Sometimes God needs to do some pruning of His people to get their attention.
Verse 10 really hit me. God says, "I have something to say. Is anybody listening?" I wonder what He has to say about Chapin Baptist. And are we listening?
A worship center is just a building unless God shows up. And God shows up only where people are willing to do a thorough spring cleaning of their lives.
Oh, that every pastor (me especially) would be heartbroken and grief stricken over the spiritual sickness of His people.
There is one acceptable basis for bragging--that you know God, period.
God loves to be worshipped. It is His very nature to be worshipped. Look at verses 6-7.

More to come from Jeremiah.

The Blessed Life

2009-09-23T10:19:00.003-04:00

A month or so ago I finished reading The Blessed Life by Robert Morris. My son Kevin gave it to me months ago. He received it at Newspring Church in Anderson where he was attending while living in the upstate. It's an excellent read. Morris, founding pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, is now pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado where Ted Haggard served before his moral fall.

The Blessed Life is a book about achieving financial results God's way. It is loaded with biblical teaching and application. If you don't like for people to use the "T" (tithe) word, you better not open this book. But if you really wonder what God says about money, if you really wonder why you may be struggling financially, if you really wonder if God still blesses people financially today, or if you really wonder how you can live a blessed life, then pick up the book and start reading.

I recently gave a copy of the book to Rick Jones, our church administrator. He swallowed it whole, reading it from start to finish in just a few days. Newspring Church and other churches have mass distributed the book to their members as a part of their series of stewardship Sundays.

If you're skeptical about what the Bible teaches, pick up the book and read some of the personal stories coming straight from Morris' personal experiences. The stories will blow you away.

Here are several bullets among hundreds that I could pull from the book to give you a taste.

Poor stewards lose resources. Good stewards receive more.
We will never see God's miraculous power given to poor stewards.
Practically everyone is a cheerful getter. God wants us to be cheerful givers.
Giving is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it is a lay-down-your-life challenge.
Being blessed means having supernatural power working for you.
Tithing means giving to God before you see if you're going to have enough.
You reap after you sow.

Once again, The Blessed Life is a great read. Grab a copy and jump in.

JOURNEY THROUGH 2 PETER

2009-09-19T22:13:00.001-04:00

Here is my journal from my read through 2 Peter from the Message Bible.

Chapter 1

Greatest invitation I have ever received is the night my pastor Cort Flint invited me to give my life to Christ.

The Bible's promises are my tickets to participate fully in the life God has designed for me.

God expects every believer to grow to full maturity in Christ.

Will the people of CBC be fully equipped to keep moving forward after I retire/die?

Chapter 2

If you're a church leader earnestly seeking to follow the will of God in your life and in His church, there will always be those who are out to "get you."

God is the one who will bring antagonists to His judgment seat. Let Him do His work His way without trying to be the judge yourself.

Just because antagonists are "loudmouths, full of hot air" doesn't mean they aren't dangerous. They are.

Chapter 3

God is delaying His final judgment and Christ's return in order to give more people the opportunities to repent. He doesn't want any lost. Nor should we.

To establish the new heaven and earth at the end of time, God must get rid of the old.

Live as if Jesus is coming back today. In other words, live holy lives.

Two things I need to grow in: grace and understanding Jesus Christ.

If You Could Start a Ministry...

2009-09-17T14:27:00.005-04:00

We had a great session last night with the young leaders' class Anita and I are facilitating. We watched Jim Mellado's interview with Catherine Rohr from the Leadership Summit. Catherine gave up a lucrative salary in New York to go to Texas to begin Prison Entrepreneurship Program. I've witnessed her testimony twice live and twice on video. I get choked up every time.

After the video I asked the class this question: If money and other factors were no obstacles, what ministry would you like to start? We went around the circle, and it was stirring to hear the responses, many of which were stemming from their own personal experiences. Here are some of them:

Sports clinics/coach at Dept. of Juvenile Justice
Rehab center for drug addicts
Support group for parents who have had children to die
Helping women who have been released from prison to get back on their feet
Program to help veterans access all the benefits that are available to them
Helping young couples with financial planning and budgeting

I should have written them all down. The neat thing about this discussion is that I could tell each of them was feeling a stir in their hearts. And they kept going back to the first week's talk on holy discontent. It is evident God is moving in their lives and that transformation is taking place.

