As promised, here is the first posting in our new systematic theology category. I will follow up with some additional reflections throughout the week to come and at the end of the series, I will provide a complete bibliography/works cited document.
Prolegomena
Literally translated, credo means “I believe”. A definitive statement as to what those beliefs are and how they are arrived at is at the heart of the task of credo. Beliefs do not occur in a vacuum. They live in harmony and tension with the beliefs of others—past, present and future. A credo is as much a work of what I believe as it is a work of what is believed in the Christian tradition. Let us begin to lay the ground work and talk about first things first.
The credo at hand seeks a deeper understanding of God from the perspective of Christian faith. It is working from the inside out. There is a God and God is known in a self-revealing way. This becomes clear by looking at God’s divine self-revelation in the areas of the doctrine of God, Christology, pneumatology, the doctrine of creation and providence, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. In order to proceed, further discussion of systematic theology and epistemology is necessary.
Theology, derived either from the Latin theologia; or the Greek combination of theos meaning God and logos meaning speech, is defined as speech about God or God talk. This talk about God is undertaken scientifically or methodically in order to understand divine revelation (McKim, 280). Systematic theology is one branch of Christian theology that seeks to accomplish this task in an orderly and coherent way (McKim, 285). Therefore, this credo will utilize the aforementioned classic loci. This task requires deep critical appraisal, articulation, and appropriation of the beliefs that it explores. Rather than an exercise in mediocrity, it is an ongoing process of spiritual formation that acts as advanced catechesis in our faith journey (Abraham, 2007).
Critical appraisal, articulation, and appropriation cannot effectively take place outside of the Christian tradition. Therefore, we begin within the tradition. This assumes an encounter with the gospel, a transformative conversion that led to a relationship with Jesus Christ, an initiation into the Church through baptism, and a beginning on the journey of Christian discipleship. Our appraisal, articulation, and appropriation will concentrate on God’s work from creation to redemption. The God under discussion is “the Triune God professed to be known and loved within the Church” (Abraham, 2007).
Systematic theology has its own set of unique tasks. The first task is elucidation where beliefs are clarified and articulated. The second task of hermeneutics involves deep exploration that seeks out underlying distinctions of belief, how beliefs are interdependent, and why some beliefs are affirmed and others are denied. A tertiary task is re-storying; a process by which a belief is reclaimed, re-understood, re-applied, and sometimes improved upon. The fourth task is defense. Referred to as apologetics, this can be an attempt to protect the Church against false teachings, mere objections, or even slanderous accusations regarding its beliefs or it can be the pursuit of discovery that seeks to locate and delineate the foundations of why the Church believes the way it does (Abraham, 2007). While it would be noble to pursue each of these tasks, the primary focus of this credo is elucidation.
Epistemology must be addressed, especially regarding the utilization of methods, sources and norms. As previously mentioned; God reveals himself to us. This calls into question the ways in which God reveals. These are numerous. To Moses, God revealed himself in a burning bush. To Paul, God revealed himself on the road to Damascus. To the Church, God revealed himself through the Holy Spirit. To the disciples and to the world, God revealed himself through Jesus Christ. The epistemological tools for this process of exploring God’s self-revelation are Scripture, tradition, experience and reason (Book of Discipline, 77). Each of these bears witness to Jesus Christ and enables us to encounter this self-revealing God. Scripture attests to God’s activity in history from Abraham to Jesus and beyond (BOD, 78-79). Tradition reminds us that we are not alone on this journey and that we are informed by those whose shoulders we stand on, who have gone before us and canonized a heritage that we must become acquainted with in order to more fully embrace God (BOD, 79-81). Experience enlivens our faith. Both corporately and individually, experience entails encounter with the divine. This encounter moves faith from recognition to relationship; it is a place of transformation (BOD, 81-82). Finally, reason is the God given gift that allows us to confirm what we find “revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, and vivified in our experiences” (BOD, 77). While Scripture, tradition, experience and reason have been utilized as both sources and tools of knowing, I am reluctant to say that this is the definitive epistemological method. Room must be left for further discourse with philosophers and experts from other disciplines, in order to solidify a more fully embodied epistemology. The method is, however, an adequate jumping off point for the work ahead.
Finally, I have no reluctance in using the pronoun ‘him’ for God. I want to be clear that this is not a decision that was arrived at flippantly or haphazardly. I believe that masculine, feminine and neuter forms of address for God are all problematic. To change to a neutered or feminine pronoun appears to cause more problems than it would solve (Pinnock, 15-17). Considering this, I have opted for the continued use of the masculine pronoun to refer to all persons of the Trinity. With prolegomena now tackled, we now turn our attention more fully to God.
Let me know what you think. How would your approach be epistemologically different? Would you go with more traditional language or opt for some more modern metaphors when referring to God?
© Russell Hall/Radically Altered – 2009. All Rights Reserved
Sunday, May 31, 2009
May 31, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way (Proverbs 19:2, NIV)."
Lord, sometimes I rush into things without considering if I'm being wise--and that quick desire doesn't lead me in the right way. Forgive me for acting without thought and the prayer that would lead me in Your path.
I want to do right, to glorify You in all I think, do, and say. Usually, my desire to rush in is without deliberate disobedience. But without Your knowledge, I never end up in the right place. So keep me from quick but wrong reactions, and lead me by Your Spirit in Your way of wisdom.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 172.
"It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way (Proverbs 19:2, NIV)."
Lord, sometimes I rush into things without considering if I'm being wise--and that quick desire doesn't lead me in the right way. Forgive me for acting without thought and the prayer that would lead me in Your path.
I want to do right, to glorify You in all I think, do, and say. Usually, my desire to rush in is without deliberate disobedience. But without Your knowledge, I never end up in the right place. So keep me from quick but wrong reactions, and lead me by Your Spirit in Your way of wisdom.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 172.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A Little Saturday Humor
We are hanging out with the Piyakhun's and decided it would be fun to watch some You Tube videos...here is one of our favorites:
Happy Saturday!
Happy Saturday!
Blogging Systematic Theology - A New Adventure
I was having an email conversation with Michael Patton (you can check him out at his blog here) regarding the conflict that often occurs between Armenians and Calvinists. In my estimation, he made some very wise statements (which you can read here) and I sent him an email thanking him for his post. In that email, I told him about a plan that I had to start a conversation involving systematic theology from an Armenian/Wesleyan perspective here at Radically Altered and invited him into the conversation.
Well, I have waited to do this long enough. This blog post is my invitation to you to join in the conversation.
Here is the plan:
1) every week I will put up a post that shares with you a portion of my credo from systematic theology. I will put it up unaltered from the way in which it was submitted with one exception---because some portions of the credo are longer than others (the portion on the Character and Nature of God vs. Prolegomena, for example), some portions of the credo will be broken into several submissions over several weeks.
2) after the initial posting, I will do reflection postings involving the content of the original post. I am doing this because we were limited in how much we could write in the actual credo we turned in in seminary...but experience has shown me that there is much more to say in many of the areas that the credo addresses. These reflective postings give me the opportunity to expound upon what was originally written...taking into account other things I have studied since that original writing, and things that you all will be sharing in the comments.
3) I will reserve the right to extend an existing conversation over posting a new segment at the beginning of the week if the conversation is still moving along in a healthy manner.
4) Your part in this is to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section of each post. This is where everyone (myself included) has the opportunity to see varying perspectives and grow in the continual development of our own.
Why am I doing this, you might ask...well, quite frankly we share a rich Christian heritage and sometimes we simply forget about the things we have in common in light of all of the differences that we choose to debate. My hopes is that there will be some connection to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of our denominational or theological affiliations. Also, I love to learn. I am hoping that in sharing our comments and own conclusions with one another, that we can each grow in the process. I am not out to convert anyone to my way of thinking...and I am not seeking to be converted. Instead, experience has shown me that authentic dialog with integrity grows us as iron sharpens iron. I have left similar conversations in the past, not converted to a new way of thinking, but with a better understanding of why I believe the way that I do to begin with.
With that said, I need to lay out a few ground rules:
1) I am going to leave comment moderation off to begin with...please do not abuse this fact...I keep a very close eye on my blog...if things get out of hand, I will immediately institute comment moderation.
2) Do not pick fights or call people out. If you do, you will be blocked from further interaction.
3) Please note that this does not mean that we have to all agree---I expect that many of us will not. This is simply an expectation that we can have dialog with integrity and in an adult manner. At the end of the day, we can agree to disagree.
That's it. It is really simple. I look forward to our discussions and to growing from the interaction.
I will get the first post up by tomorrow evening.
Well, I have waited to do this long enough. This blog post is my invitation to you to join in the conversation.
Here is the plan:
1) every week I will put up a post that shares with you a portion of my credo from systematic theology. I will put it up unaltered from the way in which it was submitted with one exception---because some portions of the credo are longer than others (the portion on the Character and Nature of God vs. Prolegomena, for example), some portions of the credo will be broken into several submissions over several weeks.
2) after the initial posting, I will do reflection postings involving the content of the original post. I am doing this because we were limited in how much we could write in the actual credo we turned in in seminary...but experience has shown me that there is much more to say in many of the areas that the credo addresses. These reflective postings give me the opportunity to expound upon what was originally written...taking into account other things I have studied since that original writing, and things that you all will be sharing in the comments.
3) I will reserve the right to extend an existing conversation over posting a new segment at the beginning of the week if the conversation is still moving along in a healthy manner.
4) Your part in this is to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section of each post. This is where everyone (myself included) has the opportunity to see varying perspectives and grow in the continual development of our own.
Why am I doing this, you might ask...well, quite frankly we share a rich Christian heritage and sometimes we simply forget about the things we have in common in light of all of the differences that we choose to debate. My hopes is that there will be some connection to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of our denominational or theological affiliations. Also, I love to learn. I am hoping that in sharing our comments and own conclusions with one another, that we can each grow in the process. I am not out to convert anyone to my way of thinking...and I am not seeking to be converted. Instead, experience has shown me that authentic dialog with integrity grows us as iron sharpens iron. I have left similar conversations in the past, not converted to a new way of thinking, but with a better understanding of why I believe the way that I do to begin with.
With that said, I need to lay out a few ground rules:
1) I am going to leave comment moderation off to begin with...please do not abuse this fact...I keep a very close eye on my blog...if things get out of hand, I will immediately institute comment moderation.
2) Do not pick fights or call people out. If you do, you will be blocked from further interaction.
3) Please note that this does not mean that we have to all agree---I expect that many of us will not. This is simply an expectation that we can have dialog with integrity and in an adult manner. At the end of the day, we can agree to disagree.
