Thursday, December 16, 2010

A NEW YEAR

RECENT CONNECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS:

The week of November 29th was filled with Budget and Finance Committee, Departmental Leaders, and Executive Presbyter meetings as we worked on finalizing a budget to present to the Presbytery in January for the coming year. It is a pleasure to work with everyone involved in these areas of leadership.

On December 3rd Loretta and I traveled to San Diego, CA for a CEP board meeting followed by four days of AG Executive Leadership meetings. Shared worship, workshops, and personal interactions are beneficial at these events.

On Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12 it was my privilege to publicly present Crystal Sharp her Certificate of Ministry in the three weekend worship services at Grace Community Church in Centennial, CO. Crystal is part of the pastoral team at Grace. Congratulations Crystal!

A NEW YEAR AHEAD:

Entering a new year is often a time for personal reflection and evaluation. I recall a cartoon in which a woman hands her husband a list and says, “Here are your new year’s resolutions”. The input of others is helpful, but we should from time to time assess ourselves to see if there are areas where we need to grow. I would like to suggest a format for assessing where we are in ministry. I have framed these thoughts with the acronym EXCEL.

ENJOY your work! Certainly every assignment has its challenges and I know that pain is a companion of leadership. Having said that, however, when we are In the will of God and faithfully carrying out the work there is a sense of peace and enjoyment that is absent when a person is outside God’s will. The joy of the Lord is present as well when we are walking with Him. Are we enjoying our work? Do we believe we are in the center of God’s will?

EXCEED expectations! Doing the minimum required or falling short of the minimum produces an unfruitful ministry. “Under promise and over deliver” is a formula for success. Are we willing to go the extra mile in ministry?

CONNECT with God! Our personal spiritual health and the invocation of God’s favor are essential to our effectiveness in ministry. A great irony of the ministry is that we can grow distant in our relationship with God even as we seek to serve Him. Are we keeping spiritual disciplines alive? Are we earnestly seeking His direction in our ministry?

EXEMPLIFY Christ! Living in the “glass house” is added motivation to keep our lives holy and healthy, as well as motivation to provide an example for others to follow. Are we overcoming temptation? Is the fruit of the Spirit increasing in our lives?

LOVE people! Love fulfills the law and it is difficult to miss the mark when you truly love people as Christ loves them. It is easy to become jaded and cynical in our relationships with people; assuming the worst instead of the best. Is God’s grace and love reflected through our interactions with people? Are we moved with compassion by their needs?

I pray we all will excel in our work for Jesus Christ.

PRAYER NEEDS:

Please pray for the Art Moya family. Art passed away on December 4, 2010. He pastored our church in Berthoud, CO for several years and is loved and respected by many.

Monday, November 29, 2010

RECENT CONNECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS

On October 31st Loretta and I had the privilege of sharing in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of First Assembly of God in Greeley, Colorado with Pastor Michael and Nan Popineau, and the congregation. This church predates the inception of the AG and has a rich history of ministry.

I have heard it said that every generation has to develop its own churches. There is some truth in that statement and for a church to be sustained effectively from generation to generation is a significant accomplishment. Some of our finest ministers have pastored this church through the years and their leadership provides an example of moving a church forward while respecting the history of the church.

On November 14th I installed Bill Woods as the new Pastor of Solid Rock Christian Fellowship in Florence, CO. Congratulations Bill and Paula on your new God-given assignment. May God bless your ministry in Florence!

On November 21st Loretta and I visited Northland Community Church led by Pastor Jerry and Susan Cassell in Monument, CO. This church was launched two months ago and has an average Sunday a.m. worship attendance of about 75 and a youth ministry with about 35 teenagers in attendance.

We had a church in Monument for many years, but after some reverses we closed it in 2009. There are 250,000 people in a radius of 15 miles around Monument so the need is great. Under the leadership of Jerry Cassell in partnership with Pastor Randy Popineau, The Church at Briargate, and District leadership, Northland Community Church was envisioned and brought into reality. The church is already having a very positive impact on the community. God bless you Jerry and Susan as you lead this vital ministry forward.

In this season of Thanksgiving I thank God for you and pray for God’s blessing in your family and ministry. Today, Loretta and I celebrate 42 years of marriage! Above everything else I thank God for my wonderful wife and family. There is nothing more valuable under God than healthy relationships; first of all with one’s family and then with others.

