I have been in Duluth, GA this week for our state executive committee meeting as well as staff meetings. The December installment is always a great time because of the Christmas season and the parties and gatherings that accompany it.
At our Annual Staff/Retiree Christmas luncheon our former Exec. Director (Jim Griffith) related a story about Cecil B. DeMille and Charlton Heston in the filming of Ben Hur. I went online and googled the story and found the following information.
When they began working on the movie Ben Hur, Cecil B. DeMille talked to Charlton Heston--the star of the movie--about the all-important chariot race at the end. He decided Heston should actually learn to drive the chariot himself, rather than just using a stunt double. Heston agreed to take chariot-driving lessons to make the movie as authentic as possible.
Learning to drive a chariot with horses four abreast, however, was no small matter. After extensive work and days of practice, Heston returned to the movie set and reported to DeMille.
"I think I can drive the chariot all right, Cecil," said Heston, "but I'm not at all sure I can actually win the race."
Smiling slightly, DeMille said, "Heston, you just stay in the race, and I'll make sure you win."
The Christian life is a race that we are challenged to run well. There are times, however, that the struggle to run well is huge. We try, but it seems that our efforts fall short. We struggle just to stay in the race.
The world rewards those that come in first. There is a huge disparity between the prize and prestige of the winner and the runners-up, and there is no recognition for those that finishes near the end or are last.
God, however, operates and rewards differently than the way the world does. In Matthew 10:22, Jesus said that the one that endures until the end will be saved. You don’t have to be in the lead. You don’t have to be passing everyone up in a cloud of dust. All you have to do as a Christian is to stay in the race! “So run, that ye may obtain.” Everyone that stays in this race is a winner.
Child of God, you just stay in the race and He will see that you win.
December 15, 2010
December 8, 2010
Joseph, Man of Courage
Been to a Christmas pageant lately? It's that time of year. I have been to some where the costumes looked like they came out of Rogers and Hammerstiens wardrobe room and others out of Goodwill's backroom. The angel appears, Mary hears, the shepherds visit and the Wise Men come. There is still no room at the inn and Joseph...Yes, Joseph. We know he is there, but what did he say? Well we don't know. He is silent when it comes to scripture, but he is loud when it comes to obedience.
The Bible says that he was a "righteous man." I am not speaking of a pious religious legalist, but a man that wants to do the right thing. Here was a man that was chosen to become the earthly father of the Son of God, but was about to have his world rocked by a social disaster. Given what he knew about his situation and Mary's condition he wanted to protect her as much as possible. His heart was broken, but he could not let her be exposed to public scrutiny and the consequences of the law, which meant stoning.
How do you think he felt? Heart-broken? Betrayed?
How do you think he should respond? He could have ruined her reputation. He could have disgraced her publicly. He could have just put her away, left or divorced her. God allowed Joseph to look at the situation from his perspective to show us what a righteous man does when faced with difficulty in the midst of life. Joseph was torn between obeying the law and loving Mary. Emotions ran rampant in his mind and heart yet he loved Mary and did not want to see her hurt.
Jesus' birth creates a predicament for every man. All men are forced to make a decision about Christ and His claims.
The more I look at Joseph's situation and Mary's condition I am convinced that in our world the National Enquirer, Time and the local papers would have had a hey day. The gossip lines and social networking would be hot. But look at Joseph. He would not get into that. "But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream..." While the world gets on the phone or in a chat room, the "righteous man" gets with God and prays about it.
This was a redemptive moment for Joseph. This was a moment of faith. When we trust God we arrive at His promises and at His destination. He did as the angel said and "took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son, and he called His name Jesus."
Faith is believing according to the promise of God's Word. As He informs our faith, our hope is strengthened to trust Him in our circumstances.
I guess you could say that homeland security was on the front burner for Joseph and he learned to do it God's way.
The Bible says that he was a "righteous man." I am not speaking of a pious religious legalist, but a man that wants to do the right thing. Here was a man that was chosen to become the earthly father of the Son of God, but was about to have his world rocked by a social disaster. Given what he knew about his situation and Mary's condition he wanted to protect her as much as possible. His heart was broken, but he could not let her be exposed to public scrutiny and the consequences of the law, which meant stoning.
How do you think he felt? Heart-broken? Betrayed?
How do you think he should respond? He could have ruined her reputation. He could have disgraced her publicly. He could have just put her away, left or divorced her. God allowed Joseph to look at the situation from his perspective to show us what a righteous man does when faced with difficulty in the midst of life. Joseph was torn between obeying the law and loving Mary. Emotions ran rampant in his mind and heart yet he loved Mary and did not want to see her hurt.
Jesus' birth creates a predicament for every man. All men are forced to make a decision about Christ and His claims.
