June 27, 2023

 

Focus On Jesus

 

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. – James 3:1

 

I respected him. He seemed called by God and someone who would always follow Jesus. Then he stumbled and became the human he always was. It was I who had placed him on an impossible pedestal.

 

Perhaps the truth is that he hadn’t changed. I just didn’t want to see him as he is and chose to view him as I desperately wanted him to be. Isn’t that how it works with our religious leaders? We need them to live righteous lives of truth and integrity. And when they don’t, it’s as though we ourselves have stumbled.

 

Recent months have been filled with disappointment. A pastor who vowed to remain United Methodist suddenly changing course and taking the big payday and, in his mind, the guaranteed job. The pastor who said he supported one thing and yet took the easy road of job security. The church leader who lied to sway votes. The council president who used political talking points to whip those who never check facts into a frenzy. And those who said none of it really mattered.

 

Hatred and failure to love everyone equally is alive and well in God’s church. We’re so busy using the Bible as a weapon that we neglect Jesus’ words about love. We’re so focused on winning the day that we ignore Paul’s warning not to cause conflict within the body of Christ.

 

James tells us that those of us who lead and teach in the church will be held to a higher standard. I understand why. We should know better. We should be well acquainted with God’s Words so that we don’t sin in our own words and actions. We don’t get a pass caused by ignorance.

 

I condemn myself for judging what’s not mine to judge. God will repay because He alone knows the heart. Selfish ambition and greed are sins. His wrath is bound to come. My heart cries for mercy, for conviction, for outward change of behavior. I don’t want people I once cared for to suffer greatly. I am thankful that God handles all of that – for them and for me.

 

My heart still struggles to grasp what I have witnessed. Some moments in time are directors for where we have been and where our course now heads. We are different. Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe it’s a warning for us all.

 

Be very careful of those who appear on a higher religious plane. Everyone stumbles. Stay focused on Jesus, who alone is perfect. He will never lie, never stumble, never cast His church aside for a bigger payday or a more powerful position. Hold tightly to Him. Worship Him. All praise and glory to Jesus Christ, our Lord!

January 23, 2022

 

Hold Church Leaders Accountable

 

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. – Proverbs 12:20

 

How well do you know your pastor? How much do church politics play in the administration of your church? How much should politics play? Somehow it seems the church of all places should be above the pettiness that surrounds so much of our world. Maybe we can pretend it’s all fine – until one day it isn’t.

 

I have a deep dislike for politics in the church. It always seems to place the wishes of an individual – whether it be a pastor, generous donor, or lifelong member – above God. They don’t view it that way. In their arrogant minds, they know best and everyone else had better get on board.

 

There was a time I would remain silent. Most people do. We stay in our own lane and try to keep the peace. Isn’t that what the Bible tells us? Keep the peace. Hold our tongues. Pray for those who seek to do harm. But at what cost?

 

Perhaps God is calling us to throw out the moneychangers. Maybe He is waiting for His people to demand justice. Perhaps we are being called to actually live our faith, demanding honesty and accountability from those who call themselves leaders.

 

Jesus died at the hands of the religious elite of His day. Yes, it was God’s will so that all of us could be saved. But there’s also an important lesson here. Those who claim to have all knowledge of God sometimes don’t know Him at all. It’s not about words. It’s about actions that reflect our hearts.

 

We expect the leaders of our churches to be honest, filled with integrity that is demonstrated by their actions. We have a right to expect that. Sure. We all fail God on a daily basis. But when that failure is orchestrated over a period of time, intent on harming people without cause, that’s not something we can explain away.

 

Rise up, oh people of God, and demand an accounting.

April 24, 2016

Pray For Your Pastor

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. -- Ephesians 6:19-20

How often do you pray for your pastor? Seriously. How often do you lift your pastor up in prayer?

For most of us, the answer is “not often.” I’m not sure why but it is one area where I simply fail. I know better so I’m not sure why I’m not consistently doing this.

Maybe it’s because we assume deep inside that pastors are covered with some type of special grace. Maybe we don’t think they need our prayers. They do need prayers because their job is hard.

It’s not about showing up on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Though sermons and studies are important, that really is a small part of what they do.

Most pastors also function as CEO of the church and deal with the day to day issues that come up. There are budgets and staff and maintenance and all sorts of things needing their attention.

And that’s before you get to the people. Somebody is always in the middle of a fuss with somebody else. Pastors are seen as good mediators. Frankly, I’d get tired and cranky just dealing with all the squabbles.

Then there are those who come to the church seeking help. Some people are truly in need. Others simply try to play the Christian card and get a handout. Nobody wants to be an enabler and nobody wants to turn someone away who truly has a need. It’s a fine line and one most pastors walk frequently.