PRAYER NEEDS:

Please pray for God’s comfort and strength for Steve Salazar’s wife Donna and his family. Pastor Steve Salazar’s funeral service on November 17th was a great celebration of a life well lived. Over 1,000 people were in attendance and schools were closed that day in honor of Steve. His impact in the community of Del Norte, Colorado was extraordinary. He will be missed.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

NEW MINISTRY RESOURCE:

Forrest Rowell, who has served as Youth Pastor at Praise AG in Pueblo, CO recently received approval from the Rocky Mountain District, the National Youth Department, and US Missions to serve as the Youth Alive Missionary to the Rocky Mountain District. Youth Alive Missionaries provide resources for churches to reach their local Middle School and High School campuses.

The Youth Alive mission encompasses the following four ministries to campuses: Campus Missionaries, Campus Clubs, Prayer Zone Partners, and the 7 Project which is school assemblies. Forrest has a proven track record of ministry in these areas. In the 2009 - 2010 school year he conducted 15 school assemblies in the Middle Schools and High Schools in Pueblo, CO. As a Youth Alive Missionary he will be able to provide training in campus ministry for Churches, Youth Leaders and Youth Groups. He will also be able to assist in the development of relationships with local school administrators to carry out assemblies and other campus ministry.

Forrest’s ministry will be funded like other missionaries from the support of churches and individuals. Please open your heart to this ministry and consider adding Forrest to your missionary support. Once he has secured 100% of his budget he will be able to engage in this vital ministry.

RECENT CONNECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS:

Since my last ebulletin I had the privilege of installing Albert Lopez as Pastor of The Lighthouse Worship Center in Walsenburg, CO on Sunday October 3rd. It was a joy to minister to this fine congregation and to get acquainted with Pastor Lopez. Welcome to the RMD, Albert!

October 7th and 8th I attended the District Secretary Treasurers conference in Springfield, MO. All Superintendents attend at least one of these conferences to be more fully informed of policies and procedures in credentialing, and resources available through the General Council. This is a great group of ministers serving our fellowship.

October 8 – 10 Loretta attended and spoke in two workshops at the Women’s Ministry Colorado retreat in Keystone, CO. Attendance was very strong. I appreciate Peggy Vawter and her leadership team in Women’s Ministries.

October 10th I filled the pulpit at Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs, pastored by Phil Steiger while he and Heather took a needed vacation. Each time I am present in this church I see new faces as the congregation continues to grow.

October 17th I installed Paul Aragon as the new Pastor of Restoration Church in Colorado Springs, CO. This growing church is now approaching 600 people in attendance. Paul asked me to recount the history of Radiant Church planting Restoration Church and then on Sunday, October 24th cast vision for the future of the church. It was exciting to reflect on what the Lord has done in the establishment of this church and hopefully stir faith for the future.

Loretta and I traveled to Park City, Utah for the UT Minister’s retreat October 22nd and 23rd led by Alex Lucero. The retreat provided fellowship, inspiration, and discussion focusing on church planting and development in UT. Specifically under church development the Apprenticeship Program for the development of Youth and Children’s ministers was rolled out. The program will begin in Salt Lake City in January with Keith Elder teaching the young people. Lee Terry has been formulating this ministry and a partnership with Utah pastors who share the same vision has developed to facilitate the work. As always it was great to be with our Utah ministers.

On October 24th I spoke at Christian Life AG in Payson, UT pastored by Mark Gering. Mark and Pam have ministered in Payson for about one year and are doing a great job leading this church.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

HEROES IN HEAVEN

HEROES IN HEAVEN: Gwen Glover who ministered alongside her husband, Jonathan as a pastor’s wife in Colorado and a missionary in Africa, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, September 4, 2010. The funeral will be Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Central AG in Springfield, MO. Jonathan and Gwen had a very fruitful ministry and are some of the finest people you will ever meet. They had a powerful impact on my life when I was a teenager. I remember distinctly when they came to Englewood AG itinerating and how impressed I was with their ministry and Christ-like spirit. At the time, in the early 60s, I was finishing High School and preparing for College. I had saved $1,600 for College and after the Glover’s service spoke to my dad about the possibility of giving everything I had saved to the Glovers for their ministry in Africa. My dad was a godly man who faithfully gave to missions. He said, “You can’t out give God, but why don’t you consider giving half of what you have saved”. I followed his advice and never regretted that sacrificial giving. I finished my BSEE degree at the University of Colorado debt free. The Glovers were a great investment!

I spoke to Jonathan Monday afternoon and he was rejoicing in Gwen’s entrance into heaven even as he experienced the personal sorrow of her absence. He said, and I am paraphrasing, “This is real, our faith in God and the hope of heaven is real. Gwen is looking into the face of Jesus and I envy her. When you boil it all down the only thing that matters is knowing Jesus.”

