Weekly Note From the Pastor 9/26/07
September 26, 2007
I am often asked about the ingredients for our ‘success’ as a church plant. The odds were definitely stacked against us making it through the difficult stages and over the ‘hump’ to a self-sustaining ministry. Ignorance saved me from a lot of fear and anxiety because some statisticians put the percentage of church planting failures as high as 80%, including planters with good financial backing from a ‘mother’ church. Now, on the brink of our eight-year anniversary, we celebrate the longevity of God’s blessings. The sustaining echo of Christ’s words, “I will build My church” helps keep things in right perspective. The once skeptical scowls have turned to proud, “I-knew-you-could-do-it” credit seekers. My wife and I still laugh at the fact that her parents finished out their basement when we started because they figured we would be moving in soon.
These statements are often perceived as practiced rather than practical, spiritualizing the matter for validity. I could say our ‘success’ is because of a great leadership team, who are like family, and have been an integral part of this ministry from the beginning. Their faithfulness and dedication are unparalleled, but I know that is not the reason. I could say it is because of our great Praise and Worship. Our musicians and singers are exceedingly talented and have incredible hearts. This quality is a huge plus; however, it is still not the reason for any great accomplishments. I could say it is because of my pastoral ability, but it still seems like I am feeling my way through this much of the time. This is my first pastorate after having said I would never want to do ‘pulpit’ ministry, much less lead a congregation. The reason we are blessed is because of obedience – hearing His voice and managing this small portion of His church, His way. I believe the greatest advice I could impart to a church planter is, after saying ‘yes’ to pioneering, ask, “What do I still lack?” or, in my own words, ‘What kind of a church do You want this to be?’ Your sacrifice to step out in faith does not automatically generate His blessing if your steps are not “ordered of God” (Proverbs 20:24). It is through the act of obedience that we find favor (1 Samuel 15:22). Success is not measured by the size of your church, or any other earthly gauge, but whether or not we someday hear these words, “Well done good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).”
Serving You In Love,
Jeff
Weekly Note From the Pastor 9/19/07
September 19, 2007
I have always been in pretty good physical condition. As a youngster, whenever two-a-days came along, or preseason basketball, and we had to run long distances to get in shape, I did really well because I was so active and stayed good and fit. As age has set in, and I have had an inside office job for some time, I find I am not quite staying in shape like I used to. I lose my breath on a short sprint. I am not as proud of the way I look in the mirror… and that is with my shirt on! I was leaning over a fence the other day favoring my left side. I reached up with my right hand to scratch something, and felt some foreign matter protruding from my chest area. Thinking I must have leaned on a fence pad and rolled it up under me, I looked under my body, but nothing was there. I returned to the same position only to find, to my horror, that it was my own pecs… soft and flabby, being pushed up to a disgustingly abnormal position! At that point I realized I needed to start exercising. I am learning that it takes a lot longer to get back in shape than it did to stay in shape. I would like to blame it all on age, but I think laziness has much to do with it.
I find that this is also true spiritually. There are less temptations and weapons the enemy can use against me if I remain pure. The more fit I am, the stronger my resistance is and the longer I can abstain from the desires of the flesh. Spiritual fitness should remain a priority at all times. “Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things.” 1 Corinthians 9:25a AMP
Serving You in Love,
Jeff
Weekly Note From the Pastor 9/12/07
September 12, 2007
Loss is something all of mankind must deal with at some stage in their life. Yet it doesn’t seem to get any easier when face to face with it, nor does everyone deal with it the same. Yesterday, I was thinking about where I was six years ago on that Tuesday morning that changed
I have grown to accept that not every loss has the ‘why’ answered. Not every misfortune makes sense or seems justifiable. Maybe it’s because we can’t control every fate. We are not always in the driver’s seat. But as long as I never lose Christ, I can continue to sing “It Will Be Worth it All.” “But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ’s sake. Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One)…” Philippians 3:7, 8 AMP
Serving You In Love,
Jeff
Weekly Note From the Pastor 9/05/07
September 5, 2007
I am reminded about the writer of Ecclesiastes; how he must have been feeling when writing the words: “I hate life. As far as I can see, what happens on earth is a bad business. It’s smoke—and spitting into the wind. And I hated everything I’d accomplished and accumulated on this earth. I can’t take it with me—no, I have to leave it to whoever comes after me” (Ecclesiastes 2:17-19 MSG) were penned. What a horrible reflection and outlook. Thank goodness my feelings are just the opposite; for I know our efforts are having eternal implications. May we continue to hear His voice and obey His directives. When He’s driving, the destination is always reached at the perfect time.
Serving You In Love,
