I thought that this was an interesting posting for an open pastor position--but I don't know if I would fit in at this church:
We have planted a Spirit Filled Church in beautiful Southern Oregon. We have anywhere from 20- 40 coming and just began a children's ministry (about 10) Looking for someone who is 'called and gifted as a Pastor', not wierd, has the Holy Ghost Fire, but not strange fire, and willing to be paid as it comes in.
You see, I feel 'called and gifted as a Pastor' but notice how they qualify that -- "not weird". How many weird pastors have you met in your lifetime? (I think I could identify one or two that I have met.) And how many weird pastors would admit to being weird and automatically eliminate themselves?
And then there is the matter of having the Holy Ghost fire--I am sealed and baptized and filled with the Spirit, but do I have the "fire"? And if I have the fire, hopefully it is not "strange fire". (Can anyone tell this Baptist pastor what they mean by "strange fire"?)
Anyway I thought some of you might find that ad enjoyable!
I am still sending out resumes, however I probably won't send one to that church. I am still considering taking a teaching position in California until a church might open up. I did receive a call yesterday from a charter school that needs an independent study teacher--they are planning on setting up a phone interview with me soon. Please pray for direction about this possibility--it would mean being in California while Karen is here in Colorado.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving Forever!
That's right--Forever! So often we focus on the one day that we have set aside to give thanks, but we are commanded in scripture to always give thanks. Of course, you know that--but it's good to be reminded of it. And I was also reminded this week that we are to thank God, not for the good things we have but because He is good. We can thank God for our good health, but what if we don't have good health--we are to thank God for He is good. We thank God for our homes and families, but what if we lose our homes and family--we are to thank God for He is good. We can thank God for the freedom that we have in America, but what if we lose that freedom--Thank God for He is Good! His mercy endures forever! I thank God for my home and my family and my country, but most of all I thank God for His mercy that He showed to me by sending His Son to give me life forever with Him! Thank the Lord, for He is good! His mercy endures forever!
As far as God answering our prayers about a new ministry, we are still waiting. Thanks for your continued prayers.
As far as God answering our prayers about a new ministry, we are still waiting. Thanks for your continued prayers.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Church Leadership
I read a good article from Leadership written by Bill Hybels about leadership style for church ministry. Basically he says that you can't run a church like a business. Here is one excerpt from his article:
1. Every life requires a custom mold.
You don't stop the line in a factory every time a product comes down it. In church work, we're developing individual, custom-made lives. We stop the line for every life.
I've read books about Napoleon, de Gaulle, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Patton. They were all the great military leaders. I don't want to minimize their capabilities or the courage it takes to charge a hill in time of battle, but I've wondered, What would it be like for some of those leaders to have to work it out with deacons before they charged up a hill? How well would they do if they had to subject their plans to a vote involving the very people they're going to lead up the hill? How would the whole military system work if you took away the leadership leverage of the court-martial?
Anyone could build a church with that kind of leverage! I can hear the generals now: "Teach a Sunday school class or go to the brig." "You call that an offering? Give me fifty push-ups right now." That's leverage!
Check out the rest of the article http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/9310751/1790648/140804/0/
1. Every life requires a custom mold.
You don't stop the line in a factory every time a product comes down it. In church work, we're developing individual, custom-made lives. We stop the line for every life.
I've read books about Napoleon, de Gaulle, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Patton. They were all the great military leaders. I don't want to minimize their capabilities or the courage it takes to charge a hill in time of battle, but I've wondered, What would it be like for some of those leaders to have to work it out with deacons before they charged up a hill? How well would they do if they had to subject their plans to a vote involving the very people they're going to lead up the hill? How would the whole military system work if you took away the leadership leverage of the court-martial?
Anyone could build a church with that kind of leverage! I can hear the generals now: "Teach a Sunday school class or go to the brig." "You call that an offering? Give me fifty push-ups right now." That's leverage!
Check out the rest of the article http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/9310751/1790648/140804/0/
Sunday, November 18, 2007
What next?
When I first started this blog, my plan was to keep you posted about my situation and plans for the future. Karen and I really thought that things would be moving along a lot quicker than they are. The first churches that I contacted responded fairly quickly, although those did not turn out to be where God wanted us. Now, we are in a situation of not being in contact with any churches and still wondering what God's plan is for us.
