Have you ever stopped to think about how much of what we do in the way of corporate worship and ministry as a church is actually spelled out in scripture? Does scripture mandate three-four songs, an offering, a special music, a 30-45 minute sermon, an invitation and dinner on the grounds? Are youth programs found in scripture? What about associations?
You may have thought about these things, and you may have concluded that even though there is no scripture to mandate reducing most hymns to three verses, God has given us the freedom to worship Him in Spirit and Truth. God has mandated our worship, our assembling, and our mission, and given us the freedom to do so as He calls us and as He has given us the ability.
Your conclusion on Biblical mandates for youth programs may very well come from verses such as "train up a child in the way he should go." Your conclusion that church associations are scriptural may come from the Jerusalem Council. Many have asked themselves these questions, and many have come to the conclusion that what we as Baptists do is well and good in the eyes of God. One of our members at Grace Pointe once told me (we were discussing whether or not scripture mandates that we vote to receive members) that if a practice has been around long enough in the Lord's churches, it may very well be the way God wants it.
Others have asked these questions, however, and come to a different conclusion. They have concluded that since there is no Biblical mandate for church buildings, it is sin to spend so many resources on acquiring and maintaining worship facilities. Since there is no Biblical mandate for the traditional format for worship, perhaps we should dump our worship traditions and start over. Since there is no Biblical mandate for church associations the way we use them (three messengers per church and a missions program, plus a publishing house) then we should just dump that and get back to basics. These have rejected the church the way most Baptists have come to understand the church. They claim that the younger generation is turned off by the church, views the church as irrelevant, and to reach the younger generation, we must shirk the "unnecessary burdens of the Pharisaical mindset of the church and get back to what Christianity was meant to be." There is no formal church organization. If you gather, you are part of the church. Baptism is de-emphasized, and even structure is a thing of the past. Two Christians sit next together at an airport terminal waiting for their flight, there's a church.
Popular Christian writers have also latched onto this trend, claiming that the post-Modern culture (watch that term, it is very popular among the Emergent Church movement) has rejected all of our traditional values, and to reach them, we have to leave behind our traditions and start anew. Otherwise, we'll miss the younger generation and God's church will die off as it's members age and pass away.
I have weighed these arguments, I have measured them, and I find them wanting. There are those who constantly scream out "change!" Should we find ourselves blindly following these calls, we will find ourselves just as disillusioned as the American electorate in 2008-2009.
My arguments against the Emergent belief system and the "post-modern" Christianity belief system is based on the fact that we have seen these arguments all before. (Well, maybe you did, I wasn't born yet). Didn't we hear all this back in the 60s when the Baby Boomers were coming of age? Didn't we hear about how the younger generation was dumping the traditional values of their parents and we would have to change and get back to basics to reach them? Didn't we hear that if we didn't change, the Baby Boomer generation would be a lost generation and the churches would die without them? Who makes up the majority of the membership today? Baby Boomers. Mega churches have flourished, false religion has abounded, but the Lord's churches continue on today. Today, we hear that the church will die with the last Baby Boomer if we don't dump all of our traditions to reach the younger generation. See the irony?
Furthermore, the idea that all church activities that are not clearly spelled out in the Bible is sin is flawed thinking. Read the book of Acts the way it was meant to be read. The Emergent Christian will read the book of Acts looking for the absence of the things we do to point out the sinfulness of doing what we do... like singing hymns, supporting our clergy, sending out missionaries, and gathering at the associational meeting to raise funds for missionaries.
The Book of Acts, popularly referred to as a how-to book for churches, is in fact historical record written by Luke under inspiration of the Holy Spirit to show how God can spread His Gospel if the churches are obedient to Him. A closer reading of Acts shows a church that gathers... often. This church sat under preaching, sometimes for hours (to the point that men were falling asleep and falling out of windows.) Imagine how your average Emergent would react to that?
Furthermore, the Bible clearly mandates singing hymns, spiritual songs, and Psalms. I & II Corinthians clearly gives instruction for orderly worship and formal membership. If a church deems it orderly to purchase or build a worship facility, sing four hymns every Sunday, have a special or two, and learn from a 30-90 minute sermon, then that is no more sinful than if an emergent church decided to go all vegetarian for their post-Bible study meal.
While some who follow the Emergent theology ignorantly, earnestly seeking God's will, the fact is those who propagate this theology are truly seeking to deconstruct the institution of the church, God's institution, the one He bought and established, the one through whom the Gospel would be preached to all nations. This attempt to deconstruct the church is veiled in a pseudo-holiness, a holiness that says "we are so holy that we no longer need the church." This holiness, which has a form of Godliness but denies the power thereof, is in fact, unGodly.
The intent of the Emergent church to deconstruct God's church is clearly spelled out here. Wikipedia describes the Emergent church as "...disillusionment with the organized and institutional church and their support for the deconstruction of modern Christian worship, modern evangelism, and the nature of modern Christian community."
They seek to deconstruct modern Christian worship, because for some reason these "holy" Emergents can not worship God to the words of Amazing Grace (unless it is cleverly rearranged to sound like "The House of the Rising Sun.") They can not worship in an environment that is decent and in order. They seek to deconstruct modern evangelism (door-knocking and witnessing to strangers in public) because they don't want to be offensive. After all, Jesus wouldn't be offensive, would He? (The Gospel is by nature offensive, because it is through scriptural preaching and teaching of the cross that man becomes convicted of his sin. When a man is brought face-to-face with his sin, he in his natural state becomes offended because his sin-nature sends him into self-justification mode).