The more I look at Joseph's situation and Mary's condition I am convinced that in our world the National Enquirer, Time and the local papers would have had a hey day. The gossip lines and social networking would be hot. But look at Joseph. He would not get into that. "But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream..." While the world gets on the phone or in a chat room, the "righteous man" gets with God and prays about it.
This was a redemptive moment for Joseph. This was a moment of faith. When we trust God we arrive at His promises and at His destination. He did as the angel said and "took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son, and he called His name Jesus."
Faith is believing according to the promise of God's Word. As He informs our faith, our hope is strengthened to trust Him in our circumstances.
I guess you could say that homeland security was on the front burner for Joseph and he learned to do it God's way.
December 6, 2010
Crazy Laws
These are real laws that are on the books in the State of Georgia.
State Laws:
Members of the state assembly cannot be ticketed for speeding while the state assembly is in session.
Donkeys may not be kept in bathtubs (and the point is?).
Signs are required to be written in English. (that one may be in trouble)
You have the right to commit simple battery if provoked by "fighting words." (I bet that bill writer was a Baptist.)
No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday.
It is illegal to use profanity in front of a dead body which lies in a funeral home or in a coroner's office. (WHAT?)
Acworth
All citizens must own a rake.
Atlanta
Against the law to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or a street lamp.
One man may not be on another man's back.
Columbus
Can't cut off a chicken's head on Sunday.
It is illegal to carry a chicken by it's feet down Broadway on Sunday.
Gainesville
Chicken must be eaten with the hands.
Jonesboro
It is illegal to say, "Oh, Boy."
Kennesaw
Every head of household must possess a firearm of somekind.
Marietta
Though it is illegal to spit from a car or bus, citizens may spit from a truck.
St. Mary's
No spitting on the sidewalk is permitted after dark.
Quitman
Cars are not to drive on sidewalks.
It is illegal for a chicken to cross the road.
Hard to believe? Believe it!
November 21, 2010
Time to Give Thanks
Thanksgiving Day is just a few days away. I am sitting at home on a Sunday evening with a couple of days of work and ministry ahead before I can get away for the holidays. Yet, it is a good time for reflection and expression.
First of all I am grateful to God for His grace and mercy. I am grateful for a God that sought me out. I am grateful for a Savior who in spite of me saved me. I am grateful for a salvation that doesn't stop at just forgiving me and making me right with God, but is constantly conforming me to His image. Every day with Jesus is new and fresh.
I am grateful for my precious wife of 37 years. She knows me better than anyone (except God) and accepts me as I am. She is my best friend and my toughest critic. I love her and thank God for her.
I am grateful for three precious daughters that love God with a whole heart. They continue to bring us much joy. Different, distinct and dedicated...they love to serve. They really get that from their mother. Whether ministering to staff wives, serving neighbors, or taking care of children they do it well and with the love of Jesus.
I am grateful to be a Georgia Baptist. Call me prejudice, but I am a part of the best family in the Southern Baptist Convention. Called to serve Christ and strengthen churches I have the best job in all the world.
I am grateful to be healthy, wealthy and ...oh well, let's not take it too far. I do have a great group of wise friends some of which are "wise guys."
I am grateful that I get to live in these United States of America where on Thursday I will sit down with my family and give thanks all over again.
Hope you have a great week and take time to Give Thanks.
First of all I am grateful to God for His grace and mercy. I am grateful for a God that sought me out. I am grateful for a Savior who in spite of me saved me. I am grateful for a salvation that doesn't stop at just forgiving me and making me right with God, but is constantly conforming me to His image. Every day with Jesus is new and fresh.
I am grateful for my precious wife of 37 years. She knows me better than anyone (except God) and accepts me as I am. She is my best friend and my toughest critic. I love her and thank God for her.
I am grateful for three precious daughters that love God with a whole heart. They continue to bring us much joy. Different, distinct and dedicated...they love to serve. They really get that from their mother. Whether ministering to staff wives, serving neighbors, or taking care of children they do it well and with the love of Jesus.
I am grateful to be a Georgia Baptist. Call me prejudice, but I am a part of the best family in the Southern Baptist Convention. Called to serve Christ and strengthen churches I have the best job in all the world.
I am grateful to be healthy, wealthy and ...oh well, let's not take it too far. I do have a great group of wise friends some of which are "wise guys."
I am grateful that I get to live in these United States of America where on Thursday I will sit down with my family and give thanks all over again.
Hope you have a great week and take time to Give Thanks.
November 13, 2010
For Pastors Wives
Are you a pastor's wife? If you are this is for you. I have been a pastor for 27 years. My wife has been a pastors wife that long and now our oldest daughter follows in those same footsteps. Here is an interview with Jennifer Rothschild and our daughter Shauna.
