TRANSITIONS

In our Presbyter meeting January 19th the following decisions were made:

Royal Ranger Department Director: Jack Marshall was appointed to serve as our District RR Director beginning February 1, 2012. Jack is a long term member of Salt Lake Christian Center, SLC, UT and very experienced in RR. After 10 years of leadership Arden Harms stepped down from this position effective January 31, 2012. Thanks again, Arden, for your excellent work.

Men’s Ministry Department Director: Greg Hawkins was appointed to serve as our District MM Director beginning June 1, 2012. Greg is a long term member of Delta First AG, Delta, CO and leads an excelling men’s ministry in the local church. Jason Neely is currently serving in this role and plans to step down May 31, 2012 after the District Men’s Retreats this year. Thanks, Jason, for your good work.

College Ministries Representative: Brad Novosad was appointed to serve as our District College Ministries Director beginning in February. Brad is a Chi Alpha missionary leading CA ministry at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. He is also an involved member of Austin Bluffs Ccommunity Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Lee Terry has been serving as our College Ministries Rep. following Gabe Moya’s move out of our District. Thanks, Lee, for representing this ministry during a time when our District was in transition with Chi Alpha leadership.

West Slope Executive Presbyter: Jason Neely was appointed to serve as our West Slope EP beginning immediately. When Lee Ponder was appointed to fill out the term of Assistant Superintendent in August last year this position became vacant. The West Slope sections each nominated one candidate to be voted on by the Presbyters. Jason will fill out the term of the WSEP and then that office will be voted on at District Council in 2014. These changes followed the death of Virgil Illum and the appointment of Randy Popineau to serve as our Secretary Treasurer. The Presbytery is charged with the responsibility to fill these positions between District Councils and has acted carefully within our bylaws.

Sarah’s Home: Sarah’s Home was approved as a District Recognized Ministry. This ministry will help girls come out of human trafficking. Unfortunately, human trafficking has become a significant problem in CO. The District is providing a vacant church property in an outlying community to host this resident ministry. Work teams are being formed to renovate the church property that will be used for this ministry. Formation of the ministry is is process.

My Life Builders: My Life Builders was approved as a District Recognized Ministry. This is the consulting and coaching ministry of Charles Hefton. Charles provides teaching and coaching designed to develop a well-balanced life. He also consults with church leadership to help with the development of bylaws, policy manuals, and matters of administrative importance. He is a certified parliamentarian and able to advise on such things as church business meetings as well. You can learn more at mylifebuilders.com.

West Slope Family Camp: The Presbyters approved Jason Neely planning a West Slope Family Camp this year. Details will be forthcoming.

SECTIONAL TOUR:

Please plan to attend the sectional tour meeting planned for your section. There is district business to process such as the election of several Sectional Presbyters and Committee Persons. Also, our East Slope Sections will vote on nominees for an East Slope Executive Presbyter to be elected at District Council. We will also provide helpful workshops and a banquet meal at the District’s expense. Paul Veliquette will be leading a workshop on the important topic of church business. I plan to lead a workshop on church growth principles using Dick Hardy videos on various facets of church health and growth. Loretta will be meeting with the ladies for a special workshop as well.

One unique aspect of our tour this year is that Randy Popineau, our Secretary Treasurer will be meeting with Certified, Licensed, and credential-interested persons to receive input on credential advancement.

I will be sharing a message in the banquets I believe will be strengthening for all our ministers and spouses.

Discouragement

As I was listening to my son Phil’s Christmas message from Isaiah 49 recently I noted an experience in the life of Christ described prophetically that has particular significance for people in vocational ministry. Isaiah 49 describes the coming Christ as the Servant of the Lord. In verse 4 the Servant is quoted as saying, “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with God.”

It is startling to note that Jesus during the course of his life on earth experienced a sense of failure and futility in his work for the Father. He was after all altogether man as well as altogether God and he was tempted in all points as we are. So, it shouldn’t surprise us that he entered this very human experience familiar to pastors and missionaries. His experience in the garden as he prayed “not my will, but yours be done” may have been one of those moments. There are seasons of ministry when we are tempted to give up because it seems as though we are accomplishing nothing of value or it is too difficult. How do we keep those feelings from sidetracking us from doing God’s will?

After stating his discouragement, the Servant went on to say “Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with God.” Jesus dealt with his feelings of discouragement first of all by reminding himself that he was about the Father’s business and his final reward was with God. It is important to ascertain we are in God’s will and then entrust our work to him. What we do in ministry we do for God not the applause of men.