They seek to deconstruct the modern Christian community... which contrary to popular belief does in fact center around the church. There are worship services, Bible studies, Bible schools, Sunday schools, Awanas and Discovery, youth programs, choir programs, and we haven't even gotten into the heart of the church, missions and ministry. Do those who seek to deconstruct the Christian community really seek to deconstruct the mission efforts of that community? Do they seek to deconstruct the benevolent efforts of that community? Can a loose-nit band of friends calling themselves an Emergent church really spread the Gospel with the same resources and God's power as an organized church?
Jesus told His disciples, "Upon This Rock will I build my church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it." He also promised His church that "Lo, I am with you alway, even until the end of the world." Could these promises have been kept true had the church been nothing more than an aposthetic brand of phariseeism, even if just for a few decades? No. If the true church ever ceased to exist, then these promises could not have been kept, which means that the premise of the Emergent movement is flawed from the beginning. Church is Biblically mandated. True churches have existed continually since Christ was on earth. Those churches follow God's direction, meaning the things they do are not empty traditionalism, and carry far more weight with God than the Emergent's unGodly holiness, a holiness that is by definition man-centered.
The Emergent latches on to that which he likes, that which he finds pleasurable and comfortable, and rejects that which he does not. That is a self-centered, a man-centered way of thinking, not a God centered way of thinking. So their practice, mindset and perceived holiness is done apart from God, and thus, is an unGodly holiness.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Mission: Brownwood blog is back
Over the past several months, my blogging has slacked off due to a couple of reasons. (1) My first and foremost priority is to lead Grace Pointe to become a self supporting doctrinally sound Missionary Baptist Church. (2) The continued economic downturn wreaked havoc on ad sales at KSTA, thus forcing me to put in extra effort. My efforts were in vain, however. I have resigned KSTA and will be full time in the ministry for 2010. (3) A wise man speaks when he has something to say. A fool speaks because he has to say something. I really haven't had much to say outside of pointing out new state/interstate mission fields to go to. That is, I haven't had much to say until now.
There are three things on my heart right now.
(1) I want to encourage the brethren who read this blog. I know that I am not "somebody come" as Brother Brooks would say, but I know there are days that I find encouragement in what other brethren are writing and I hope to be a blessing to others as well.
(2) I am noticing the economic collapse of our nation. The focal point of my observation is Detroit. If any city shows the pain that accompanies a shift from a manufacturing to a service economy, it would be Detroit. My heart goes out to those people. Michigan, and many of the Great Lakes states have traditionally voted liberal. Why? Because many don't know the truth. How can we expect them to know the truth if we don't take it to them. Imagine a life where God was a distant being, and where no one shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you. Hard to imagine, isn't it?
(3) I am noticing more fervent attacks on our churches, not just individually, but institutionally. Many, if not most, of these attacks are coming from within the church itself. It seems the only way to sell a book in a Christian bookstore these days is to rip the institution of the church and advocate throwing out all of our practices and starting all over with a whole new "revolution." I plan to compose a series of blog posts that will show that those who are in opposition to God's church are also in opposition to God's Word and even God Himself.
May God bless you and may we be blessings to each other as we share our faith and encouragement online.
There are three things on my heart right now.
(1) I want to encourage the brethren who read this blog. I know that I am not "somebody come" as Brother Brooks would say, but I know there are days that I find encouragement in what other brethren are writing and I hope to be a blessing to others as well.
(2) I am noticing the economic collapse of our nation. The focal point of my observation is Detroit. If any city shows the pain that accompanies a shift from a manufacturing to a service economy, it would be Detroit. My heart goes out to those people. Michigan, and many of the Great Lakes states have traditionally voted liberal. Why? Because many don't know the truth. How can we expect them to know the truth if we don't take it to them. Imagine a life where God was a distant being, and where no one shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you. Hard to imagine, isn't it?
(3) I am noticing more fervent attacks on our churches, not just individually, but institutionally. Many, if not most, of these attacks are coming from within the church itself. It seems the only way to sell a book in a Christian bookstore these days is to rip the institution of the church and advocate throwing out all of our practices and starting all over with a whole new "revolution." I plan to compose a series of blog posts that will show that those who are in opposition to God's church are also in opposition to God's Word and even God Himself.
May God bless you and may we be blessings to each other as we share our faith and encouragement online.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
On the Road Again
Since Grace Pointe does not currently have evening services, I thought it would be wise to check back in with some of our supporting churches, as well as some churches who are interested in the work. If you would be interested in having me share what the Lord is doing in Brownwood, TX with your church, please call me at (325) 200-8531.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Soul-winning made "easy"
Call me crazy, but I think I have found a less-intimidating method of soul winning. I must admit a couple of things first. (1) I got the idea from watching "The Way of the Master." (No, I'm not just going to parrot their approach.) (2) The phrase "All things old will become new again" has never been truer than what I am about to say.
In soul-winning (which is STILL something I don't do enough of), you must first get used to talking with complete strangers. Just saying those first few words is a daunting task for some, unless you live in Texas where you can make an instant friend out of almost anyone by declaring the idiodessy that is Jerry Jones.
A good exercise to use to get comfortable talking to strangers would be to get in the habit of greeting everyone you meet. You're walking down the produce aisle at Walmart, and another customer is walking toward you. As you pass by, just greet them. New Yorkers might say, "How you doin'?" Texans might say, "Howdy." In the Deep South, the greeting might sound like "Hey y'all." Whatever the official greeting in your language is, just get used to saying it.