Another saint entered heaven Saturday, September 4th; George Cook, Bob Cook’s dad. George served God faithfully as a minister, business man, church man, and family man. The funeral will be Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Victory Life Church in Grand Junction, CO. Our prayers go out on behalf of these two families.

RECENT CONNECTIONS: Since my ebulletin of August 19th I have had the privilege of connecting with many of our ministers. Let me share a few.

Sunday, August 22nd, I visited Plum Creek Community Church in Castle Rock, CO where Doug Miller Pastors. This church is flourishing with hundreds of people in attendance and a growing influence in the community. Doug was in a sermon series on the Ten Commandments and dealt with the seventh commandment “You shall not commit adultery.” See, I remembered. Important teaching! People may not always remember your sermons, but I heard it said that we don’t remember the specific meals we ate in the past yet we are nourished by them. Your congregants may not remember specifically your every sermon, but the body of biblical truth they receive nourishes them into strong mature believers.

August 30 through September 2, I traveled through Southern Utah to visit several of our pastors. Ray and Nancy Paschen in Moab, Willard and Betty Coleman in Richfield, Jonathan and Stephanie Holiman in Cedar City, Mike and Jana Trail in St. George, and Gerald and Emma Van Iwaarden in Cedar City. These men and women are champions of the faith. They are doing a great work building churches in isolated communities and challenging situations. They are sowing the seed of God’s word, watering it, and harvesting souls as God adds to the church. I pray God supplies their every need and increases the harvest of souls through their ministries.

Sunday, September 5th, Loretta and I visited Red Rocks Church in Golden, CO where Shawn Johnson Pastors. The church has grown to over 2,000 people in attendance. Shawn gave a very clear biblical message on how to receive salvation and how believers can share their faith with others. Many are coming to Christ through the ministry of this wonderful church.

God brought us together in this great partnership of ministry. I thank Him for each and every one of you and the unique calling He has placed on each of your lives. Whether your ministry is large or small, rural or urban, famous or unknown you are important to the fulfillment of His plan and purpose. As Jonathan Glover said, “This is real…When you boil it all down the only thing that matters is knowing Jesus”. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Recent Connections and Reflections

Loretta and I visited the PK retreat July 20th and enjoyed sharing with these wonderful kids. Lee and Renae Terry do a great job loving on and ministering to our kids.

Saturday, July 24th Loretta and I had dinner with Lee and Sandy McFarland and then on Sunday took in Lee’s message to Radiant Church in Colorado Springs. Lee and Sandy were members of Radiant Church in years past when Lee was an electrical engineer. During those years he was filled with the Spirit and served in the church. He went on to become a Director at Microsoft Corp. in the Seattle area with an excellent salary and very valuable stock options. In the course of time God called him into the ministry. He left the salary and the incredible wealth potential behind to plant a church in the fast growing Phoenix suburb of Surprise, Arizona about 12 years ago. By the grace of God and much hard work he developed Radiant Church in Surprise to a congregation with an attendance of 6,000 people today. Lee has expressed on several occasions that he is thankful to be a pastor. Though it has been a financial sacrifice and at times very challenging he sees the ministry as a cherished gift from God.

Lee shared with me a few years ago that if a business man looked at a pastors job description he would say, “that is a bad job”. He also stated that pastoring is the most leadership intensive job he has ever had. So, where is the joy in that? It is found in obedience to our great God and Savior, His abiding and empowering presence, and in the transformation of lives impacted by the gospel. Most of us will never experience growth in our church to 6,000 people, but we all have the privilege of serving our Savior, experiencing His sustaining and life-giving presence, and seeing people changed by the grace of God.

Sunday evening, July 25th I visited Denver Church and Pastor Bryan Sederwall. They currently meet in a boxing gym in Denver on Sunday night. This is an exciting church. I was by far the oldest person present. How great is that (though you might be thinking that is probably true wherever I go - smile). God bless you Bryan and Denver Church.

August 1st Loretta and I attended the 50th anniversary of Orchard Road Christian Center in Greenwood Village, CO. Wally and Marilyn Hickey started this church in 1960 and Reece and Sara Bowling serve as lead pastors today. It was an anointed gathering as together we gave thanks to God for 50 years of effective ministry in the Denver area and around the world. Thank you Wally and Marilyn, and Reece and Sara for enduring, exemplary ministry.