Karen and I have been doing a lot of talking and praying about what our next step is, since we are minus an income. I am seriously thinking of applying for a teaching position in California to help with paying the bills. There are no teaching positions open for me at this time in Colorado, but there are a couple of possibilities in So Cal.
Please continue to pray--my first desire is to pastor a church. But until that happens, I may need to teach. Of course, this would mean me being in CA while Karen finishes out the school year in Colorado, along with trying to get the house sold, too.
Again, we really appreciate all your prayers for us.
Karen and I have been doing a lot of talking and praying about what our next step is, since we are minus an income. I am seriously thinking of applying for a teaching position in California to help with paying the bills. There are no teaching positions open for me at this time in Colorado, but there are a couple of possibilities in So Cal.
Please continue to pray--my first desire is to pastor a church. But until that happens, I may need to teach. Of course, this would mean me being in CA while Karen finishes out the school year in Colorado, along with trying to get the house sold, too.
Again, we really appreciate all your prayers for us.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Small Churches
I am still sending out resumes to churches that I find have openings. Most of the churches I contact are in the "small church" category--that is they have an attendance of less than 100. I have also contacted churches in the mid-size range (100-300), but I find that those churches are generally looking for someone with more years of experience or with experience at such a size church. Anyway, since that is my focus I am always interested in articles dealing with small churches. I came across such an article in my files today that I thought I would share some excerpts with you. I know some of you attend a small church or feel that a small church has some advantages over large churches.
The title of this article caught my eye: Small Churches Struggle to Grow Because Of The People They Attract -
"The United States is dominated by small churches, with the average church attracting less than 90 adults on a typical weekend. The greatest attention flows to large churches, especially the 2% of churches that attract more than 1000 adults in a typical weekend. A new study by the Barna Research Group shows that there are both demographic and theolographic reasons why small churches stay small and large churches grow larger. While some church growth can be attributed to geographic location and population growth, the Barna study indicates that there are fundamental dynamics at work that keep small congregations from growing numerically as well as several basic factors that contribute to the numerical expansion of mid-sized and large churches.
Overall, the research found that the typical Protestant church has 89 adults in attendance during an average weekend. In total, 60% of Protestant churches have 100 or fewer adults on a typical weekend, while slightly less than 2% have 1000 or more adults. Examining the figures in terms of where adults attend, however, the statistics show that about four out of ten church-going adults (41%) go to churches with 100 or fewer adults while about one out of eight church-going adults (12%) can be found in churches of 1000 or more adults.
Demographic Drawbacks for Small Churches
The Barna survey discovered that small churches (defined as average weekend attendance of 100 or fewer adults) are more likely than either mid-sized (301-999 adults) or large churches (1000 or more adults) to draw people who are not college graduates and are more likely to appeal to people with lower household incomes. George Barna suggested that a “downscale” demographic profile often correlates with less aggressive growth patterns in organizations and a limited number of effective leaders.
Surprisingly, the research showed that adults under 35 years of age are more likely than are older adults to attend small churches. Barna cited two dominant reasons for this pattern. The first is the relative absence of children among younger adults. This impacts one’s choice of a church because providing children with a quality ministry experience is one of the main reasons why many Americans attend a church, and larger churches typically offer more programs and opportunities for children. The second reason why younger adults are more likely to attend a small church relates to the Baby Bust generation’s disinterest in participating in Boomer-led organizations and in large-scale enterprises. Busters are more interested in being personally known and connected, which many believe is more difficult to accomplish in larger churches.
Theolographic Limitations in Small Churches
The study also found that small churches have some theolographic limitations – that is, their spiritual beliefs and practices reflect challenges that are less prevalent in larger congregations.