San Fran a Wide Open Mission Field
November 11, 2010
Kudos to our Vets
It's Veterans Day and America has stepped up today. I really don't believe that we are that much more patriotic than at other times (or maybe we are) but with the social networks that we have today it seems that everyone is shouting out kudos. Several restaurants are serving veterans free meals, stores are giving huge discounts and I even saw a car wash advertising "FREE CAR WASH for VETS."Now I am not a veteran, nor am I the son of a veteran. I don't think they wanted any of us. But like everyone else I live in this great country with multiple freedoms because of our veterans of days gone by and our men and women of the armed forces today.
All day today on TV and radio, news media and sports outlets and even pop ups on the internet we have been reminded to thank a vet. So here it is.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VETERANS WHO HAVE PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR MY FREEDOM, THE FREEDOM OF MY FAMILY AND THE FREEDOM OF A GRATEFUL NATION. GOD BLESS YOU.
November 8, 2010
Learning from Notherbeau
As a preschooler I had trouble forming the word "mother" so (as I am told) I said "beau." Because my parents both worked outside the home I spent a great deal of time with my grandparents and great grandparents. Many people have pet names for their "grands" and we were no different. My mom's mother to me was "Notherbeau," or my other mother.
Notherbeau was a Sunday School teacher and although I never heard her teach she must have had something because there were ladies waiting to promote to her class (which meant they had to admit their age). She loved the ladies she taught and that was evident by her actions.
A number of Sundays we would have lunch at our grandparents house and as my brother and I played with cars on the floor the ladies of the house were busy preparing lunch while the men sat and talked. I don't know when I began to notice, but my "Notherbeau" would not immediately don an apron. Before entering the kitchen she would sit down at a telephone and began to make phone calls. I later figured out she was calling those who were absent that day. She would tell them that they were missed. She would check to see if all was alright with them. She would ask about those they were caring for.
I did not hear her teach, but did I see her love. Over the years many of those ladies would speak of Notherbeau in very loving and caring ways.
A Sunday School teacher may not be the best theologian, but they can be a vessel of the Love of Jesus. That was my grandmother.
Notherbeau was a Sunday School teacher and although I never heard her teach she must have had something because there were ladies waiting to promote to her class (which meant they had to admit their age). She loved the ladies she taught and that was evident by her actions.
A number of Sundays we would have lunch at our grandparents house and as my brother and I played with cars on the floor the ladies of the house were busy preparing lunch while the men sat and talked. I don't know when I began to notice, but my "Notherbeau" would not immediately don an apron. Before entering the kitchen she would sit down at a telephone and began to make phone calls. I later figured out she was calling those who were absent that day. She would tell them that they were missed. She would check to see if all was alright with them. She would ask about those they were caring for.
I did not hear her teach, but did I see her love. Over the years many of those ladies would speak of Notherbeau in very loving and caring ways.
A Sunday School teacher may not be the best theologian, but they can be a vessel of the Love of Jesus. That was my grandmother.
October 22, 2010
Sunbelt Ag Expo 2010
The 2010 edition of the Sunbelt Ag Expo is now history, but now without new history being written. Although it seemed the crowd was down again this year an estimated 7000-8000 made it through our tent October 19-21. Whether they came to have their face painted, shoot an arrow at a target, receive a balloon sculpture or listen to some great gospel music they were warmly welcomed and heard about the Lord Jesus.
Joining us this week were faithful partners Legacy Outdoor Ministries (Kyle Woodfin and his family); Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief (Carl Lunsford and Mary Bradley); my good friend Andy Hall "Cousin Arthur and Campers on Mission.
Three of our Southwest GA Associations took the lead on various days (Thomas Co/Mercer Associations; Colquitt Co. and Grady Co. Baptist Associations). Special thanks to William Blosch, Terrell Ruis and John Paul Hasick. Also thanks to the other associations of the Southwest GA Region for their financial support.
We enjoyed having Georgia Baptist Historical Society (George Houston); Discipleship Ministries (Alan Folsom and Jonathan Jordan); Extreme Outdoors (Jeff Dever and Stacy Dyer); Giving Back Ministries (Travis Branch) for the first time. I think they will be back.August 8, 2010
A Weekend of Friends
Rarely these days do we get an entire weekend to go off unless it is during vacation. Sometimes you just have to plan things. When Phyllis was contacted by her High School Class Reunion Committee she wanted to attend. So we began to make plans. I made sure that I blocked that Sunday out and we inked it on the calendar. It started on Friday night August 6 with her Milton High Class of 70 reunion. It continued with a family lunch on Saturday, the Braves game on Saturday night and then worship with her younger brother and family on Sunday. It was a weekend to remember.
