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.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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