The morning I wrote this article I received a call from a Pastor who is dealing with criticism of his ministry by a parishioner. As we talked I noted his mature and thoughtful response. Criticism is a fact of ministry life. What you do with it is important to your effectiveness and your peace of mind.
First of all, decide whether or not to receive the criticism. If it comes in the form of an anonymous letter, the best policy is to throw it in “file 13”; preferably, without reading it. I must admit I have occasionally read an unsigned letter. However, I can’t say that reading an anonymous letter has ever helped me become a better minister. Usually it only frustrated me. If the critic is identified, give it consideration.
Second, consider the source. If the criticism is coming from a respected person, then take it seriously. If it is coming from a chronic critic, give it less weight. If it is a chronic critic who keeps repeating something you have already evaluated and acted upon, ignore it.
Third, prayerfully consider the criticism. It can be constructive. Keep an open heart and mind. This is not always easy to do, especially when it is delivered in a combative or threatening manner. Don’t let defensiveness or self-confidence blind you to areas that need correction or improvement. A wise leader will prayerfully evaluate criticism to see if it has merit.
Fourth, decide what to do with the criticism. If it corrects something that is wrong or helps you improve what you are doing, implement the idea. If it is not helpful, then set it aside and move on. Moses received and acted upon the criticism and counsel of Jethro. In so doing he helped Israel and himself.
Fifth, keep your spirit free. When you are the object of criticism it hurts. When the criticism is mean spirited, forgive the critic and let it go. When the criticism is helpful, humble yourself and receive the help it provides. Pride makes criticism unbearable. After you have decided what to do with the criticism, move on.
I recall a parishioner at Radiant Church several years ago who made an appointment to see me in my office. When we met she proceeded to list the things she did not like about Radiant Church. After listening to her complaints I told her “There are things about Radiant Church I don’t like either, and I am the Senior Pastor”. We are all a work in progress as are our churches. Eat the meat, spit out the bones, and keep going.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
RECENT CONNECTIONS
RECENT WEEKEND CONNECTIONS:
On March 11th I had the privilege of participating together with Superintendent James Braddy of the Northern CA/Nevada District in the installation service for Kyle and Marcia Bethke as Senior Pastors at Bethel Church in Modesto, CA. Kyle and Marcia met and married at Bethel Church in San Jose, CA when I was Senior Pastor. Kyle and Marcia served as our College and Career pastors and it is exciting to see how God is continuing to use them in ministry. We are part of a great network of ministers around the world.
Friday night, March 16th I joined a few others in a gathering at Church at Briargein Colorado Springs, CO to meet the General Superintendent of sensitive part of the world. It was inspirational to hear what God is doing in such a needy and troubled country. The gospel is going forward in significant fashion. Our missionary efforts make a difference! There will be many populating heaven because of what you and your church are doing to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.
The weekend of March23-25 Loretta and I participated in a Friday night dinner meeting with Jim and Carrie Ayers, Greg and Jill Johnson, Dr. George and Jewell Wood, and key Mormon Church leaders in Salt Lake City, UT. The theological divide is wide but there are moral issues in our nation we agree upon. The following morning George Wood spoke at a breakfast for AG and non AG ministers at Salt Lake Christian Center were Pastor Ray and Kathy Smith serve. About 80 were in attendance and it was an encouraging experience for all. Dr. Wood then spoke on Sunday a.m. at Life Church for Pastor Jim and Carrie Ayers. I believe Dr. Wood is a gift from God to the AG in this season of our history.
On April 1st Loretta and I visited Foothills AG In Fort Collins, CO. It was great to connect with Pastor Steve and Diane Curry, and also with Nate and Lindsey Banke, and several of the Chi Alpha team members who minister at Colorado State University. Duncan Chance, a Chi Alpha missionary led inspiring worship and Steve shared an impacting Palm Sunday message. God bless you Steve and Diane as you lead this church forward.
DISTRICT COUNCIL:
District Council will be at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT April 24-26. I hope you can attend. If you are unable to come, we are making arrangements to “Live Stream” the Wednesday night, 7:00 p.m. Ordination service. To access the Ordination Service on line you can go to our District Facebook page. Also, you can register for Council on line at our district web site, www.rmdc.org.