The data revealed that small churches have a lower proportion of attenders who are “spiritually active,” which was defined as individuals who attend a church service, read the Bible, and pray to God during a typical week. This paralleled a finding that showed small church attenders are less likely to claim that their religious faith is “very important” in their life.In addition, the research showed that adults affiliated with small congregations are less likely to be born again, less likely to believe in salvation by grace alone (i.e., not by good deeds), and less likely to have an orthodox view of God (i.e., holy, creator, ruler of the universe, alive today). The report indicated that such views undermine a solid theological foundation for congregational growth and may suggest that other spiritual perspectives that conflict with the Bible are common in smaller churches." (Note: I think the reason those in small churches are "less likely to be born-again" is because so many liberal churches are dying and are very small!)
But the article goes on to say that there is Hope for Small Churches.
In spite of the obstacles revealed in the research, small churches have tremendous potential. “These insights simply identify some of the critical challenges that the average small church has to address. Small churches play an important and valuable role in the religious landscape of America. They reach millions of young adults who have no interest in a larger church setting. They have tremendous potential for building strong community, as well as spiritual foundations. And small churches often grow into larger churches once they develop significant internal leadership and creatively overcome their resource limitations.”
Barna also questioned the value of growth for its own sake. (I especially like this part:) “Jesus did not die on the cross to fill up church auditoriums,” he cautioned. “He died so that people might know God personally and be transformed in all dimensions of their life through their ongoing relationship with Him. Such a personal reformation can happen in a church of any size. After all, the goal of every church should not be numerical growth but spiritual health and vitality.”
What size church do you like best, and why?
The title of this article caught my eye: Small Churches Struggle to Grow Because Of The People They Attract -
"The United States is dominated by small churches, with the average church attracting less than 90 adults on a typical weekend. The greatest attention flows to large churches, especially the 2% of churches that attract more than 1000 adults in a typical weekend. A new study by the Barna Research Group shows that there are both demographic and theolographic reasons why small churches stay small and large churches grow larger. While some church growth can be attributed to geographic location and population growth, the Barna study indicates that there are fundamental dynamics at work that keep small congregations from growing numerically as well as several basic factors that contribute to the numerical expansion of mid-sized and large churches.
Overall, the research found that the typical Protestant church has 89 adults in attendance during an average weekend. In total, 60% of Protestant churches have 100 or fewer adults on a typical weekend, while slightly less than 2% have 1000 or more adults. Examining the figures in terms of where adults attend, however, the statistics show that about four out of ten church-going adults (41%) go to churches with 100 or fewer adults while about one out of eight church-going adults (12%) can be found in churches of 1000 or more adults.
Demographic Drawbacks for Small Churches
The Barna survey discovered that small churches (defined as average weekend attendance of 100 or fewer adults) are more likely than either mid-sized (301-999 adults) or large churches (1000 or more adults) to draw people who are not college graduates and are more likely to appeal to people with lower household incomes. George Barna suggested that a “downscale” demographic profile often correlates with less aggressive growth patterns in organizations and a limited number of effective leaders.
Surprisingly, the research showed that adults under 35 years of age are more likely than are older adults to attend small churches. Barna cited two dominant reasons for this pattern. The first is the relative absence of children among younger adults. This impacts one’s choice of a church because providing children with a quality ministry experience is one of the main reasons why many Americans attend a church, and larger churches typically offer more programs and opportunities for children. The second reason why younger adults are more likely to attend a small church relates to the Baby Bust generation’s disinterest in participating in Boomer-led organizations and in large-scale enterprises. Busters are more interested in being personally known and connected, which many believe is more difficult to accomplish in larger churches.
Theolographic Limitations in Small Churches
The study also found that small churches have some theolographic limitations – that is, their spiritual beliefs and practices reflect challenges that are less prevalent in larger congregations.
The data revealed that small churches have a lower proportion of attenders who are “spiritually active,” which was defined as individuals who attend a church service, read the Bible, and pray to God during a typical week. This paralleled a finding that showed small church attenders are less likely to claim that their religious faith is “very important” in their life.In addition, the research showed that adults affiliated with small congregations are less likely to be born again, less likely to believe in salvation by grace alone (i.e., not by good deeds), and less likely to have an orthodox view of God (i.e., holy, creator, ruler of the universe, alive today). The report indicated that such views undermine a solid theological foundation for congregational growth and may suggest that other spiritual perspectives that conflict with the Bible are common in smaller churches." (Note: I think the reason those in small churches are "less likely to be born-again" is because so many liberal churches are dying and are very small!)