Before long, you may find yourself totally engrossed in a conversation with a complete stranger. In doing this, it is entirely important to remember names. Remembering names is the chief way people will know that you care about them. Plus, people like to hear their names. My favorite name memory trick is to use their name as soon as possible after they tell me. It goes like this.
"Howdy."
"Hey, y'all."
"Cool weather these days, huh."
"Man, you ain't kiddin'. It's cold enough out there to freeze your Winnebego."
"Hi, I'm Leland Acker. Pleased to meet you."
"Good to meet you Leland. I'm Bob Barker."
"Bob, it's good to know you. So how are you liking Texas?"
"Pretty good. Hey! How'd you know I was a foreigner."
"Your Winnebego is frozen."
As soon as they give you their name, turn around and use it again. Get used to doing that, and you'll get used to knowing people by name.
People love to talk. In Texas, talk ranges from the weather, to the Dallas Cowboys, to the weather, to whether or not the Longhorns are going to win another title, to the weather, to the Dallas Cowboys, to the weather, to whether or not Texas A&M will ever play Division I football again. (Hey, 6-6 ain't too shabby. Sherman really has worked hard to clean that mess up.)
If you wait on a natural opening in the conversation to work in the Gospel, you'll likely be dissappointed. For one thing, Satan's forces are all around to make sure the natural progression of the conversation stays as far away from spiritual matters as possible. For another, the Gospel sounds so ridiculous when you try to say that Jesus paid the yardage for your penalty flags. No, you must intentionally steer the conversation over to spiritual matters. Doing so is easier than you think.
To intentionally steer a conversation toward the Gospel, all you need is a little courage (faith of a mustard seed) and a pocket full of tracts. Simply pull the tract from your pocket, hand it to your new friend, and say, "Did you get one of these? It's a Gospel tract."
Chances are they'll take the tract, if only to be polite. You may then ask, "Do you go to church anywhere?" or "Do you have a Christian background?" or so on. Regardless of how they answer the question, you have now successfully steered the conversation into matters of eternal significance and have a real opportunity to share the Gospel. Once the conversation has been steered into this place, I have found it effective to utilize the methods of the Way of the Master... but you should do what God leads you to do and what works for you.
People are amazingly tolerant of discussing these things. You'll find that more often than not, people wil be polite and talk with you. Some may turn away in disgust. Don't let that discourage you. Now, let's get out there and win some souls for Christ!
In soul-winning (which is STILL something I don't do enough of), you must first get used to talking with complete strangers. Just saying those first few words is a daunting task for some, unless you live in Texas where you can make an instant friend out of almost anyone by declaring the idiodessy that is Jerry Jones.
A good exercise to use to get comfortable talking to strangers would be to get in the habit of greeting everyone you meet. You're walking down the produce aisle at Walmart, and another customer is walking toward you. As you pass by, just greet them. New Yorkers might say, "How you doin'?" Texans might say, "Howdy." In the Deep South, the greeting might sound like "Hey y'all." Whatever the official greeting in your language is, just get used to saying it.
Before long, you may find yourself totally engrossed in a conversation with a complete stranger. In doing this, it is entirely important to remember names. Remembering names is the chief way people will know that you care about them. Plus, people like to hear their names. My favorite name memory trick is to use their name as soon as possible after they tell me. It goes like this.
"Howdy."
"Hey, y'all."
"Cool weather these days, huh."
"Man, you ain't kiddin'. It's cold enough out there to freeze your Winnebego."
"Hi, I'm Leland Acker. Pleased to meet you."
"Good to meet you Leland. I'm Bob Barker."
"Bob, it's good to know you. So how are you liking Texas?"
"Pretty good. Hey! How'd you know I was a foreigner."
"Your Winnebego is frozen."
As soon as they give you their name, turn around and use it again. Get used to doing that, and you'll get used to knowing people by name.
People love to talk. In Texas, talk ranges from the weather, to the Dallas Cowboys, to the weather, to whether or not the Longhorns are going to win another title, to the weather, to the Dallas Cowboys, to the weather, to whether or not Texas A&M will ever play Division I football again. (Hey, 6-6 ain't too shabby. Sherman really has worked hard to clean that mess up.)
If you wait on a natural opening in the conversation to work in the Gospel, you'll likely be dissappointed. For one thing, Satan's forces are all around to make sure the natural progression of the conversation stays as far away from spiritual matters as possible. For another, the Gospel sounds so ridiculous when you try to say that Jesus paid the yardage for your penalty flags. No, you must intentionally steer the conversation over to spiritual matters. Doing so is easier than you think.
To intentionally steer a conversation toward the Gospel, all you need is a little courage (faith of a mustard seed) and a pocket full of tracts. Simply pull the tract from your pocket, hand it to your new friend, and say, "Did you get one of these? It's a Gospel tract."
Chances are they'll take the tract, if only to be polite. You may then ask, "Do you go to church anywhere?" or "Do you have a Christian background?" or so on. Regardless of how they answer the question, you have now successfully steered the conversation into matters of eternal significance and have a real opportunity to share the Gospel. Once the conversation has been steered into this place, I have found it effective to utilize the methods of the Way of the Master... but you should do what God leads you to do and what works for you.
People are amazingly tolerant of discussing these things. You'll find that more often than not, people wil be polite and talk with you. Some may turn away in disgust. Don't let that discourage you. Now, let's get out there and win some souls for Christ!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Encouraging Signs
Over the past couple of years, I have noticed some encouraging trends, especially at the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas meetings.