This class is one of the big highlights of my week.

Do You Have "IT"?

2009-09-11T22:00:00.001-04:00

In our leadership class Wednesday night, we watched a message by Craig Groeschel titled "IT." "IT" really struck a chord. We've all been to churches that had "IT"; and we've been to churches that don't have "IT." In the message Groeschel identifies four things that are common in churches that have "IT."

They have laser focus. To reach people no one is reaching, we must do what no one else is doing. And to do what no one else is doing means that we cannot do what everyone else is doing.

They see opportunities where others see obstacles. You have everything you need to do what God wants you to do.

They are willing to fail where others choose to play it safe. What has God called you to do that you're afraid to attempt?

They are led by people who have it. It is easy to become a full-time pastor and part time follower of Jesus. It is time to let God break your heart again.

If you don't have "IT" what are you going to do to get it?

Great discussion after the video. We talked on a personal level (Do I have "IT"?) and we talked on the church level (Does CBC have "IT"?). I see God working in the lives of these young, emerging leaders. I love it!

JOURNEY THROUGH ISAIAH (4)

2009-09-09T09:28:00.007-04:00

Here is the final segment of my chapter by chapter journal through Isaiah from the Message Bible.

46. God will keep carrying me when I am old and gray. I'm appreciating this promise more and more these days.

47. Don't ever think that sinful behavior escapes the notice of God.

48. God is always refining us--for His own sake He puts us through the fiery furnace.

49. Verses 5-6 really spoke to me in an area of personal ministry struggle--just caring for the flock is too small a task. God wants us to go global because we are to be a light to the nations.

50. What is the number one thing that keeps us from the blessings of God? Sin. Not God. But our sin.

51. Why should I fear when life seems to be tanking? Have I forgotten that God is in control?

52. Sharing the good news of salvation is always a beautiful thing.

53. The most powerful prophetic description of Jesus' suffering. And to think that God had the cross in mind all along.

54. "Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big!" I believe that is God's message today to every local congregation.

55. God's Word won't return void. You've probably quoted that verse before. Do you know where in the Bible it is found? Right here--Isaiah 55:10-11.

56. God designed His house to be a house of prayer for all people. We focus on the "prayer" but forget "all people."

57. God wants us to run to Him for help. But our cries for help must come from genuinely repentant and committed hearts.

58. Is Sunday a business as usual day for you? You'll never be free to enjoy God with that kind of pace.

59. "There is nothing wrong with God; the wrong is in you."

60. In this chapter God gives a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

61. Jesus quoted the first verses of Chapter 61 in His first recorded sermon in Luke 4.

62. I love the celebrative spirit of this chapter--"Look! Your Savior comes."

63. Coming back to God with repentant hearts is a beautiful, yet heart-broken experience.

64. It's hard to believe a God would work on my behalf, the sinner I am.

65. If wolf and lamb will graze in the same field one day, I wonder if the same will be true for a Tiger and a Gamecock.

66. I think one of the things that angers God the most is surface worship, worship from people whose lives are not sold out to Him.

JOURNEY THROUGH ISAIAH (3)

2009-09-09T09:28:00.001-04:00

Here is part 3 of my chapter by chapter journal through Isaiah from The Message Bible.

31. What a great promise in verse 3. God always does what He says.

32. Days of deep trial cause lots of tears. Keep weeping in grief until God pours out His Spirit.

33. God asks us to raise our standard of living--and He's not talking about money.

34. All the evil in our world...God allows it all. He allows nations to bring judgment upon themselves.

35. No matter what you're going through, there is cause for hope because God is present. He's on His way to make things right.

36. There will always be forces from the outside seeking to destroy/discourage the people of God.

37. Quick summary--You've got a lot better chance of victory when you let God fight your battles.

38. God told Isaiah to tell Hezekiah, "I have my hand on this city." That's my prayer for Chapin--that God's hand would be on our city.

