Thursday, May 14, 2015

RECENT CONNECTIONS


RECENT CONNECTIONS:

On Good Friday evening, April 3rd Loretta and I had the opportunity to attend the “Every Thought Captive” community event at The Cliff House in Manitou Springs, CO sponsored by Living Hope Church and Pastor Phil Steiger of Colorado Springs.  Dr. Craig Blomberg from Denver Seminary spoke to the subject “Are the Christian Scriptures Reliable”.  Dr. Blomberg recently published the book entitled “Can We Still Believe the Bible?”.  This event and periodic ones like it are designed to present the gospel as reasonable, winsome, and true to the community outside the walls of the church.  You can view this event at www.everythoughtcaptive.org.  God bless you Phil in this unique outreach.

Saturday, April 4th Loretta and I attended the Sarah’s Home Gala at Spruce Mountain Ranch, Larkspur, CO.  Sarah’s Home is moving forward with a recent shift in leadership.  Dr. Scott Bottoms Pastor of Church at Briargate, Colorado Springs, CO is the new chairman of the board and Vicki Proffit is the new Director.  We appreciate the work of founding board chairman Phil Steiger and Director Lincoln Smith.  This strategic ministry is lifting girls out of human trafficking and into God’s salvation and plan for their lives.  May we continue to financially support and pray for this vital ministry.

On April 9th our friend, Pastor Chris Acquah passed away.  Chris pastored Hope AG in Aurora, CO, a Ghanaian church.  I joined the church Sunday morning, April 12th to mourn with them and to affirm our hope in Jesus Christ as we worshipped the Lord together.  The church is solid with sound theology and mature leadership which is a tribute to Chris’ ministry.  We are praying for and working with the church to find the Pastor of God’s choosing moving into the future.  The memorial service for Chris Acquah will be May 30, 2015 at Haran & McConaty Funeral Home, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, CO 80014 at 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, April 14th I opened the Colorado Springs City Council meeting with prayer.  I mention this to talk about the President of the City Council, Keith King.  Keith and his wife Sandi are outstanding followers of Jesus Christ.  They moved to Colorado Springs in 1977 just a few weeks after Loretta and I arrived to pastor what was then called Nob Hill Assembly of God; later relocated and renamed Radiant Church.  They became faithful members of the church and started a retail furniture business in Colorado Springs which multiplied into several stores stretching across several states.  Keith also started and continues to serve as President of “Colorado Springs Early Colleges” Charter High School.  Keith and Sandy have faithfully worked in the church in leadership and teaching roles, and have been ardent supporters of missions.

As time went by Keith ran for political office and was elected as a Representative to the Colorado state legislature.  After he was sworn into office he shared with me that one of his goals was to witness to at least one person a week while in office.  He became very influential and rose to leadership within the legislature.  Later Keith was elected to serve as a state Senator.  Following his career in the state legislature Keith was elected to the Colorado Springs City Council and then to President of the Council.  He has served the citizens of Colorado Springs and the state of Colorado for over 18 years in an elected office.

Keith is a tremendous example of a Christian serving Christ in the church and through his career.  The scripture he uses for his City Council service is Ps 71:14-18; verse 18 says “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me O Lord, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.”  I thank God for Keith and Sandi who advance the cause of Christ with the gifts and opportunities God gives them.

Thursday, April 16th Loretta and I joined Cary Coffey, new Executive Director for Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains (TC), Daniel Patruska, Director of 180 Ministries (TC’s men’s program), and the men at 180 Ministries for lunch at the South Broadway location in Denver, CO.  Cary shared an update on the Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains ministries and their vision for the future.  I thank God for Teen Challenge and their three primary arms of ministry; 180 Ministries, House of Promise, and New Hope House.  God bless you Cary and TC leadership team as you move the ministry forward.

On Sunday, April 19th I visited Northland Church in Monument, CO and Pastor Jerry Cassell.  I thoroughly enjoyed the friendliness of the congregation, the worship, and Jerry’s message.  Jerry and Susan started this church a few short years ago and have developed a solid congregation that continues to grow and minister effectively in the community.  God bless you, Jerry and Susan!

April 21st and 22nd we gathered for our 98th District Council at Highpoint Church in Aurora, CO, Pastor Gene and Rhonda Roncone.  There was a wonderful spirit of unity and encouragement that permeated our time together. 

In the business sessions Randy Popineau was returned to the office of Secretary-Treasurer, Jerry Cassell was elected to serve as the East Slope Executive Presbyter, the Sectional Presbyters who were selected during Sectional Tour were ratified, Sid Casillas was elected to serve one year as our under 40 representative to the General Presbytery, and Madlyn Tombs was elected to serve one year as our female Ordained representative to the General Presbytery.  The Council also voted to adopt the doing-business-as name of “Rocky Mountain Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God” and to change the title of Superintendent to “Superintendent aka Network Pastor”.

Nate Banke, Dick Hardy, Randy Popineau, Gene Roncone, and Don Steiger shared ministry.  The messages were recorded and are now posted on our web site at www.rmdc.org.

On Tuesday, April 28th Loretta and I attended the memorial service for Doris Anderson at Calvary Assembly of God in Brush, CO, Pastor Chris and Kathy Russell.  Doris and her husband, Mervin (previously deceased) pastored in Cope and Campo, CO in years past.  In addition to pastoral ministry Doris was a tremendous influence for Christ in the Brush community and as a faithful worker in Calvary AG.