That's it. It is really simple. I look forward to our discussions and to growing from the interaction.
I will get the first post up by tomorrow evening.
Reflections on the Past 4 Years - Part III
When thinking about the past 4 years, school and church life are of course at the forefront of the remembrances. The truth is, however, that there are far more memories, relationships and blessings that have happened outside of these two contexts. Here are just a few more of my final reflections about the past 4 years:
First, it was almost 22 months ago that our daughter was born. As I think about our time here, my memories are filled with late night awakenings, mid-afternoon naps (with Bailey sleeping on my chest), and tons of fun with the people of Edom as Bailey's area of exploration has grown over the past 22 months. They had warned us that drinking the water at the parsonage has caused more than one preaching family to leave this place with a larger family than what they had arrived with!
One of my greatest joys the last two years we have spent here has been serving on the volunteer fire department. There is nothing like going into a burning building to get the adrenaline pumping. In the two years of service to the department I have had the privilege of working hundreds of calls from medical crisis to structure fires, grass fires to motor vehicle accidents, downed power lines to high moving water rescues. It has been a part of me becoming more entrenched in the community. It has been an extension of my ministry---there is simply nothing like showing up on an accident scene and having the person ask you "aren't you that Methodist preacher?" and then them asking you to pray with them. I will definitely miss going on calls in my new appointment.
Other ministry has included working with the teenagers at Sundown Ranch. Sundown is a residential treatment and recovery center about 20 miles away from home that has its own school (to where kids don't lose out on their education while working their programs). I have spent numerous afternoons with young men processing their 5th steps. It has served to ground my own recovery and to continually allow me to give back in an area that I am passionate about.
The friendships that have been made here have transcended denominational lines. As such, I have had the opportunity to work with other pastors in their ministry settings as well. There are many friendships from outside the church that I will take with me into future years.
I am grateful for the relationships that I have built with city and county officials. It is funny that the JP that was elected when I first got here, I met because of a speeding ticket I received on the way to school one morning. The current JP is a fellow hunter and sojourner in ministry and is an amazing man. He is a great example of how ministry happens with the laity in any job and any situation. The current mayor has also been a blessing to my time here...it has not gone unnoticed that when there is a city event (like the Christmas tree lightings) that in spite of her attending another church, she has continued to invite me to do the invocations (that has been a real blessing).
I had an experience once where I was standing between the county constable and the JP and I just busted out laughing. They looked at me and wondered what was so funny and I told them that this is only the second time in 12 years that I have stood between a cop and a judge and not been in handcuffs (they both know about my past struggles with addiction). They laughed heartily...after all, it is the little things in life that are important!
A couple of years ago, I did something I hadn't done since high school...I performed a lead in a play at the community center. The play was A Sanders Family Christmas and was a hoot to do. Later that year, I received two awards for my performance (best actor and best newcomer)...I am still not sure that they were deserved, but I welcome them as it is probably as close as I will ever get to winning any other awards for my acting and singing (thank goodness the lead wasn't supposed to be able to carry a tune in a bucket...that was right up my alley!)
Of course we can't forget about all of the outdoor activities available here in the country. I have been no more than 10 minutes away from my hunting spots for the past 4 years. Trust me when I say that this will be incredibly missed. Some of my new best friends are hunters here in Edom. That reminds me, how many Edomites does it take to track down and pull a deer out of the woods? Apparently 3...the JP, the plumber and the preacher! One night I shot a deer with my bow and arrow and it was a good shot, but she ran 40 yards into the deep thicket of woods off of the hunting trail. It took us some time to track and find her and since it was after dark, my buddy Boyd and I (I had called him to help me out) called the JP to drive up to the road with his lights on so we could find our way back to the main trail...absolutely hilarious! I have been able to play golf on a couple of different courses. I have also been able to fish some of the local fishing holes. I have been blessed.
I am leaving here probably knowing as many people outside the church as I do inside the church. They have all touched my life in meaningful ways...and I pray in some small way, that I have been a blessing to their lives.
Thank you Edom. Thank you Sexton Chapel. Thank you Mt. Sylvan. Thank you for all the friendships, blessings and memories that are now a part of the fabric of my life.
First, it was almost 22 months ago that our daughter was born. As I think about our time here, my memories are filled with late night awakenings, mid-afternoon naps (with Bailey sleeping on my chest), and tons of fun with the people of Edom as Bailey's area of exploration has grown over the past 22 months. They had warned us that drinking the water at the parsonage has caused more than one preaching family to leave this place with a larger family than what they had arrived with!
One of my greatest joys the last two years we have spent here has been serving on the volunteer fire department. There is nothing like going into a burning building to get the adrenaline pumping. In the two years of service to the department I have had the privilege of working hundreds of calls from medical crisis to structure fires, grass fires to motor vehicle accidents, downed power lines to high moving water rescues. It has been a part of me becoming more entrenched in the community. It has been an extension of my ministry---there is simply nothing like showing up on an accident scene and having the person ask you "aren't you that Methodist preacher?" and then them asking you to pray with them. I will definitely miss going on calls in my new appointment.
Other ministry has included working with the teenagers at Sundown Ranch. Sundown is a residential treatment and recovery center about 20 miles away from home that has its own school (to where kids don't lose out on their education while working their programs). I have spent numerous afternoons with young men processing their 5th steps. It has served to ground my own recovery and to continually allow me to give back in an area that I am passionate about.
The friendships that have been made here have transcended denominational lines. As such, I have had the opportunity to work with other pastors in their ministry settings as well. There are many friendships from outside the church that I will take with me into future years.
I am grateful for the relationships that I have built with city and county officials. It is funny that the JP that was elected when I first got here, I met because of a speeding ticket I received on the way to school one morning. The current JP is a fellow hunter and sojourner in ministry and is an amazing man. He is a great example of how ministry happens with the laity in any job and any situation. The current mayor has also been a blessing to my time here...it has not gone unnoticed that when there is a city event (like the Christmas tree lightings) that in spite of her attending another church, she has continued to invite me to do the invocations (that has been a real blessing).
I had an experience once where I was standing between the county constable and the JP and I just busted out laughing. They looked at me and wondered what was so funny and I told them that this is only the second time in 12 years that I have stood between a cop and a judge and not been in handcuffs (they both know about my past struggles with addiction). They laughed heartily...after all, it is the little things in life that are important!
A couple of years ago, I did something I hadn't done since high school...I performed a lead in a play at the community center. The play was A Sanders Family Christmas and was a hoot to do. Later that year, I received two awards for my performance (best actor and best newcomer)...I am still not sure that they were deserved, but I welcome them as it is probably as close as I will ever get to winning any other awards for my acting and singing (thank goodness the lead wasn't supposed to be able to carry a tune in a bucket...that was right up my alley!)
Of course we can't forget about all of the outdoor activities available here in the country. I have been no more than 10 minutes away from my hunting spots for the past 4 years. Trust me when I say that this will be incredibly missed. Some of my new best friends are hunters here in Edom. That reminds me, how many Edomites does it take to track down and pull a deer out of the woods? Apparently 3...the JP, the plumber and the preacher! One night I shot a deer with my bow and arrow and it was a good shot, but she ran 40 yards into the deep thicket of woods off of the hunting trail. It took us some time to track and find her and since it was after dark, my buddy Boyd and I (I had called him to help me out) called the JP to drive up to the road with his lights on so we could find our way back to the main trail...absolutely hilarious! I have been able to play golf on a couple of different courses. I have also been able to fish some of the local fishing holes. I have been blessed.
I am leaving here probably knowing as many people outside the church as I do inside the church. They have all touched my life in meaningful ways...and I pray in some small way, that I have been a blessing to their lives.
Thank you Edom. Thank you Sexton Chapel. Thank you Mt. Sylvan. Thank you for all the friendships, blessings and memories that are now a part of the fabric of my life.
May 30, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Luke 16:13, NASB)."
Many desirable things quickly turn me from You, Lord. I admit I willingly fall far from You when worldly toys attract me. Forgive me for placing anything ahead of Your love.
Though deep down I know things can never replace You, when money or goods attract me, I don't usually ponder the exchange I'd be making. I want to believe I can have it all. Remind me, Lord, that to be faithful to You, even my money must serve You. Spiritual things have so much more value than the wealth I desire.
Make me wholeheartedly desire Your will, Jesus, so I cannot serve the wrong master. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 153.
"No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Luke 16:13, NASB)."
Many desirable things quickly turn me from You, Lord. I admit I willingly fall far from You when worldly toys attract me. Forgive me for placing anything ahead of Your love.
Though deep down I know things can never replace You, when money or goods attract me, I don't usually ponder the exchange I'd be making. I want to believe I can have it all. Remind me, Lord, that to be faithful to You, even my money must serve You. Spiritual things have so much more value than the wealth I desire.
Make me wholeheartedly desire Your will, Jesus, so I cannot serve the wrong master. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 153.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Reflections on the Past 4 Years - Part II
Much of my time in Edom over the past four years has been related to school and ordination.
During this time I have been working on (and completing) my MDiv at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. That means that I logged about 624 hours (that is 26 days folks!) on the road between Edom and Dallas for classes. That does not count the hours to Longview for internship or any of the hours on the road to Houston or Lakeview for conference related work. Add to the travel time the amount of time that it took to write all of those papers, complete all the projects, do all the reading (and I am still not done with all the reading...are you?), etc., and you will begin to get some sense of the insanity that has been my life these past four years.
I have been frequently asked about my choice for seminaries and what I thought of others. My seminary choice had a lot to do with family relationships and having enough money to go to seminary. Needless to say, the package that Perkins/SMU offered me was the best deal. It allowed me to stay and serve in my current conference and kept me close to family ties that we have here in Texas. Although I would say that I am more conservative than many folks at Perkins, I faired well with my grades and studies. My experience with seminaries is that no one school has it all. Some have phenomenal preaching teachers, while others are noted for their biblical scholarship. I have learned in my seminary career to temper everything. I have spent a great deal of time reading from authors and professors of other seminaries to keep my education as balanced as possible (or as unbalanced as possible...depending on how you want to look at it); and this has served my own spiritual growth and education quite well.
While there are areas of disagreement that I have with some professors at Perkins, I have been blessed to learn from some folks that I truly consider great in their fields. Some of those include Dr. Bassler, Dr. Howard, Dr. Heller, Dr. Abraham and Dr. McKenzie; just to name a few. I have been well served by the works of others outside of Perkins including Dr. Ray Anderson (Fuller Theological Seminary), Dr. Joel Green (Asbury Theological Seminary), and Dr. Darrell Bock (Dallas Theological Seminary). So the point of all of this, I guess, is to say that your education is quite literally what you make of it (regardless of who is at the head of the class teaching it).