39. Hezekiah was a great king...but showing his foreign guests all the treasures in the palace? Not too bright.

40. I never grow tired of reading this whole chapter, especially verses 27-31. One of the most comforting chapters in the whole Bible.

41. God has a firm grip on me and won't let go. Very assuring and comforting words when the load is great.

42. Great promise in verse 15. God will be my personal guide when I don't know the way. He will lead me through unknown country.

43. Another big chunk of great promises. When I'm in over my head, God will be with me. When I'm between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end.

44. I love this section of Isaiah--filled with words of comfort and encouragement. Verse 22--God has wiped the slate of my sins clean. Hallelujah!

45. God ALWAYS does what He says.

I Love This Kind of Week

2009-09-06T21:10:00.002-04:00

You've heard me say it many times. If it were not for changed lives, I don't think I could stay in ministry. There is nothing that excites me more than seeing God change lives.

Last week was one of those weeks when God reminds me why I'm in ministry. Sunday night Pastor Steve and I had a great experience teaching Starting Point. Of the 14 who participated some indicated that they had committed their lives to Christ.

Monday morning I received a call from a member indicating that God was transforming his life. He shared with me some of the specific changes he was making, including taking some stuff off his computer that shouldn't be there.

Later Monday afternoon I had the opportunity to lead a young woman to Christ. She had been hooked on drugs and alcohol for years. She had come to the point that she knew she was longing for more in life. It was like she was hearing the good news of Jesus for the very first time. I love it!

On Wednesday nights I'm enjoying facilitating a leaders' class of young couples. Each couple seems eager to grow deeper in their walk with Christ and be equipped to lead His church. I've already begun to see some life transformation.

Changed lives--that's what it's all about. God, please keep that fresh in my soul every day!

JOURNEY THROUGH ISAIAH (2)

2009-09-03T09:29:00.002-04:00

Here is part 2, chapter by chapter journal through Isaiah.

16. Pride leads to downfall to nations as well as to individuals.

17. When a crisis hits, "things" really don't impress us as much.

18. God sometimes has to prune to accomplish His purposes.

19. Another Eugene Peterson specialty regarding God's judgment on Egypt. They will be like "hysterical school girls screaming...."

20. Sometimes God asks us to do things we don't understand (as in He asked Isaiah to walk around naked). Laugh all you want, but God really asked him to do it and he did--symbolic lesson that Egypt would be laid bare and judged. (I wonder if I would be obedient on this one.)

21. When you're going through dark days, hang on. Morning will come.

22. Not every day is celebration day. There are occasions when mourning is the proper response.

23. When we think of prophecy, we think of the amazing prophecies of the coming Messiah. We tend to forget that the Bible also has prophecies of God's judgment on wicked nations in the Old Testament, each one fulfilled just as described.

24. Why will the nations be judged? Because God says so. Period.

25. God likes for us to show Him off. He loves to hear the words: "This is our God."

26. Churches need to do a better job of "throwing wide the gates" so that more people have access to the good news of Christ.

27. What evidences do you show that God has removed your sin?

28. How does God measure? Two key qualities: justice and righteousness.

29. We Christians know how to say the right things, but do we really mean them?

30. Strength comes from settling down and completely depending on Him. Ouch! Does this mean I don't have to fix everything?

My Name Will Be Pops

2009-09-01T15:17:00.006-04:00

I know many of you heard the great news we received last weekend. Kevin and Erin are expecting. Translated, Anita and I will be grandparents for the first time. Due date is in April. Anita has been pumping for this since spring of 2008 when Kevin and Kenny were married. I've been pumping for it to; but I've kept it on the inside.

Kevin and Erin were very creative in telling us. Anita was suspicious; I was dumb (typical male). They invited us to dinner along with Erin's parents, Waring and Tami. Before dinner, Kevin mentioned that they had stopped by the Rivalry shop and bought us something for the upcoming football season. He handed Anita a bag and Tami a bag. Inside was the cutest Clemson infant outfit. Dumb me I still didn't get it because I couldn't tell what Anita had pulled out of the bag. But when she started screaming, it became obvious very quickly.