On August 5th I traveled to Springfield, MO for a series of meetings. The Church Extension Plan board met first on August 6th. In case you don’t know this is a wonderful lending agency serving AG churches with a heart for ministry. CEP recently created an arm of ministry designed to provide church buildings for church plants that after 3 to 5 years will purchase the facility from CEP. Then the funds from that purchase will be recycled into another church plant. Two projects are now underway and funds continue to be raised to provide the seed money for the initial purchase of church plant properties. It is a privilege to be on the board of this organization.

The evening of August 6th and Saturday, August 7th District Superintendents met with Dr. George Wood for a Superintendent’s forum. Then General Presbyter meetings were conducted Monday through Wednesday. I believe our movement is headed in a very healthy direction and I have the highest regard for our national leadership.

On Sunday, August 15th Loretta and I celebrated a wedding reception for Ryan and Kimberly Bachman at Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs. Ryan is an Associate Pastor at LHC and we extend our congratulations to this wonderful couple and welcome Kimberly to our RMDC family.

August 16-17 we conducted a Minister’s Renewal at Radiant Church in Colorado Springs, CO with Doug Clay speaking. Doug shared wonderful ministry and it was a very meaningful time of encouragement and enrichment. I want to thank Pastor Todd Hudnall and his team for hosting this event.

August 18th our district department leaders met. Each one reported on recent summer camps and events. It has been a productive season of ministry to boys, girls, teenagers, and adults. I appreciate our department leaders and their ministry teams. We also continued to formulate plans for our Rocky Mountain Ministries Conference to be held at Praise AG in Pueblo, CO August 19-20, 2011. This event will be designed to serve everyone who works in ministry to children, teens, women, and men. Please mark your calendar.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Inadequacy

Inadequacy: Have you ever felt inadequate? No doubt we all have and do. One of the extraordinary features of the Kingdom of God is that God chooses the unworthy and makes them worthy. We experience this in salvation. He also assigns tasks to the inadequate and provides His adequacy. We experience this in His call to ministry.

In my natural gift set I am missing some of the ingredients I would like to have to be an effective minister of the gospel. It has mystified me at times that God would call me to spiritual leadership when my natural tendency is to fade into the woodwork and live my life in obscurity. The spiritual gifts He imparts and His supernatural work makes up the difference, but that requires of me a continual reliance on Him. The need to lean hard on Him is a gift to be valued.

Ministry requires achievement that exceeds our natural abilities. God’s call is unique and perfectly suited to each of us. This does not mean, however, that His call is easy. It appears to me that God wants to take each of us to higher places than we would achieve on our own. The Peter Principle is a real limiting factor in our personal achievement capabilities, but the God Principle can lift us above our natural abilities. I am not suggesting that we can all achieve the same thing if we just get close enough to God and work with great efficiently. I am suggesting that God enables us to become more than we can ever be in our natural abilities; to live a life that can only be explained by factoring in the presence and empowerment of God. This reality means we get stretched and need to live with great faith in God.

Ministry requires proclamation of biblical truth; truth that challenges the messenger as well as the hearer. To faithfully proclaim biblical truth means that at times we share truth we have not fully realized in our personal living. We overcome this inadequacy with transparency, commitment to personal growth, and the firm belief that God’s word is the truth we all need. Don’t wait till you have mastered a biblical life-principle before sharing it with others. Don’t be afraid to admit a leadership mistake to your board or church. Don’t be afraid to share personal failures that can be instructive and encouraging to other imperfect journeyers. Though there is a necessary baseline of maturity for ministers, we are still on the journey of discipleship. We are to be examples to the flock of God, and part of the example we provide is our own continued growth in Christ.

Ministry requires the work of God. We cannot cleanse anyone of their sins. We cannot change the human heart. If God doesn’t show up, we are nothing more than self-help influencers with no real power to address the deep issues of life. We need to be acutely aware of this inadequacy and lean heavily on God’s adequacy.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:3-11.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Recent Connections and Reflections

RECENT CONNECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS: On May 20th many family and friends gathered in Denver, CO for a wonderful memorial service for James Boulware. James impacted several thousand people with his life and ministry. He was pastor of Aurora First AG when I was a young man growing up in Englewood, CO. Though my family did not attend Aurora First, I became acquainted with James and his ministry early on, and observed his life and ministry for several years. He combined the qualities of a loving spirit, great strength of character, and effective ministry. He built a great church in Aurora. He then went on to serve on the Mission field and in various ministry positions. He was a man ahead of his time. While some were preaching against sports he was buying uniforms for their church softball team He was a student of the bible and built a ministry that was anchored in the timeless truths of God’s word and reflected through contemporary methods. His influence was instrumental in my willingness to answer the call to pastoral ministry. James Boulware will be missed and is another reason to look forward to heaven.