One trend I am noticing is a renewed emphasis on state missions. More churches are participating in state missions by either (a) sending out missionaries or (b) supporting missionaries. While this has not translated into increased support through the secretary-treasurer's office, it is translating to new mission works getting started and supported. I cite the works in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Kerrville, East Texas, and Midland as examples. Some missionaries like myself enjoy the support of the state salary, while others (like Bro. Phil Babcock in Midland) work solely on free-will offerings and support from sister churches.
Another encouraging trend is the acceptance of different mission methods. While some still believe that missions should not organize into churches until they are self-supporting (and ready to pay a full-time pastor) there is growing support for missions organizing into churches as soon as a body is formed. This is a good trend as I believe it will lead to missions organizing and getting off associational support sooner, creates more potential sending churches and lessens the confusion of the Landmark ecclesiology.
One thing that I have noticed is how associational meetings in Texas have become calmer, with whatever debate that does happen being done so out of a spirit of love and respect. No one is raking the MBA churches over the coals for not being progressive enough, and no one is standing up launching false allegations at a sister church. Issues of order are addressed respectfully, and while the decisions don't always go our way, we accept those decisions and move on for the honor and glory of God.
A couple of things do trouble me, however. One is the growing immorality that is plaguing our churches, and even our pulpits. Pastors getting divorced used to be unheard of. Today, you hear of it happening at least two or three times per year. Sometimes the pastor's wife runs off, and many times that is not the fault of the pastor. Other times, the pastor runs off. The divorce rate among church members is also alarming.
Another thing that troubles me is the difficulty in finding a pastor for a local church, especially if that church can not afford to pay a full-time salary. It is not a good thing for our sister churches to go long periods of time without the solid leadership of a man of God. Those of us on the mission field worry about our supporting churches who are without pastors. We worry about the future of those churches. Our goal is to see new churches planted and existing churches flourish. This is not likely to occur if men do not answer God's call to the ministry he has laid out for them.
I greatly appreciate the love and support I have received from our supporting churches and the churches of the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas. Over the next year, I will minister full-time to try to lead Grace Pointe to a place where she can be totally self-supporting. It's a tall order, but with God's help, anything is possible. God bless you where you labor. Be encouraged. Be empowered. We serve the One True God. We are on the right side of the scriptures, we are on the right side of History, because we are on His side.
Things will get tougher. Economics will be worse, those willing to endure sound doctrine will decrease in number, the general public will become less friendly to our presence. Though there will be highlights, like the Manhattan Declaration, you can expect the overall condition of things to deteriorate. Never-the-less, be strong, and of a good courage, because the Lord is with us.
One trend I am noticing is a renewed emphasis on state missions. More churches are participating in state missions by either (a) sending out missionaries or (b) supporting missionaries. While this has not translated into increased support through the secretary-treasurer's office, it is translating to new mission works getting started and supported. I cite the works in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Kerrville, East Texas, and Midland as examples. Some missionaries like myself enjoy the support of the state salary, while others (like Bro. Phil Babcock in Midland) work solely on free-will offerings and support from sister churches.
Another encouraging trend is the acceptance of different mission methods. While some still believe that missions should not organize into churches until they are self-supporting (and ready to pay a full-time pastor) there is growing support for missions organizing into churches as soon as a body is formed. This is a good trend as I believe it will lead to missions organizing and getting off associational support sooner, creates more potential sending churches and lessens the confusion of the Landmark ecclesiology.
One thing that I have noticed is how associational meetings in Texas have become calmer, with whatever debate that does happen being done so out of a spirit of love and respect. No one is raking the MBA churches over the coals for not being progressive enough, and no one is standing up launching false allegations at a sister church. Issues of order are addressed respectfully, and while the decisions don't always go our way, we accept those decisions and move on for the honor and glory of God.
A couple of things do trouble me, however. One is the growing immorality that is plaguing our churches, and even our pulpits. Pastors getting divorced used to be unheard of. Today, you hear of it happening at least two or three times per year. Sometimes the pastor's wife runs off, and many times that is not the fault of the pastor. Other times, the pastor runs off. The divorce rate among church members is also alarming.
Another thing that troubles me is the difficulty in finding a pastor for a local church, especially if that church can not afford to pay a full-time salary. It is not a good thing for our sister churches to go long periods of time without the solid leadership of a man of God. Those of us on the mission field worry about our supporting churches who are without pastors. We worry about the future of those churches. Our goal is to see new churches planted and existing churches flourish. This is not likely to occur if men do not answer God's call to the ministry he has laid out for them.
I greatly appreciate the love and support I have received from our supporting churches and the churches of the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas. Over the next year, I will minister full-time to try to lead Grace Pointe to a place where she can be totally self-supporting. It's a tall order, but with God's help, anything is possible. God bless you where you labor. Be encouraged. Be empowered. We serve the One True God. We are on the right side of the scriptures, we are on the right side of History, because we are on His side.
Things will get tougher. Economics will be worse, those willing to endure sound doctrine will decrease in number, the general public will become less friendly to our presence. Though there will be highlights, like the Manhattan Declaration, you can expect the overall condition of things to deteriorate. Never-the-less, be strong, and of a good courage, because the Lord is with us.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday Mission Fields - Fredericksburg, TX
Fredericksburg is the stereotypical Texas Hill Country town. It's downtown buildings are historic, it boasts a culture that is heavily influenced by it's German residents, is full of antique stores and unique gift shops, and makes for a good weekend getaway. In fact, when West-Central Texas towns try to build up their downtown districts (as Coleman and Brownwood are doing now), Fredericksburg is the example they go by.Don't let the population figure of 10,000 fool you. Fredericksburg fills up every weekend with shoppers, hunters, tourists and travelers. It is a major cultural center in the Texas Hill Country. As influencial as the city of Fredericksburg is, it is without the influence of a doctrinally sound ABA church.