But the article goes on to say that there is Hope for Small Churches.
In spite of the obstacles revealed in the research, small churches have tremendous potential. “These insights simply identify some of the critical challenges that the average small church has to address. Small churches play an important and valuable role in the religious landscape of America. They reach millions of young adults who have no interest in a larger church setting. They have tremendous potential for building strong community, as well as spiritual foundations. And small churches often grow into larger churches once they develop significant internal leadership and creatively overcome their resource limitations.”
Barna also questioned the value of growth for its own sake. (I especially like this part:) “Jesus did not die on the cross to fill up church auditoriums,” he cautioned. “He died so that people might know God personally and be transformed in all dimensions of their life through their ongoing relationship with Him. Such a personal reformation can happen in a church of any size. After all, the goal of every church should not be numerical growth but spiritual health and vitality.”
What size church do you like best, and why?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Church Search
By church search I mean searching for a church to attend on Sundays. We really don't feel comfortable attending churches in La Junta. The Mennonite church here in Cheraw was just too different and old-fashioned for us. And the First Baptist of Las Animas that we attended two weeks ago just didn't seem to be right for us, although we are friends with the pastor there.
So we ended up going to a church in Ordway (the town where Karen teaches) which is about 25 miles from here. A couple of the teachers from Karen's school attend there. We were told that it is a growing church so we wanted to check it out.
It was very contemporary with its praise music--a style that we enjoyed. The people seemed genuinely friendly--one lady sitting by us introduced herself, then went and got us a gift as visitors (a wrapped loaf of pumpkin bread). The pastor was a young 'cowboy' preacher with boots and all--in fact, in the church entry was a special rack for the men to put their cowboy hats on. I guess a lot of the ranchers attend this church. The pastor spoke on the resurrection of Lazarus. Overall, it was a very good experience. We would probably want to go back but it is so far away--50 mile round trip.
The only thing is--it made us wonder whether we would be able to find such a healthy church to serve at. Such a growing church usually doesn't need a new pastor, or may be too large for what my experience would offer. Still, we don't want to limit God and what He is able to do. So we keep praying that God would lead us to just the right place--a body that wants to grow--and is willing to change, if necessary, to accomplish that growth.
Rick Warren in his Purpose Driven Church book says that a healthy church is a growing church. The church in Ordway is probably one of the healthiest churches that we have visited and it is in a community that is not growing--yet it has grown. It was also great to see all generations in attendance, babies through 90 years.
Meanwhile, we are still waiting to see where God will lead us!
So we ended up going to a church in Ordway (the town where Karen teaches) which is about 25 miles from here. A couple of the teachers from Karen's school attend there. We were told that it is a growing church so we wanted to check it out.
It was very contemporary with its praise music--a style that we enjoyed. The people seemed genuinely friendly--one lady sitting by us introduced herself, then went and got us a gift as visitors (a wrapped loaf of pumpkin bread). The pastor was a young 'cowboy' preacher with boots and all--in fact, in the church entry was a special rack for the men to put their cowboy hats on. I guess a lot of the ranchers attend this church. The pastor spoke on the resurrection of Lazarus. Overall, it was a very good experience. We would probably want to go back but it is so far away--50 mile round trip.
The only thing is--it made us wonder whether we would be able to find such a healthy church to serve at. Such a growing church usually doesn't need a new pastor, or may be too large for what my experience would offer. Still, we don't want to limit God and what He is able to do. So we keep praying that God would lead us to just the right place--a body that wants to grow--and is willing to change, if necessary, to accomplish that growth.
Rick Warren in his Purpose Driven Church book says that a healthy church is a growing church. The church in Ordway is probably one of the healthiest churches that we have visited and it is in a community that is not growing--yet it has grown. It was also great to see all generations in attendance, babies through 90 years.
Meanwhile, we are still waiting to see where God will lead us!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Back
I can't say that I've been particularly busy this week, but I have been neglecting my blog. I have been subbing several days this week--3 1/2 days. I have started to do some research for my next school paper, also.
Things are just going slow around here. I have been sending out resumes, with a couple of replys back saying "thanks for your resume, but not what we are looking for." I have expanded the search beyond where family lives--but we are still praying for something close to family. It's interesting that most of the churches posted are in the mid-west or north east. Very few in the west.