On May 21 and 23, Friday p.m. and Sunday a.m., I had the privilege of speaking for Pastor Myke Crowder at the High School Graduation of Layton Christian Academy in Layton, UT and in the Sunday a.m. services at Christian Life Center in Layton. The school is impressive and provides a powerful influence in Layton for Christ. The church has grown large with about 1,000 people in attendance and is making a significant impact in the area. God bless you, Myke in your continued ministry. God is doing great things in Utah; may He continue to anoint and use our pastors and churches.

On May 26th I spent the day in beautiful Avon, CO with Pastor Dan Matney discussing future developments for New Life AG. Many congregants have suffered the loss of jobs. These circumstances present opportunities for churches and challenges. We are believing God for His blessing in this unique place of ministry. Dan we appreciate your 14 years of ministry there.

On May 27th I met with Pastor Bryan Sederwall and he shared an update on the Denver Church which was planted in 2007. They had to leave the school they were meeting in due to a remodeling project. God in His goodness provided an unexpected and unique venue for ministry in a nearby boxing gym. The boxing ring will be the platform for the worship band and pastor. The owner of the gym is a committed Christian who is not only providing the location but also encouraging his boxers to attend; another first in God’s creative solutions.

On Sunday, May 30th I had the privilege of speaking for Pastor Ted and Tami Miller at the dedication of the new Victory Life Church (formally Grand Junction First AG) facility in Fruita, CO. The facility is wonderful and signifies a great legacy in the church, a “men of Issachar” (who understood their times) ministry, a passion to reach more people for Christ, and excelling leadership. Relocation is a major step and I pray the Lord will meet all the needs of this church and use Pastor Miller and the congregation in greater ways than ever before. Our churches in the Grand Junction area are making a significant difference in the Kingdom of God.

On June 3rd I stopped in on Sox Place, Doyle Robinson’s ministry to homeless kids in downtown Denver. The place was overrun with kids receiving help and being loved on by God’s people. Gareth Unruh (who ministers to young people in jail) was there with Doyle, and I forgive him for colliding with me on a borrowed skate board.

On Friday, June 4th I was Loretta’s driver and accompanied her to Peggy Vawter’s Women Reaching Women conference at Abundant Life Christian Center, in Arvada, CO. Many of our WM leaders from across our district gathered and received encouragement and valuable teaching. Thanks for your leadership Peggy. Also, the women recently completed a successful missions trip to Costa Rica.

On Sunday, June 6th I was honored to install Justin and Megan Atchley as the new Pastor of New Hope Community Church in Golden, CO. Justin had been serving on Pastor Steve Curry’s leadership team at Foothills AG in Fort Collins, CO. Congratulations Justin and Megan, and may God grant you a flourishing ministry in Golden, CO.

PRAISE REPORTS: Pastor T. J. and Robin Harris, Englewood First AG, Englewood, CO reported the first ever Love Englewood community worship service on Sunday, May 23rd. Eight churches participated with about 1,500 people in attendance at the Englewood High School football stadium (my alma mater). The city council was present along with the Mayor and other city officials. T. J. was asked to speak and many responded to an invitation. Some were baptized in horse troughs on the spot. City leaders subsequently asked T. J. to set up a meeting with the City Fathers and the Faith Community to discuss ways to work together to see Englewood whole and restored.

Pastor Rex and Amy Adams, Ordway AG, Ordway, CO had a Grand Reopening of the church on Sunday, June 6th. After preparing the building and canvassing the community they experienced a wonderful Sunday of outreach to the community. The district had funds available for church revitalization to assist with upgrades to the building and we are excited about what the Lord is doing in this ministry.

I am also thankful for the opportunity to provide coaching for some of our pastors who are working toward the revitalization of their churches. There are praise reports yet unexperienced I believe God will bring into reality as we work together faithfully with Him.

Recent connections

DISTRICT COUNCIL: It was great to see many of you at District Council at Victory Life Church in Fruita, CO, April 27-29. The Lord gave us an enriching time of worship, ministry, fellowship, and business. I am humbled by the Council’s decision to return me to the office of Superintendent for the upcoming term. I came into this Council having served in this role for almost 2 years and am honored you would ask me to continue.

Recordings of the messages in all the District Council services and workshops are available on our website, www.rmdc.org, currently under Upcoming Events and later will be listed under Resources. I encourage you to take in the wonderful preaching and teaching provided. Special thanks to Dr. James Bradford for his messages in the night services and thanks to all our workshop presenters. Also, in our Missions Service Tuesday evening we took an offering for Missionary Chad Phillips’ ministry to missionary kids. I also want to thank Pastor Ted and Tami Miller and Victory Life Church for hosting this Council. In our RMDC Connection publication this month Virgil Illum gives a full report on the actions taken at District Council. This publication is posted on our web site.