Perhaps the best feature of Perkins was the mix of students that were there. Because of that mix, I have been able to have meaningful and thoughtful debates and conversations with ministers (and future ministers) in the Catholic, United Methodist, Anglican, Episcopalian, Greek Orthodox, Nazarene, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostal, African Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist, Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and many other denominationally affiliated and independent churches. Add to that the ability to worship and study with folks from all over the globe (Iran, Russia, Africa, Australia, and many other places), I have been blessed with a deeper look into the cultures and practices of Christians everywhere. This has been, by far, the deepest blessing.
One of the realizations that I have had, now with more than 8 years of recent schooling, is that I am a student. I love to explore and to learn. And I love to share those explorations and lessons with others. While I am planning on returning to school to get my Doctorate of Ministry (DMin) degree in a couple of years, I realize that learning and education are just a deep part of who I am and how I am wired.
On the ordination side of things, I reached a milestone during my time here in Edom. At this last Annual Conference, I was commissioned as a probationary elder in the United Methodist Church. This process has taken 9 years to accomplish...and if all goes well, in a couple of years (the Annual Conference of 2011) I will be fully ordained as an elder in the church. There are/have been a lot of hoops to jump through and it has been an excruciating process at times. I am, however, better and stronger for having stayed the course. I look forward to the opportunities that I will have in the years to come to work with others to revise and improve upon this process for those that will follow me into ordained ministry.
I do want to say, that by and large, the commissioning interview (the big board) was one of the most affirming experiences to date in my process towards ordination. I have had several of the members of the Board of Ordained Ministry come along side me in the past few weeks and speak encouragement and blessing into my life. It is as if I have finally made it out of the wilderness and am truly becoming a part of something that is much larger than I could ever be on my own.
The highlight of Annual Conference for me this year, was the moment that Bishop Huie placed her hands on my shoulder, smiled, said my name, and spoke those historical words of the commissioning liturgy over me and prayed. It is a moment that I don't think will soon be forgotten.
So while at times, my journey has seemed tenuous and tedious, I am grateful to have completed these two huge milestones in my life and career as a minister within the United Methodist Church.
During this time I have been working on (and completing) my MDiv at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. That means that I logged about 624 hours (that is 26 days folks!) on the road between Edom and Dallas for classes. That does not count the hours to Longview for internship or any of the hours on the road to Houston or Lakeview for conference related work. Add to the travel time the amount of time that it took to write all of those papers, complete all the projects, do all the reading (and I am still not done with all the reading...are you?), etc., and you will begin to get some sense of the insanity that has been my life these past four years.
I have been frequently asked about my choice for seminaries and what I thought of others. My seminary choice had a lot to do with family relationships and having enough money to go to seminary. Needless to say, the package that Perkins/SMU offered me was the best deal. It allowed me to stay and serve in my current conference and kept me close to family ties that we have here in Texas. Although I would say that I am more conservative than many folks at Perkins, I faired well with my grades and studies. My experience with seminaries is that no one school has it all. Some have phenomenal preaching teachers, while others are noted for their biblical scholarship. I have learned in my seminary career to temper everything. I have spent a great deal of time reading from authors and professors of other seminaries to keep my education as balanced as possible (or as unbalanced as possible...depending on how you want to look at it); and this has served my own spiritual growth and education quite well.
While there are areas of disagreement that I have with some professors at Perkins, I have been blessed to learn from some folks that I truly consider great in their fields. Some of those include Dr. Bassler, Dr. Howard, Dr. Heller, Dr. Abraham and Dr. McKenzie; just to name a few. I have been well served by the works of others outside of Perkins including Dr. Ray Anderson (Fuller Theological Seminary), Dr. Joel Green (Asbury Theological Seminary), and Dr. Darrell Bock (Dallas Theological Seminary). So the point of all of this, I guess, is to say that your education is quite literally what you make of it (regardless of who is at the head of the class teaching it).
Perhaps the best feature of Perkins was the mix of students that were there. Because of that mix, I have been able to have meaningful and thoughtful debates and conversations with ministers (and future ministers) in the Catholic, United Methodist, Anglican, Episcopalian, Greek Orthodox, Nazarene, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostal, African Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist, Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and many other denominationally affiliated and independent churches. Add to that the ability to worship and study with folks from all over the globe (Iran, Russia, Africa, Australia, and many other places), I have been blessed with a deeper look into the cultures and practices of Christians everywhere. This has been, by far, the deepest blessing.
One of the realizations that I have had, now with more than 8 years of recent schooling, is that I am a student. I love to explore and to learn. And I love to share those explorations and lessons with others. While I am planning on returning to school to get my Doctorate of Ministry (DMin) degree in a couple of years, I realize that learning and education are just a deep part of who I am and how I am wired.
On the ordination side of things, I reached a milestone during my time here in Edom. At this last Annual Conference, I was commissioned as a probationary elder in the United Methodist Church. This process has taken 9 years to accomplish...and if all goes well, in a couple of years (the Annual Conference of 2011) I will be fully ordained as an elder in the church. There are/have been a lot of hoops to jump through and it has been an excruciating process at times. I am, however, better and stronger for having stayed the course. I look forward to the opportunities that I will have in the years to come to work with others to revise and improve upon this process for those that will follow me into ordained ministry.
I do want to say, that by and large, the commissioning interview (the big board) was one of the most affirming experiences to date in my process towards ordination. I have had several of the members of the Board of Ordained Ministry come along side me in the past few weeks and speak encouragement and blessing into my life. It is as if I have finally made it out of the wilderness and am truly becoming a part of something that is much larger than I could ever be on my own.
The highlight of Annual Conference for me this year, was the moment that Bishop Huie placed her hands on my shoulder, smiled, said my name, and spoke those historical words of the commissioning liturgy over me and prayed. It is a moment that I don't think will soon be forgotten.
So while at times, my journey has seemed tenuous and tedious, I am grateful to have completed these two huge milestones in my life and career as a minister within the United Methodist Church.
Reflections on the Past 4 Years - Part I
With only 11 days left until the movers arrive, I am finding myself doing a lot of reflecting.
Some of my reflecting has been around ministry these past four years in Edom. There have been good times and there have been challenging times.
Some of the challenges have been related to staff changes, people transferring their memberships to other churches, the church's implementation of the Transformation process, balancing everything (family, school, more than 250 members across multiple churches), restructuring the leadership, merging two churches, selling property, and so on. Change is stressful no matter what the result. Some of these changes have already born much fruit, while others are still getting off the ground. While not every change during my time in ministry has succeeded, I am stronger because of the journey. Valuable lessons have been learned...lessons I hope to carry forward into my ministry for years to come.
Many of the good times involve some miraculous work that God has done in our midst over these past four years. Here are just a few of the ways that God has blessed our time in Edom:
-during the three and a half years that Sexton Chapel UMC remained open, we witnessed 4 new members join...2 of which were professions of faith (not transfers from other churches)
-during the 6 months that Mt. Sylvan UMC has been a part of my charge, we have witnessed 2 new members join...1 of which was a profession of faith
-during the 4 years that I have pastored Edom UMC we have witnessed 30 new members join our church family...9 of which were professions of faith
-There have been 7 baptisms at Edom...including the baptism of my daughter
-I have officiated at 6 weddings during my time in Edom
-I have had the honor and privilege of ministering to 17 families during times of death. Often, I have been in the room when our friends and loved ones have gone home to be with their Lord. It is a rich blessing indeed to preach the funerals of these precious friends. These times have strengthened my ministry and relationships, perhaps like no other.
There is no doubt that God has been active during our stay here in Edom, Texas; but these numbers don't reflect the depth of work that God has been fully about:
-These numbers don't capture the teenage girl's blog posting after a mission trip that describe how deeply that trip moved her and changed her.
-These numbers don't capture the depth that people have served others in the world (how 6 have given so much of their time to facilitate needed heart surgeries for 11 others from the other side of the globe, or how the youth have built over 600 health kits in my time here, or how the lay shepherds have cared for the flock, or how our kids have helped kids in the Line Islands by sending $1,100 worth the school supplies and hundreds-if not thousands- more in books and toys, the list could go on ad infinitum)
-These numbers don't capture the increased depth of prayer life that prayer vigils, prayer triads, and other lessons and practices of prayer have accomplished in the life of this community
-These numbers don't capture the level of commitment to studying the scriptures or the transformation that can only come in the narrative of a person coming up to you explaining how they feel reconnected to the gospel after decades of not reading their Bibles.
-These numbers don't capture the way we came together with 6 other United Methodist Churches to reach out to those in our community last Advent season
-These numbers don't show how dozens of people rallied around a single mom and her four children in her greatest time of need (giving her housing, food, clothing, and love)
And there is so much more.
I give thanks to God for the work that has been done here during my time in Edom. I look forward to seeing what God will continue to do through the lives of those serving here. It has been a rich, rich blessing. And while the numbers may not fully show the magnitude of God's work here, the relationships and narratives that I carry with me bear witness to the plethora of fruit that God is harvesting in this little east Texas town.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...Praise God!
Some of my reflecting has been around ministry these past four years in Edom. There have been good times and there have been challenging times.
Some of the challenges have been related to staff changes, people transferring their memberships to other churches, the church's implementation of the Transformation process, balancing everything (family, school, more than 250 members across multiple churches), restructuring the leadership, merging two churches, selling property, and so on. Change is stressful no matter what the result. Some of these changes have already born much fruit, while others are still getting off the ground. While not every change during my time in ministry has succeeded, I am stronger because of the journey. Valuable lessons have been learned...lessons I hope to carry forward into my ministry for years to come.
Many of the good times involve some miraculous work that God has done in our midst over these past four years. Here are just a few of the ways that God has blessed our time in Edom:
-during the three and a half years that Sexton Chapel UMC remained open, we witnessed 4 new members join...2 of which were professions of faith (not transfers from other churches)
-during the 6 months that Mt. Sylvan UMC has been a part of my charge, we have witnessed 2 new members join...1 of which was a profession of faith
-during the 4 years that I have pastored Edom UMC we have witnessed 30 new members join our church family...9 of which were professions of faith
-There have been 7 baptisms at Edom...including the baptism of my daughter
-I have officiated at 6 weddings during my time in Edom
-I have had the honor and privilege of ministering to 17 families during times of death. Often, I have been in the room when our friends and loved ones have gone home to be with their Lord. It is a rich blessing indeed to preach the funerals of these precious friends. These times have strengthened my ministry and relationships, perhaps like no other.