Here are some pictures.
Phyllis with Renee Rogers and Nancy Boling as well as other classmates and the larger group in attendance.
Here are some pictures.
Phyllis with Renee Rogers and Nancy Boling as well as other classmates and the larger group in attendance.
For the Braves game we were the guests of longtime friends, Royce and Barbara Chambers of Macon. Royce served as Minister of Music at Byron Baptist Church with us during the 80's. We had a great time.
August 7, 2010
Pastor, Mentor and Friend
Phyllis and I had the opportunity to visit with a former pastor and mentor yesterday. Ben and Ginger Hatfield will always have a special place in my heart and life. He was Phyllis' pastor growing up, the pastor who performed our wedding and my mentor in the early days of our ministry. Rev.Hatfield was pastor of Alpharetta's First Baptist Church on two different occasions encompassing around 30 years.
They are well up in age now, but still sharp and look good. We had a chance to talk about old times and good friends. He was to have surgery in a few days and we had the chance to pray with them.
I will never forget the evening when I went by to tell "preacher" that God was calling me into the ministry. Phyllis was at a ladies meeting at the church along with Mrs. Hatfield. I remember that he was watching "Gunsmoke" on tv. Probably the only show he watched other than the news.
When I told him that God had called me to preach he chuckled and said, "I'm not surprised." Having grown up in a small church FBC Alpharetta was like a mega church to me. Although attendance in those days was probably around 500 God was at work like I had never experienced before. Revivals were more than just meetings scheduled on a calendar. God showed up, people were saved and lives were transformed.
It was during one of those meetings that God gave me a second chance. He had spoken to me once before about the call, but I turned a deaf ear. Imagine the stupidity of that. Following one of the services I left to go play in a basketball tournament. I remember riding around that night never finding the gym and ended up going home never playing at all. However, I also remember God speaking to me as I rode. What a transforming night that was.
July 27, 2010
Preachers and Pride
You read the title right. Preachers have pride. Men have pride. All people deal with it to some degree, I believe men more and preachers...well! Israel was in the wilderness. Their water had run out. Man can do without a lot of things, but water is not one of them. We need our water. Water, the lack of water, water supply and who controls it has fostered many a conflict and even war in world history.
When Israel found herself in this situation she began to grumble. However, her grumbling was not against God, but Moses and Aaron. They had just buried Miriam. Moses and Aaron were grieving. The enemy saw his chance. The people came to Moses and Aaron and said, "If only we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord.! Why then have you brought the Lord's assembly into this wilderness, for us and our beasts to die here?"
Moses and Aarons next step was a crucial one. They fell on their faces before the Lord at the tent of meeting. God appeared and told them what to do. Whew! That was close. Too many times man gets in the flesh when he is weak, spouts off at the mouth and blows it. It happens in marriage, it happens in business and yes it happens in the church.
Hold your horses because one right step can be followed by several wrong steps and that is exactly what happens here. Bottom line: God gave Moses and Aaron instructions as to what to do. His Way would have resulted in His Glory and their need being met. However, Moses flew off the handle at God's people and in a fit of rage disobeyed God. Now God came through, but Moses and Aaron did not get to go in.
At Rephidim God had instructed Moses to strike a rock to provide water. He did and God provided. Here God instructed Moses to "speak" to the rock, but once again Moses "struck" the rock. It's not that God was not clear, but Moses apparently was not listening. Why? What happened?
Some observations:
1. The enemy will attack at a time of great defeat or great victory.
2. We can go before God and be in His presence, experience His power, hear His voice, yet get up and go out in our strength and perform in our flesh.
3. God calls us to trust Him fully - not in part.
4. There are dire consequences to not trusting God.
How many times has my flesh and selfish pride resulted in me striking the rock and in essence slap God in the face. When I do I attempt to rob God of His Glory. I say "attempt" because I am not sure that I can rob God of His Glory...He Is God. But my actions are an attempt by my flesh to upstage Him. I am in fact saying that my way is better than God's Way. Imagine the arrogance of that.
Preacher, no matter what, no matter when... when we go before the Lord we must wait long enough to let God get us out of the way. We must stay long enough to let God so fill us with Himself that there is no room for ourselves. We must wait long and lone until the old man is dead and buried (at least for the time being) so that God is all in all, over all and through all.
Preacher, look at what Moses did and let it be a warning to all of us. He gave his congregation a tongue lashing. He reacted to them and their bellyaching instead of listening to God and His instruction. He spoke in anger when He should have let God speak through Him. He missed out on God's best and never experienced Canaan. And it all came down to simply Trusting God.
