As you know, a well intentioned preacher predicted that Jesus would return for His church on May 21, 2011. That day came and went and the Lord did not return. Following this miscalculation the same prophetic pundit said he was 5 months off and Jesus will return October 21, 2011. I’m sure all of us find these predictions embarrassing in light of the inaccuracy involved and the following statement of Jesus: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36). We know the signs of the times indicate His coming could be soon, but that’s all we know about the timing of His coming. No doubt unbelievers revel in anything that embarrasses the church. However, the truth of God’s Word endures. It is not subject to human error and God continues His work of drawing people to Himself.
On the plus side, this prophetic fiasco reminds us that Jesus promised to come back and when He does everything will change. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8). Longing for His appearing is designed to be a healthy characteristic of God’s children.
I have heard it said that some Christians are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good. It would be unhealthy and unbiblical to neglect responsibility on earth because we anticipate the Lord’s coming. A healthy, biblical perspective anticipates the Lord’s return and draws from that hope motivation to live for Christ on earth. It is not an obsession that blurs our understanding of earthly realities and responsibilities. It is a deep seated hope that helps shape our lives in very constructive ways on this earth.
The hope of His coming motivates us to holy living. “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3). I had the privilege of pastoring many military people in Colorado Springs. I remember one young wife and mother whose husband was stationed overseas for a long period of time. As his return home neared she began making preparations. She lost weight, cleaned up the house, and prepared her young children for his arrival. It was a wonderful lesson on preparing to receive the person you love.
The hope of His coming motivates us to faithful service. Speaking of life after death Paul said, “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). The prospect of Jesus coming before we die holds the same hope of eternal reward for our service.
The hope of His coming ministers peace in a troubled world. We all experience discouragement when our efforts bring less than desired results. Not enough people are getting saved, the church is imperfect, and Christians let us down. And, sometimes we disappoint ourselves. The hope of Christ’s coming includes the ultimate establishment of His Kingdom on earth. In that day the redeemed will be free from the frailties of human flesh and all Christians will be complete in their transformation. When His Kingdom comes in fullness all humanity will be under the direct reign of Jesus Christ and all will be made right. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 23:2).
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:22-25).
Be encouraged. He didn’t come on May 21st and probably won’t come on October 21st, but He will come. If He doesn’t come in your life time, you will enter His fully expressed presence and Kingdom when you die. So, till He comes or we pass from this life let’s keep introducing our Savior and the truth of His Word to as many as possible and bring the influence of His Kingdom into this hurting lost world.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Connections and Reflections
RECENT CONNECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS:
My last personal ebulletin was January 10, 2011. Since that time I have had the privilege of visiting Castlewood Canyon Church in Franktown, CO, and Pastor Jack and Lynnett Serr January 16th. We enjoyed a wonderful worship experience and the testimonies of many in the church sharing what God is doing. God bless you Jack and Lynnett as you continue to minister in the Franktown area.
On January 30th I ministered at Abundant Life Church in Silverthorne, CO. Abundant Life is in pastoral transition and the Elements AG pastoral team is providing interim pastoral leadership. Currently, we have several churches open and pray God will direct the leadership of His choosing to each church.
On January 31st we started our District Sectional Tour in Sterling, CO. It was a joy to connect with the majority of our ministers as we travelled throughout Colorado and Utah. Winter weather presented a challenge at times but we had good attendance and safe travel. In February one Sunday speaking engagement was cancelled due to weather and I had to cancel another one at the end of the month due to a sinus infection that sidelined me for a few days.
On February 20th I was honored to preach at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT for Pastor Jim and Carrie Ayers. They are now conducting three Sunday a.m. services. Many have been coming into the Kingdom of God because of this exciting church.
LIFE GIVING PREACHING:
I shared a message with those present at the sectional council meals on “Life-Giving Preaching” and would like to reiterate the ingredients in effective preaching.