A mission work in Fredericksburg would have some advantages. Close proximity (by West Texas standards) to sister churches in San Antonio, Round Rock, Kerrville and even Brownwood lends the prospect of financial and prayer support, as well as friendships. A work in Fredericksburg would also qualify for state missions support.
Please pray for a missionary to answer the call and go to Fredericksburg today. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most vital mission fields in the state of Texas.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What to do if you didn't get a report...
If you are the pastor or a member of one of Mission: Brownwood's supporting churches and your church is not receiving a monthly report in the mail, please let me know. I compose the reports in Brownwood, then email the report to Jacksonville where it is copied, and then sent out to our mailing list.
Over the past couple of months, we have had major computer issues which have wiped out our mailing list in the computer. We know who our supporters are and have most of the addresses, however, there are some we are still missing. So, if your church has not been getting a Mission: Brownwood report in the mail, please email the church's mailing address to gracepointembc@aol.com.
If you are not a supporting church, but want a report anyway, go ahead and send your address to me as well, and we'll add you to the list.
I really want to make sure that our supporters as well as our sister churches be well informed about what's happening in Brownwood.
The September report will be composed and sent out this weekend.
Over the past couple of months, we have had major computer issues which have wiped out our mailing list in the computer. We know who our supporters are and have most of the addresses, however, there are some we are still missing. So, if your church has not been getting a Mission: Brownwood report in the mail, please email the church's mailing address to gracepointembc@aol.com.
If you are not a supporting church, but want a report anyway, go ahead and send your address to me as well, and we'll add you to the list.
I really want to make sure that our supporters as well as our sister churches be well informed about what's happening in Brownwood.
The September report will be composed and sent out this weekend.
The Core Group is Solidifying
Based on our attendance last night and last Sunday, and looking at who is coming, and the fact that we have seen the same faces since the summer, I'd say we have identified our core group at Grace Pointe. Most of these folks have been around since last spring, but they are becoming more closely knit together and fellowshipping more and more.
We have also picked up some more folks who have become very stable in their attendance. It has gotten to where we know we will have approximately 10-12 people present whenever we open the doors. I had hoped for more, but in all reality, we are where I thought we'd be about this time. Our people at Grace Pointe are good people who are getting on fire about doing something for the Lord.
I'm really excited to see what God does next at Grace Pointe!
We have also picked up some more folks who have become very stable in their attendance. It has gotten to where we know we will have approximately 10-12 people present whenever we open the doors. I had hoped for more, but in all reality, we are where I thought we'd be about this time. Our people at Grace Pointe are good people who are getting on fire about doing something for the Lord.
I'm really excited to see what God does next at Grace Pointe!
Friday, October 9, 2009
It's about Missions
When was the last time you heard someone say, "I can't wait until the state meeting. I really look forward to the CyberSpace report." Well, maybe the guy giving the report, but other than that, the state association meeting is popular for two reasons. (1) Fellowship and (2) Missions.
The fellowship is going to happen. Anytime 300 or so preachers get together, there will be fellowship.
Missions is the top-priority agenda item on the list. We open the meeting on Tuesday evening to a moderator's address, a message, and proposed changes to the mission policy or requests to set the policy aside. Then, the first item of business Wednesday morning (after the songs, music specials and devotional) is approving missionaries, and any subsequent policy change. Everything after that is all reporting and information sharing, from which we hope that the brethren are encouraged, enlightened, and motivated.
I bring this up for a reason. Over the past few years, there has been a movement toward rushing the missionary approval process. I understand the reasons. (1) If the association is ready to approve or reject a request, why belabor it with ongoing debate? (2) The quicker the missions part is over, the less likelihood for disharmony. (3) Many people leave after lunch.
I'm actually fine with this too. I just don't want to see a bad decision made, or a debate that gets ended before all sides are heard just for the sake of getting finished in time for lunch. We all deserve better than that type of situation.
All that being said, I think we have a good group of missionaries coming up for support this year. After we finish the missions business, we can enjoy some great reports. I'm actually looking forward to the CyberSpace report. With all the new things coming out and going mainstream, there's no telling what we might be able to discuss.
The fellowship is going to happen. Anytime 300 or so preachers get together, there will be fellowship.
Missions is the top-priority agenda item on the list. We open the meeting on Tuesday evening to a moderator's address, a message, and proposed changes to the mission policy or requests to set the policy aside. Then, the first item of business Wednesday morning (after the songs, music specials and devotional) is approving missionaries, and any subsequent policy change. Everything after that is all reporting and information sharing, from which we hope that the brethren are encouraged, enlightened, and motivated.
I bring this up for a reason. Over the past few years, there has been a movement toward rushing the missionary approval process. I understand the reasons. (1) If the association is ready to approve or reject a request, why belabor it with ongoing debate? (2) The quicker the missions part is over, the less likelihood for disharmony. (3) Many people leave after lunch.
I'm actually fine with this too. I just don't want to see a bad decision made, or a debate that gets ended before all sides are heard just for the sake of getting finished in time for lunch. We all deserve better than that type of situation.
All that being said, I think we have a good group of missionaries coming up for support this year. After we finish the missions business, we can enjoy some great reports. I'm actually looking forward to the CyberSpace report. With all the new things coming out and going mainstream, there's no telling what we might be able to discuss.