LIVING IN GOD’S FAVOR: At District Council I shared a message on Kingdom Growth. My first point in the message is “Kingdom Growth requires God’s Blessing”. This includes God’s sovereign action and God’s favor, which relates to the condition of our hearts. I would like to expand on this point beyond what I shared in the message at Council to bring into focus the essential quality of integrity in a minister’s life.

When I was called to pastor a church several years ago I followed a Pastor who had to leave the church and the ministry due to a moral failure. I learned some things first-hand about the effect of a Pastor’s moral failure on a church. He served there for several years and engaged in a hidden extramarital affair for a period of time before his dismissal. When all this came to light the result was a Loss of people, heartache, confusion, and a loss of trust in the congregation.

One irony in the situation was that the Pastor, even while engaged in persistent sin, had an earnest desire to see the church grow. He worked hard employing normally effective ministries and methods in a church that had many excellent qualities already. However, in spite of his efforts the church began to decline. I had congregants tell me they knew something was wrong but they didn’t know what it was until the affair was exposed. God didn’t leave His people during this time, but it appears He did lift His favor from the work of the church. After the Pastor left and we arrived God’s favor returned and the church began to immediately grow without changing any methods or ministries. I know there are cases were a church grows even when a Pastor is engaged in immorality, but sooner or later God disciplines and things change.

As ministers we have an obligation to God and an obligation to the body of Christ to live our lives above reproach. No doubt, we enter God’s family solely on the basis of His grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross. We do not gain or retain salvation by our works. But, having received His forgiveness and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, God sets us on a needed journey of transformation for “we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Credentialed ministers should be well on their way in this journey of transformation; living overcoming lives that present a Christ-like example to the flock of God free from behaviors that can be stumbling blocks to the weak.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Ephesians 12:1. Such a life invites the favor of God and no amount of work can substitute for His favor.

RECENT CONNECTIONS: Since my last ebulletin I have had the privilege of worshipping with Pastor Keith and Julie Boyer of Crossroads Community Church in Commerce City, CO. This is an exciting growing church ministering in partnership with five other campuses. I also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pastor Charles and Stacie Stoumbaugh with the congregation of Cornerstone Church in Buena Vista, CO. This too is an exciting growing church with two Sunday a.m. services. Congratulations Charlie and Stacey on ten years of ministry in Buena Vista!

Returning from District Council I ministered at Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs, CO where Pastor Phillip and Heather Steiger serve. The church in partnership with Focus on the Family had just completed a successful marriage seminar for the community. On Mother’s Day Loretta spoke at Parker Christian Center where Pastor David and Kathy Goerzen minister. They have grown to two Sunday morning services and the joy of the Lord is evident in this body of believers.

May 14 – 16 was our Honor Bound Men’s Retreat at Keystone, CO. Jeff Lucas’ ministry was outstanding and I believe all in attendance received something fresh from God. Thanks Dave Argue for a challenging message Sunday a.m., also. We are transitioning our District Men’s retreats as we move forward. In 2011 we plan to have regional retreats with a Friday night through Saturday afternoon schedule to make the retreats more accessible to the AG men of Utah and Colorado. More information will be forthcoming as we solidify plans.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Recent Connections and Reflections

In the last month I had the privilege of sharing at the Pueblo Christian Center Pastor/Board retreat with Pastor Josh Richardson and his team. This is a fine leadership team and God is at work in PCC. Also, Loretta and I were able to worship at Pueblo Praise AG with Pastor Bobby Wilson and the wonderful people of that congregation. Darron Wilson preached and it was an enriching service. Bobby is gaining strength following recent heart surgery, but needs prayer for continued recovery.

I spent one Sunday at home sick. I have rarely missed Sunday morning worship due to illness. I am grateful for good health and one of my greatest joys is worshipping with God’s people. To make up for that missed Sunday (smile) I visited a Saturday evening worship service at Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel and then Living Hope Church Sunday a.m. Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel is a great church of several thousand people in Colorado Springs. I am grateful we are in spiritual partnership with all of God’s family. Calvary Chapels often function under the radar in church growth literature and seminars, and yet several of the largest churches in America are Calvary Chapels. When Chuck Smith started Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, CA his goal was to create the “best fed and best loved” congregation in Southern CA. Not a bad paradigm of ministry.