Effective preaching informs the mind, stirs the heart, and motivates the will with God’s word. It changes lives for time and eternity, and it builds the church spiritually and numerically. Preaching is not the only ingredient in the life of a church, but it is a critical ingredient. “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21. Life-giving preaching requires an authentic messenger, an impacting message, an effective delivery, and a compelling authority.
AN AUTHENTIC MESSENGER: An authentic or credible messenger is one who is a sincere follower of Jesus Christ, a student of God’s word, and a practitioner of God’s word. God spoke through a donkey once, but that does not mean He will speak through one again. In fact, the biblical qualifications for eldership in the church indicate that the credibility of the preacher is of great importance to God. People are not interested in hearing a message from someone who does not understand or practice what they preach.
This is not to say we must be perfect. Part of authenticity is openness regarding our humanity and continuing growth in Christ. But, that openness is expressed in the context of a mature life in Christ that provides an example to the flock of God and a good reputation to the world.
AN IMPACTING MESSAGE: An impacting message is biblical, logical, and Spirit-formed. The “foolishness” we preach is actually the wisdom of God which is regarded as foolishness by people who have not received the illumination of the Holy Spirit. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:25. Biblical truth is accompanied by the work of the Holy Spirit and changes lives for time and eternity. We cannot find a more needed or important message than God’s Word.
Presenting a logical and Spirit-formed message is also critical to life-giving preaching. This is the product of concerted study, design, and prayer. By design I mean developing a logical presentation that people will understand and can apply to their lives. Prayer invokes the Holy Spirit’s participation in the design of the sermon.
AN EFFECTIVE DELIVERY: An effective delivery is heart-felt, contextualized, and natural. Jesus demonstrated every facet of life-giving preaching. His delivery was marked by the compassion he felt for the people and his identification with the people. He appealed to their sympathies and imagination by using illustrations from the culture of his day.
Another important ingredient in delivery is natural style. Effective preachers possess a wide range of personalities. Some are very demonstrative and others conversational. T. D. Jakes and Jack Hayford are polar opposites in style but both are very effective in their delivery. The key is to develop your natural style. God uses different personalities to minister to different people.
A COMPELLING AUTHORITY: A compelling authority is derived from God’s Word, position, wisdom, love, and righteous living. God’s Word has an authority all its own. It will not return void. Position, such as that of a pastor and credentialed minister carries a degree of authority. People also grant authority to speak into their lives to those who are wise and those who love them. Furthermore, righteous living or moral authority is necessary in the messenger, if we expect people to be interested in what we have to say. “The people were amazed at his (Jesus) teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” Mark 1:22
In the late 1800s George Matheson went to pastor in Edinburgh, Scotland. About six months after his arrival an elder in his church was calling on congregants and came to the home of an elderly widow who lived in a cellar. When he learned she had moved he searched the community and found her living in an attic room. He went to see her and when she invited him in he noted that the humble attic room was as clean, bright, and cheerful as the cellar had been dark, damp, and dirty. He said to her, “I see you have changed your home.” She responded by saying “Yes, you cannot hear George Matheson preach and live in a cellar”.
Effective preaching is life-giving. It changes lives for time and eternity, and it grows your church spiritually and numerically. “The disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20. May God strengthen all of us in the art of Preaching the Word.
My last personal ebulletin was January 10, 2011. Since that time I have had the privilege of visiting Castlewood Canyon Church in Franktown, CO, and Pastor Jack and Lynnett Serr January 16th. We enjoyed a wonderful worship experience and the testimonies of many in the church sharing what God is doing. God bless you Jack and Lynnett as you continue to minister in the Franktown area.
On January 30th I ministered at Abundant Life Church in Silverthorne, CO. Abundant Life is in pastoral transition and the Elements AG pastoral team is providing interim pastoral leadership. Currently, we have several churches open and pray God will direct the leadership of His choosing to each church.