I know they will be great parents (as will Kenny and Jamie, and Tyler and ??).

Several years ago Kenny started calling me Pops. Kevin and Tyler picked up on it. So for me, I want my grandchildren to call me Pops. I guess I have a choice in this matter.

Thank you for sharing our joy. Pray for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

JOURNEY THROUGH ISAIAH (1)

2009-08-30T15:40:00.001-04:00

Here are some things I picked up in my read through the book of Isaiah from The Message Bible. Too long of a book to do in one blog. One of my favorite books of the OT.

Isaiah is a book about salvation. It is like a symphony that repeats three common themes: judgment (ch. 1-39), comfort (ch. 40-55), and hope (ch. 56-66).

As wicked and sinful as God's people may become, He is always ready, willing, and able to forgive and wipe the slate clean.
I love Peterson's paraphrase early in the chapter: "He'll show us the way He works so we can live the way we're made." That's what I want--to live the way He made me to live.
Unfortunately, some of Isaiah's descriptions of the condition of the hearts of God's people resemble the hearts of Christians today.
Three adjectives to describe someone touched by God--holy, alive, precious.
People can live as wickedly as they so desire. But God always has the final say.
One of the greatest chapters in the Bible. Reading it never grows old. "Lord, here am I, send me" should be a prayer every Christian prays.
Ongoing debate--is it okay to ask God for a sign? God challenged King Ahaz to ask for a sign. It's interesting, however, the previous verse stresses the importance of faith.
No matter what happens in my life and in this world, the last word is always Immanuel.
Reading the prophetic words about the coming Messiah in verses 6-7 never grows old.
Beware of using the first person pronoun as if "I" can do this or that. Arrogance certainly will lead to a downfall.
God's reign on earth blows my mind--all is at peace. Kids crawling over rattlesnake dens; no animal or human will kill or hurt.
When we sing in worship, we should raise the roof.
God is sovereign over every kingdom. He will use one wicked country to destroy a "good" country if He so chooses.
Satan's fall from heaven is in this chapter. Notice how many times Satan says, "I." Pride was his main problem.
Isaiah is not just about judgment of God's people--but about His judgment of enemy nations as well.

"For our email subscribers, please visit Ken's full blog page at http://www.pastorkenkelly.com/ to view previous blogs and many other helpful links."

Emerging Leaders

2009-08-26T15:29:00.003-04:00

I've been looking forward to this evening for a few months. In my years of ministry one of the most fulfilling things I've done is to spend time with young, emerging leaders. It's been a while since I've led such a class (no fault but my own). But tonight I have around eight couples who've said yes to the challenge to take part in an eight-week journey on Wednesday evenings.

One of the things I'm doing this time is including a few "older" couples to encourage and mentor the younger ones. This is one of those no-brainers I should have done a long time ago.

There will be no fill in the blanks and no homework (although we may end up reading a book together). My plan is to show a video from one of the Leadership Summits and then talk about it. If you're familiar with the Summit, you know how jam packed these events are. Tonight I'll show Bill Hybels' "Holy Discontent" message.

One thing I've discovered about equipping young leaders is that the time hanging out together in class is just as valuable as the content. Don't get me wrong. You better have something that interests them enough to come back. But the relationship building aspect is huge.

That's it for today...except to say that I'm ready for some football!

JOURNEY THROUGH 1 PETER

2009-08-16T12:38:00.001-04:00

I promise I know the books of the Bible by heart. But somehow I skipped over 1 and 2 Peter in my blogs. I blog an OT book, NT, OT, etc. Anyway I need to back up a little and write on some insights through my 1 Peter read from the Message Bible.

Chapter 1

We all should be "on assignment by Jesus."
Believers have everything to live for and a future. And the future begins now.
Faith is proven to be genuine during times of suffering.