On Thursday, April 30th it was an honor to participate in the memorial service for Cliff Kornmueller at Friendship AG in Colorado Springs, CO, Pastor Jim and Mary Lou Hagan.  Cliff pastored in Ordway and Colorado Springs, CO and served for 17 years as the Secretary-Treasurer for our District.  The memorial service focused on the anticipated “well done” we believe Cliff will hear from His Lord.  He left a legacy of fine leadership and ministry.  May God grant comfort and strength to Cliff’s wife, Marlene.

May 1st and 2nd I attended the Utah Men’s Ministry retreat near Wanship, UT.  Bob Cook was the main speaker (hard to beat that) and I “mopped up” in the last session.  Attendance was strong and I believe each man received something of value from the Lord.  Thank you, Dane Wead, Utah Men’s Ministry Director, for providing this excellent men’s retreat.

The same weekend Randy Popineau attended the West Slope District Men’s Retreat near Gunnison, CO featuring Dave Roever as guest speaker.  The registration was filled to capacity and the ministry was outstanding.  Thanks to Chris Peterson, CO West Slope Men’s Ministry Director, for planning a fine retreat.

May 3rd I had the privilege of speaking at New Life Northview Church in Farr West, UT, Pastor Seth and Katy Koetitz.  This church started three years ago as a PAC of New Life Fellowship in Logan, UT, Pastor Dane and Beverly Wead and has since moved to General Council status.  The church is strong and growing and now has two morning worship services.  God bless you, Seth and Katy!

Sunday, May 10th Army Chaplain, Ric Brown was promoted to Lt. Colonel in a ceremony at Church at Briargate, Colorado Springs, CO Pastor Scott and Linda Bottoms.  It was exciting to celebrate this significant advancement in Chaplain Brown’s military and ministry career.  Congratulations Chaplain Brown!

On Sunday, May 17th I plan to be with Hope Assembly of God in Aurora, CO as they continue on their journey following the death of Pastor Chris Acquah.  Prayer for this church family is appreciated.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

MINISTRY INTERCESSIONS


 

 

Ministry Intercessions

There are several personal prayer requests recorded in the scriptures by the Apostles.  These requests give us insight into many of the important issues in vocational ministry.  Following is a brief synopsis of eight of these requests plus one from Jesus.

Pray to live an honorable life:  “Pray for us.  We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” Heb 13:18.  Effective ministry is grounded in a consistent honorable life.  Live a biblical life for the sake of Christ, the church, and yourself.  When ministers live holy lives they experience the abundant life Jesus promised, they protect and build the church, and they bring honor to the name of Jesus Christ.

Pray for God’s protection:  “And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.  But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Th 3:1-2.  Effective ministry requires eagerness for the fray.  Spiritual warfare is a reality; especially for those who are leaders in the church.  Resist the devil by clothing yourself with the armor of God and living in prayer.

Pray for a healthy relationship with the church:  “I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.” Heb 13:19.  Effective ministry requires love for the church.  Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  The church is a spiritual hospital and is a bit messy.  Don’t allow the “patients” who don’t get well, or the “patients” who injury you, or imperfect co-workers to rob you of Christ’s love for the church.

Pray for open doors:  “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” Col 4:2-3.  Effective ministry requires obedience to God.  Entering the open doors God sets before you is critical to fruitful ministry.  Paul was in chains when he sent out this prayer request.  He didn’t ask to be delivered from prison; rather that God would open doors to him to share the message.  John Wesley’s following Covenant Prayer (modern English version) embodies the desired attitude of every minister:

“I am no longer my own, but yours.  Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty., let me have all things, let me have nothing:  I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.  And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it.”

Pray to declare the message clearly:  “Pray that I may proclaim it (the message) clearly, as I should.  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Col 4:4-6.  Effective ministry requires wisdom.  Speaking the truth in love, using terminology understood within the culture where you minister, and earnestly praying to be led by the Spirit in your presentation of the gospel is essential.

Pray for courage to declare the message:  “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Eph 6:19-20.  We live in an increasingly post-Christian culture and courage is required to proclaim God’s word.  Furthermore, God’s call stretches us beyond our normal abilities and requires a deep dependence on him.  As we seek his guidance and by faith obey him, he will provide the courage we need to do what he has called us to do.

Pray for the message to spread rapidly and be honored:  “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”2 Th 3:1.  We plant and water, but God makes it grow.  It is the Father who draws people to himself and as co-workers with God we must be faithful to our task trusting God to convince men and women of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and draw people to himself.  Paul ministered in places like Thessalonica where the message spread rapidly.  And, he ministered in places like Athens where it did not.  Apply yourself to God’s call, pray fervently for the message to spread rapidly and be honored, and abandon the outcome to God.

Pray for more ministers:  “Then he (Jesus) said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” Mt 9:37-38.  The work of the ministry is not a solo; it is a symphony.  One voice, one passionate emphasis, one paradigm of ministry is not nearly enough.  Pray for more workers and welcome the addition of others to the army of God in your part of the world and around the globe.

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”  Heb 13:20-21