UNITY and DISTRICT COUNCIL

UNITY:  When pastoring I prayed earnestly for unity in the church.  I learned early on that a church divided is ineffective.  Unity in the church is a powerful principle that provides a healthy atmosphere in which believers can grow in Christ and unbelievers are more inclined to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Unity puts the love of God on display through our love for one another and releases the Holy Spirit to draw people to Christ through the church.   “My (Jesus) prayer for them is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one. Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  (John 17:20-21).

Jesus prayed for unity in the church.  And, his word teaches the following important keys to unity: unity of the faith, unity of the Spirit, unity of purpose, and unity of structure.

Unity of the faith (Eph 4:13) is based on agreement with essential biblical truth.  A qualifier for membership and leadership in the church is agreement with sound biblical doctrine.

Unity of the Spirit (Eph 4:2-3) is based on love and acceptance of one another.  This includes the ability to unite together in spite of differences of opinion in non-essential areas such as personal convictions.

Unity of purpose (Mt 28:19-20) is based on Christ’s plan for the church to disciple people from all nations to Him.  When we establish a vision to achieve that mission it helps to unite the church.

Unity of structure (1 Th 5:12-13) is based on a biblical organization of the church.  The scriptures teach there are those God has called into church leadership and believers are to follow them so long as they lead biblically.

When one or more of these areas are not functioning a church suffers from dissention and loses its ability to effectively carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ.  This is not to say that all attendees of a church will be in accord with these principles.  For example, at any given time there should be unbelievers attending the church who may not agree on biblical truth – not yet.  However, the believers in the church are the ones on whom it is incumbent to live in unity.  When they do so the perpetual evangelistic evolution of unbelievers belonging (being received and loved by the church), then believing, then becoming will be encouraged and not disturb the unity.

Unity in the church should transcend the local congregation and be observed among bible-believing Pastors and churches by the support, respect, and love we display for one another.  This is a worthy goal to advance the kingdom of God on a micro and macro level.

DISTRICT COUNCIL:  The 96^th District Council of the Rocky Mountain District convened in Colorado Springs, CO at Radiant Church April 23-24.  We experienced the presence of God, meaningful ministry in the services and workshops, rich fellowship, and productive business sessions.  The services and leadership workshops will be posted on our District website at www.rmdc.org.

The results of various elections are as follows:  Don Steiger was elected Superintendent - Alex Lucero was elected Assistant Superintendent (for the unexpired term) - Dane Wead was elected Utah Regional Executive Presbyter (for the unexpired term) - All Presbyters elected during the Sectional Tour were ratified - The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent were nominated for the General Council Nonresident Executive Presbytery to be voted upon at General Council - and Jason Neely was nominated for the General Council Executive Presbytery as the under 40 Ordained RMD minister to the General Presbyters who will in turn select four names to be voted upon at General Council.

CURRENT EVENTS

 District Council is April 23-25 at Radiant Church in Colorado Springs, CO.  Also, there is still space available to join the golf tournament preceding Council at beautiful Pine Creek Golf Course Tuesday morning, April 23^rd.  Information about District Council is on our web site, www.rmdc.org.

We will be voting on the following positions: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent (unexpired term), Utah Executive Presbyter, nominee to National Executive Presbytery from Ordained ministers under 40 years of age, and ratification of new Presbyters.  There will also be Leadership Training sessions, enriching services, and the Ordination of several candidates.  I encourage you to come.

Pastor Bobby Wilson is handing off the baton of Leadership at Praise Assembly of God after 45 years of outstanding ministry.  The congregation will honor Pastor Bobby and Alvena Wilson Sunday evening, April 14^th.  Thank you Bobby and Alvena for your faithful and effective ministry that has influenced not only Pueblo, CO but also people across our nation.

Sunday, April 21^st, Steve Chavez will be installed as the new Lead Pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Pueblo, CO.  Congratulations Steve and Bonnie as you assume this new assignment.

Next Thursday, April 18^th Rock Canyon Church in Provo, UT will have a Retiring from Ministry reception for Dean and Marlys Jackson.  Dean served as Lead Pastor of Rock Canyon for 22 years and also as Presbyter for South Utah for several years.  Friends as well as the congregation are invited.  The reception will be at the Riverside Country Club at 2701 North University Parkway, Provo, UT from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Since my last report, I had the privilege of speaking at Amazing Grace Fellowship for Pastor Mark Apodaca on March 17^th.  What a blessing to worship with this exciting church.  God bless you Mark as you continue to lead this church forward.