Chapter 2

Are there areas of my life where I need to invite God to do a clean sweep?
If you're a Christian, you have a "before and after" story to tell. So tell it every day and everywhere.
This world is not my true home.
Lord, let me know when I need to speak up and defend and when I need to shut up and let you make things rights.

Chapter 3

Great words for couples. Be a good husband. Honor your wife. Be a good wife. Respond to his needs. If things aren't right at home, your prayer life will be messed up.
Christ coming to this earth was not an afterthought. God had it planned all along.
Believers should love one another as if our lives depended on it.

Chapter 4

Think like Jesus thinks.
Suffering positions us to have the freedom to pursue what God wants and not what we want.
Be quick to give a meal to the hungry--the verse says nothing about whether the person is deserving or not.
Love goes a long way. Love as if life depended on it (I believe I just said that in chapter 3).

Chapter 5

As a pastor I must never lose sight that sheep must be tenderly led and not bossily told what to do.
God takes great delight in just plain, simple people.
The devil loves to catch you napping. He's always ready to pounce on you.
God always has the last word.Peter had key people around him to multiply his ministry--like Silas and Mark.

Lake Baptism

2009-08-13T14:39:00.002-04:00

It's that time of the year. Every August our friends at Macedonian Lutheran Church allow us to use their lakeside picnic and worship area to conduct an evening worship service. I'm not sure how many years we've done this; but it's always a highlight. Our first services of this nature were at Dreher Island State Park. I'll never forget the terrible thunderstorm that unloaded on us one year. That was the quickest baptism I've ever seen.

The lakeside setting is a beautiful environment to gather with God's people to eat, worship, and fellowship. Of course, the highlight is taking the Lord's Supper together and then walking to the shore to witness the baptism of those who have given their lives to Christ. This year we have around 20 who are scheduled to be baptized. Those 20 are spread fairly evenly among children, students, and adults.

What a joy it is to see these men, women, boys, and girls give their lives to Christ and follow through with believer's baptism, a significant step in their spiritual journey of life transformation.

Let's pray for a great event on Sunday evening. And while you're at it, pray that we will be spared any stormy activity. I hope to see you there.

Gleanings from Song of Songs

2009-08-10T16:52:00.001-04:00

I had a hard time finding my journal from Song of Songs. I knew you wouldn't believe me if I were to tell you that I lost it (esp. on this particular book). Anyway, I found it. Remember, I'm reading and journaling from the Message Bible by Eugene Peterson.

Our culture today specializes in a loveless sex. Some never think of love when they think of sex. Others never think of sex when they think of love (more holy). The Song of Songs integrates the two and provides a biblical basis showing the beauty of sex when it is expressed in its God-ordained way (between husband and wife).

Peterson wonders if Solomon wrote these words since he was obsessed with women, speculating instead that maybe someone dedicated this book to him. (I still think Solomon is the man.)

Love needs to be expressed verbally (women loved jewelry 3000 years ago; I guess some things never change).
As wildly in love with each other this couple is, they recognize they must protect themselves against the "foxes" that can destroy a marriage.
In a healthy marriage spouses speak highly and positively of their mate to their friends.
Please forgive the sarcasm--but with all the scents this woman was wearing, she wouldn't be welcome in any doctor's office.
"What's so special about him?" All of us married folks should be able to answer this question about our spouse (and it better be a quick answer).
The man in this romance speaks for every other married man I know when it comes to speaking of his relationship with his wife--"I'm in over my head." I believe we all married "above" us.
Whew! It's getting hot in here with this R-rated stuff!
My paraphrase of 8:4--If you're not married, don't have sex. And don't put yourself in a position where you're tempted to have sex.

Axiom (3)

2009-08-04T14:54:00.003-04:00

Here is my third and final blog from Bill Hybels' Axiom. I look forward to hearing Hybels later this week at the Leadership Summit (thanks to CIU for the free ticket).

Axiom 46: Sweat the Small Stuff--It doesn't matter what the best-selling book says, you better sweat the small stuff. Be careful of saying you're just a big-picture person. Small stuff includes taking time to write personal notes of thanks and encouragement, returning phone calls, replying to email. I wonder how many times I've had a church member say something like this: "I signed up for more information and no one contacted me." No matter who you are and how busy you are, you better sweat the small stuff. Or else it will come back to haunt you.

