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.
Monday, June 7, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Jesus established the purpose of the church in the Great Commission. Every facet of the church should ultimately participate in the assignment of proclaiming the gospel to the whole world and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
When the Rocky Mountain District Council of the Assemblies of God was established in 1921 our purpose was set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. A description of our purpose begins with the statement “The principles and objects of this organization shall be based on the ‘Bible as the inspired Word of the Living God’.” The following statement from that document says “The purpose of this organization shall be the propagation and dissemination of the Gospel of Christ …”. In abbreviation it goes on to say that we will do so by establishing a church organization to fulfill this purpose, by establishing the legal standing to hold property and channel funds to facilitate this purpose, by employing officers and representatives to promote this purpose, and by transacting business to carry out this purpose.
My vision for the district stems from the Great Commission and our original purpose for being. I see the district propagating the Gospel of Christ and making disciples by providing context, connection, and collaboration for effective ministry. CONTEXT is provided through our doctrine, credentialing for ministry, our educational institutions, our worldwide network of ministers and churches, and our history. CONNECTION is provided through our district wide network of ministers and churches. COLLABORATION is provided through our shared efforts in church planting and development, and our support mechanism for missionaries.
My goal is to maintain our viable context for ministry, encourage connections between our ministers, and facilitate collaboration in church development and multiplication. I believe it is important our ministers and their families are healthy, I believe our churches should be viable and growing, and I believe we should plant more new churches.
Personal health is promoted when we connect with healthy people. As a pastor I encouraged people to have at least one needy person in their lives they could minister to. (After one sermon in which I challenged our congregation to do so, one brother went around the foyer after the service offering himself as that needy person for someone to adopt) As pastors we have many needy persons in our lives and need to insure that we have an adequate support mechanism of healthy friends as well. Our network of pastors can provide that resource and includes in the package shared callings and experiences that can provide wisdom and encouragement at a meaningful level. I see us caring more for one another and reaching out to one another in the ministry. I know how easy it is to become isolated, and I encourage you to connect with ministers in your area for mutual encouragement and enrichment.
Healthy growing churches don’t just happen. They are the product of God’s providence, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, devotion to Christ, vision, wisdom, and hard work. We can help each other here also. Our friendships should be well rounded, but I encourage you to include a pastor of a church that has reached a level you want your church to reach. They can provide guidance that will help you move your church to a higher level. Forming a formal or informal mentoring or coaching relationship can be very helpful in the development of your ministry. Also, I envision strong churches partnering with struggling churches to bring them to strength. We have seen this happen in some cases already and I believe it is an effective pathway to church revitalization.
Two of the best things we did at Radiant Church in my years there was to plant Korean Glory Church (in the AG Korean District) and Restoration Church. Two other AG churches were started in Colorado Springs during my pastorate and I supported both. I have never regretted setting aside my fears that Radiant may end up smaller if I supported new churches in our area. In fact, Radiant grew larger as we formed new churches and kept a Kingdom mind set. These were some pastoral decisions I found to be essential to the expansion of the Kingdom of God and liberating to my own heart and ministry.
Starting new churches accelerates reaching the lost and is extremely important to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. I believe it is essential we resist the temptation to frame ministry within our existing ministries alone and champion the formation of new churches. New churches typically reach more unchurched people than established churches and are essential to fulfilling the Great Commission. I encourage every pastor to include in your vision participation in church planting. That may mean helping someone else start a church or it may mean starting another church out of your congregation (satellite or district affiliated).
It is an honor to be in partnership with you in the great cause of Jesus Christ. May God bless you personally and give you the greatest year of ministry ever in 2010.
When the Rocky Mountain District Council of the Assemblies of God was established in 1921 our purpose was set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. A description of our purpose begins with the statement “The principles and objects of this organization shall be based on the ‘Bible as the inspired Word of the Living God’.” The following statement from that document says “The purpose of this organization shall be the propagation and dissemination of the Gospel of Christ …”. In abbreviation it goes on to say that we will do so by establishing a church organization to fulfill this purpose, by establishing the legal standing to hold property and channel funds to facilitate this purpose, by employing officers and representatives to promote this purpose, and by transacting business to carry out this purpose.
My vision for the district stems from the Great Commission and our original purpose for being. I see the district propagating the Gospel of Christ and making disciples by providing context, connection, and collaboration for effective ministry. CONTEXT is provided through our doctrine, credentialing for ministry, our educational institutions, our worldwide network of ministers and churches, and our history. CONNECTION is provided through our district wide network of ministers and churches. COLLABORATION is provided through our shared efforts in church planting and development, and our support mechanism for missionaries.
My goal is to maintain our viable context for ministry, encourage connections between our ministers, and facilitate collaboration in church development and multiplication. I believe it is important our ministers and their families are healthy, I believe our churches should be viable and growing, and I believe we should plant more new churches.
Personal health is promoted when we connect with healthy people. As a pastor I encouraged people to have at least one needy person in their lives they could minister to. (After one sermon in which I challenged our congregation to do so, one brother went around the foyer after the service offering himself as that needy person for someone to adopt) As pastors we have many needy persons in our lives and need to insure that we have an adequate support mechanism of healthy friends as well. Our network of pastors can provide that resource and includes in the package shared callings and experiences that can provide wisdom and encouragement at a meaningful level. I see us caring more for one another and reaching out to one another in the ministry. I know how easy it is to become isolated, and I encourage you to connect with ministers in your area for mutual encouragement and enrichment.
Healthy growing churches don’t just happen. They are the product of God’s providence, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, devotion to Christ, vision, wisdom, and hard work. We can help each other here also. Our friendships should be well rounded, but I encourage you to include a pastor of a church that has reached a level you want your church to reach. They can provide guidance that will help you move your church to a higher level. Forming a formal or informal mentoring or coaching relationship can be very helpful in the development of your ministry. Also, I envision strong churches partnering with struggling churches to bring them to strength. We have seen this happen in some cases already and I believe it is an effective pathway to church revitalization.
Two of the best things we did at Radiant Church in my years there was to plant Korean Glory Church (in the AG Korean District) and Restoration Church. Two other AG churches were started in Colorado Springs during my pastorate and I supported both. I have never regretted setting aside my fears that Radiant may end up smaller if I supported new churches in our area. In fact, Radiant grew larger as we formed new churches and kept a Kingdom mind set. These were some pastoral decisions I found to be essential to the expansion of the Kingdom of God and liberating to my own heart and ministry.
Starting new churches accelerates reaching the lost and is extremely important to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. I believe it is essential we resist the temptation to frame ministry within our existing ministries alone and champion the formation of new churches. New churches typically reach more unchurched people than established churches and are essential to fulfilling the Great Commission. I encourage every pastor to include in your vision participation in church planting. That may mean helping someone else start a church or it may mean starting another church out of your congregation (satellite or district affiliated).
It is an honor to be in partnership with you in the great cause of Jesus Christ. May God bless you personally and give you the greatest year of ministry ever in 2010.
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