As a Pastor when I would get discouraged by seasons of slow or no growth, I would refocus on ministering to people. Sometimes we become so absorbed with the administration and programming of the church we can unwittingly fail to feed and love people. Like the coach of a struggling football team who trims back the play book and gets back to the basics of blocking and tackling, we need to be sure we are effective in the most important aspects of our work.

Easter Sunday I visited Restoration Church, Interim Pastor Dave Argue and Living Hope Church, Pastor Phil Steiger both in Colorado Springs. If only every Sunday were as exciting as Easter! These two churches had about 950 people in attendance together. I have received reports of other churches experiencing a great Easter Sunday and pray the Lord will add to His church in this season of the year.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

RECENT CONNECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS

Since the first of the year I have enjoyed many opportunities to connect with our ministry family and a number of our churches.

On January 10th we visited Solid Rock Christian Fellowship in Florence, CO. Pastor Paul and Melanie Aragon are serving as long term interim Pastors leading the church to a place of health and vitality. The church is growing and doing very well.

On January 17th we visited Origins Community Church in Boulder, CO. Pastor Brad and Julie Riley and their leadership team are doing a great job. It was exciting to see so many CU students engaged in the church.

On January 24th we visited Aurora First AG in Aurora, CO. Pastor Gene and Rhonda Roncone lead this fine congregation. I heard someone say entering a healthy church is like walking into a kitchen when bread is baking which brings the following scripture to mind. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” (2 Corinthians 2:14). God’s fragrance is evident at Aurora First. They are engaged in a relocation project, so breathe a prayer for God’s blessing in the completion of their building program.

On Saturday, January 30th Loretta spoke at the Missions Ladies Brunch in Salt Lake City, UT. Several AG churches come together in Salt Lake City for a grand missions convention.

In January we conducted our Presbyter meeting. One of the enriching elements of our January meeting is a banquet with our Ordination candidates. We have a great group of ministers advancing to Ordination this year.

On February 7th it was my joy to speak at Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Pastor Phil and Heather Steiger lead this congregation and we make this our home church.

On February 21st I spoke at High Point Church in Midway, UT where Cliff Gregory serves as Pastor. This church was started in partnership with Pastor Alex Lucero and Abundant Life AG in North Salt Lake City, UT. The church is doing very well with close to 100 people in attendance.

February was spent primarily in our District Sectional Tour. The connections with our ministry family was rich, important elections were conducted, we learned from one another in “best practices” presentations, and God’s presence was real as we encouraged one another. We experienced transition in several of our sections and will have five new Presbyters assuming office at out District Council.

In our travels Pastor Ted Miller gave me a tour of the new facility Grand Junction First AG is building. The building is beautiful and should be complete the beginning of April. They have graciously agreed to host our District Council this year and it will be exciting to celebrate with them in this significant step forward. They recently changed the name of the church to Victory Life Church, so keep that in mind as you drive to the new location. Pray for Pastor Ted and Tamara Miller and the congregation as they complete this facility and move forward.

On March 7th it was my privilege to speak at Living Water Assembly in Fort Lupton, CO. Pastor Dale and Donna Stout are doing excellent work leading this church in growth and spiritual health.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Encouraged in the Lord

Discouragement is an enemy we all face from time to time. David found himself discouraged and in a very difficult situation in 1 Samuel 30: 1-6. His discouragement was due to the captivity of his family and his follower’s families, the destruction of Ziklag where he and his followers were living at the time, and the threat of rebellion among his followers. In verse 6 it says “But David found strength in the Lord his God” or as the King James version says “but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

Recently, a pastor going through a very difficult time shared that without his relationship with God he would have given up. Learning to encourage ourselves in the Lord is a vital spiritual discipline. I think there were a number of things that converged in David’s mind that enabled him to be strengthened by the Lord at a critical moment in his life.

First of all, David encouraged himself in God’s mercy. He strayed from the will of God and needed His mercy. He grew weary of Saul’s pursuit of his life in Israel and went to Gath where he entered an alliance with King Achish, a Philistine ruler. Achish gave him the city of Ziklag where he and his six hundred men and their families could live. During his 16 month stay in Ziklag David raided communities outside Gath killing the inhabitants and taking their spoils to provide for his followers. Among David’s victims were Amalekites. When Achish questioned him about the source of the spoils David lied saying he had plundered Israelites in Judea. Discouragement comes even when we are in the center of God’s will, but David’s impending dilemma stemmed from his disobedience to God.