So, we are praying that God will provide some more income for us for the next few months. It would be wonderful if I could find a temporary full-time job. Thanks for your continued prayers for us!
Things are just going slow around here. I have been sending out resumes, with a couple of replys back saying "thanks for your resume, but not what we are looking for." I have expanded the search beyond where family lives--but we are still praying for something close to family. It's interesting that most of the churches posted are in the mid-west or north east. Very few in the west.
So, we are praying that God will provide some more income for us for the next few months. It would be wonderful if I could find a temporary full-time job. Thanks for your continued prayers for us!
Monday, November 5, 2007
How to share the gospel with Muslims
I wrote recently about a survey of why Muslims come to Christ--it is, for many, because of the lifestyle of Christians. And my Dad shared with me about a book on the same subject. And then, Karen and I read from our devotional book "Voices of the Faithful" complied by Beth Moore which has testimonies from missionaries all over the world. In yesterday's devotional: A missionary led a team of volunteers from Texas into remote Muslim villages in South Asia. In one village, the team shared the gospel. The local iman (Muslim pastor) became irate and forced the Christians to leave his village.
A Muslim background believer (MBB) working with the missionary visited the same village six months later. The village was totally underwater. This is the only flood that the village had ever seen in its history. The missionary worked out a plan with the MBB to distribute food in the village.
During the relief effort, six Muslim men approached the MBB. These men had heard the gospel presented by the Americans the year before and witnessed the team being escorted out of the village. They asked who supplied the food. The MBB told them that it was from the same Americans who had been thrown out of the village. One man said, "Why are these Christians giving us food when our people treated them badly?"
That day, and on several subsequent trips to the village, the national believer shared that God could also change their hearts. Within nine months of the Americans' visit, 28 Muslims from the village were baptized and a church was started!
A Muslim background believer (MBB) working with the missionary visited the same village six months later. The village was totally underwater. This is the only flood that the village had ever seen in its history. The missionary worked out a plan with the MBB to distribute food in the village.
During the relief effort, six Muslim men approached the MBB. These men had heard the gospel presented by the Americans the year before and witnessed the team being escorted out of the village. They asked who supplied the food. The MBB told them that it was from the same Americans who had been thrown out of the village. One man said, "Why are these Christians giving us food when our people treated them badly?"
That day, and on several subsequent trips to the village, the national believer shared that God could also change their hearts. Within nine months of the Americans' visit, 28 Muslims from the village were baptized and a church was started!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"
Yes, that's right--I was surprised to find out today that Christmas is almost here! Let me explain. Although Wal-Mart is not one of our favorite places to shop, we needed to go there today to get some necessary items, one of those necessities being pellets for our pellet stove. But that's another subject. Anyway when we walked in, it was very apparent that the Halloween items were moved to the clearance area and Christmas was taking over! They even had Christmas music playing. Aisles were filled with Christmas (or should I say "Holiday") candy, gift suggestions, decorations, etc.
I was struck again by the fact that Christmas has become the way that stores are able to stay in business the rest of the year. I hope that we all don't get caught up in the spending frenzy! Even before we were down to one income, we had planned to keep Christmas gifts simple this year.
Thank you, Wal-Mart for jolting me with the reminder that Christmas is less than two months away!
What are your thoughts about this marketing of Christmas?
I was struck again by the fact that Christmas has become the way that stores are able to stay in business the rest of the year. I hope that we all don't get caught up in the spending frenzy! Even before we were down to one income, we had planned to keep Christmas gifts simple this year.
Thank you, Wal-Mart for jolting me with the reminder that Christmas is less than two months away!
What are your thoughts about this marketing of Christmas?
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Hangin' in there!
When people ask how I'm doing, one of my responses is "Oh, I'm hangin' in there." And sometimes it feels like I have a better grip on things than at other times. It's amazing how easily Satan can get us defeated when things are not going well. During these times we have to keep recalling God's faithfulness and goodness. I like to read the Psalms at times like these because they are constant reminders that we need to remember His mercy and kindness to us.
What's your favorite passage to read during tough times?
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