Sunday, March 31^st Loretta and I joined the thousands (praise God) who attended Red Rocks Church for their special Easter services at the First Bank Center in Broomfield, CO.  Several hundred people stood to accept Jesus Christ after Chad Bruegman delivered a clear message of the gospel.  God bless Pastors Shawn Johnson, Chad Bruegman, and Scott Bruegman together with their entire leadership team as they continue to seize the opportunity to impact the Denver area for our Lord.

Sunday, April 7^th we visited New Destiny Christian Center in Thorton, CO.  Pastor Keenan Roberts delivered a wonderful, biblically balanced message on healing with prayer for the sick at the conclusion of the service.  God is at work in and through this church.  On Easter weekend several gave their hearts to the Lord and many rededicated their lives to Christ through the dramatic presentation provided by New Destiny.  God bless you Keenan and Angela as you lead this church forward.

 

RECENT CONNECTIONS

January 12 I spoke to the men of Church at Briargate in Colorado Springs.  This church has an impressive foundation of godly men.  God bless you Pastor Scott Bottoms as you lead this church forward.

January 13 I spoke for Pastor Albert Lopez at Lighthouse Worship Center in Walsenburg, CO.  This is a fine congregation with an excellent spirit.  God bless you, Albert as you continue your ministry in Walsenburg.

January 16-17 we conducted our January Presbyter meeting in Colorado Springs.  Wednesday evening the Presbyters gathered with our Ordination candidates and spouses for a wonderful banquet marked by an excellent message on the ministry by Phil Steiger.

January 20 I had the honor of installing Tony Jensen as the new pastor at Praise Community Church in Eads, CO.  Tony served as the Youth Pastor in this church in years past and returns with a respected history of ministry in the community.  The church built a beautiful new facility last year which we enjoyed in the morning installation service and also in the sectional evening service as the churches in the Southeast Section gathered for worship and fellowship.  Congratulations Tony on this new ministry assignment and to the church for the new facility.

January 26 I had the privilege of participating in the memorial service for Violet Bluhm.  Violet was an AG ordained minister who died at the age of 100 years.  She left a wonderful legacy of ministry.

In February we conducted our annual sectional tour travelling throughout CO and UT to meet with our ministers and church delegates.  It was an enriching time of ministry, fellowship, and business.  We have a great network of ministers doing good work. 

On Sunday, February 24^th I had the privilege of speaking at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT for Pastor Jim Ayers.  This is one of our largest churches in the district with a growing congregation of people excited about their faith.

Sunday, March 3^rd I installed Chris Johnson as the new Lead Pastor at Journey Church in Strasburg, CO.  Chris and his wife Karen have four children and are excited about God’s call to Strasburg.  Welcome to the RMD Johnson family and may God abundantly bless your ministry.

CONGRATULATIONS;

Bethany Hines, daughter of Cordell and Erin Hines was chosen to receive the Riggs General Superintendent’s scholarship, and will be attending Southwest Assemblies of God University.  Congratulations Bethany on this wonderful achievement.

PRAYER NEEDS:

 

Paul Scholtz was recently diagnosed with bone cancer.  Treatments began this month, but Paul needs a miracle.

Willard Coleman is in need of our continued prayers for physical healing and recovery.

James Call needs divine healing and physical strength.

SUSTAINING EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

 

“…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)

Fifteen hundred ministers leave the ministry each month in the USA!  This is a startling statistic and reminds us that sustaining effective ministry is a challenge.  There are some who discover that God is directing them into another profession and their departure from the ranks of vocational ministers is understandable and appropriate.  Indeed all believers are ministers, but those who serve as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries are unique in their influence over the church and their visibility as leaders in the Kingdom of God.  This reality is accompanied with its own complexity and makes the occupational minister a target for Satan.  I would like to suggest some ideas that are critical to sustaining effective ministry.

WORK IN THE RIGHT WAY:  This entails WORKING IN THE RIGHT PLACE.  You can only do God’s work by God’s empowering grace and if you are out of His will that empowerment will be missing.  An honest look at what the Spirit is saying, your strengths and weaknesses (natural and spiritual), the input of others in the body of Christ, and the evidence of God’s blessing or lack thereof on what you do helps you determine your sweet spot in ministry.