He goes on to say, “I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength – he says: it is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:5b-6). He also brought to mind the fact that he was honored to be called to do the work of the Father and that God was his strength. When my perspective is clearest I realize I am not doing God any favors by serving him, it is a profound and undeserved honor to be called into his service. He did me the honor of calling me into ministry. Even when the results seem unsatisfying to me it is a privilege to serve him.

He also notes that in the view of the Father he has received a call encompassing more than might be expected. He would be a light to the Gentiles as well as Israel. It wasn’t till after his death and resurrection that the message went out to the Gentiles. When we do not see the results we hope for remember there are unexpected results we cannot always observe. One of the benefits of enduring ministry is that you see results in later years from early years of ministry you could not have anticipated. God’s word does not return void and the seed of his truth planted through your ministry will bring a harvest over time. God is always doing things we cannot see and often he is working through us in ways we do not comprehend.

You may be riding the wave of exciting visible results from your ministry or you may be in a season of still waters when you are toiling at the oars with little tangible progress. If you are riding the wave, enjoy the ride and keep your balance through humility and deep devotion to God. Jesus was riding a wave at his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but the wave hit the shore line and he found himself alone in a garden pouring his heart out to the Father as he wrestled with the completion of his calling.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12: 2-3). Be encouraged as you enter 2012. God is with you. God is for you. God will use you according to his purpose as you faithfully walk with him.

CHRISTMAS AND FAMILY

This time of the year is a great opportunity to gather the family together, create memories, and grow deeper in our love for one another. Next to our relationship with God our families should be the most valued relationships we have. Loretta and I celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary November 29th and I am very grateful to God for bringing us together. Much of life comes and goes, but family is constant. When I resigned from Radiant Church after 22 years as Pastor I noticed that many ministerial relationships faded. Of course, it was important that I detach from relationships within the church to avoid interrupting the new pastor’s leadership. When I pastored Bethel Church in San Jose, CA one fellow minister told me he wanted to be my friend as long as I was pastoring Bethel. His unexpected comment revealed a normally unspoken but understood reality that many relationships are the product of one’s profession or position.

After moving to CA, Loretta and I would sometimes ask each other, “do you feel at home yet?” In one conversation she said to me “wherever you are is home for me”. It was one of those moments when I realized how very important Loretta is to me. Loretta and my sons are my best friends and greatest encouragement whether I’m “on other’s radar or under their radar”. We all need healthy human relationships that remain through all seasons of life. Relationships built on commitment to one another and love for one another – in sickness and in health; in good times and in bad. This time of year is a reminder of the first advent of our Savior and His immeasurable commitment to and love for us. For me it is also a reminder of the priceless gift He has given me in my family. I pray your family relationships will be enriched and your marriage filled with love, grace, joy and peace.

Some of our ministers have lost family members to death in the last year; one of the greatest heartaches in life. I pray God will grant each one comfort in this Christmas season.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

CONGRATULATIONS AND CONNECTIONS

CONGRATULATIONS:

Timberline Church recently honored Dary and Bonnie Northrup for 25 years of pastoral ministry. Timberline grew into one of the strongest churches in America over those 25 years, and Dary and
Bonnie’s influence for Christ reaches far beyond Fort Collins. Thanks Dary and Bonnie for your exemplary lives and effective ministry.

Friday night, November 4th Loretta and I joined in a celebration for Nicky and Gloria Cruz commemorating 50 years of marriage and ministry. In the last 50 years Nicky has preached the gospel to 50 million people and as a result hundreds of thousands have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. God bless you Nicky and Gloria!

It was my privilege to be the Cruz’s pastor for 20 years and I know Nicky and Gloria to be authentic people of God. God placed them in a worldwide spotlight and whether in the spotlight or out they are the same genuine followers of Jesus Christ. Gloria quietly worked in the county jail in Colorado Springs every week ministering to juveniles in trouble. When he wasn’t travelling Nicky worked out at the same gym as I and over the years brought many of the people he met there to church. They raised four daughters who are faithfully living for Jesus. What God can do with a life surrendered to His Lordship is amazing.

RECENT CONNECTIONS:

October 14-16 Loretta and I traveled to the Utah Women’s Retreat in Park City, Utah. The retreat was spiritually enriching to the 150 ladies in attendance. Thanks to Peggy Vawter and her leadership team for this effective retreat.