When Israel found herself in this situation she began to grumble. However, her grumbling was not against God, but Moses and Aaron. They had just buried Miriam. Moses and Aaron were grieving. The enemy saw his chance. The people came to Moses and Aaron and said, "If only we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord.! Why then have you brought the Lord's assembly into this wilderness, for us and our beasts to die here?"
Moses and Aarons next step was a crucial one. They fell on their faces before the Lord at the tent of meeting. God appeared and told them what to do. Whew! That was close. Too many times man gets in the flesh when he is weak, spouts off at the mouth and blows it. It happens in marriage, it happens in business and yes it happens in the church.
Hold your horses because one right step can be followed by several wrong steps and that is exactly what happens here. Bottom line: God gave Moses and Aaron instructions as to what to do. His Way would have resulted in His Glory and their need being met. However, Moses flew off the handle at God's people and in a fit of rage disobeyed God. Now God came through, but Moses and Aaron did not get to go in.
At Rephidim God had instructed Moses to strike a rock to provide water. He did and God provided. Here God instructed Moses to "speak" to the rock, but once again Moses "struck" the rock. It's not that God was not clear, but Moses apparently was not listening. Why? What happened?
Some observations:
1. The enemy will attack at a time of great defeat or great victory.
2. We can go before God and be in His presence, experience His power, hear His voice, yet get up and go out in our strength and perform in our flesh.
3. God calls us to trust Him fully - not in part.
4. There are dire consequences to not trusting God.
How many times has my flesh and selfish pride resulted in me striking the rock and in essence slap God in the face. When I do I attempt to rob God of His Glory. I say "attempt" because I am not sure that I can rob God of His Glory...He Is God. But my actions are an attempt by my flesh to upstage Him. I am in fact saying that my way is better than God's Way. Imagine the arrogance of that.
Preacher, no matter what, no matter when... when we go before the Lord we must wait long enough to let God get us out of the way. We must stay long enough to let God so fill us with Himself that there is no room for ourselves. We must wait long and lone until the old man is dead and buried (at least for the time being) so that God is all in all, over all and through all.
Preacher, look at what Moses did and let it be a warning to all of us. He gave his congregation a tongue lashing. He reacted to them and their bellyaching instead of listening to God and His instruction. He spoke in anger when He should have let God speak through Him. He missed out on God's best and never experienced Canaan. And it all came down to simply Trusting God.
July 16, 2010
Churches Making a Difference
The most important element in the life of the church in tune with the heart of God, in line with the mission of God, and in pursuit with the will of God is seeing more and more people redeemed and forgiven by grace through Jesus Christ. I afraid that we have forgotten that as a church. The church is being basically ignored and mocked these days because...well...most churches have created a culture that suits them best and even a God that suits them best and thrown out the biblical model as well as "unintentionally" forsaking the God of the Bible.
People want a church to make them feel good and comfortable. They are looking for one that "meets their needs." When people come to church they are almost coming with a "consumer" mindset. That's okay because they are coming. However, it is not okay for us to recreate or change who God is and what He has said to make them comfortable or meet their needs. Should we be friendly and hospitable? Absolutely. Should their be an atmosphere of excitement? You bet and may I add to that EXCELLENCE for God deserves our best.
The church that is not being ignored is seeing more people becoming Christ followers, more believers growing in faith and more churches making an impact on the culture and community in which they live. People are drawn there because God is drawing them there. God is involved, because He is being honored and glorified. His will and way are more important than anything else. Fear in this church springs from a reverence of God and not wanting to offend Him rather than a fear of deacon _________ or sister _____and not wanting cross him or her. On the other hand pastor, God did not call any of us to build a kingdom, He has that well in hand...His Hand.
Too many churches today are so focused on buildings, budgets and bodies that they neglect if they even care about the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Some churches have become "keepers of the aquarium" rather than "fishers of men."
Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). LIFE...that's what people want. LIFE...that's what people are looking for. People want to live LIFE and Jesus came to give it. He has called us to LIVE out His LIFE in front of them, display a life of GRACE in their midst and "such as (we) have" give them Jesus.
Any church should be so indispensible to their community that their absence would leave such a hole that the community would cry out for their return. What would happen in your community if the church you are a part of did not exist? Would it be missed? Would it's absence be noticed? Step back and take a look. Are you making a difference?
"Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:1-2).
People want a church to make them feel good and comfortable. They are looking for one that "meets their needs." When people come to church they are almost coming with a "consumer" mindset. That's okay because they are coming. However, it is not okay for us to recreate or change who God is and what He has said to make them comfortable or meet their needs. Should we be friendly and hospitable? Absolutely. Should their be an atmosphere of excitement? You bet and may I add to that EXCELLENCE for God deserves our best.
