We are in the middle of our Missions Emphasis, and I truly believe that God is helping us shape our ministry perspective on a global and local perspective. I've spent the last couple of days with Dr. Norm Wilson, talking and learning from someone whose life experiences and person involvement in cross-cultural ministry inspires me. On Sunday morning he talked about Jesus going through Samaria to get to Galilee, and in doing so He had the famous encounter with who we know as "the woman at the well." Dr. Wilson pointed out the fact that the typical Jew would not have taken the route Jesus did. They normally went around Samaria. However, in order to have this encounter that changed this woman's life, and ultimately the entire town, God had a purpose for sending Him through Samaria. Now, Dr. Wilson talked about a lot of other things, but one statement just kept ringing in my mind, "Where is the Samaria that you are driving around?"
You know, there are many things that we avoid because we don't really want to deal with the issues, or there are people we don't really want to work with, or people we don't really understand, and really don't really care to reach. Instead of relating openly and honestly with people, we just chose to take another route. We act like the problem doesn't exist, or hope that someone else will reach the people we don't want to reach. There comes a time when we've all got to listen to the Holy Spirit saying, "It is time to go through Samaria. I've got a life-changing experience waiting for you." These days I'm thinking that our Samaria is all around us. I'm praying that God will get us out of the safety of our building, and into our community. God only knows what is waiting for us.
Monday, April 14, 2008
I've Driven Around Samaria TOO Long
Thursday, March 20, 2008
"Yep, that's my people."
Just this morning I sent this email out to those who have participated in our Angel Food Ministry program at the church. My Sunday School Class has taken the lead with this ministry, but others have joined in:
Wednesday night at choir practice I was talking to Barbara Kallam. She told me that she was at her daughter’s house the other day, who attends Westover Church here in Greensboro. While she was there, a lady from Westover came to visit. This lady also oversees a ministry they have at Westover that reaches out to single parent families. Somehow the conversation turned to where Barbara attends church, and she mentioned Christ Wesleyan. At that point the lady’s eyes grew wide, and she said, “I was at your church recently for the Angel Food Ministry. I wanted to try it out and see what it was all about, and I was so impressed with the way your people conducted this ministry. When I walked in I really didn’t know what to expect, but from the time I walked through the door someone was there to greet me. They walked with me through the whole process, and even carried my box to the car. It was a great experience, and you can tell that the people love that ministry.”
As a pastor it was one of those times when I was able to say to myself, “Yep, that’s my people.” It is great when others get to see what I know is true about us. It is also good to know that you guys are really blessing the lives of people, and serving people unconditionally. You really show that it doesn’t matter who they are, or where they are from you are greeting people with the love of Jesus Christ. I want to thank you for being so faithful.
I say this a lot these days, but I believe with all of my heart that the key to our being able to reach our community is to find ways to serve the needs of our community. You guys are proving how true that is.
Thanks to everyone has been involved in this and other ministries of our church that are touching the lives of people and seeking to minister to their needs.
Monday, March 17, 2008
“You’ve just got to come to my church!”
Recently our Local Board of Administration, along with other key ministry leaders met for another one of our annual Vision Gatherings. This was the third one we’ve had since I’ve been the Pastor at Christ Wesleyan. In the past we have spent a lot of time analyzing our strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for the future. However this year we did something a little different. We spent most of the time taking a good hard look at the short-term and long-term goals we had set in the past. Most of them were put in place at our first Vision Gathering three years ago. What we found was that most of the short and long term goals were either accomplished, or at least in the works, and others needed more definition and clarity. In a future posting I’ll list in detail the results of the gathering, and get your input.
One of the conversations we had during our time together surrounded a questions I presented to our church leaders. As I observe people in various types of settings talking about their church, you can immediately determine those who are absolutely thrilled about their church. Their excitement and enthusiasm seems to leap out of them, and usually you’ll hear them make a statement something like, “You have got to come to my church because . . .” What I asked our church leaders is to finish that sentence about Christ Wesleyan Church. I asked how they would express the kind of excitement and enthusiasm that goes with that statement. I know how I would answer that statement. I would say, “You have got to come to my church because . . . “
- We have a very loving congregation. I truly believe that anyone who walks through the doors will be genuinely loved and accepted.