Also, WORKING WITH THE RIGHT MOTIVES is essential to sustainability.  Righteous motivation starts with your love for God; serving Him and not yourself.  Jesus challenged Peter (John 21:15-23) with the question “do you truly love me?”  When Peter responded, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you” then Jesus said “Feed My lambs”.  His love for the Lord was the foundational motivation for Peter’s ministry.  Righteous motivation then moves to your love for people; a quality gained by the love of God being poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit.  It plays out in a self-sacrificing effort to see the purposes of God achieved in this world. 

In a game against the Boston Celtics, Michael Jordan (the great Chicago Bulls basketball player) scored 63 points.  Jordan’s team mate Will Perdue scored two.  After the game Perdue was asked what it is like to play with Michael Jordan.  He replied, “I will never forget this night because Michael and I joined to make 65 points to win the game.”  Perdue exemplified a selfless attitude that made him a valuable contributor to the success of the Chicago Bulls.

Also, in Jesus’ conversation with Peter in John 21 He reveals that Peter will experience a violent death and concludes with the words, “Follow Me.”  Peter saw John nearby and asked “Lord, what about him?”  Jesus answered “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?  You must follow me.”  Jesus was honing Peter’s perspective to a singular focus of obeying Jesus because he loved Him above all else.  Keeping your relationship with God paramount and comparisons with others under control is essential to sustained ministry.

A.W. Tozer said “A true and safe leader has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of circumstances.  The man who is ambitious to lead is disqualified as a leader.  The true leader will have no desire to lord it over God’s heritage, but will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing.”

WORK SMART:  Once you are in God’s will working with righteous motivation then you need to work smart to be effective and sustained.  To work smart you must first of all TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.  Your first responsibility in ministry is your family.

Second, DON’T WORK ALONE.  You need friends in similar ministry to provide encouragement, counsel, and accountability.  In my first few years pastoring Radiant Church I would drive to Pueblo, CO and meet with Pastor Bobby Wilson to glean from his experience as a pastor and to receive encouragement from one who understood the unique challenges of a Lead Pastor.  His friendship was a sustaining factor in my 22 years of ministry at Radiant Church.

Partnership in ministry also includes delegating work to the body of Christ.  The more you try to do by yourself the less you will get done and the wearier you become.  Equip and release the body of Christ to do the work of the ministry.

Third, DEAL WITH CHANGE EFFECTIVELY.  Jesus established the mission and it does not change, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20).  However, the vision – the way you achieve the mission – must change over time and from one place to another for you to be effective.  Factors that produced success 20 years ago may produce failure today.

A friend who is a venture capitalist shared with me that very few CEOs succeed at more than one company.  After experiencing success in one company they move on to another and try to duplicate what they did before without taking into account the uniqueness of their new assignment.  This lack of flexibility and wisdom leads to failure as they discover a new approach is needed in the new company.  Working smart means prayerfully and studiously shaping the vision to achieve the established mission.

WORK HARD:  The text makes that clear when it says “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord”.  I am not suggesting you become a workaholic.  That is counterproductive.  But, after establishing the right place of service, the right motives, and a smart approach then you must work hard if you hope to accomplish what Jesus called you to do.  A wise balance in a minister’s life will include hard work in the ministry.  This informed hard work produces results and that also becomes a sustaining factor.

WORK IN FAITH:  The results of ministry are sometimes easily measured and sometimes not.  Whether God has called you to a place where the results are immediate or delayed, there is an eternal reward awaiting you for your work in God’s Kingdom.  It is always complicated to talk about success in the ministry because there are seasons of sowing and of reaping.  Jeremiah’s ministry resulted in rejection and hardship, and yet he was obedient to God.  The Apostle Paul’s ministry, though marked by suffering, brought extraordinary results in souls saved and churches established.

You are responsible for the work you do for the Lord; He controls the outcome in time and eternity.  Willing obedience and the quality of your work (“gold, silver, costly stones” 1 Corinthians 3:12) is the measure of success and Jesus will reward His children for their work at the judgment seat of Christ.