On March 11th I had the privilege of participating together with Superintendent James Braddy of the Northern CA/Nevada District in the installation service for Kyle and Marcia Bethke as Senior Pastors at Bethel Church in Modesto, CA. Kyle and Marcia met and married at Bethel Church in San Jose, CA when I was Senior Pastor. Kyle and Marcia served as our College and Career pastors and it is exciting to see how God is continuing to use them in ministry. We are part of a great network of ministers around the world.
Friday night, March 16th I joined a few others in a gathering at Church at Briargein Colorado Springs, CO to meet the General Superintendent of sensitive part of the world. It was inspirational to hear what God is doing in such a needy and troubled country. The gospel is going forward in significant fashion. Our missionary efforts make a difference! There will be many populating heaven because of what you and your church are doing to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.
The weekend of March23-25 Loretta and I participated in a Friday night dinner meeting with Jim and Carrie Ayers, Greg and Jill Johnson, Dr. George and Jewell Wood, and key Mormon Church leaders in Salt Lake City, UT. The theological divide is wide but there are moral issues in our nation we agree upon. The following morning George Wood spoke at a breakfast for AG and non AG ministers at Salt Lake Christian Center were Pastor Ray and Kathy Smith serve. About 80 were in attendance and it was an encouraging experience for all. Dr. Wood then spoke on Sunday a.m. at Life Church for Pastor Jim and Carrie Ayers. I believe Dr. Wood is a gift from God to the AG in this season of our history.
On April 1st Loretta and I visited Foothills AG In Fort Collins, CO. It was great to connect with Pastor Steve and Diane Curry, and also with Nate and Lindsey Banke, and several of the Chi Alpha team members who minister at Colorado State University. Duncan Chance, a Chi Alpha missionary led inspiring worship and Steve shared an impacting Palm Sunday message. God bless you Steve and Diane as you lead this church forward.
DISTRICT COUNCIL:
District Council will be at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT April 24-26. I hope you can attend. If you are unable to come, we are making arrangements to “Live Stream” the Wednesday night, 7:00 p.m. Ordination service. To access the Ordination Service on line you can go to our District Facebook page. Also, you can register for Council on line at our district web site, www.rmdc.org.
Monday, March 5, 2012
RECENT CONNECTIONS
SECIONTAL TOUR
Most of the month of February was spent in our Sectional Tour. I want to thank all our Presbyters who arranged for the events and the churches that hosted. The elections, workshops, and banquets went very well. 551 ministers and spouses attended our banquets and it was enriching to fellowship with each one.
We gave all our ministers who were present a binder with important church business and ministerial tax information. We will have a supply of these binders at District Council for those who did not receive one at the sectional meeting. The binder is free of charge and a great resource to keep in your church files.
DISTRICT COUNCIL
District Council will convene April 24-26 at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT. Speakers in our services will be Greg Mundis AGWM Executive Director, Lee Ponder Pastor of Delta First AG and Assistant Superintendent, and Don Steiger.
We will also provide the following Leadership Resource Summit sessions:
Plenary Session – Wednesday, April 25, 10:00 a.m.
Transforming Talk: How to have a conversation with a Mormon with Greg Johnson of Standing Together; Sid Casillas, and Dane Wead moderating
This session will explore the history, the theology and a few key practical insights into Mormonism. We will take this information and develop conversation material that can take place between and Evangelical and Mormon – concluding with Q & A.
Breakout Sessions – Wednesday, April 25, 11:00 a.m.
Thriving Discipleship in a Busy Culture with Pastor Gene Roncone and the Highpoint Team
Increased work weeks, the explosion of weekend warriors and the proliferation of outside obligations have cut deep into people’s time and availability for church. How do we resolve the tension between the need for effective discipleship and the reality of limited availability? In this session Gene Roncone and the Highpoint team will share creative options Highpoint has employed to…
- Use podcasts, online media and flash drives to mentor new believers.
- Experience meaningful, but convenient discipleship.
- Use new media to expose people to “real time” missionaries and boost giving without increasing
church services or expenses.