There is no doubt that God has been active during our stay here in Edom, Texas; but these numbers don't reflect the depth of work that God has been fully about:
-These numbers don't capture the teenage girl's blog posting after a mission trip that describe how deeply that trip moved her and changed her.
-These numbers don't capture the depth that people have served others in the world (how 6 have given so much of their time to facilitate needed heart surgeries for 11 others from the other side of the globe, or how the youth have built over 600 health kits in my time here, or how the lay shepherds have cared for the flock, or how our kids have helped kids in the Line Islands by sending $1,100 worth the school supplies and hundreds-if not thousands- more in books and toys, the list could go on ad infinitum)
-These numbers don't capture the increased depth of prayer life that prayer vigils, prayer triads, and other lessons and practices of prayer have accomplished in the life of this community
-These numbers don't capture the level of commitment to studying the scriptures or the transformation that can only come in the narrative of a person coming up to you explaining how they feel reconnected to the gospel after decades of not reading their Bibles.
-These numbers don't capture the way we came together with 6 other United Methodist Churches to reach out to those in our community last Advent season
-These numbers don't show how dozens of people rallied around a single mom and her four children in her greatest time of need (giving her housing, food, clothing, and love)
And there is so much more.
I give thanks to God for the work that has been done here during my time in Edom. I look forward to seeing what God will continue to do through the lives of those serving here. It has been a rich, rich blessing. And while the numbers may not fully show the magnitude of God's work here, the relationships and narratives that I carry with me bear witness to the plethora of fruit that God is harvesting in this little east Texas town.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...Praise God!
May 29, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:8, NKJV)
I've been proud, Lord, so I understand what You're talking about here. At times that old haughty spirit still tempts me. I want things my way, and i don't want to wait for Your better path.
But You didn't leave me to my own desires. You're working in me, slowly but surely, to turn that pride into forbearance. You're strengthening my 'patience muscles' as I grow in faith.
In the end, I will be better than I was on the first day I came to You. The proud spirit that once indwelled me has turned soft and gentle--but strong. I'd never have done that under my own power. Thank You for Your Spirit's work in my heart. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 129
"The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:8, NKJV)
I've been proud, Lord, so I understand what You're talking about here. At times that old haughty spirit still tempts me. I want things my way, and i don't want to wait for Your better path.
But You didn't leave me to my own desires. You're working in me, slowly but surely, to turn that pride into forbearance. You're strengthening my 'patience muscles' as I grow in faith.
In the end, I will be better than I was on the first day I came to You. The proud spirit that once indwelled me has turned soft and gentle--but strong. I'd never have done that under my own power. Thank You for Your Spirit's work in my heart. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 129
Thursday, May 28, 2009
May 28, 2009
Here is today's prayer"
"He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NKJV)."
I have to admit I'd like to have many things, Lord. Financial success and blessings could make life easier in some ways. But You're reminding me that seeking them as my final goal is useless. Money won't fill the ache in a heart, and a successful career won't solve every problem in life.
May my satisfaction never be with things, Lord. I don't want to come to the end of my life and find I have nothing to show for it. Remind me that money and property do not translate into heavenly rewards--those are found in giving heart and love for You. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 117.
"He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NKJV)."
I have to admit I'd like to have many things, Lord. Financial success and blessings could make life easier in some ways. But You're reminding me that seeking them as my final goal is useless. Money won't fill the ache in a heart, and a successful career won't solve every problem in life.
May my satisfaction never be with things, Lord. I don't want to come to the end of my life and find I have nothing to show for it. Remind me that money and property do not translate into heavenly rewards--those are found in giving heart and love for You. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 117.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
May 27, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8, NKJV)."
I couldn't call my love for others "unfailing," Lord. When people irritate me, it's so easy to make unloving choices. Though I want to draw others to You by my own faithfulness, my own sin gets in the way, and I find myself being a traitor to Your kingdom.
Though my caring ability fails often, I know from experience and Your Word that Yours never does. I'm incredibly glad of this promise, because I know how much I need Your love every moment of my life. If You failed to shower me with Your affection, my days would really be a mess.
Fill me with Your unfailing love for both those I relate to easily and those who are a challenge just to be with. Love them through me with Your unending compassion. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 112
"Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8, NKJV)."
I couldn't call my love for others "unfailing," Lord. When people irritate me, it's so easy to make unloving choices. Though I want to draw others to You by my own faithfulness, my own sin gets in the way, and I find myself being a traitor to Your kingdom.
Though my caring ability fails often, I know from experience and Your Word that Yours never does. I'm incredibly glad of this promise, because I know how much I need Your love every moment of my life. If You failed to shower me with Your affection, my days would really be a mess.
Fill me with Your unfailing love for both those I relate to easily and those who are a challenge just to be with. Love them through me with Your unending compassion. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 112
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May 26, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul (Deuteronomy 4:29, NASB)."
Sometimes when I hurt, I feel so far from You, Lord, that I begin to wonder if You even care anymore. When I experience that feeling, often it's because the world has gotten in between us. I've fallen into sin, and the sin looks good. Or I've let the pressures of overbusyness keep me from time with You. Forgive me, Lord.
A life off course becomes a lonely existence. Even in a crowd, I feel far from everyone. All I need to do is return to You. Turn my heart again in the right direction, Lord. Help me to put aside all that divides us and draw close to Your side again. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 110
"But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul (Deuteronomy 4:29, NASB)."
Sometimes when I hurt, I feel so far from You, Lord, that I begin to wonder if You even care anymore. When I experience that feeling, often it's because the world has gotten in between us. I've fallen into sin, and the sin looks good. Or I've let the pressures of overbusyness keep me from time with You. Forgive me, Lord.
A life off course becomes a lonely existence. Even in a crowd, I feel far from everyone. All I need to do is return to You. Turn my heart again in the right direction, Lord. Help me to put aside all that divides us and draw close to Your side again. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 110
Monday, May 25, 2009
May 25, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10, NKJV)."
I know I'm not much in my own power, Lord. Even at my strongest, life can turn me inside out in a moment, whether it's physically or spiritually. It doesn't take a lot to humble me.
But in You I can rejoice instead of worrying about my limitations. As I tap into Your power and authority, the challenges lessen. Instead of spending my time worrying about a problem, I can sing Your praises and share my faith in You. As my focus shifts from myself to You, Your joy fills my heart.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my strength. I rejoice in Your love and care for me. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 105.
"The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10, NKJV)."
I know I'm not much in my own power, Lord. Even at my strongest, life can turn me inside out in a moment, whether it's physically or spiritually. It doesn't take a lot to humble me.
But in You I can rejoice instead of worrying about my limitations. As I tap into Your power and authority, the challenges lessen. Instead of spending my time worrying about a problem, I can sing Your praises and share my faith in You. As my focus shifts from myself to You, Your joy fills my heart.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my strength. I rejoice in Your love and care for me. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 105.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May 22nd and 23rd
Here are some snap shots of the two vehicles that we (the EVFD) worked at accident scenes...these accidents occurred within 24 hours and a few miles of each other:
The folks involved in these accidents will be alright. Ya'll just please be careful out there this holiday weekend. These are not fun to experience or to work as a fireman/rescue worker.
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
The folks involved in these accidents will be alright. Ya'll just please be careful out there this holiday weekend. These are not fun to experience or to work as a fireman/rescue worker.
May 24, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish (Psalm 9:18, NIV)."
I certainly have needs now, Lord. They overwhelm me until I hardly know where to turn.
But I still hope in You, Jesus. I know You will never forget me or desert me, and You will always provide a way out of my troubles. No matter what problems we have faced, You have never yet forgotten or given up on Your people. Though it may take some time, You faithfully respond.
In my need, assuage my physical and spiritual emptiness, Lord. To have one need fulfilled without the other will not make me complete. Without Your Spirit's flow in my life, I am still afflicted. I need Your filling, Lord. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 93
"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish (Psalm 9:18, NIV)."
I certainly have needs now, Lord. They overwhelm me until I hardly know where to turn.
But I still hope in You, Jesus. I know You will never forget me or desert me, and You will always provide a way out of my troubles. No matter what problems we have faced, You have never yet forgotten or given up on Your people. Though it may take some time, You faithfully respond.
In my need, assuage my physical and spiritual emptiness, Lord. To have one need fulfilled without the other will not make me complete. Without Your Spirit's flow in my life, I am still afflicted. I need Your filling, Lord. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 93
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May 23, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"No lie is of the truth (1 John 2:21, NASB)."
In our own power, we often try to combine truth and lies, Lord, to make a pleasing answer or get out of a difficult situation, but You promise that lies and truth cannot coexist. If I say something that's partly true, I'm still not telling the truth. If I hear something that contains a small lie, it still is not truth.
Cleanse my heart, Lord, and fill it with Your Spirit. I want Your truth to spill from my lips and be obvious in my every action. So fill me with such honesty that I will not displease You. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 91.
"No lie is of the truth (1 John 2:21, NASB)."
In our own power, we often try to combine truth and lies, Lord, to make a pleasing answer or get out of a difficult situation, but You promise that lies and truth cannot coexist. If I say something that's partly true, I'm still not telling the truth. If I hear something that contains a small lie, it still is not truth.
Cleanse my heart, Lord, and fill it with Your Spirit. I want Your truth to spill from my lips and be obvious in my every action. So fill me with such honesty that I will not displease You. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 91.
Friday, May 22, 2009
May 16, 2009
Although this was very much a day about daddy and his friends, it wouldn't have been a celebration after graduation without the kids. You can see how quickly Bailey is growing up (pictured here with Wade's son Daniel):
We had a great time at Enchiladas (where this was taken) eating fajitas and acting up. I think that Bailey and Daniel had a good time too!
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
We had a great time at Enchiladas (where this was taken) eating fajitas and acting up. I think that Bailey and Daniel had a good time too!
Graduation from Seminary
There is a lot going on in life right now. Illness, truck replacement, packing and fire calls have slowed my posting down a little, so I thought that I would do several posts to catch up.
Last Saturday was the culmination of more than 9 years of hard work. 9 years ago, I experienced a call to vocational/pastoral ministry. Within my denomination, a master's degree is required for ordination. Since I hadn't had any college, I had to start from scratch. So in the fall of 2000, I began my higher education career. I first graduated with an Associates in Arts degree from Houston Community College, then a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, and finally with a Master's of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
Here are some pictures of my and my friends celebrating along with several folks who have been supportive in so many ways these last 9 years (don't you just love those little hats!):
I have already determined that I will get a Doctorate of Ministry degree; though I will have to wait a couple of years to begin that one. Congratulations to all of my fellow graduates and to all those that will be graduating over the next couple of weeks from other schools across the country.