Why I support the proposed mission policy for the MBA of Texas
The proposed mission policy of the MBA of Texas holds superiority to the current policy in that it allows decisions to be made by sponsoring churches and missionaries without fear of interference of policy-driven debate. The proposed policy defines what a missionary is, and what state mission work is. It affirms the authority of the sponsoring church, the autonomy of local churches, yet protects the finances of the association.
Under the new policy, eligible mission work will be new church starts, work with struggling churches to prevent their demise, and works that assist churches with the Great Commission (this is where TMD, Berean Ministries, etc could qualify.) The policy allows for mission projects (such as building funds) and missionary salary.
Instead of paying salary, the mission money would be given to the sponsoring church in the form of "support" that could then be paid by the sponsoring church to the missionary as salary.
Protections for the association come in the form that the messengers are given the authority to set the amount of support to be paid to the missionary.
So far, I have only heard two complaints about the proposed mission policy.
(1) There needs to be a provision that the policy is not a set of laws, but guidelines. This article is in the current policy and introduces a lot of controversy. In my mind, the requirements of the sponsoring church and missionary in the proposed policy are minimal... if one can't live up to the expectations in the proposed policy, one has no business in missions.
(2) There needs to be more missionary accountability. Actually, I'm kind of tired of hearing about missionary accountability. All the association can really expect from the missionary is that he stay on the field and continue the work, and report on that work. What more should be expected?
Hopefully, the policy will be put up for a vote in November. If so, I'll be voting yes.
Under the new policy, eligible mission work will be new church starts, work with struggling churches to prevent their demise, and works that assist churches with the Great Commission (this is where TMD, Berean Ministries, etc could qualify.) The policy allows for mission projects (such as building funds) and missionary salary.
Instead of paying salary, the mission money would be given to the sponsoring church in the form of "support" that could then be paid by the sponsoring church to the missionary as salary.
Protections for the association come in the form that the messengers are given the authority to set the amount of support to be paid to the missionary.
So far, I have only heard two complaints about the proposed mission policy.
(1) There needs to be a provision that the policy is not a set of laws, but guidelines. This article is in the current policy and introduces a lot of controversy. In my mind, the requirements of the sponsoring church and missionary in the proposed policy are minimal... if one can't live up to the expectations in the proposed policy, one has no business in missions.
(2) There needs to be more missionary accountability. Actually, I'm kind of tired of hearing about missionary accountability. All the association can really expect from the missionary is that he stay on the field and continue the work, and report on that work. What more should be expected?
Hopefully, the policy will be put up for a vote in November. If so, I'll be voting yes.
Catch up!
I've been absent from the blog for a week and a half now. Oh, if only I weren't so tied up with mission work, I could blog more. (That's a sarcastic comment. I prefer mission work to blogging, as is evident by my absence from this site.)
Here's what's happening in my world.
Here's what's happening in my world.
- We're recovering from an active September. During September, we canvassed for "Back to Church Sunday," canvassed the Brownwood Reunion Celebration, and held a pumpkin patch outreach (which was attended by 60 people, most of whom came as a result of the Reunion outreach.)
- The preparation for the outreaches was very intense, and the execution thereof really wore us out. So far, we have seen little fruit from this, which is making me think that we need to simplify our approach to disciple making... but how?
- Went to the MBA of Texas pre-Association meeting. One question was asked of me... "You're working a job there, right?" "Yes." I appreciate Bro. Bobby Sparks. Had it not been for his question, I'd have driven five hours to be quiet.
- I've been invited to speak at the Faith Promise Missions Conference at Faith MBC in Round Rock on Oct. 26.
- I'm back to coaching youth soccer... this time I'm coaching JJ's team. 1-1 so far on the season.
- All three kids are in soccer this year, all on different teams. Between their practice schedules, Rachel's piano lessons and practice, the outreach we do on Tuesdays at the local apartments, and so on, afternoon shuttling is getting hectic.
- Still broadcasting Coleman High School football. We're 0-5 so far this season, but we're up against Dublin, another 0-5 team tonight.
- High school buddy is getting married tomorrow night.
- Looking forward to the MBA of Texas meeting in November.
- Working on church covenant, by-laws and consitution for Grace Pointe.
I think that about covers it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A clutch play on 3rd and long
Isn't it amazing how right when you think you're going to have to back up and punt, God gives you a break-through at just the right moment? That's the way it's been with our apartment ministry at the Brownwood Apt. Phase II Community Room. Attendance has been slack as the folks who followed us over to the new building haven't been attending the on-site ministry at the apartments. In fact, it has been just my family and two kids and their mother.
However, last night, the attendance was not only higher than normal, but Jessica wound up ministering to some ladies who needed to talk. It's always good when God gives you a break-through, letting you know that he's not finished yet.
However, last night, the attendance was not only higher than normal, but Jessica wound up ministering to some ladies who needed to talk. It's always good when God gives you a break-through, letting you know that he's not finished yet.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday Mission Fields: Granbury, Texas
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is still growing rapidly, despite the current economic climate. Though some business are shutting down and loft/office space is becoming available in the downtown areas, Dallas and Fort Worth are still attracting more residents and companies to town. As a result, the suburban areas are sprouting up.
Granbury is one of those areas. Though the town itself only has 5,700 residents, Hood County is home to more than 41,000. If you are a history buff, you'll love Granbury because it was the home of Davy Crockett's wife, Elizabeth. Other local legends include that John Wilkes-Booth and Jesse James didn't really die as according to mainstream history, but instead settled in Granbury.
The addition of Lake Granbury has also fueled economic growth. So, you have the best of both worlds. History and culture, but progress and growth. Granbury is an excellent opportunity for a church planter. All we need is someone to answer the call and go to the field. Is God calling you to Granbury? If so, answer!