Axiom 68: Read All You Can--Hybels tells of a senior leader at Willow Creek who came to him with a major leadership crisis. She was caving in from the pressures of changes in her leadership responsibilities. After talking for 90 straight minutes, Hybels interrupted her and said something like, "This is 101 leadership stuff and you are a 501 or 601 leader. Tell me three leadership books you've read in the last 12 months." She couldn't think of a one. Leaders have a responsibility to become the best leader they can be. And one of the most effective ways of constantly getting better is through reading. Read all you can. Read when you feel like it and when you don't fell like it.

"For our email subscribers, please visit Ken's full blog page at http://www.pastorkenkelly.com/ to view previous blogs and many other helpful links."

Axiom (2)

2009-07-30T12:35:00.005-04:00

I'm posting a few blogs from Bill Hybels' book Axiom.

Axiom 16: Six by Six Execution--I liked this one so much, I've started to practice it and have challenged our pastors to do the same thing. Basically, this axiom asks the question, "What are the six most important challenges I can focus on over the next six weeks?" There is nothing magical about six weeks. What this principle does is help you get targeted and focused on the things that will bring the greatest return. In our staff meeting this Monday, we plan to share with each other the six challenges we will focus on.

Axiom 49: Is It Sustainable?--I guess we all learn this axiom the hard way. Any ministry idea that is proposed should pass a couple of obvious criteria. First, does it advance the kingdom of God? Second, can we effectively launch it? These two are all well and good. But the third question is one I have learned the hard way. Is it sustainable? Sometimes ministry ideas fail because they are unsustainable. What makes this difficult is that sometimes the idea appears to be sustainable, only later to find out that it actually is not. For example, the Edge service we started a few years ago. Great idea for the kingdom. We launched it; but we were not able to sustain it. On the positive end, Clothe-a-Child. Good idea for the kingdom? You bet. Could we launch it? Yes. Sustainable? So far, so good.

Axiom 62: Never Beat the Sheep--Wow! When problems arise in the church, the leader's natural reflex is to beat the sheep. "If they would have just...." Or, "If they could only get it...." If things aren't going well, the leader needs to put down the stick and ask himself, "Have I served the sheep well?" I've been asking that of myself a lot lately. As Hybels writes, "A word of loving admonition every once in a while might be appropriate, but put the stick away. Permanently."

Beach Reading--Axiom

2009-07-28T17:21:00.006-04:00

Outside of great time with family, one of the things that I enjoy the most about vacation is sitting on the beach or by the pool reading. One of the books I gulped during the week was Bill Hybel's Axiom. It's the best leadership book I've read in a while. I encourage every leader to pick up a copy and read it. I love the length of chapters (2-3 pages). I'll probably take 2-3 blogs and pull some of the leadership axioms that stood out to me.

Axiom 7: An Owner or a Hireling: Paul owned the vision God gave him even though he faced much persecution because of it. He didn't take a hireling approach to what God called him to do. The greatest determinant of whether followers will own a vision is the extent to which they believe the leader owns it. If the leader sacrifices for the vision, the people will also. If you are half-hearted about the vision, that's the heart the people will have.

Axiom 10: The Value of a Good Idea: Even though CBC is going through some seasons of struggle, through the years God has done a marvelous work. And whatever successes we've enjoyed can point back to a good idea. The first mission trip to Brazil, a good idea. Clothe-a-child, a good idea. Starting the Child Development Center, a good idea. "Leaders traffic in idea creation. The best leaders I know are ferociously disciplined about seeking them out and incredibly committed to stewarding them well." We need to be reminded that to have one breakthrough idea, you have to allow for hundreds of mediocre ideas.

"For our email subscribers, please visit Ken's full blog page at http://www.pastorkenkelly.com/ to view previous blogs and many other helpful links."

JOURNEY THROUGH 1 JOHN

2009-07-18T22:00:00.001-04:00

Here are some gleanings from my read through 1 John.