The church that is not being ignored is seeing more people becoming Christ followers, more believers growing in faith and more churches making an impact on the culture and community in which they live. People are drawn there because God is drawing them there. God is involved, because He is being honored and glorified. His will and way are more important than anything else. Fear in this church springs from a reverence of God and not wanting to offend Him rather than a fear of deacon _________ or sister _____and not wanting cross him or her. On the other hand pastor, God did not call any of us to build a kingdom, He has that well in hand...His Hand.
Too many churches today are so focused on buildings, budgets and bodies that they neglect if they even care about the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Some churches have become "keepers of the aquarium" rather than "fishers of men."
Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). LIFE...that's what people want. LIFE...that's what people are looking for. People want to live LIFE and Jesus came to give it. He has called us to LIVE out His LIFE in front of them, display a life of GRACE in their midst and "such as (we) have" give them Jesus.
Any church should be so indispensible to their community that their absence would leave such a hole that the community would cry out for their return. What would happen in your community if the church you are a part of did not exist? Would it be missed? Would it's absence be noticed? Step back and take a look. Are you making a difference?
"Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:1-2).
July 5, 2010
First Interim Behind Us
Well, we just completed our first interim pastorate. Central Baptist Church in Albany, GA is a great group of people that love God and love each other. Over the last nine months we have had the opportunity to love, lead and learn from them.
Over the years I have followed interim pastors and even kept up with those who assumed that duty after I left a church field. I have had friends to serve in this most crucual role. This was my first and I must say that I can't imagine having a more fulfilling and successful experience. Church unity is essential if a church is going to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
Many times interims become open doors for church "power brokers" to move in and take back what territory they think they lost during the previous pastorate (as if they had territory to take). When will we learn that the church is God's church and He has not signed over one part of the deed.
We wish them well and pray God's blessing on them as they go with God. Dr. Greg Davis and his wife Mari will arrive in Albany on Wednesday and assume the role of Sr. Pastor. His is a great opportunity as they will unite as pastor and people to reach Albany for Christ.
Over the years I have followed interim pastors and even kept up with those who assumed that duty after I left a church field. I have had friends to serve in this most crucual role. This was my first and I must say that I can't imagine having a more fulfilling and successful experience. Church unity is essential if a church is going to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
Many times interims become open doors for church "power brokers" to move in and take back what territory they think they lost during the previous pastorate (as if they had territory to take). When will we learn that the church is God's church and He has not signed over one part of the deed.
We wish them well and pray God's blessing on them as they go with God. Dr. Greg Davis and his wife Mari will arrive in Albany on Wednesday and assume the role of Sr. Pastor. His is a great opportunity as they will unite as pastor and people to reach Albany for Christ.
May 15, 2010
Some Thoughts About GCR and the Orlando Convention
I have been a Southern Baptist all of my life. First, the choice was made for me by my parents. However, the day came when I made the choice for myself. I am proud (in a good way) to be a Southern Baptist. God has blessed us as a people/denomination. I believe His desire is to continue to bless us.
These are crucial days for us. Studies have been conducted; dialogue has gone on and leaders have met. At last years convention in Louisville a motion was made instructing the president of our convention to appoint a task force to study how we might be more effective in carrying out the Great Commission. Sounds good. We are a Great Commission people. I mean, if we are obedient followers of Christ we must be about the Great Commission.
A great part of our involvement in the Great Commission has been in the area of giving. One of our entities has for many years used the by word: Giving, Praying and Going. All three are a must if we are going to "Penetrate the Darkness." Southern Baptists are a giving people. Southern Baptists are a praying people. And in recent years we have become more of a going people.
We are all called to go. As my good friend John Marshall said recently, "Some of us are called to go and some of us are called to go and stay, but all of us are called to "GO."
In 1925, God gave Southern Baptists a funding method that has proved functional no matter what era we were in. The Cooperative Program has served us well. Because of its effectiveness, we are the envy of the denominational world. I realize it is man designed, but it is God blessed. It allows us to do exponentially together what we could never do individually. With the majority of our churches having memberships of 300 or fewer not one church could support one of our missionaries and their family by themselves. Yet, through the Cooperative Program we support more than 11,000 missionaries worldwide.
In recent years we have seen an upswing in missions going. One of our large church pastors has said that their goal is not to ever see the sun go down without someone from their church being on the mission field somewhere. I applaud that goal and say "Hallelujah." I suppose that is very costly in more ways than one. More and more churches are sending members on volunteer mission trips. That is a good thing, because I know from personal experience that I became a better mission GIVER after becoming a mission GOER.
Many churches pay for, or at best supplement the going for their people. I applaud that as well. Yet, that money has to come from somewhere and many times we rob Peter to pay Paul and what suffers is the Cooperative Program.