Amalekites attacked Ziklag as David and his men were with the armies of the Philistines preparing to fight King Saul and the army of Israel. David offered to fight for the Philistines but the Philistine commanders did not trust him and required that Achish send him and his men home to Ziklag. When they returned they discovered their city burned and their families taken captive. His men were so distraught they threatened to stone him. David then inquired of the Lord and the Lord promised he would successfully rescue his people. Under God’s direction he did so. David was at his best when he inquired of the Lord. When he trusted his own judgment over God’s he failed. Discouragement comes to us all, but when we miss God it is compounded. God’s mercy does not fail, however, and we can look to Him in assurance of His love and readiness to help.

Second, David encouraged himself in God’s promise. God mercifully protected David from fighting against Saul. It was in this battle that Saul’s sons were slain and Saul died falling on his sword after being wounded by the enemy. If David had participated alongside the Philistines in this battle, his ascension to the throne of Israel may have been prevented. God mercifully protected David from himself in this instance and preserved his future. God directed Samuel to anoint David in his youth as the next King of Israel. Though years had passed since that promise was delivered to David the promise remained true. I find it instructive that at the critical moment of the fulfillment of God’s promise David was in peril from within and without.

Third, David encouraged himself in God’s power. He inquired of the Lord in the depths of his distress. Time and again David had experienced God’s overcoming power. God enabled him as a boy to kill a lion and a bear in defense of his sheep. With God’s help he defeated the giant Goliath on the field of battle. God preserved him time and again from Saul’s efforts to locate and kill him. When all seemed lost from the human perspective he knew God was greater than any circumstance and he put his trust in God.

Out of this crisis David renewed his commitment to the plan of God and returned to Israel. It wasn’t long before he was anointed King over Judah and later King over all of Israel. There is strength in the Lord our God. Be encouraged in Him.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Recent Connections and Reflections

On November 22nd Loretta and I worshipped at Living Hope Church where Phil Steiger serves as Pastor. They are working in partnership with the counseling department at Focus on the Family to provide a city wide marriage seminar designed for unchurched people. The Army Post, Fort Carson is very interested because of the family challenges so many troops face due to serving in Iraq for extended periods of time. The event will be hosted by Living Hope on April 30 and May 1, and we are believing many will be impacted with the love and wisdom of Christ.

On November 29th Loretta and I visited Discovery Church in Parker, CO. Pastor Jon and Angie Hamp launched this church in September 09 and are meeting in a theater complex. The church is thriving with a wonderful worship experience and excited people.

On December 6th Loretta and I were in San Antonio TX for the AG Executive Leadership conference. A Sunday morning service was conducted in the hotel with Jim Bradford (General Council Secretary) speaking. He will be our night speaker at District Council in Grand Junction, CO this year. He is an excellent communicator with great content. The conference was refreshing and helpful.

On December 13th Loretta and I visited Federal Heights New Life Worship Center where Bo Sosa serves as Pastor. It was great to be with this church family that suffered the tragedy of the Masters Commission van accident. This is an alive, growing church that is impacting its community. We are all pulling for this wonderful church in their time of difficulty and God is doing great things. God bless you Bo and Teresa and your ministry team!

On December 20th I spoke at Eads AG in Eads, CO where Richard Zabriskie serves as Pastor. What a delightful group of people. The church building is located near the local High School which I helped build when I was about 16 years old and working for a sheet rocking contractor in the summer months. It brought back some memories and I discovered a couple men in the church who also worked on that building (so much for reminiscing). Thank you Richard and Pat for your ministry in Eads.

On December 27th I spoke at Radiant Church, in Colorado Springs, CO where Todd Hudnall serves as Pastor. Thanks, Todd, for inviting a previous pastor into your pulpit. The church is doing very well with many new people added and a completely renovated main campus. Radiant launched a satellite campus at Vista Ridge High School in September and I had the privilege of preaching three times; twice at the main campus and once at Vista Ridge. What could be more fun for a minister? Pastor Todd Hudnall is also on the radio five days a week with his preaching ministry. God bless you Todd and Kelly and your ministry team.

We are part of a great family of believers and together we can do so much more for Christ than we can separately. And, now we start a new year. My prayer is that 2010 will be your best year to date for you personally, your family, and your ministry.

PRAYER NEEDS:

Pastor Bobby Wilson of Praise AG in Pueblo, CO is scheduled for heart surgery January 28th.

Pastor Richard Johnson of First AG in La Junta, CO has been diagnosed with a large mass on his right kidney. Richard’s wife Robin is in treatment with a lesion on her liver as well. You can communicate with them and tract their progress on their web site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/richandrobinjohnson.

Pastor Emil Romero of Blanding, UT is scheduled for surgery on his left shoulder and right knee in January and February.

Please join me in prayer for these dear friends and colleagues.