We can’t forget all of us. The flock. We get sick. We die. We divorce. And we never do it when it’s convenient. Our current pastor literally got up in the middle of the night and drove 35 miles to pray with me in the ICU waiting room I certainly didn’t expect it. I hadn’t asked her to come. But I was so grateful.

Isn’t that always true? When you’re going through something awful, you want your pastor there with you. Somehow their presence helps strengthen us, their prayers mean the world to us.

So we all should pray for our pastors. Pray that they’ll find the words they need to inspire new generations to follow Christ. Pray that they’ll find the balance between their own family and the church family they serve. Pray for workers to help them carry the load. Pray for strength and wisdom.

Today is Sunday. Have you prayed for your pastor? Then stop and do it now.

March 13, 2015

What Kind of Testimony is Your Life?

 

"Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

-- Matthew 7:20

What kind of testimony is your life giving to others? We'd like to think that others know how deep our faith goes but small words and actions can tell them something different.

I recently encountered a sweet couple who were full of complaints. I know. "Sweet" and "complaints" don't really go together. It is the difference between surface and soul.

Don't get me wrong. I believe that are good people. But they called something "defective" instead of admitting that their child had caused the damage. Everyone knew. It was just so obvious. But they wanted a free repair and they got it. Frankly, it was easier than fighting it.

I wonder if they were surprised that they didn't get free service for their vehicle while the company was dealing with their "complaint." I truly believe it's what they expected. After all, shouldn't everyone want to make them happy?

Oh, did I mention that he is a pastor?

It could have been anyone. It certainly isn't the first time someone has manipulated a situation to get something for free. It just seems so much worse when it involves a pastor.

Or a church leader of any kind. There is a local contractor who is a leader in his church. He has a reputation as someone you just don't use. He talks good but his work his shoddy and doesn't hold up. What kind of life is his testimony?

Whether we realize it or not, our lives display our faith to others. What kind of life are you living? Are you drawing others toward Christ or turning them away?

March 10, 2015

Word Games Don't Excuse Dishonesty

 

But it is the spirit in a man,

the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

It is not only the old who are wise,

not only the aged who understand what is right.

-- Job 32:8-9

Wisdom doesn't always come from those in leadership roles. In fact, sometimes that is the last place we find it. Leaders get caught up in their power and fail to recognize they are merely the conduit for God's will. Let the games begin.

"Did you ask the pastor to leave?"
"No. Absolutely not."
Did you ask the pastor to find a new job?"
"Well, yes."
"Then you told the pastor to leave."

A local church (not my own) recently forced their pastor to resign. It has split the church wide open, with lifelong members leaving. The governing body, composed mostly of men who have been around forever it seems, follows no rules and disregards those who compose the body of the church. It is not the first time they have forced a pastor out. It is not the first time members have left because of it. But it is the first time so many of the church members have walked away.

It really isn't so much that the pastor is leaving. It happens. He is a good man with a good family. You could even make the argument that it is time for a fresh start. What has upset so many is the way it was done.

As an outsider looking in, (though I was once an insider) I am appalled at the dishonesty. If you want to make a change, make it. Don't lie about it. Don't play word games. Who do you think you are fooling? Not the people, for sure. And, most importantly, not God.

The pastor isn't the reason the church isn't growing. This church has been through this same argument before, when yet another pastor was forced to leave. It is the governing body that turns people away. If you were not raised in that church, if you don't have a long history there, you truly are not welcome. Oh, they'll smile and be nice. They'll take your money and your covered dish. But do not expect to ever have a voice in leading the church. Do not expect to be welcomed as a teacher or leader of any sort. They hold those positions, that power, closely. And that is what turns people away.

I am now a member of a church with a welcome mat out by the door, if not literally then figuratively. They welcome involvement from everyone. New members are encouraged to join a committee, participate in classes, give input as well as provide labor and tithes. When you feel part of the family, you invest yourselves and your heart into the body of Christ.

I am so sorry for all that has happened at this church down the road. I care so much for the pastor and his family and for many, many of the people who attend. But playing word games, won't change anything. Failing to take responsibility for your actions won't either.

Honesty works. Praying to God and following His lead is the only way to restore unity. That means eliminating pride and making the changes necessary to follow God is all things -- including who the pastor should be.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Parting Words of Wisdom

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Today is a bittersweet day in our church. We welcome a new associate pastor with open arms. But we also mourn that our beloved associate pastor Meghan Kelley begins today in a new church, sharing her inspirational sermons with another congregation.

In her last sermon to our New Connection congregation, she gave us some wonderful parting advice. Simple suggestions really. But also to the point. She has that knack for cutting through all the flowery words and really getting to the heart of things.

Pastor Meghan reminded us that church isn’t a spectator sport. That probably shocked more than a few people. Others probably decided that showing up on Sunday mornings and singing along with the band constitutes participation. I don’t think that’s what she meant.