On January 31st we started our District Sectional Tour in Sterling, CO. It was a joy to connect with the majority of our ministers as we travelled throughout Colorado and Utah. Winter weather presented a challenge at times but we had good attendance and safe travel. In February one Sunday speaking engagement was cancelled due to weather and I had to cancel another one at the end of the month due to a sinus infection that sidelined me for a few days.
On February 20th I was honored to preach at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT for Pastor Jim and Carrie Ayers. They are now conducting three Sunday a.m. services. Many have been coming into the Kingdom of God because of this exciting church.
LIFE GIVING PREACHING:
I shared a message with those present at the sectional council meals on “Life-Giving Preaching” and would like to reiterate the ingredients in effective preaching.
Effective preaching informs the mind, stirs the heart, and motivates the will with God’s word. It changes lives for time and eternity, and it builds the church spiritually and numerically. Preaching is not the only ingredient in the life of a church, but it is a critical ingredient. “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21. Life-giving preaching requires an authentic messenger, an impacting message, an effective delivery, and a compelling authority.
AN AUTHENTIC MESSENGER: An authentic or credible messenger is one who is a sincere follower of Jesus Christ, a student of God’s word, and a practitioner of God’s word. God spoke through a donkey once, but that does not mean He will speak through one again. In fact, the biblical qualifications for eldership in the church indicate that the credibility of the preacher is of great importance to God. People are not interested in hearing a message from someone who does not understand or practice what they preach.
This is not to say we must be perfect. Part of authenticity is openness regarding our humanity and continuing growth in Christ. But, that openness is expressed in the context of a mature life in Christ that provides an example to the flock of God and a good reputation to the world.
AN IMPACTING MESSAGE: An impacting message is biblical, logical, and Spirit-formed. The “foolishness” we preach is actually the wisdom of God which is regarded as foolishness by people who have not received the illumination of the Holy Spirit. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:25. Biblical truth is accompanied by the work of the Holy Spirit and changes lives for time and eternity. We cannot find a more needed or important message than God’s Word.
Presenting a logical and Spirit-formed message is also critical to life-giving preaching. This is the product of concerted study, design, and prayer. By design I mean developing a logical presentation that people will understand and can apply to their lives. Prayer invokes the Holy Spirit’s participation in the design of the sermon.
AN EFFECTIVE DELIVERY: An effective delivery is heart-felt, contextualized, and natural. Jesus demonstrated every facet of life-giving preaching. His delivery was marked by the compassion he felt for the people and his identification with the people. He appealed to their sympathies and imagination by using illustrations from the culture of his day.
Another important ingredient in delivery is natural style. Effective preachers possess a wide range of personalities. Some are very demonstrative and others conversational. T. D. Jakes and Jack Hayford are polar opposites in style but both are very effective in their delivery. The key is to develop your natural style. God uses different personalities to minister to different people.
A COMPELLING AUTHORITY: A compelling authority is derived from God’s Word, position, wisdom, love, and righteous living. God’s Word has an authority all its own. It will not return void. Position, such as that of a pastor and credentialed minister carries a degree of authority. People also grant authority to speak into their lives to those who are wise and those who love them. Furthermore, righteous living or moral authority is necessary in the messenger, if we expect people to be interested in what we have to say. “The people were amazed at his (Jesus) teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” Mark 1:22
In the late 1800s George Matheson went to pastor in Edinburgh, Scotland. About six months after his arrival an elder in his church was calling on congregants and came to the home of an elderly widow who lived in a cellar. When he learned she had moved he searched the community and found her living in an attic room. He went to see her and when she invited him in he noted that the humble attic room was as clean, bright, and cheerful as the cellar had been dark, damp, and dirty. He said to her, “I see you have changed your home.” She responded by saying “Yes, you cannot hear George Matheson preach and live in a cellar”.
Effective preaching is life-giving. It changes lives for time and eternity, and it grows your church spiritually and numerically. “The disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20. May God strengthen all of us in the art of Preaching the Word.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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