Last Saturday was the culmination of more than 9 years of hard work. 9 years ago, I experienced a call to vocational/pastoral ministry. Within my denomination, a master's degree is required for ordination. Since I hadn't had any college, I had to start from scratch. So in the fall of 2000, I began my higher education career. I first graduated with an Associates in Arts degree from Houston Community College, then a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, and finally with a Master's of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
Here are some pictures of my and my friends celebrating along with several folks who have been supportive in so many ways these last 9 years (don't you just love those little hats!):
I have already determined that I will get a Doctorate of Ministry degree; though I will have to wait a couple of years to begin that one. Congratulations to all of my fellow graduates and to all those that will be graduating over the next couple of weeks from other schools across the country.
A New Truck
After being T-boned by a Corvette doing almost 60 mph in 2005, being hit by an 18 wheeler on the loop in Tyler in 2006, and 139,146 miles of hard driving between Houston, Dallas, and greater East Texas (in addition to almost 200 fire and emergency calls), Old Blue has been retired.
This is her replacement:
The good news is that there are more bells and whistles on this one for less money than I paid for Old Blue back in 2003. The bad news is there are no lights and sirens on it yet!
This is her replacement:
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
The good news is that there are more bells and whistles on this one for less money than I paid for Old Blue back in 2003. The bad news is there are no lights and sirens on it yet!
May 22, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:32, NIV)."
When I've done wrong, Jesus, guilt eats at my soul. Though I try to push it aside, from deep inside, it chews away at me.
I'm glad I don't have to live with those feelings every day of my life. Because You loved me, Lord, You've offered forgiveness and separated me from my sin. You even promise to put sin so far away from me that no one--not even I--will be able to find it.
I still sin, Lord. When I do, draw me to Your forgiveness. Help me to speak the words that admit my wrongs so I can again be close to You. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 81
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:32, NIV)."
When I've done wrong, Jesus, guilt eats at my soul. Though I try to push it aside, from deep inside, it chews away at me.
I'm glad I don't have to live with those feelings every day of my life. Because You loved me, Lord, You've offered forgiveness and separated me from my sin. You even promise to put sin so far away from me that no one--not even I--will be able to find it.
I still sin, Lord. When I do, draw me to Your forgiveness. Help me to speak the words that admit my wrongs so I can again be close to You. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 81
Thursday, May 21, 2009
May 21, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (1 Corinthians 9:6, NIV)."
This verse reminds me that You gave generously, Lord, and expect me to follow in Your footsteps. Because You've bestowed so much on me, I can share Your generosity. How will others know what You're really like if I hoard my experiences with You, the gifts You've given me, and even the physical blessings You've allowed me to have?
Open my spirit to Your will, Lord, and help me give from a generous heart so I can experience Your joy in generosity. When I reach heaven, instead of a poor harvest that resulted from today's greed, I'd like to see a full field of good plants that took root in Your kingdom. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 61.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (1 Corinthians 9:6, NIV)."
This verse reminds me that You gave generously, Lord, and expect me to follow in Your footsteps. Because You've bestowed so much on me, I can share Your generosity. How will others know what You're really like if I hoard my experiences with You, the gifts You've given me, and even the physical blessings You've allowed me to have?
Open my spirit to Your will, Lord, and help me give from a generous heart so I can experience Your joy in generosity. When I reach heaven, instead of a poor harvest that resulted from today's greed, I'd like to see a full field of good plants that took root in Your kingdom. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 61.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May 20, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'They are plans for good and not and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)."
Even when I'm facing some terrible things in life, it's comforting to know You offer hope, Lord. Like the Israelites heading into exile, You promise me that the future is always bright in You. There are better times coming.
I can't see through my troubles today and into the future--maybe I wouldn't even want to, Lord. But I know You tell the truth when You hold out hope and a promise that all will be well. Let that be enough for me now. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 58.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'They are plans for good and not and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)."
Even when I'm facing some terrible things in life, it's comforting to know You offer hope, Lord. Like the Israelites heading into exile, You promise me that the future is always bright in You. There are better times coming.
I can't see through my troubles today and into the future--maybe I wouldn't even want to, Lord. But I know You tell the truth when You hold out hope and a promise that all will be well. Let that be enough for me now. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 58.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 19, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)."
Lord, anyone would treasure friends who loved no matter what happened. How rarely I've seen that kind of friendship, and how inadequately I've appreciated it in my own life.
Help me become the kind of friend who always loves, even when times are tough or things seem to be going against another. Keep me steady in caring, when others begin to walk away. I want to be there for my brothers and sisters.
Thank You most of all, Lord, for Your Son, Jesus, a friend and brother who always sticks to me when I face adversity. No one could have a better friend than He. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 48.
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)."
Lord, anyone would treasure friends who loved no matter what happened. How rarely I've seen that kind of friendship, and how inadequately I've appreciated it in my own life.
Help me become the kind of friend who always loves, even when times are tough or things seem to be going against another. Keep me steady in caring, when others begin to walk away. I want to be there for my brothers and sisters.
Thank You most of all, Lord, for Your Son, Jesus, a friend and brother who always sticks to me when I face adversity. No one could have a better friend than He. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 48.
Monday, May 18, 2009
May 18, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children. (Romans 8:16, NLT)"
No matter what happens to my family, Lord, Your Spirit has promised that I'm never alone. I'm always part of Your family, which may have members who get closer to my heart than some of my blood relatives. If I lost everyone You've given me--my parents, brothers, sisters, and my extended family--I'd never be alone. Thank You for caring so much for my heart that You bring me family members who love You, whether or not they're related by blood.
I'm glad to be part of Your family. Help me become a child You can be proud of, Lord. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 17.
"For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children. (Romans 8:16, NLT)"
No matter what happens to my family, Lord, Your Spirit has promised that I'm never alone. I'm always part of Your family, which may have members who get closer to my heart than some of my blood relatives. If I lost everyone You've given me--my parents, brothers, sisters, and my extended family--I'd never be alone. Thank You for caring so much for my heart that You bring me family members who love You, whether or not they're related by blood.
I'm glad to be part of Your family. Help me become a child You can be proud of, Lord. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 17.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
May 17, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6, NIV)."
If You hadn't told me so, I wouldn't think of spiritual hunger as a blessing, Lord. My goal is always to be filled entirely with You. Maybe I've been greedy about wanting only the best spiritual experience.
When a dry spell hits, I wonder what I've done wrong. I don't feel at all blessed, but hungry and thirsty for a taste of Your love. How glad I am that I can trust that even when I feel empty, You remain with me. In an unexpected way, You are preparing to fill me with even more righteousness.
I want to be filled with You, Lord, no matter how You do it. Fill my hungry soul any way You want to. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 15
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6, NIV)."
If You hadn't told me so, I wouldn't think of spiritual hunger as a blessing, Lord. My goal is always to be filled entirely with You. Maybe I've been greedy about wanting only the best spiritual experience.
When a dry spell hits, I wonder what I've done wrong. I don't feel at all blessed, but hungry and thirsty for a taste of Your love. How glad I am that I can trust that even when I feel empty, You remain with me. In an unexpected way, You are preparing to fill me with even more righteousness.
I want to be filled with You, Lord, no matter how You do it. Fill my hungry soul any way You want to. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 15
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May 16, 2009
Today I graduate with my third degree, a Masters of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology. As I look upon my own graduation and look around me at others graduating at this time of year, I am thinking a lot about what the future has in store.
A few years ago, when I graduated and received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, I was given a book entitled Prayers and Promises for the Graduate. In light of the graduations that will be occurring from now through the beginning of June, I thought it apropos to share with you all some of the prayers from this book. This book is designed around about 25 themes, things that graduates of all ages will face in their lives. So while the title of the book suggests that these prayers are for graduates, I would suggest that the scriptures and prayers are for all people.
Here is today's prayer:
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV)
When someone says words that hurt, I usually want to cause pain in return. But Your Word tells me that's not the right response, even if it is my first thought. My harsh anger does not benefit me or the other person. Instead, we'll end up in a circle of wrath that will last as long as our hard words and painful memories remain.
I don't want to live that way, Lord. Instead, I'd like to have Your peace in every corner of my life. So when that harsh answer leaps to my mind, help me bite my tongue. Please give me soft, appealing words that will ease the situation instead of escalating it. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 11
A few years ago, when I graduated and received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, I was given a book entitled Prayers and Promises for the Graduate. In light of the graduations that will be occurring from now through the beginning of June, I thought it apropos to share with you all some of the prayers from this book. This book is designed around about 25 themes, things that graduates of all ages will face in their lives. So while the title of the book suggests that these prayers are for graduates, I would suggest that the scriptures and prayers are for all people.
Here is today's prayer:
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV)
When someone says words that hurt, I usually want to cause pain in return. But Your Word tells me that's not the right response, even if it is my first thought. My harsh anger does not benefit me or the other person. Instead, we'll end up in a circle of wrath that will last as long as our hard words and painful memories remain.
I don't want to live that way, Lord. Instead, I'd like to have Your peace in every corner of my life. So when that harsh answer leaps to my mind, help me bite my tongue. Please give me soft, appealing words that will ease the situation instead of escalating it. Amen.
From Prayers and Promises for the Graduate, pg. 11
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Our Lord, you prove that your witness is faithful and true. Help us to discover in your example the determination we need so that our witness, in public and in secret, will also be faithful and true--a clear word spoken and lived without compromise. In your faithful name. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 331
Our Lord, you prove that your witness is faithful and true. Help us to discover in your example the determination we need so that our witness, in public and in secret, will also be faithful and true--a clear word spoken and lived without compromise. In your faithful name. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 331
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14, 2009
Here is today's prayer (another good one for evening reflection, but can be substituted for morning prayer time if used to reflect upon the prior day or the prior week):
O merciful Father, who dost look down upon the weakness of Thy human children more in pity than in anger, and more in love than in pity, let me now in thy holy presence inquire into the secrets of my heart.
Have I today done anything to fulfill the purpose for which Thou didst cause me to be born?
Have I accepted such opportunities of service as Thou in Thy wisdom has set before my feet?
Have I performed without omission the plain duties of the day?
Give me grace to answer honestly, O God.
Have I today done anything to tarnish my Christian ideal of humanity?
Have I been lazy in body or languid in spirit?
Have I wrongfully indulged my bodily appetites?
Have I kept my imagination pure and healthy?
Have I been scrupulously honorable in all my business dealings?