God and Love cannot be separated. If you want to deal with God the right way, you have to learn to love the right way. If you want to love the right way, you have to deal with God the right way. In John's three letters he shows how Jesus provides the full and true understanding of God. And Jesus shows us the mature working-out of love. With all the various belief systems in Ephesus (where John was headquartered), John had a full time job keeping Christians focused on the real Jesus and His way of love.

1:4--Helping others find true joy should be a leading factor in generating joy in us.

1:5--Any message I deliver should certainly come from Christ. It must be His message.

1:7--True community comes from believers walking in God's light.

1:9--One of the greatest verses in the Bible. Genuine confession of sin leads to God's forgiveness and cleansing.

1:10--To say that we have no sin shows how ignorant we are.

2:1--Jesus solved the sin problem.

2:6--Do you live like Jesus did? That's the litmus test on if you really have an intimate walk with God.

2:15--Love for the world squeezes out love for the Father.

3:1--I'm a child of God--that's awesome!

3:2-3--Here's something else that is awesome. One day I will see Jesus and I'll be just like Him. That's double awesome!

3:14--What is the evidence that you are saved? Love for others.

3:16--God calls us to love others sacrificially.

4:10--Sin damages my relationship with God. But thankfully God loved me and sent Jesus as a sacrifice to clean away my sin.

4:11-12--God's love for me should motivate me to love others.

4:21--Christ's command is simple. Loving God includes loving people. You must do both.

5:11-12--One of the simplest, yet profound statements in the Bible--"God gave us eternal life, the life is in his Son."

5:13--Yes, you can be absolutely certain that you have eternal life.

5:14-15--One of my favorite prayer promises.

Jesus Shines Brightly

2009-07-14T15:42:00.003-04:00

I apologize for getting slack on my blog posts. For the 58th time, I will try to do better.

In my last blog I posted some thoughts about how tragedy brings out the best in God's family. Of course, I was referring to the tragic deaths of Parker and Haley Hewitt. Let me follow up.

As you know the services for these two precious children were held at our church last Friday. What an emotional day it was. Yet in the midst of the indescribable grief Jesus shined through. (or is it "shone" through?) Either way you know what I'm talking about.

Jesus shined through with our staff and volunteers. We knew there would be overflow crowds. And we were right. The worship center, Pointe, and fellowship hall were filled to capacity. Pulling that event off required many, many volunteers and much coordination. I was very proud of our church staff and our entire church family. Those outside our church family saw the great ministry you provided. And many have told me personally how impressed they were at your servants' hearts. My special thanks goes to my assistant Debbie Darnell. Logistically, she was the driver that pulled this thing off.

And certainly Jesus shined through with the service itself. Only God could have given me the strength I needed to pull that off. I can't tell you how many people told me before the service they were praying for me. In our church-wide prayer time the night before, we spent the entire hour praying for God to shine through. The worship led by the CBC and REFUGE musicians was awesome. God's presence was powerful.

But one more thing--Jesus certainly shined through Craig and Crystal. I wish you could have seen them during the entire service. Yes, they cried. But more significantly, they worshipped. They sang every song with hands lifted to God. During the solo music, their lips formed every word as Mike and Doug sang.

Their road to recovery will be long. But because of God's grace, they will make it. And Jesus will continue to shine through. And my prayer is that the lessons our church family has learned through this tragedy will linger for many, many years to come.

When a Church Is at Its Best

2009-06-30T22:28:00.004-04:00

For those in our Chapin family, we all are stricken with grief this week over the tragic automobile accident that took two young lives from us. For those outside our CBC family who read my blog--Craig and Crystal Hewitt, a beautiful young couple in our church, model husband-wife, model mom-dad, are grieving the loss of their two precious children--Parker (5) and Haley (3), both killed instantly on Monday morning.

I've been in Augusta most of the week ministering to the family. Not a one of us can imagine the pain they must be going through. I've always had a high respect and fond love for Craig and Crystal. But I'm telling you this week has increased that love and respect a thousand-fold. Only God could be giving Craig the strength and level-headedness he is displaying as he makes decisions while caring for his wife who is still hospitalized and will be having spinal surgery on Wednesday morning.