- Provide quick and customized information through text casting, auto-responders and CR codes.
- Integrate direct mail and simple technology to connect with the unchurched community.
- Offer additional topical teaching without being distracted from core discipleship.
- Increase participation in and excitement about prayer.
All of these methods can drastically reduce the amount of money and time needed to facilitate them while increasing the quality of these ministries themselves.
Anchors in Ministry: Peace, Purpose, and Perks! with Rita Ponder, Christie Voss, and Loretta Steiger
Rita Ponder will discuss maintaining peace of mind, peace in our homes, and peace in relationships. Thoughts on keeping focus on our purpose in ministry will be shared by Christie Voss, and Loretta Steiger will discuss those “perks” that help us keep going. This workshop is available to all women.
Looking in the rearview mirror: A quick glimpse at how the world has changed and what it means to you! with Lee Terry.
Having a Christian worldview seems to be an easy thing but statistically it has proven to be difficult for people. Only 9% of Christians have and practice a Biblical worldview. The prevailing culture seems to dictate the world’s thinking. We will look at changes that have brought this about and how we can better equip our students and ourselves to have a Biblical world view.
In addition to ministry we will have important business to transact. I hope you can join us at District Council.
RECENT CHURCH SERVICES
Since the first of the year I have had the privilege of visiting and ministering in several of our churches Sunday services. January 8th Loretta and I visited Journey Church in Strasburg, CO. Pastor Scott and Linda Bottoms are doing a great job pastoring this church. They conduct multiple services in their current facility to accommodate the growth and have plans to build a new facility in the near future.
I had the privilege of ministering at First AG in Trinidad, CO, January 29th with Pastor Kim and Susan Pittman. This is a strong church having impact in the community. God bless you Kim and Susan as you continue the work in Trinidad.
On February 5th I spoke at Pueblo Christian Center for their Missions Convention kick off service. Under the leadership of Pastor Josh and Adra Richardson the church is alive with God’s presence and great things are happening.
On February 12th Loretta and I attended Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Pastor Phil and Heather Steiger had as their guest speaker Dr. J. P. Moreland. Dr. Moreland is a Professor at Talbot Seminary, author, church planter, and Pentecostal scholar. I have read several of his books and highly recommend his writings.
On February 26th I had the privilege of speaking at Christian Life AG in Payson, UT in the morning service. Pastor Mark and Pam Gering lead this church and are doing a great job.
Sunday evening, February 26th I spoke at Victory Life Church in Fruita, CO at their annual business meeting. Pastor Ted and Tami Miller have led this church through a relocation and significant building program. God bless you Ted and Tami as you continue to lead this church in growth and impact in the Grand Valley.
On March 2nd Loretta and I joined the congregation of Family Worship Center in Centennial, CO for a wonderful 20th anniversary celebration banquet. Sunday morning, March 4th I had the privilege of speaking at Family Worship Center for Pastor Loren and Sylvia Popineau as we continued to give thanks to God for the establishment of this wonderful church and the ministry of Loren and Sylvia Popineau. In 1992 Loren and Sylvia came to Littleton (now Centennial), CO to plant this church in a vacant church building. Today this is a thriving church with impact in Centennial and around the world through their strong Missions involvement.
Most of the month of February was spent in our Sectional Tour. I want to thank all our Presbyters who arranged for the events and the churches that hosted. The elections, workshops, and banquets went very well. 551 ministers and spouses attended our banquets and it was enriching to fellowship with each one.
We gave all our ministers who were present a binder with important church business and ministerial tax information. We will have a supply of these binders at District Council for those who did not receive one at the sectional meeting. The binder is free of charge and a great resource to keep in your church files.
DISTRICT COUNCIL
District Council will convene April 24-26 at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT. Speakers in our services will be Greg Mundis AGWM Executive Director, Lee Ponder Pastor of Delta First AG and Assistant Superintendent, and Don Steiger.
We will also provide the following Leadership Resource Summit sessions:
Plenary Session – Wednesday, April 25, 10:00 a.m.