I also had the opportunity to visit Pastor Troy Champ and Capital Church in Salt Lake City, Utah for their Saturday evening service October 15th. This is an exciting church filled with young people near the University of Utah campus. God bless you Troy and Suzanne.

Loretta and I visited Pastor Shannon and Nancy Schreyer and God’s Place church in Ogden, Utah Sunday morning. October 16th. It was great to also connect with Adam and Joni Schmidgall who serve as Children’s Pastors at God’s Place. This is a church with a revival spirit reaching into the community of Ogden with great passion for God and people. God bless you Shannon and Nancy, and Adam and Joni.

On Wednesday, October 19th I stopped by Restoration Church in Colorado Springs to see the addition of temporary buildings. Restoration has been growing so fast with young families they had to bring in temporary buildings to accommodate the needs of a rapidly expanding children’s ministry. God bless you Pastor Paul and Melanie Aragon.

This year our DYD Lee Terry and his leadership team provided a youth convention October 21-23 at Victory Life Church in Grand Junction, CO. About 300 young people were in attendance to receive the ministry provided. Several of the youth groups stayed for one of the Sunday morning services at Victory Life Church before returning home. Thank you Pastor Ted Miller for making the facilities of Victory Life Church available and for your ministry to the many young people who invaded your church service Sunday morning.

On October 23rd it was my privilege to preach at Praise Assembly of God in Pueblo, CO. Praise is a great church and the product of Pastor Bobby Wilson’s years of ministry in Pueblo. Bobby has a wonderful team of pastors around him who are instrumental in the success of this church. One of the powerful features of this church is the many ministers who have come out of Praise AG. God bless you Bobby and Alvena.

October 28-30 Loretta and I traveled to Park City Utah to attend the Utah Ministers retreat. What a pleasure to be with these fine ministers! There was much laughter, encouragement, and ministry in the hours spent together. Thanks Alex Lucero, Sid Casillas, and Dane Wead for this helpful event.

On Sunday October 30th I was honored to speak for Pastor Dane Wead at New Life Fellowship in Logan, Utah. This church is thriving in an exciting season of expansion. The first building phase of their new campus is complete which provides space for youth ministry and weekday activities of the church. Sunday mornings they worship in a theater complex as they move toward the building of their next phase. God bless you Dane and Bev in your ministry!

Sunday, November 6th I spoke at Eads Assembly of God in Eads, CO. Shawn Johnson has been serving as an Interim Pastor and doing a great job. This is a fine congregation of people with a heart to reach out to the community. I also met with the board and they shared with me plans to sell their old building and build a new facility on property they own by the highway. They are a General Council church and appear to be near the acquisition of a new permanent pastor. I thank God for this church and I believe God has great things in store for them going forward.

TRANSITION:

On Saturday, November 5th I met with the District Royal Ranger leadership team in Centennial, CO. This is an impressive group of men devoted to shaping boys into disciples of Jesus Christ. Arden Harms has done an excellent job leading this ministry as our District Commander for several years. He recently informed me he believes it is time to step down. He plans to do so at the end of January. We are praying for the Lord’s direction as we seek a new District Commander. Thanks Arden, you have our deepest appreciation and respect.

RECENT CONNECTIONS

PRESBYTERY CHANGE:

The Denver Metro South Section met yesterday, October 12th to select a new Presbyter following the departure of Jon Hamp from that position. Paul Church, Pastor of Dakota Ridge Assembly in Littleton, CO was elected to this position and Gene Roncone was elected to take Paul’s place as a Sectional Committee Man. Thank you, Paul and Gene.

RECENT CONNECTIONS:

One of the most enjoyable aspects (normally enjoyable) of serving as Superintendent is the opportunity to connect with our Pastors and churches sometimes to minister and sometimes to simply be present to encourage and support. In my three and one half years I have been able to worship and often minister in over 75 of our churches on the weekends.

On August 28th my responsibilities took me into a heartbreaking church scenario as I met with a pastor who confessed to a moral failure and then participated in a meeting with the leaders of the church where he confessed to them. Thankfully God is at work in the life of this minister and the church.

On September 4th I ministered together with Fran Vernaza (interim Pastor) at Discovery Church in Parker CO. Discovery Church is one of our open churches. The church was planted two years ago by Jon and Angie Hamp and God has done wonderful things in the short life of this church. Raising up new churches is challenging and I appreciate Jon and Angie’s work.