One of our strongest attributes as Southern Baptists is what we call "the autonomy of the local church." In Southern Baptist life the local church is our strongest unit. No one tells a local baptist church what to do. We do not have a bishop or superintendent handing down ecclesiastical decrees. Local churches under the leading of the Spirit of God make those decisions locally. As a matter of fact we work quite opposite of other mainline denominiations. Elected messengers from these local churches meet annually in the summer to give direction to the national leaders of what we as a denomination should do.
That is why in a few weeks when we gather in Orlando, Florida we will make a decision that could (and will) chart a course for the next generation. The appointed task force has completed their report. I know that they put long hours of prayer and deliberation into what they will present. I have read and reread the report. I have sat in discussions with those who like me have read and now have an opinion. (Boy do we have opinions). I have listened both live and by "webinar" to those who had firsthand input into the formation of the report.
My emotions have run the gamut. Here are some things that I totally agree with.
First of all, we desperately need revival. If revival does not come I am not sure it will matter what we vote on. We need an outpouring of the Spirit of God. We must have an outpouring of the Spirit of God. We have a God who desires to pour out His Spirit. He has told us so. We must pray, seek the face of God and repent of sin. Individually and corporately we must seek God's forgiveness and then ask for His favor.
We need to do a better job or "penetrating the darkness" of the world, which includes North America. NAMB (The North American Mission Board) which is less than 15 years old has fallen short in its effort to impact America many think. Two leaders have stood at the ships wheel and now we await the announcing of a third. America is lost and growing more lost everyday. Something's gotta give. We need churches planted all across North America.
The International Mission Board whose mission is to penetrate the darkness where 95% of the peoples of the world live has never been allowed to appoint missionaries to North America. That has been NAMB's turf. However, we live in a day and hour where there are people groups in North America that speak a language that many of our IMB missionaries are trained to communicate in. The GCR report recommends tearing down those boundaries. I agree.
Since 1950 state conventions in concert with the old Home Mission Board and now NAMB have worked together through Cooperative Agreements where monies given to NAMB to do its work are returned to the state conventions to jointly support specific mission endeavors. The GCR report recommends great change here. Granted we live in a different day. We live in the 21st Century and must be careful not to rely on 20th century methodology (that is unless that 20th century methodology is working). There is great fear however that the current recommendation could greatly hamper future work in some states if not altogether destroy it.
Then there is "Great Commission Giving," a new term that "celebrates" all mission gifts to Southern Baptist causes. Herein lies my concern. Personally I believe we already have and for years have had "Great Commission Giving." It is called "The Cooperative Program." We might have many things broke that need "fixin," but the Cooperative Program is not one of them.
I have been told that if every church that gives ANY thing to the CP would just up their giving 1% every misisonary candidate in waiting could be sent. We have leaders in our convention who give less than 1% of their undesignated offerings to the Cooperative Program. We have young pastors who look up to these leaders and guess what they are falling right in line with their mentors in their giving trends.
Every generation does things a little different. I don’t want my children to look back at me and say, “Dad missed it.” Yet at the same time I don’t want them to say, “What was he thinking?”
The GCR Task Force Report includes many recommendations for individuals, churches, state conventions and entities to increase their giving, up their percentages, evaluate their effectiveness and respond with renewed commitment. I am all for that. However, I am also for seeing our SBC President, the Chairman of the Task force, some real good friends and large church pastors step up to the plate as well and up their CP %. "What is good for the goose is good for the gander."
If a church wants to give above and beyond the Cooperative Program they have that right as an autonomous body. But if you are going to be a Southern Baptist...be one. Join hands with the over 75% of the churches with less than 200 in membership and give through the Cooperative Program.
Do we need a Great Commission Resurgence? I think so! What kind? A kind that begins on our faces before a Holy God and results in our continued cooperation to "Penetrate the darkness."
These are crucial days for us. Studies have been conducted; dialogue has gone on and leaders have met. At last years convention in Louisville a motion was made instructing the president of our convention to appoint a task force to study how we might be more effective in carrying out the Great Commission. Sounds good. We are a Great Commission people. I mean, if we are obedient followers of Christ we must be about the Great Commission.
A great part of our involvement in the Great Commission has been in the area of giving. One of our entities has for many years used the by word: Giving, Praying and Going. All three are a must if we are going to "Penetrate the Darkness." Southern Baptists are a giving people. Southern Baptists are a praying people. And in recent years we have become more of a going people.
We are all called to go. As my good friend John Marshall said recently, "Some of us are called to go and some of us are called to go and stay, but all of us are called to "GO."