Crises always bring out the best in us. Not that we ever want to face tragedy. But I'm telling you that the people of Chapin Baptist Church are shining brightly during this tragedy. I am very proud of our church family. I'm very proud of our church staff. The road of healing for the Hewitts will be long and hard. But I am confident they will make it because of their faith, because of their family bonds, and because of their spiritual family at Chapin Baptist.

Funeral arrangements are still pending. But most likely we are looking at early next week to conduct services at our church. Debbie is doing a great job keeping us informed via email. Pray. Pray. Pray.

One lesson I think we all learn in tragedy--we are shocked into reality of the things that matter most in life and the things that really don't matter much at all.

Pray for me. This has to be one of the toughest assignments in all my years of ministry. But I know my assignment pales in comparison to the assignment God has given Craig and Crystal. Cover them with your prayers.

I love you!

JOURNEY THROUGH ECCLESIASTES

2009-06-24T14:18:00.002-04:00

Here is my chapter-by-chapter journal through Ecclesiastes that I wrote at the end of 2008. This is a book about trying to find meaning to life through money, sex, power, adventure, and knowledge. Sounds like a recent publishing release, doesn't it? Apart from God we are totally incapable of finding meaning to life

It is humbling to know that I can strive to be successful; but when I'm gone, I won't be remembered.
Reminds me of the bumper sticker-"I'm out spending my children's inheritance." Solomon wonders about the validity of hard work and making lots of money if all you're doing is leaving it to others after you die.
This chapter reminds me of a common way people mishandle the Scriptures. Just because Solomon says something doesn't mean he's right--just because "it's in the Bible." He says everyone--man and animal alike end up as dust; so we should just live it up. I don't think that's the philosophy of life God intended for us.
One life principle Solomon had a great grasp on--the importance and value of meaningful relationships.
Don't worry about how long you will live. Just live every day to the fullest with great joy. Every day is a gift.
If you need an encouraging word, stay away from Chapter 6. Solomon must have eaten too many tacos the night before. He may have been a wise man. But I wouldn't want him counseling my children at this stage of his journey.
What did Solomon mean by, "Crying is better than laughing"? We learn more about life, and our spiritual roots go deeper in life's trials versus life's pleasures.
I disagree with Solomon's assessment that you can never figure out the meaning of what God is doing. Certainly His ways are beyond mine. But I believe we can understand and even join Him in what He is doing.
Seize life! These are great words of exhortation. How do we seize life? One way is to relish life with your marriage partner. I'm eternally blessed by a wife that I enjoy doing life with.
Here's a great rule for life: Never use your tongue to degrade people.
I love this chapter. Enjoy every day to the fullest. Follow the impulses of your heart. Be a blessing to others.
Although Solomon has presented some questionable statements, his final analysis hits the bull's eye: "Fear God. Do what he tells you."

Leading Children to Christ

2009-06-22T11:47:00.002-04:00

Last week Virginia Wallace, our Director of Children's Ministry, shared some exciting news with me. We have about 25 kids that have made spiritual decisions recently and want to take the next steps of baptism. That's awesome news. But she really got me pumped up when she told me about a new ministry she is implementing to counsel with these children.

When a child makes a decision for Christ, Virginia and her staff will plan a meeting of the children with their parents. The parents will be trained a very simple way that they can lead their children to Christ. The training materials have proven to be successful in many other churches. Sometimes the parents themselves end up receiving Christ through this process.

As I shared in my sermon on Father's Day...there is no higher calling of a Dad than to disciple his children. What our children's ministry is implementing is a giant step forward in helping dads and moms assume responsibility for their children's faith journey. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE talking to children about Jesus and leading them to a decision to accept Him into their hearts. But what excites me more is the ability to equip parents to lead their children to Christ. Can you think of anything more moving than to hear someone say, "My dad/mom led me to Christ"?

Way to go, Virginia! As we implement this process, let's pray that every parent will respond and that families can be spiritually transformed as a result.