- Our people have expressed a great deal of confidence in me as their Pastor. They’ve allowed me to try new things, and explore new blessings.
- We have a great group of teens who truly love the Lord, and we’ve got a great Youth Pastor.
- We’ve got a core group of young families who are excited about serving the needs of people in our community.
- We have a congregation who is supportive of Missions, in praying, and giving, and going.
These are just a few things, and the list could go on to mention other areas that are still developing. But sometimes my perspective is different because I am so personally invested. How would you answer this question? Take some time to post your comments. Now, lets be careful not to repeat the same answers as others. Let’s try to add to the list something others haven’t seen. Be creative. Be critical. But put some thought into how you would complete the sentence, “You have got to come to my church because . . .”
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Home Groups Are Off To A Great Start!
As I write, I feel very blessed to hear about the enthusiasm and involvement of all of those who participated in the first night of our Home Groups Bible Studies last Sunday evening. I’ve called around to all of the various group leaders, and heard from a number of the participants, and the reviews are very positive. There were 51 in total attendance. Most of the groups reported that there were many who were sick with this flu bug that has been going around. Hopefully everyone will be well, and back in the swing of things for this next weekend. The session on true spirituality really hit home with the groups, and caused all of us to think seriously about how we are called to live each day as if Jesus Christ were living through us. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
Special recognition goes to the J.C. & Jan Trollinger group led by Terry Winterrowd who had all of their group members in attendance. Also, all the other groups may feel a little envious of the group who met at Clyde and Tuffy’s house. As everyone could imagine, Tuffy cooked for the group. My suggestion was that all groups should rotate through Clyde and Tuffy’s home in the future. Everyone spoke very positively about the mixture of age groups that are part of the Home Groups. And, nearly every group leader mentioned their “empty chair” and one or two names of people they were already thinking about inviting to join their group. This is great. I am really happy for all of you, and appreciate your support for this new program. Whenever the church branches out in a new ministry it is always difficult to know how it will be embraced. Thank you for putting your all into it!!!
Everyone should know that all of our groups are open to new members, so if there is anyone, at any time that would like to join in please let me know. We don’t want to leave anyone out who desires to be part of our Home Group Ministry.
God bless you!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Home Group Bible Studies
What a beautiful day the Lord has given us. This is enough to give me Spring Fever. I need to find a baseball game in the area. This is my favorite time of the year.
Sunday morning's sermon is still bouncing around in my head. The image of expressing true contrition being like that which is placed in a mortar (or Kathy's pilón) and ground up into pieces is really powerful. It has really made me think about my own personal dreams and desires, and if I am truly willing to come before the Lord and let Him have my entire life. Am I really willing to be broken, or even ground up into pieces so that He can use me the way He desires? That's a question we all have to deal with at some point.
On Sunday evening, March 2, we officially kicked off our new Home Group Bible Studies. In our service we prayed for our leaders and hosts, and celebrated in advance the many ways that we believe these groups will encourage our people to grow spiritually and create opportunities to reach out to others. I really appreciate the fact that so many of our people have been willing to get involved in this program, even though it involves a departure from the traditional church schedule of activities on Sunday evenings. We simply believe that it will open the door to growth in so many ways.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Grand Opening
Welcome to my first step into the Blog-World! I am hoping that this is a place where we can share thoughts, impressions, questions and blessings that we are experiencing together at Christ Wesleyan. Also, anyone else who joins the conversation can add their thoughts as well.
My sermon last Sunday was part of a series called, "All For Eternity." Jesus came into the world so that we would all have the opportunity of eternal life. The title was, "Life Is Short - Eternity Is Forever." Some people caught on to the fact that I didn't mention my second point in the sermon. I'm actually glad you noticed. Maybe it gave you something to think about during the afternoon and try to guess what would have filled the blanks in your sermon notes. Below is the outline so that you can see if you were right.