In 1925, God gave Southern Baptists a funding method that has proved functional no matter what era we were in. The Cooperative Program has served us well. Because of its effectiveness, we are the envy of the denominational world. I realize it is man designed, but it is God blessed. It allows us to do exponentially together what we could never do individually. With the majority of our churches having memberships of 300 or fewer not one church could support one of our missionaries and their family by themselves. Yet, through the Cooperative Program we support more than 11,000 missionaries worldwide.
In recent years we have seen an upswing in missions going. One of our large church pastors has said that their goal is not to ever see the sun go down without someone from their church being on the mission field somewhere. I applaud that goal and say "Hallelujah." I suppose that is very costly in more ways than one. More and more churches are sending members on volunteer mission trips. That is a good thing, because I know from personal experience that I became a better mission GIVER after becoming a mission GOER.
Many churches pay for, or at best supplement the going for their people. I applaud that as well. Yet, that money has to come from somewhere and many times we rob Peter to pay Paul and what suffers is the Cooperative Program.
One of our strongest attributes as Southern Baptists is what we call "the autonomy of the local church." In Southern Baptist life the local church is our strongest unit. No one tells a local baptist church what to do. We do not have a bishop or superintendent handing down ecclesiastical decrees. Local churches under the leading of the Spirit of God make those decisions locally. As a matter of fact we work quite opposite of other mainline denominiations. Elected messengers from these local churches meet annually in the summer to give direction to the national leaders of what we as a denomination should do.
That is why in a few weeks when we gather in Orlando, Florida we will make a decision that could (and will) chart a course for the next generation. The appointed task force has completed their report. I know that they put long hours of prayer and deliberation into what they will present. I have read and reread the report. I have sat in discussions with those who like me have read and now have an opinion. (Boy do we have opinions). I have listened both live and by "webinar" to those who had firsthand input into the formation of the report.
My emotions have run the gamut. Here are some things that I totally agree with.
First of all, we desperately need revival. If revival does not come I am not sure it will matter what we vote on. We need an outpouring of the Spirit of God. We must have an outpouring of the Spirit of God. We have a God who desires to pour out His Spirit. He has told us so. We must pray, seek the face of God and repent of sin. Individually and corporately we must seek God's forgiveness and then ask for His favor.
We need to do a better job or "penetrating the darkness" of the world, which includes North America. NAMB (The North American Mission Board) which is less than 15 years old has fallen short in its effort to impact America many think. Two leaders have stood at the ships wheel and now we await the announcing of a third. America is lost and growing more lost everyday. Something's gotta give. We need churches planted all across North America.
The International Mission Board whose mission is to penetrate the darkness where 95% of the peoples of the world live has never been allowed to appoint missionaries to North America. That has been NAMB's turf. However, we live in a day and hour where there are people groups in North America that speak a language that many of our IMB missionaries are trained to communicate in. The GCR report recommends tearing down those boundaries. I agree.
Since 1950 state conventions in concert with the old Home Mission Board and now NAMB have worked together through Cooperative Agreements where monies given to NAMB to do its work are returned to the state conventions to jointly support specific mission endeavors. The GCR report recommends great change here. Granted we live in a different day. We live in the 21st Century and must be careful not to rely on 20th century methodology (that is unless that 20th century methodology is working). There is great fear however that the current recommendation could greatly hamper future work in some states if not altogether destroy it.
Then there is "Great Commission Giving," a new term that "celebrates" all mission gifts to Southern Baptist causes. Herein lies my concern. Personally I believe we already have and for years have had "Great Commission Giving." It is called "The Cooperative Program." We might have many things broke that need "fixin," but the Cooperative Program is not one of them.
I have been told that if every church that gives ANY thing to the CP would just up their giving 1% every misisonary candidate in waiting could be sent. We have leaders in our convention who give less than 1% of their undesignated offerings to the Cooperative Program. We have young pastors who look up to these leaders and guess what they are falling right in line with their mentors in their giving trends.
Every generation does things a little different. I don’t want my children to look back at me and say, “Dad missed it.” Yet at the same time I don’t want them to say, “What was he thinking?”
The GCR Task Force Report includes many recommendations for individuals, churches, state conventions and entities to increase their giving, up their percentages, evaluate their effectiveness and respond with renewed commitment. I am all for that. However, I am also for seeing our SBC President, the Chairman of the Task force, some real good friends and large church pastors step up to the plate as well and up their CP %. "What is good for the goose is good for the gander."
If a church wants to give above and beyond the Cooperative Program they have that right as an autonomous body. But if you are going to be a Southern Baptist...be one. Join hands with the over 75% of the churches with less than 200 in membership and give through the Cooperative Program.
Do we need a Great Commission Resurgence? I think so! What kind? A kind that begins on our faces before a Holy God and results in our continued cooperation to "Penetrate the darkness."
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