Transforming Talk: How to have a conversation with a Mormon with Greg Johnson of Standing Together; Sid Casillas, and Dane Wead moderating
This session will explore the history, the theology and a few key practical insights into Mormonism. We will take this information and develop conversation material that can take place between and Evangelical and Mormon – concluding with Q & A.
Breakout Sessions – Wednesday, April 25, 11:00 a.m.
Thriving Discipleship in a Busy Culture with Pastor Gene Roncone and the Highpoint Team
Increased work weeks, the explosion of weekend warriors and the proliferation of outside obligations have cut deep into people’s time and availability for church. How do we resolve the tension between the need for effective discipleship and the reality of limited availability? In this session Gene Roncone and the Highpoint team will share creative options Highpoint has employed to…
- Use podcasts, online media and flash drives to mentor new believers.
- Experience meaningful, but convenient discipleship.
- Use new media to expose people to “real time” missionaries and boost giving without increasing
church services or expenses.
- Provide quick and customized information through text casting, auto-responders and CR codes.
- Integrate direct mail and simple technology to connect with the unchurched community.
- Offer additional topical teaching without being distracted from core discipleship.
- Increase participation in and excitement about prayer.
All of these methods can drastically reduce the amount of money and time needed to facilitate them while increasing the quality of these ministries themselves.
Anchors in Ministry: Peace, Purpose, and Perks! with Rita Ponder, Christie Voss, and Loretta Steiger
Rita Ponder will discuss maintaining peace of mind, peace in our homes, and peace in relationships. Thoughts on keeping focus on our purpose in ministry will be shared by Christie Voss, and Loretta Steiger will discuss those “perks” that help us keep going. This workshop is available to all women.
Looking in the rearview mirror: A quick glimpse at how the world has changed and what it means to you! with Lee Terry.
Having a Christian worldview seems to be an easy thing but statistically it has proven to be difficult for people. Only 9% of Christians have and practice a Biblical worldview. The prevailing culture seems to dictate the world’s thinking. We will look at changes that have brought this about and how we can better equip our students and ourselves to have a Biblical world view.
In addition to ministry we will have important business to transact. I hope you can join us at District Council.
RECENT CHURCH SERVICES
Since the first of the year I have had the privilege of visiting and ministering in several of our churches Sunday services. January 8th Loretta and I visited Journey Church in Strasburg, CO. Pastor Scott and Linda Bottoms are doing a great job pastoring this church. They conduct multiple services in their current facility to accommodate the growth and have plans to build a new facility in the near future.
I had the privilege of ministering at First AG in Trinidad, CO, January 29th with Pastor Kim and Susan Pittman. This is a strong church having impact in the community. God bless you Kim and Susan as you continue the work in Trinidad.
On February 5th I spoke at Pueblo Christian Center for their Missions Convention kick off service. Under the leadership of Pastor Josh and Adra Richardson the church is alive with God’s presence and great things are happening.
On February 12th Loretta and I attended Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Pastor Phil and Heather Steiger had as their guest speaker Dr. J. P. Moreland. Dr. Moreland is a Professor at Talbot Seminary, author, church planter, and Pentecostal scholar. I have read several of his books and highly recommend his writings.
On February 26th I had the privilege of speaking at Christian Life AG in Payson, UT in the morning service. Pastor Mark and Pam Gering lead this church and are doing a great job.
Sunday evening, February 26th I spoke at Victory Life Church in Fruita, CO at their annual business meeting. Pastor Ted and Tami Miller have led this church through a relocation and significant building program. God bless you Ted and Tami as you continue to lead this church in growth and impact in the Grand Valley.
On March 2nd Loretta and I joined the congregation of Family Worship Center in Centennial, CO for a wonderful 20th anniversary celebration banquet. Sunday morning, March 4th I had the privilege of speaking at Family Worship Center for Pastor Loren and Sylvia Popineau as we continued to give thanks to God for the establishment of this wonderful church and the ministry of Loren and Sylvia Popineau. In 1992 Loren and Sylvia came to Littleton (now Centennial), CO to plant this church in a vacant church building. Today this is a thriving church with impact in Centennial and around the world through their strong Missions involvement.
Friday, February 3, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
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.
Monday, December 12, 2011
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!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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.
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