Friday, September 25, 2009
It's a Church!
While I am doing my morning show on KSTA, I do a lot of reading, stay logged into facebook, keep an eye on the news and read the latest trends in Christianity on various blogs and Web sites.
One trend that is emerging, not so much in the ABA, but in Christianity in general, is the inception of the third-location church. Now, for those who are not familiar with this concept, here's how it works. A church planter or group of Christians move to town, and open up a business establishment (usually a coffee shop or restaurant), and operate that venture as a business. That church planter/team then holds informal services at that location at a certain time... many times under a different name. (For example, the coffee shop name might be Jacked Up Java, but the group that holds services there might be named, "The Upper Room." Get the picture?)
The result is not so much a church that opens a coffee shop, but a coffee shop that is owned and operated by a church. Plus, the church meets in the coffee shop. One added benefit is that many of these third-location churches hang posters and decor that promote the message of the Gospel, plus keep Christian literature on the tables for the customers to read while they wait on their order. At closing time, there is church service.
I'm not so much spooked by the methodology of this, though, I do wonder how much of this will actually bear fruit. My main concern is that this appears to me to be another step in the trend to de-emphasize the church as part of the Christian life.
In efforts to reach the post-modern culture, many are deformalizing the church body. Membership rolls are no longer being kept in some instances. New members are not required to covenant with the church, and many times are not asked to make any real committment to the church.
We don't want to run them off, and we don't think they'll come to church, so we decide to just not call our organization a church. We'll just give it a name.
There's research data that shows that the post-modern generation doesn't trust organized religion, so the trend is to stay as far away from the organized religion image as possible, even if it means removing the formal church structure and attempting discipleship based on a loose-nit network of relationships and call that a church... only don't put church in the name. I could go on.
All this is done under the banner of contextualization (which can be a good thing so long as it is done in accordance with scripture). However, the de-emphasis of the church is not a Biblical way to make disciples.
The church, as depicted in scripture, is a local visible body of scripturally baptized believers who have coventanted together (that means they have a formal agreement) to make disciples, baptize them, and teach the disciples. The church is the primary vehicle for the carrying out of the Great Commission and the education of God's people. In Ephesians 4, Paul named leaders in the churches who were there for the perfecting of the saints for the ministry of the Gospel. That means the church leadership existed to prepare the church members to spread the Gospel. It was, and should still be, a team effort.
The church, in its scriptural form, does to new converts what the Southlake Carroll football program does to junior high boys, turns them into superstars. Just as Southlake Carrol High School cranks out Division I Football Talent every year, so should churches be turning out Division I caliber evangelists every year.
Not only is the church the primary vehicle for discipleship and Great Commission work, it is also the primary vehicle for worshipping God. Is there a verse that says, "Thou shalt worship God at church?" No. Is the book of Acts full of examples of Christians gathering at church to worship God? Yes. Does the Bible teach AGAINST forsaking the assembling of ourselves together? Yes.
The church is also the primary vehicle for ministry. When a person comes forward with a need, many times it is the church that responds by meeting the need. It was churches that responded quickly to Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Ike. Churches all over the U.S. have disaster response ministries.
God's will is for people to be saved, baptized, then perfected in a local church. His desire is for churches to teach their members how to evangelize, how to disciple, and how to minister. The church is a vital part of God's Kingdom.
Yet, many want to de-emphasize this sacred institution because "the post-modern generation does not believe in organized religion." I'm sure glad the churches back in the book of Acts didn't feel that way.
You see, in America, the worst we have to fear is rejection... maybe someone will spit in our face, on a bad day we might even get punched. On extremely rare occasions, maybe shot. But mostly, we just fear rejection. So, we'll just de-emphasize church and invite folks to a "get-together."
The churches of the book of Acts faced imprisonment, discrimination, death, beatings, stonings, mob violence, and in later years, torture, humiliation and death. They didn't de-emphasize the institution of the church, and I'm glad they didn't. Chances are, had those churches tried to contextualize themselves with their Roman oppressors, we might not have the Gospel in America today, and I'd be some heathen doing God only knows what.
Scripture teaches the church is important. It spreads the Gospel, it perfects and edifies its members, and it is through those gathering that we gain encouragement from each other. Being a part of the church is a special part of the Christian walk. Don't let some liberal hack in an ivy-walled post-secondary institution, an over-zealous evangelism expert, or a defiant culture take that away from you.
Let's get back to the basics. Evangelism, discipleship, baptism, church membership, teaching and learning, and sending out. The Great Commission is simple. The Gospel is simple. Let's keep it that way.
One trend that is emerging, not so much in the ABA, but in Christianity in general, is the inception of the third-location church. Now, for those who are not familiar with this concept, here's how it works. A church planter or group of Christians move to town, and open up a business establishment (usually a coffee shop or restaurant), and operate that venture as a business. That church planter/team then holds informal services at that location at a certain time... many times under a different name. (For example, the coffee shop name might be Jacked Up Java, but the group that holds services there might be named, "The Upper Room." Get the picture?)
The result is not so much a church that opens a coffee shop, but a coffee shop that is owned and operated by a church. Plus, the church meets in the coffee shop. One added benefit is that many of these third-location churches hang posters and decor that promote the message of the Gospel, plus keep Christian literature on the tables for the customers to read while they wait on their order. At closing time, there is church service.
I'm not so much spooked by the methodology of this, though, I do wonder how much of this will actually bear fruit. My main concern is that this appears to me to be another step in the trend to de-emphasize the church as part of the Christian life.