On September 8th Loretta and I visited Dave and Hope Taylor and their counseling ministry at Ranch of Hope near West Cliff, CO. They have a very effective ministry to couples and families that serves people in our district and from other parts of the nation as well. They are a terrific resource to help marriages in trouble.

On September 11th I ministered at Lighthouse Worship Center in Walsenburg, CO. Albert Lopez has been serving as Pastor for about one year and the church is doing very well. God bless you Albert.

On September 15 our Executive Presbytery met in Delta, CO to conduct the business of the district. Then we met at Camp Cedaredge on the 16th to receive an update from Lee Terry on the camp. The camping ministry we are able to provide through this facility is serving our district and other organizations very effectively. The facilities and grounds are in great shape with many improvements made during the course of this year. RV Maps workers have made a great contribution to the improvements throughout the summer.

The internship program Lee instituted is working very well and provides several young people with training for ministry and hands on experience in the operation of the camp. This program has proven to also be a great advantage financially. In addition to the benefit of the internship program is the addition of several new clients enabling the camp to operate in the black even with the many improvements that have been made. Churches in the area have also contributed money and workers in the effort.

Lee and Renae have done a great job administering the camp and have done so without interruption to Lee’s work as our DYD. Thanks Lee and Renae.

On September 18th Loretta and I visited Abundant Life Community Church in Arvada, CO. Pastor Dyran Deer is doing a great job leading this church forward. Thank you
Dyran and Lesli for your ministry.

On September 21st our Department Leaders met via phone conference and reviewed the Rocky Mountain Ministries Conference held Friday and Saturday, August 19-20 at Praise AG in Pueblo, CO. Because of the success of this first conference it was decided to present a conference next year as well.

Pastor Ted Miller and Victory Life Church in Fruita, CO have graciously agreed to host our next Rocky Mountain Ministries Conference August 24-25, 2012. The conference will be designed to conclude mid afternoon Saturday allowing participants to rejoin their home church Sunday morning. Our hope is that presenting this on the West Slope of CO will make this resource available to congregants who could not attend the event this year due to distance.

On Friday September 23th I had the privilege of meeting with Herminio Gonzales the Secretary Treasurer of the AG in Cuba. It was humbling and inspiring to hear his story of imprisonment for Christ and his faithfulness through persecution. The AG church in Cuba is flourishing!

On September 25th I ministered at Church at Briargate in Colorado Springs, CO following the resignation of Pastor Randy Popineau. Randy is the founding pastor and led this church for 11 years before accepting the position of District Secretary Treasurer. This church was planted out of Radiant Church when Rob Cowles was Pastor and has done very well. Randy and Joan we appreciate the work you have done to raise up another church for Christ in CO. Randy is now fully engaged as our District Secretary Treasurer.

Sunday evening September 25th through Wednesday morning the 28th Loretta and I hosted the District Superintendent’s from the Southwest Region of our nation at the Glen Eyrie retreat center in Colorado Springs, CO. The retreat was enjoyable and enriching as we fellowshipped and learned from one another.

On October 2nd we worshipped in our home church, Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs, CO. It is always great to join the worship of this fine church and take in the preaching of Pastor Phil Steiger (no prejudice here).

October 7-8 I joined Loretta in Keystone, CO as she attended the Colorado Women’s Ministry Retreat. The attendance was very good and the ministry exceptional. Thanks to Peggy and her team for their fine leadership.

On October 9th I had the privilege of ministering at Abundant Life Church in Silverthorne, CO and installing Jeff McElhattan as their Pastor. Jeff and Cheryl are already deeply engaged with the community having led the Elements church plant in the area. Several unchurched friends of Jeff were present and the service was designed with them in mind.

Elements Church is going forward under the leadership of Leila Ojala. I met with Eric Ojala while in Keystone and I believe God has orchestrated the development of Jeff pastoring Abundant Life, and the Ojala’s and their team moving forward with Elements. These two churches will be able to reach out to two different demographics of people. It is a blessing to see the mutually supportive and complimentary relationship these two churches have.

Congratulations to Eric and Lelia Ojala on the birth of Aspen. Aspen is a beautiful healthy girl.

On October 18th I met with the ministers of the Denver Metro South Section to elect a new Presbyter. We followed the business with lunch together and it was exciting to hear the reports of what God is doing in South Denver.