Have I been transparently sincere in all I have professed to be, to feel, or to do?
Give me grace to answer honestly, O God.
Have I tried today to see myself as others see me?
Have I made more excuses for myself than I have been willing to make for others?
Have I, in my own home, been a peace-maker or have I stirred up strife?
Have I, while professing noble sentiments for great causes and distant objects, failed even in common charity and courtesy towards those nearest to me?
Give me grace to answer honestly, O God.
O Thou whose infinite love, made manifest in Jesus Christ, alone has power to destroy the empire of evil in my soul, grant that with each day that passes I may more and more be delivered from my besetting sins. Amen.
-From A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie
*I have substituted humanity for the word manhood in the original text.
O merciful Father, who dost look down upon the weakness of Thy human children more in pity than in anger, and more in love than in pity, let me now in thy holy presence inquire into the secrets of my heart.
Have I today done anything to fulfill the purpose for which Thou didst cause me to be born?
Have I accepted such opportunities of service as Thou in Thy wisdom has set before my feet?
Have I performed without omission the plain duties of the day?
Give me grace to answer honestly, O God.
Have I today done anything to tarnish my Christian ideal of humanity?
Have I been lazy in body or languid in spirit?
Have I wrongfully indulged my bodily appetites?
Have I kept my imagination pure and healthy?
Have I been scrupulously honorable in all my business dealings?
Have I been transparently sincere in all I have professed to be, to feel, or to do?
Give me grace to answer honestly, O God.
Have I tried today to see myself as others see me?
Have I made more excuses for myself than I have been willing to make for others?
Have I, in my own home, been a peace-maker or have I stirred up strife?
Have I, while professing noble sentiments for great causes and distant objects, failed even in common charity and courtesy towards those nearest to me?
Give me grace to answer honestly, O God.
O Thou whose infinite love, made manifest in Jesus Christ, alone has power to destroy the empire of evil in my soul, grant that with each day that passes I may more and more be delivered from my besetting sins. Amen.
-From A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie
*I have substituted humanity for the word manhood in the original text.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May 13, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
My God, I put myself before you to receive instructions for the course you assign me today. Give me strength according to my burdens and finish your good work in me so that I may grow to be your faithful and obedient child. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 297
My God, I put myself before you to receive instructions for the course you assign me today. Give me strength according to my burdens and finish your good work in me so that I may grow to be your faithful and obedient child. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 297
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands, without
reserve
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father. Amen.
-From Why, O Lord? by Carlo Carretto
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands, without
reserve
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father. Amen.
-From Why, O Lord? by Carlo Carretto
Monday, May 11, 2009
NCLI - A Wrap Up
I neglected to finish up my posts on my time in Arkansas last week; I thought I would offer a little wrap up.
The last day was by far the best. We spent the morning with the creative minds of Len Wilson and Jason Moore from Midnight Oil Productions. I gotta tell you these guys are hilarious!
We spent the morning talking about creative collaboration, worship planning, use of creative media and metaphor, and all kinds of pertinent stuff. If there was a day that made my week in Arkansas worthwhile, it was Friday morning. My only disappointment was that we didn't get a full day with them.
In the aftermath of a week long look at church and ministry planting, I have begun to kick the journey into high gear. I have begun working on two main fronts. The first front is building the prayer team that will pray for this ministry from now through its actual birth or launch. The second front is refining the ministry plan and moving forward with developing the launch team in Port Arthur.
All I can say at this point is that I am excited about the response and looking forward to actually getting on the ground in Port Arthur.
Stay tuned for more updates and if you get a chance to go to a Midnight Oil Productions workshop anywhere in the country, I would highly recommend it.
The last day was by far the best. We spent the morning with the creative minds of Len Wilson and Jason Moore from Midnight Oil Productions. I gotta tell you these guys are hilarious!
We spent the morning talking about creative collaboration, worship planning, use of creative media and metaphor, and all kinds of pertinent stuff. If there was a day that made my week in Arkansas worthwhile, it was Friday morning. My only disappointment was that we didn't get a full day with them.
In the aftermath of a week long look at church and ministry planting, I have begun to kick the journey into high gear. I have begun working on two main fronts. The first front is building the prayer team that will pray for this ministry from now through its actual birth or launch. The second front is refining the ministry plan and moving forward with developing the launch team in Port Arthur.
All I can say at this point is that I am excited about the response and looking forward to actually getting on the ground in Port Arthur.
Stay tuned for more updates and if you get a chance to go to a Midnight Oil Productions workshop anywhere in the country, I would highly recommend it.
May 11, 2009
Here is today's prayer (this one is really designed for an evening prayer time, but still works well during morning prayer time if you are reflecting on the previous day or week):
Evening Prayer
If I have wounded any soul today,
If I have caused one foot to go astray,
If I have walked in my own willful way-
Good Lord, forgive!
If I have uttered idle words or vain,
If I have turned aside from want or pain,
Lest I myself should suffer through the strain-
Good Lord, forgive!
If I have craved for joys that are not mine,
If I have let my wayward heart repine,
Dwelling on things of earth, not things divine-
Good Lord, forgive!
If I have been perverse, or hard, or cold,
If I have longed for shelter in Thy fold
When Thou hast given me some part to hold-
Good Lord, forgive!
Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee,
Forgive the secret sins I do not see,
That which I know not, Father, teach Thou me-
Help me to live.
-From C. Maud Battersby
Evening Prayer
If I have wounded any soul today,
If I have caused one foot to go astray,
If I have walked in my own willful way-
Good Lord, forgive!
If I have uttered idle words or vain,
If I have turned aside from want or pain,
Lest I myself should suffer through the strain-
Good Lord, forgive!
If I have craved for joys that are not mine,
If I have let my wayward heart repine,
Dwelling on things of earth, not things divine-
Good Lord, forgive!
If I have been perverse, or hard, or cold,
If I have longed for shelter in Thy fold
When Thou hast given me some part to hold-
Good Lord, forgive!
Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee,
Forgive the secret sins I do not see,
That which I know not, Father, teach Thou me-
Help me to live.
-From C. Maud Battersby
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
I invite you to consider this anonymous poem. It is entitled Mother’s Love and to me it says a lot about moms:
A Mother's love is something that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away...
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking...
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems...
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
and it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation...
A many-splendored miracle man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.
Happy Mother's Day
A Mother's love is something that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away...
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking...
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems...
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
and it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation...
A many-splendored miracle man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.
Happy Mother's Day
May 10, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
My Lord and friend, in the quietness of this hour, reconcile my contrary motives and conflicting desires. Give me a singleness of purpose that I may come into your presence unashamed and sit under your gaze without blushing. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 275
My Lord and friend, in the quietness of this hour, reconcile my contrary motives and conflicting desires. Give me a singleness of purpose that I may come into your presence unashamed and sit under your gaze without blushing. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 275
Saturday, May 9, 2009
May 9, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
O my God, since you are with me, and I must now, in obedience to your commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beg you to grant me the grace to continue in your presence. To this end, prepare me with your assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 269
O my God, since you are with me, and I must now, in obedience to your commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beg you to grant me the grace to continue in your presence. To this end, prepare me with your assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 269
Friday, May 8, 2009
NCLI - Day 4
Yesterday was about par for the course for this event. We had a church come and visit us and share a worship experience. It was a praise and worship experience front heavy with music followed by 35 minutes of preaching. There were several decent elements with the service, but there were some flow issues (or at least they would be in our future context).
After the worship experience, there was some discussion about application preaching (which of course would drive some of my preaching professors nuts). One of presenters said that heavy borrowing from other preachers, cooked in your own sauce, was perfectly acceptable. This of course cuts across the grain of a purist.
Later in the afternoon, we had another conference leader from yet another state share with us about worship. We discussed hiring a worship leader and forming the worship team. Finally we discussed some forms and types of worship music.
This was one of the days I was looking forward to most, but must say that my expectations weren't met.
In defense, over the more than 10 years of my ministry experience, I have worked with 3 consultants, 1 coach, started 2 different ministries, worked in the TX Annual Conference transformation process for churches, etc. With this as the backdrop, there is much information that has been repeated during this past week.
Today is the final day (Friday, May 8) and we are having a presentation by Midnight Oil, so I will post about it later this evening.
Blessings,
Russell
After the worship experience, there was some discussion about application preaching (which of course would drive some of my preaching professors nuts). One of presenters said that heavy borrowing from other preachers, cooked in your own sauce, was perfectly acceptable. This of course cuts across the grain of a purist.
Later in the afternoon, we had another conference leader from yet another state share with us about worship. We discussed hiring a worship leader and forming the worship team. Finally we discussed some forms and types of worship music.
This was one of the days I was looking forward to most, but must say that my expectations weren't met.
In defense, over the more than 10 years of my ministry experience, I have worked with 3 consultants, 1 coach, started 2 different ministries, worked in the TX Annual Conference transformation process for churches, etc. With this as the backdrop, there is much information that has been repeated during this past week.
Today is the final day (Friday, May 8) and we are having a presentation by Midnight Oil, so I will post about it later this evening.
Blessings,
Russell
May 8, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
O God, creator of all humankind, I bring to you the cares and concerns of all your creatures. Look now to those who cry for help from every corner of the earth, for you alone are able to satisfy our deepest desire. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 241
O God, creator of all humankind, I bring to you the cares and concerns of all your creatures. Look now to those who cry for help from every corner of the earth, for you alone are able to satisfy our deepest desire. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 241
Thursday, May 7, 2009
NCLI - Day 3
Well, we didn't get to the daily update yesterday, so here it goes.
We covered a number of topics yesterday. These included:
Assembling the launch team (gathering the people)
Organizing people through connecting and tasking
Calculating the public launch timeline
I have to say that this was probably the day that makes the trip all worthwhile. The dynamics of the speaker continued to be interactive and engaging.
The key component was the working out of the launch timeline...it looks like we will be working on a six month launch schedule (more about this in an upcoming post).
As the day begins on this fourth day, we are back to monotonous reading and story telling and there appears to be a lot of duplication. Much of what we are dealing with so far this morning is first impressions and visitor vs. guest stuff and signage. For someone that has been through the conferences church transformation process (or has had any experience with church consultants) this is all old hat stuff (think Igniting Ministries, etc). The upside is that later today we move into the third of three training workshops with new speakers.
Stay tuned, especially after the conference is over, as we process some of the things we learned this week. I am very curious what other church planters have experienced.
I will update you about Day 4 either later this evening or early tomorrow.