A golf commercial says, “Bobby Jones worked on his swing, not his score.  That is how he became the best golfer of his generation.”  Work on your swing and let God take care of the score.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.  We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.  We do not want you to become lazy, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:10-12)

A NEW YEAR

 

NEWS YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS OR A LIFETIME OF RESOLUTION:

Once again we enter a new year.  I’ve belonged to a gym for 25 years and each January the crowd at the gym increases noticeably as people follow through on new-year’s resolutions to lose weight and get in shape.  After a couple months the crowds decline and the faithful few continue their exercise routines.  I discovered along the way that I achieve more lasting results when I set long term objectives and design a sustainable pace of activity to achieve them.  Trying to go to the gym 3-4 times a week proved to be unsustainable for me.  So, I settled in on a plan to go at least twice a week and throw in two or three long walks (which used to be runs, but that day is past). 

A sustainable life-plan can be a valuable tool to keep oneself on track.  If you haven’t already, I recommend you put in writing your life mission statement.  Then shape a sustainable life style to achieve the mission.  Several years ago I wrote a life mission statement which I carry with me and review from time to time.  It has proven to be a valuable tool to help me stay on course.  I rarely share it, but here goes:

It is my mission in life to honor God:

To keep faith in the bible as God’s word, and in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord.
To nurture my relationship with God and live in vital union with Him.
To love God with all my strength.
To live a holy life, by His help and grace.
To be a man of integrity in every area of life.
To fulfill His purpose for my life.

It is my mission in life to care for my family:

To always be thankful for every member of my family.
To love and enjoy my family.
To help each member to know the Lord and become the best they can be in Him.
To provide an example to follow.
To provide spiritual, emotional, and financial support for my wife Loretta.
To remain faithful to Loretta

It is my mission in life to do God’s will:

To rely on His strength to obey.
To conform my will to His.
To not shrink back from what He calls me to do.
To finish my life well.

It is my mission in life to live in God’s grace:

To not allow my failure or the failure of others to move me away from Him.
To fully trust Him to enable me to be and do what He desires, yet to rest in the assurance of His unconditional love.

It is my mission in life to impart life to others:

To be a giver, not a taker.
To share Jesus Christ effectively to whomever I can.
To reveal the wisdom of following Christ.
To live in the Spirit.

It is my mission in life to co-labor with Christ to build His church:

To love the church.
To work to the benefit of the church, as the Lord directs.

It is my mission in life to live in personal well-being except when God requires otherwise:

To earn income and manage it well.
To faithfully give of my finances.
To maintain good health as much as I can.
To live in right relationships with others.
To experience peace of mind.
To keep learning and growing.
To enjoy life and live it fully.
To live my life without any significant regrets.

It is my mission in life to leave a legacy that will honor God and inspire others to follow Christ:

To hear Jesus say “Well done good and faithful servant” at the end of my life’s journey.

PROGRESS IN 2012 AND LOOKING AHEAD:

I am excited to report that 17 new churches were planted or recognized in the Rocky Mountain District in 2012. Two of the 17 are new District Affiliated churches and 15 are Parent Affiliated Churches; 5 are in Utah and 12 in Colorado.  In addition, one was planted in Colorado in partnership with the RMD by a church in Louisiana.  We also closed two churches giving us a total of 164 churches in Utah and Colorado (165 if you count the church from LA).  Only one other AG district planted more churches in 2012 and they are serving a much larger population. 

It is important to keep our mission clear.  Our purpose is to disciple as many people to the Lord Jesus Christ as possible in Colorado and Utah.  Our method is flourishing local churches and outreach ministries.  Our key component is anointed, godly, effective ministers.  And, the foundation on which we build is the Lord Jesus Christ – His person, His work, His truth, His providence, and His empowering Spirit.

There is much we do not know about 2013, but we do know this; God desires that none perish, He is working to draw men and women to Himself, He will build His church, and we are called to participate in His grand cause.  I pray you experience God’s direction and enablement to live His abundant life, and employ His ministry plan uniquely designed for you in the coming year.  I also pray we will all embrace the expansive heart of God to support and release the ministry family He has called so that together we can disciple as many as possible to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“What, after all is Apollos?  And what is Paul?  Only servants through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task.  I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow … The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.  For we are God’s fellow workers, you are God’s field, God’s Building.

By the grace God has given to me (Paul), I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it.  But each one should be careful how he builds.  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 3:5-11).