PRAYER NEED:

Lynn Wickstrom has a serious infection that has settled in his eye. Please pray for Lynn’s healing and for Becky as she administers constant care and is vulnerable to infection.

GIVING THANKS

We are nearing the Thanksgiving holiday and it causes me to reflect on all I am thankful for. Life is so imperfect there are always things to complain about. However, God has given good gifts to us all and a focus on gratitude is good for the soul and energizing to ministry.

Acts 16 gives us the account of Paul and Silas being unjustly beaten and thrown into prison at Philippi. In prison “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25). “About midnight” refers to the literal time of day, but the context makes that statement rich with spiritual meaning. At a very dark hour in their lives they prayed and worshipped. They were able to see beyond their immediate circumstances and reach up to their transcendent God.

God then produced a violent earthquake that caused the prison doors to fly open and everybody’s chains to come loose. As a result of those dramatic events the jailer and his household listened to Paul and Silas share the message of Christ and placed their faith in Him. In turn the jailer ministered to Paul and Silas by washing their wounds and providing a meal.

I wonder how different that midnight experience would have been for Paul and Silas if they had chosen to obsess on the injustice and pain instead of focusing on God. It would have been common fare for the prisoners to hear them speak of how unjustly they were treated and how angry they were with the perpetrators. A litany of complaints would have fit right in with a worldly perspective. But Paul and Silas were not your ordinary victims of hardship. They were men of faith and divine perspective so they prayed and worshipped. And the prisoners were listening to them. People can’t help but notice the uncommon person who lives with a faith-filled and grateful attitude.

Paul and Silas tapped into the abiding presence of Christ and in so doing received the help they needed from God and ended up ministering effectively to others. Prayer and worship is a good antidote to difficulties. I think the prayer part comes easily as we unburden our hearts with the needs we are facing. The worship part, however, may be overlooked. It requires us to focus on who God is and all He has done for us. It requires a grateful heart.

When I was growing up my church would often sing “count your blessings name them one by one”. That’s good advice for us all

FROM THE HEART

In the commemoration of 9-11 we were all reminded of the horrible acts of terrorism our nation experienced September 11, 2001 and we continue to mourn the resulting loss of innocent American lives. Let me turn my thoughts to a form of spiritual terrorism carried out by Satan in his attacks on the church of Jesus Christ.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Recently, two of my friends in the ministry (one in our district and one in another district) suffered moral failure. The consequences are huge in damaged marriages, heartbroken kids, loss of ministry, loss of employment, and hurting churches. In these last days Satan has increased his efforts to damage God’s servants, smear the church, and destroy ministries. Thankfully, still less than 1% of our ministers suffer moral failure each year, but even one is too many.

There are many factors that contribute to our vulnerability to temptation. An unbalanced life is often a problem. Overwork and burnout can weaken one’s resolve. On the other side of the coin boredom can lead to greater vulnerability. Drifting from God is always a danger. Drifting from marital commitment and enjoyment is another. Involvement in pornography is a morally debilitating trap. A willingness to entertain flirtations outside of marriage is like playing “Russian Roulette” with everything important. Thinking you have earned the right to a little sinful enjoyment is a deception leading to devastating consequences.

Subconsciously seeking a way out of the pressures of ministry sometimes underlies self-destructive behavior by spiritual leaders. Learning better ways to cope, or taking a sabbatical, or even resigning from one’s current assignment are far better avenues to address such issues than self destruction. On the other hand, thinking you are invincible brings pride into the equation and pride always goes before a fall.

Seeking help to overcome Satan’s ploys is always appropriate. Dr. John Gowins is available and the district helps underwrite the cost of counseling for our ministers. Just as our nation has heightened security to prevent successful terrorist attacks so we must remain vigilant and not give Satan an opportunity.

I am thankful for a redemptive God and moral failure is not the end of the story for repentant men and women. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1).

These thoughts are born out of a lifetime of ministry and a sincere desire to see all of us as ministers of the gospel live overcoming lives and finish well. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10).

IN GOD’S PRESENCE

Bertha Barrett, a Licensed AG minister in our district, went home to be with the Lord September 8th. Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 16th at Next Step Christian Church, 12156 Grant Circle, Thornton, CO. We thank God for her years of ministry together with her husband Thurl. May God grant comfort to Thurl and their family.