We covered a number of topics yesterday. These included:
Assembling the launch team (gathering the people)
Organizing people through connecting and tasking
Calculating the public launch timeline
I have to say that this was probably the day that makes the trip all worthwhile. The dynamics of the speaker continued to be interactive and engaging.
The key component was the working out of the launch timeline...it looks like we will be working on a six month launch schedule (more about this in an upcoming post).
As the day begins on this fourth day, we are back to monotonous reading and story telling and there appears to be a lot of duplication. Much of what we are dealing with so far this morning is first impressions and visitor vs. guest stuff and signage. For someone that has been through the conferences church transformation process (or has had any experience with church consultants) this is all old hat stuff (think Igniting Ministries, etc). The upside is that later today we move into the third of three training workshops with new speakers.
Stay tuned, especially after the conference is over, as we process some of the things we learned this week. I am very curious what other church planters have experienced.
I will update you about Day 4 either later this evening or early tomorrow.
May 7, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Grant me, O Lord, to know what I ought to know, to love what I ought to love, to praise what delights thee most, to value what is precious in thy sight, to hate what is offensive to thee. Do not suffer me to judge according to the sight of my eyes, nor to pass sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant people; but to discern with a true judgment between things visible and spiritual, and above all, always to inquire what is the good pleasure of Thy will.
-From Thomas à Kempis
Grant me, O Lord, to know what I ought to know, to love what I ought to love, to praise what delights thee most, to value what is precious in thy sight, to hate what is offensive to thee. Do not suffer me to judge according to the sight of my eyes, nor to pass sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant people; but to discern with a true judgment between things visible and spiritual, and above all, always to inquire what is the good pleasure of Thy will.
-From Thomas à Kempis
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
My Lord, I come to this moment knowing altogether too well that my feet are prone to wander and my heart prone to coldness. Go with me, my Lord. Keep my feet to your path and my heart aflame with your Spirit. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 220
My Lord, I come to this moment knowing altogether too well that my feet are prone to wander and my heart prone to coldness. Go with me, my Lord. Keep my feet to your path and my heart aflame with your Spirit. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 220
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
NCLI - Day 2
Today was a better day...there were no long drives, etc. Plus, we had a different (and I would say more dynamic speaker) which helped to hold my attention. Add to that that some of the information was actually applicable to my upcoming appointment, and it made the day much more bearable!
Today we took a look at the following topics:
10 most common mistakes new start pastors make
Managing our selves and our intercessors
Creating Mission alignment
Raising Virtual Capital through both investors and stewardship
Assembling the Launch Team (and Networking)
We are told that there will be 5 more modules tomorrow...but the really good news is that we will start a little later (8:30) and end earlier (4:30). So tomorrow a few of us will be making a trip into town during the late afternoon and evening.
Church and ministry planters (and anyone else that wants to answer), what are you studying or doing for your continued education? What recommendations would you make (courses, conferences, books, etc) to someone getting ready to plant a church or ministry?
Until tomorrow, shalom
Today we took a look at the following topics:
10 most common mistakes new start pastors make
Managing our selves and our intercessors
Creating Mission alignment
Raising Virtual Capital through both investors and stewardship
Assembling the Launch Team (and Networking)
We are told that there will be 5 more modules tomorrow...but the really good news is that we will start a little later (8:30) and end earlier (4:30). So tomorrow a few of us will be making a trip into town during the late afternoon and evening.
Church and ministry planters (and anyone else that wants to answer), what are you studying or doing for your continued education? What recommendations would you make (courses, conferences, books, etc) to someone getting ready to plant a church or ministry?
Until tomorrow, shalom
May 5, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Our Lord, before your trials of suffering you prayed that all your disciples might be one in Spirit. Grant that we may be bound together in love for one another and in obedience to you that the world may see and believe. In Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 181
Our Lord, before your trials of suffering you prayed that all your disciples might be one in Spirit. Grant that we may be bound together in love for one another and in obedience to you that the world may see and believe. In Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 181
Monday, May 4, 2009
NCLI - Day One
After getting up at 5 am this morning and driving for about 6 hours, I arrived at Mt. Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center unscathed and in one piece. After a quick bite at a local fast food establishment, we got under way with the first group of discussions.
Today's topic was strengthening mother/daughter church plants. I have to admit that I didn't have any aha moments today. If you keep an eye on new church start blogs from our denomination and others, all of what was given out in today's information is readily available on line.
Some of the highlights include:
1) Checking your real motives for planting
2) Insuring adequate buy in(ownership of vision and ministry) from birthing church and future new community
3) Birthing church continuing to have prominence in the senior pastor's mind
4) Knowing how long to nest (as the church planter) before leaving the mother church
5) assuring proper financial responsibility in the new start
6) Making sure that the DNA of the plant is at least partially missional (I would advocate a more radical position of completely missional)
7) Pastor of the mother church doing site visits at the new plant
8) Continuing the supervisory role for an appropriate length of time
9) Making sure that the planting pastor embraces and fulfills his or her pastoral role as the spiritual shepherd of the new plant (from planning to launch and beyond)
10) Teach others how to do the same
The stories of some of the folks around the tables proved to be far more interesting than the material presented, but at the end of the day, it was survived.
My main issue was that after a 6 hour drive, I was hoping for more interaction and activity. Instead, what we received was a presenter that sat down in front of us and read off of lists for us to fill in the blanks and spaces in our handouts. In the presenter's defense, he was filling in for the person who was supposed to be leading the session that was out on leave because of a family medical issue.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Today's topic was strengthening mother/daughter church plants. I have to admit that I didn't have any aha moments today. If you keep an eye on new church start blogs from our denomination and others, all of what was given out in today's information is readily available on line.
Some of the highlights include:
1) Checking your real motives for planting
2) Insuring adequate buy in(ownership of vision and ministry) from birthing church and future new community
3) Birthing church continuing to have prominence in the senior pastor's mind
4) Knowing how long to nest (as the church planter) before leaving the mother church
5) assuring proper financial responsibility in the new start
6) Making sure that the DNA of the plant is at least partially missional (I would advocate a more radical position of completely missional)
7) Pastor of the mother church doing site visits at the new plant
8) Continuing the supervisory role for an appropriate length of time
9) Making sure that the planting pastor embraces and fulfills his or her pastoral role as the spiritual shepherd of the new plant (from planning to launch and beyond)
10) Teach others how to do the same
The stories of some of the folks around the tables proved to be far more interesting than the material presented, but at the end of the day, it was survived.
My main issue was that after a 6 hour drive, I was hoping for more interaction and activity. Instead, what we received was a presenter that sat down in front of us and read off of lists for us to fill in the blanks and spaces in our handouts. In the presenter's defense, he was filling in for the person who was supposed to be leading the session that was out on leave because of a family medical issue.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
May 4, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
I Need to be More Loving
Almighty God,
I know so little of what love in its fullest can be.
My love is marred by jealousy,
scarred by envy,
limited by selfishness.
I withhold love at the slightest provocation,
and withdraw myself from involvement with others
for fear of being hurt.
Still I know something of what love can be like.
I can remember being forgiven generously and freely
by someone I had wronged.
I can remember being comforted and cared for
when, bruised and battered, I crept home.
I can remember being made strong
by the realization that someone cared.
I am grateful for such experiences,
for they tell me what love is about.
And if the Lord Jesus be right,
to know what love is like
is to know what you are like.
If we humans can manifest unselfishness and concern,
is it not because such experiences are of the very
nature of that which is most important?
For out of the heart of the Lord Jesus
came the evidences of his love
for all kinds of people
and his refusal to give up on any of us.
I am grateful for that love and for that refusal,
for in him I have hope.
I can even hope
that I may catch more of his Spirit in my life.
Will you help me to be more outgoing,
less sensitive to slights,
and more alert to the feelings of others?
Will you help me to be less quick to judge
and less righteous in my indignation?
Will you help me to be more open to life
and to other people?
Will you give me confidence enough to be less
defensive and less ready to react to rebuffs?
Give me steadiness and firmness
and true commitment to the life of faith. Amen.
-From A Book of Uncommon Prayer by Kenneth G. Phifer
I Need to be More Loving
Almighty God,
I know so little of what love in its fullest can be.
My love is marred by jealousy,
scarred by envy,
limited by selfishness.
I withhold love at the slightest provocation,
and withdraw myself from involvement with others
for fear of being hurt.
Still I know something of what love can be like.
I can remember being forgiven generously and freely
by someone I had wronged.
I can remember being comforted and cared for
when, bruised and battered, I crept home.
I can remember being made strong
by the realization that someone cared.
I am grateful for such experiences,
for they tell me what love is about.
And if the Lord Jesus be right,
to know what love is like
is to know what you are like.
If we humans can manifest unselfishness and concern,
is it not because such experiences are of the very
nature of that which is most important?
For out of the heart of the Lord Jesus
came the evidences of his love
for all kinds of people
and his refusal to give up on any of us.
I am grateful for that love and for that refusal,
for in him I have hope.
I can even hope
that I may catch more of his Spirit in my life.
Will you help me to be more outgoing,
less sensitive to slights,
and more alert to the feelings of others?
Will you help me to be less quick to judge
and less righteous in my indignation?
Will you help me to be more open to life
and to other people?
Will you give me confidence enough to be less
defensive and less ready to react to rebuffs?
Give me steadiness and firmness
and true commitment to the life of faith. Amen.
-From A Book of Uncommon Prayer by Kenneth G. Phifer
Sunday, May 3, 2009
On the Road
This next week I will be on the road to Arkansas (Mt. Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center to be exact). We will leave early tomorrow morning for a week long endeavor of training. I am traveling with my former mentor pastor and future 1/4 time boss and my soon to be new District Superintendent.
We will be attending a set of workshops on strengthening Mother-Daughter church starts, New Church Leadership Institute (the boot camp for new church starts in our denomination), and a day or so on strengthening launch day worship services.
As I prepare to move to my new appointment in Port Arthur in June, this training is necessary for a new ministry that we are planning on launching in Southeast Texas.
I am not yet sure of what all the facilities have to offer. I will do my best to update the blog from the road (not to worry, the daily prayers will keep coming in my absence), especially if there is wireless internet where we will be staying. Just in case that option is not available, I will still be updating my FB status and Twitter account from my phone. If you would like to follow me using one of these other forms of social media, you can find links on the right side of this blog that will connect you to me in those other venues.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to fine tune some skills for my future ministry in Port Arthur.
If you have already been to church start school or to the NCLI boot camp, I would be curious to hear what you thought about it. Leave me a comment.
If you are a church planter/ministry starter and have attended other helpful forums, I would be interested in hearing about those as well. Again, just drop me a line in the comments.