We’ve often heard that 20/80 statistic: Twenty percent of the congregation does 80 percent of the work. Look around. You’ll almost certainly see the truth in that. God didn’t plan it that way. He gave each and every one of us gifts to use and share with others. It’s just that 80 percent have chosen not to share.

Pastor Meghan reminded us not to complain about things in the church unless we are willing to work to make changes. Isn’t it funny? It always seems that the biggest complainers are the ones who do the least amount of work.

Pastor Meghan also reminded us to be faithful to tithe. God clearly said to give 10 percent back to Him. God didn’t say to do it if we had extra or thought we could afford it. He said to do it -- and He would bless us greatly. We can’t out give God, you know.

We are to extend hospitality and acceptance to all people -- even if that means sitting next to a homeless person who hasn’t had a bath in a while. We’re to show God’s love to those who are new to us just as we show love to those we’ve known a while. We are to welcome strangers and include them so that they are no longer strangers but friends and family.

If you’ve got an issue with a particular person, take your complaint directly to that person. Pastor Meghan reminded us that gossip and complaints done behind someone’s back cause more conflict and ill will and don’t resolve anything.

And lastly, she told us not to define ourselves by the style of the worship service we attend but rather by the service and worship we offer up to Him. Place your trust in God, she said, because you are a people of faith and hope.

God bless you, Meghan Kelley, for the love and inspiration you have shown and given to us these last two years. May you continue to walk in His love and strength as you share God’s Word with others.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

False Teachers Destroy Hope

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them -- bringing swift destruction to themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. -- 2 Peter 2:1-3

We would like to believe that someone who serves as a pastor will only teach accurate accounts of the Gospel. We want to have confidence in those who have been to seminary. We want to trust people we believe are chosen to teach and guide us in God’s ways.

But every now and then a pastor will express his/her own views, proclaiming those views to be from God. Such times bring destruction and cause people to turn from God.

A dear friend is distraught. Her son and daughter-in-law have decided to divorce. No one has been unfaithful. They are just so incompatible that it is a marvel they married at all. But they did. And in that short period of time they conceived and gave birth to a premature daughter they both love.

My friend asked them to try again. She bought the movie “Fireproof” for them and urged them in to Christian counseling. Who better than their pastor? As it turns out, few could have been worse.

This man told a woman prone to drama and over exaggeration that her husband was certainly having an affair. Otherwise, the pastor concluded, the young man wouldn’t want a divorce. There is no affair. There is no flirtation. There is nothing except incompatibility and, now, a lie told by a pastor.

The pastor later told the young man that if he went through with the divorce, he would be condemned to hell. For all time. Forever. Because the man decided to divorce his wife. Not surprisingly, this young man has decided he never wants to go back to church.

Oh, and the divorce is more a certainty now than before the “counseling sessions.”

God frowns on divorce. No doubt about it. We see divorce in the Bible but it wasn’t the way that God intended marriage to be. That said, there is NOTHING we can do to make God stop loving us. And there is NOTHING that grace won’t cover.

That doesn’t mean it’s okay to go out and sin just because we live under grace. It does mean that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. This young couple aren’t condemned if they divorce. They are forgiven the minute they ask for forgiveness. Jesus made sure of that.

This pastor spoke his own views and claimed them as God’s. In so doing, he took away the hope we all have in Christ Jesus our Lord. God promises to deal with false teachers and I’m trusting that he will even as I pray that God will lead this couple back into His waiting arms.

Monday, July 5, 2010

One Flock, One Shepherd

"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." -- John 10:16

Transition is always difficult. We tend to be a people who are set in ours ways. Yes, I mean you too! We may not think of ourselves as being in a rut but sometimes we are. We like our world to be settled, at least when it comes to the big stuff.

The Jews didn't want the Gentiles to know God. They wanted to keep Him all to themselves. It was just how things were. But that wasn't what God planned. Jesus included everyone, for which this Gentile is extremely grateful.

We are all part of the same flock. We all belong to Jesus. Yesterday was the first Sunday with two new pastors. They seem wonderful. They'll bring their own special insights into a church family set in its ways. I believe that God has a plan. We'll all be able to learn and grow in the coming weeks and months. We are, after all, part of the same family.

I looked around the special Unity Service held in the New Fellowship Hall. It was quite a sight. The contemporary praise band Narrow Road took the stage -- as they do most Sunday mornings -- but this time the music minister and his wife joined them. Their were lots of jokes about Billy and his tie as he sang next to the two female vocalists. It was wonderful.

Some of the congregation probably had never attended a contemporary worship service. Some may even hope they never do again. But most seemed totally amazed. It was a unique experience for them. When the hand signals started with one song -- you know those movements taught to children -- I saw a few older folks just shaking their heads. At least they were smiling!

We all were. We were singing songs of praise to God -- together. We were welcoming our new pastors -- together. We were worshipping our Lord and Saviour -- together. We were united. One flock. One Shepherd. Amen.