RECENT CONNECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS

RECENT TRAGEDY:

Words cannot express the sorrow and anger we feel at the senseless shootings of 20 children and 8 adults last Friday.  Our prayers are offered on behalf of all the families suffering from the loss of a loved one.  The normal joyous nature of Christmas is muted by this horrific demonstration of the evil that can prevail in the human heart.  At the same time Christmas is a dramatic reminder that “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2.  The God of Hope has provided a remedy for the sin nature and the devastating eternal consequences of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15.

RECENT CONNECTIONS:

November 11^th Loretta and I attended the memorial service for Pastor Wally Hickey at Orchard Road Christian Center.  His influence as a godly man and minister of the gospel was evident in the large attendance and heart-felt love expressed.  It reminded me how important and valuable it is to faithfully carry out the call of God on one’s life.

November 13 and 14 our district department leaders gathered together with me and Randy Popineau to plan the district calendars for 2013 and 2014.  We have fine, dedicated leaders who are intent on serving the ministers and churches of our district.

On November 16^th I attended the open house at Sox Place in Denver.  This is a very effective ministry led by Doyle Robinson reaching street kids in downtown Denver.  God bless you Doyle and Karen as you continue this strategic work.

November 18^th I was honored to speak at Mosaic Church (formerly called Englewood First Assembly of God) for Pastor T. J. Harris.  The church now has two Sunday morning services as it continues to grow.  Compassion ministry is a dynamic feature of this church as it reaches out to a needy community.  They recently provided a Kid’s Fest for the community providing free food and entertainment.  About 1,000 people attended.  One elderly congregant led a family to the Lord at this event. Afterward she told Pastor Harris, “Now I remember why we are here.”  God bless you T. J. and Robin.

November 29^th – December 9^th Loretta and I traveled to Maui, Hawaii for a CEP (Church Extension Plan) board meeting followed by the annual AG Executives Conference followed by a few days of R & R.  I know; tough duty.  FYI - CEP pays for the airfare to these meetings for both Loretta and me.

December 14^th Loretta and I, and Randy and Joan Popineau attended the Urban Outreach open house in Denver, CO.  The facility is perfectly located and beautifully renovated to provide a base of ministry to inner city Denver.  Several outreach events have already impacted the community and relationships are being formed.  God bless you Isaac Olivarez as you lead this needed church plant, and thanks to so many of you for supporting this ministry with funds and work teams.

Sunday morning, December 16^th, it was my privilege to minister at CrossPoint Church in Grand Junction, CO and officially recognize CrossPoint as a General Council Church.  Congratulations Pastor Greg and Darla Farmer on the establishment of this church and may God use this ministry in a powerful way in the Grand Valley of CO.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Cheering you on.

DECEASED?

While meeting with Superintendents from the Southwest Region in Sedona, AZ in late September, I played a round of golf with three other Superintendents.  Thankfully, some of our gatherings include recreation.  The starter at this beautiful golf course is a member of the AG church there and had arranged for our round of golf.  His name was Rolf and when I introduced myself to him on the first tee he said “there was a Don Steiger in Colorado Springs, CO”.  I said, “that would be me”.  I then looked at his name tag and we realized simultaneously I had been his pastor at Radiant Church in Colorado Springs.  It was a poignant moment as we gave each other a bear hug and caught up on personal events of the last few years.  He then said, “I thought you were deceased”.

Though his comment caught me off guard, I assured him that report had been exaggerated.  As we started the round of golf, I could not help but think of the meaning of being considered deceased.  What kind of influence did I have on Rolf and his family, had I lived my life pleasing to God, had I obeyed His plan to serve Him, did people who knew me get a glimpse of the Savior, are there people who will be in heaven because I spent a few years on this earth, did I care for and influence my wife, and children as I should have,…?  It brought what is most important clearly into focus.

You have heard it said, “there are two things that are certain in life; taxes and death”.  Though I do not think we should obsess on death, it is healthy to live with an eye on eternity.  The desire to hear our Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” helps shape dally decisions.  Earnestly seeking to leave a legacy of respect and righteous influence for our children will keep us focused on godly living.  The realization we will be eternally rewarded for our faithful service to the Lord helps us stay the course in God’s will.

We are writing history every day and looking back can help clarify how to go forward.  I am not suggesting we live in the past.  Doing so will hold us back.  Resting on our laurels or living in regret will paralyze us going forward.  Learn from your past, thank God for the good things, and accept His forgiveness for your sins and failures.  Then focus on today and the days ahead intent on the wise plan of God.  “…I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12b-14).