Blessings,
Russell
We will be attending a set of workshops on strengthening Mother-Daughter church starts, New Church Leadership Institute (the boot camp for new church starts in our denomination), and a day or so on strengthening launch day worship services.
As I prepare to move to my new appointment in Port Arthur in June, this training is necessary for a new ministry that we are planning on launching in Southeast Texas.
I am not yet sure of what all the facilities have to offer. I will do my best to update the blog from the road (not to worry, the daily prayers will keep coming in my absence), especially if there is wireless internet where we will be staying. Just in case that option is not available, I will still be updating my FB status and Twitter account from my phone. If you would like to follow me using one of these other forms of social media, you can find links on the right side of this blog that will connect you to me in those other venues.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to fine tune some skills for my future ministry in Port Arthur.
If you have already been to church start school or to the NCLI boot camp, I would be curious to hear what you thought about it. Leave me a comment.
If you are a church planter/ministry starter and have attended other helpful forums, I would be interested in hearing about those as well. Again, just drop me a line in the comments.
Blessings,
Russell
Oh The Insanity of it All!
For this week's submission to the photo blog, I give you the insanity of moving preparations!
Here are a couple of shots in rooms where we have begun:
Don't you wish you were here!?!
Here are a couple of shots in rooms where we have begun:
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
Don't you wish you were here!?!
May 3, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
I come before you, my God, in all my weakness seeking your strength. Though I am far from the model you set before my eyes, one day I will see you--and upon that seeing, I will become like you. O glorious anticipation! Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 125
I come before you, my God, in all my weakness seeking your strength. Though I am far from the model you set before my eyes, one day I will see you--and upon that seeing, I will become like you. O glorious anticipation! Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 125
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Reaching Out to Kiribati
Kiribati (pronounced Keer-ree-bas) is a remote country of 33 coral atolls spread over more than 2,000 miles of the equator.
For a number of years a couple of our church members here in Edom have ministered to this region of the world. Once a part of Australia, this independent country (consisting of these 30 some odd islands) is now considered one of the most medically needy by the United Nations World Health Organization.
What started off as an endeavor to ship medicines to the Line Islands (one of the most remote parts of Kiribati) has grown into a much larger mission. These church members have formed PIMA (Pacific Island Medical Aid) to help with this mission.
In the past four years, PIMA has supplied thousands of dollars of medicines, eye clinics, eye glasses, radio installation and upgrades (for the doctors to communicate with the nurses and other care givers on different islands), school supplies, and much more. Edom United Methodist Youth and the church at large have helped with some of these endeavors.
The most recent undertaking for PIMA was to ship 11 heart patients to the US in order to have life saving heart surgery in Plano, Texas. So far, 4 patients have received the heart care that they needed, with 6 more having arrived just this week to receive their care.
Today I had the opportunity to meet the islanders, their home doctor, their nurse and a few of our church members that have been a part of this process. We ate lunch together, prayed together and even sang and danced together (Joe has assured me that my dancing video will soon be on the world wide web!).
One of the most miraculous stories is of a gentleman that had a multiple bypass and is already up eating and singing with the others. These people's resiliency is nothing short of miraculous!
PIMA is impacting an area of the world with the love of Christ is some very profound and life altering ways.
I have two things to ask you in the days to come.
First, as you can imagine, this ministry is hugely dependent upon the resources that are available by people's gifts to the ministry. I would invite you to visit this non-profit's website and download their brochure that gives more information about all of the wonderful work that they are doing. You can find them at http://pacificislandsaid.org/. After reviewing the information, I would invite you to prayerfully consider having them come and do a presentation for your church or group and that you would consider partnering financially with them for this mission in the Line Islands.
Second, with half of the heart patients already seen, I would invite you to pray for these people's healing. Below you will find a list of people's names that are undergoing various types of heart surgeries along with their age:
Tenimakei Boota (Ten-e-mak-e Boo-ta) age 20
Ioteba Rabwena (I-o-tea-ba Rab-wee-na) age 23
Notia Remweru (No-see-a Rem-wee-ru) age 35
Tovioa Boanereke (To-vee-a Bo-ahn-a-re-ke) age 45
Teaoia Rimon (Tea-o-e-a Ri-mon) age 53
Tawana Wilder (Ta-wa-na) age 45
Iaabeta Terabwena (I-ah-ba-ta Te-rab-wen-ah) age 15
Marianna Vakaliki (Mary-anna Va-ka-le-ke) age 22
Tiorea Katauru (Te-o-re-a Ka-tah-ru) age 9
Kaitaake Urii (K-ai-ta-a-ke Urey) age 36
Matavalu Tekamaeu (Ma-ta-va-lu Tea-ka-ma-u) age 22
Please also keep the other care givers and transportation folks in your prayers.
Blessings,
Russell
For a number of years a couple of our church members here in Edom have ministered to this region of the world. Once a part of Australia, this independent country (consisting of these 30 some odd islands) is now considered one of the most medically needy by the United Nations World Health Organization.
What started off as an endeavor to ship medicines to the Line Islands (one of the most remote parts of Kiribati) has grown into a much larger mission. These church members have formed PIMA (Pacific Island Medical Aid) to help with this mission.
In the past four years, PIMA has supplied thousands of dollars of medicines, eye clinics, eye glasses, radio installation and upgrades (for the doctors to communicate with the nurses and other care givers on different islands), school supplies, and much more. Edom United Methodist Youth and the church at large have helped with some of these endeavors.
The most recent undertaking for PIMA was to ship 11 heart patients to the US in order to have life saving heart surgery in Plano, Texas. So far, 4 patients have received the heart care that they needed, with 6 more having arrived just this week to receive their care.
Today I had the opportunity to meet the islanders, their home doctor, their nurse and a few of our church members that have been a part of this process. We ate lunch together, prayed together and even sang and danced together (Joe has assured me that my dancing video will soon be on the world wide web!).
One of the most miraculous stories is of a gentleman that had a multiple bypass and is already up eating and singing with the others. These people's resiliency is nothing short of miraculous!
PIMA is impacting an area of the world with the love of Christ is some very profound and life altering ways.
I have two things to ask you in the days to come.
First, as you can imagine, this ministry is hugely dependent upon the resources that are available by people's gifts to the ministry. I would invite you to visit this non-profit's website and download their brochure that gives more information about all of the wonderful work that they are doing. You can find them at http://pacificislandsaid.org/. After reviewing the information, I would invite you to prayerfully consider having them come and do a presentation for your church or group and that you would consider partnering financially with them for this mission in the Line Islands.
Second, with half of the heart patients already seen, I would invite you to pray for these people's healing. Below you will find a list of people's names that are undergoing various types of heart surgeries along with their age:
Tenimakei Boota (Ten-e-mak-e Boo-ta) age 20
Ioteba Rabwena (I-o-tea-ba Rab-wee-na) age 23
Notia Remweru (No-see-a Rem-wee-ru) age 35
Tovioa Boanereke (To-vee-a Bo-ahn-a-re-ke) age 45
Teaoia Rimon (Tea-o-e-a Ri-mon) age 53
Tawana Wilder (Ta-wa-na) age 45
Iaabeta Terabwena (I-ah-ba-ta Te-rab-wen-ah) age 15
Marianna Vakaliki (Mary-anna Va-ka-le-ke) age 22
Tiorea Katauru (Te-o-re-a Ka-tah-ru) age 9
Kaitaake Urii (K-ai-ta-a-ke Urey) age 36
Matavalu Tekamaeu (Ma-ta-va-lu Tea-ka-ma-u) age 22
Please also keep the other care givers and transportation folks in your prayers.
Blessings,
Russell
May 2, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
O Lord, Thou knowest what is the better way; let this or that be done as Thou shalt please. Give what Thou wilt, and how much Thou wilt, and when Thou wilt. Deal with me as Thou knowest, and best pleaseth Thee, and is most for Thy honor. Set me where Thou wilt and deal with me in all things as Thou wilt. I am in Thy hand; turn me around and turn me back again, even as a wheel. Behold I am Thy servant, prepared for all things; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto Thee; and Oh that I could do it worthy and perfectly!
-From Thomas à Kempis
O Lord, Thou knowest what is the better way; let this or that be done as Thou shalt please. Give what Thou wilt, and how much Thou wilt, and when Thou wilt. Deal with me as Thou knowest, and best pleaseth Thee, and is most for Thy honor. Set me where Thou wilt and deal with me in all things as Thou wilt. I am in Thy hand; turn me around and turn me back again, even as a wheel. Behold I am Thy servant, prepared for all things; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto Thee; and Oh that I could do it worthy and perfectly!
-From Thomas à Kempis
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Listen, O Lord, to my prayers. Listen to my desire to be with you, to dwell in your house, and to let my whole being be filled with your presence. But none of this is possible without you. When you are not the one who fills me, I am soon filled with endless thoughts and concerns that divide me and tear me away from you. Even thoughts about you, good spiritual thoughts, can be little more than distractions when you are not their author.
O Lord, thinking about you, being fascinated with theological ideas and discussions, being excited about histories of Christian spirituality and stimulated by thoughts and ideas about prayer and meditation, all of this can be as much an expression of greed as the unruly desire for food, possessions, or power.
Every day I see again that only you can teach me to pray, only you can set my heart at rest, only you can let me dwell in your presence. No book, no idea, no concept of theory will ever bring me close to you unless you yourself are the one who lets these instruments become the way to you.
But, Lord, let me at least remain open to your initiative, let me wait patiently and attentively for that hour when you will come and break through all the walls I have erected. Teach me, O Lord, to pray. Amen.
-From A Cry for Mercy by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Listen, O Lord, to my prayers. Listen to my desire to be with you, to dwell in your house, and to let my whole being be filled with your presence. But none of this is possible without you. When you are not the one who fills me, I am soon filled with endless thoughts and concerns that divide me and tear me away from you. Even thoughts about you, good spiritual thoughts, can be little more than distractions when you are not their author.
O Lord, thinking about you, being fascinated with theological ideas and discussions, being excited about histories of Christian spirituality and stimulated by thoughts and ideas about prayer and meditation, all of this can be as much an expression of greed as the unruly desire for food, possessions, or power.
Every day I see again that only you can teach me to pray, only you can set my heart at rest, only you can let me dwell in your presence. No book, no idea, no concept of theory will ever bring me close to you unless you yourself are the one who lets these instruments become the way to you.
But, Lord, let me at least remain open to your initiative, let me wait patiently and attentively for that hour when you will come and break through all the walls I have erected. Teach me, O Lord, to pray. Amen.
-From A Cry for Mercy by Henri J.M. Nouwen
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