In efforts to reach the post-modern culture, many are deformalizing the church body. Membership rolls are no longer being kept in some instances. New members are not required to covenant with the church, and many times are not asked to make any real committment to the church.
We don't want to run them off, and we don't think they'll come to church, so we decide to just not call our organization a church. We'll just give it a name.
There's research data that shows that the post-modern generation doesn't trust organized religion, so the trend is to stay as far away from the organized religion image as possible, even if it means removing the formal church structure and attempting discipleship based on a loose-nit network of relationships and call that a church... only don't put church in the name. I could go on.
All this is done under the banner of contextualization (which can be a good thing so long as it is done in accordance with scripture). However, the de-emphasis of the church is not a Biblical way to make disciples.
The church, as depicted in scripture, is a local visible body of scripturally baptized believers who have coventanted together (that means they have a formal agreement) to make disciples, baptize them, and teach the disciples. The church is the primary vehicle for the carrying out of the Great Commission and the education of God's people. In Ephesians 4, Paul named leaders in the churches who were there for the perfecting of the saints for the ministry of the Gospel. That means the church leadership existed to prepare the church members to spread the Gospel. It was, and should still be, a team effort.
The church, in its scriptural form, does to new converts what the Southlake Carroll football program does to junior high boys, turns them into superstars. Just as Southlake Carrol High School cranks out Division I Football Talent every year, so should churches be turning out Division I caliber evangelists every year.
Not only is the church the primary vehicle for discipleship and Great Commission work, it is also the primary vehicle for worshipping God. Is there a verse that says, "Thou shalt worship God at church?" No. Is the book of Acts full of examples of Christians gathering at church to worship God? Yes. Does the Bible teach AGAINST forsaking the assembling of ourselves together? Yes.
The church is also the primary vehicle for ministry. When a person comes forward with a need, many times it is the church that responds by meeting the need. It was churches that responded quickly to Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Ike. Churches all over the U.S. have disaster response ministries.
God's will is for people to be saved, baptized, then perfected in a local church. His desire is for churches to teach their members how to evangelize, how to disciple, and how to minister. The church is a vital part of God's Kingdom.
Yet, many want to de-emphasize this sacred institution because "the post-modern generation does not believe in organized religion." I'm sure glad the churches back in the book of Acts didn't feel that way.
You see, in America, the worst we have to fear is rejection... maybe someone will spit in our face, on a bad day we might even get punched. On extremely rare occasions, maybe shot. But mostly, we just fear rejection. So, we'll just de-emphasize church and invite folks to a "get-together."
The churches of the book of Acts faced imprisonment, discrimination, death, beatings, stonings, mob violence, and in later years, torture, humiliation and death. They didn't de-emphasize the institution of the church, and I'm glad they didn't. Chances are, had those churches tried to contextualize themselves with their Roman oppressors, we might not have the Gospel in America today, and I'd be some heathen doing God only knows what.
Scripture teaches the church is important. It spreads the Gospel, it perfects and edifies its members, and it is through those gathering that we gain encouragement from each other. Being a part of the church is a special part of the Christian walk. Don't let some liberal hack in an ivy-walled post-secondary institution, an over-zealous evangelism expert, or a defiant culture take that away from you.
Let's get back to the basics. Evangelism, discipleship, baptism, church membership, teaching and learning, and sending out. The Great Commission is simple. The Gospel is simple. Let's keep it that way.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Brownwood Reunion Photos
The Brownwood Coliseum, home to the NCAA DIII National Champion Howard Payne Lady Jackets, the Reunion Classic Car Show, and the Carnival
Reunion visitors peruse Exhibitor's Row, where our booth was set up. We passed out more than 3,000 pieces of literature, and made approximately 400 contacts through our photo ministry.
The News/Talk 96.9 Station Van, appearing in the Reunion Parade. Yeah, it's a shameless self-plug.
Our very own Cooper the Dog, the star of the Brownwood Reunion. (Yeah, step aside Tracy Lawrence... :) )
Gordon Wood Stadium, as the Brownwood Lions wrap up a whooping over Liberty Hill. Go Lions. (This shot was actually taken by Ashley, a young lady my wife works with at the apartments.)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Biggest Problem We Face Today
What is the biggest problem that we face as Missionary Baptists and Evangelical Christians? Is it false doctrine? An ever-increasingly sinful world? The political climate? The past mistakes and misdeeds of high-profile Christian personalities?
While all of these are major factors we deal with daily, all pale in comparison to the lack of workers for the harvest. The Bible records how Jesus looked out upon the multitudes, and saw them as sheep with no shepherd, and His heart was moved with compassion. At this sight, He told the disciples that the fields are white unto harvest, and to pray for God to send more workers for the harvest.
Currently, our society is scattered as sheep with no shepherd. People are living life at a frenzied pace, but they don't know what they are living for, why they are here, or where they are going. To borrow a phrase, "We don't know where we are going, but we are getting there fast."
This tragedy is worsened when you look at the numbers of students who are enrolling in ministerial training programs to be equipped for full-time ministry. Few are surrendering to the pastoral ministry, few are surrendering to go to the mission fields, both foreign and domestic, and even fewer are willing to undertake personal evangelism.
Currently, our plans for West Central Texas are to evangelize and plant new churches in Brownwood and the surrounding areas. Provided that we are successful in that mission, who will be there to help us plant and pastor these churches? I have a hard enough time finding qualified preachers who will even fill in for one Sunday, even with room, board and honorariums factored in. (Thank God for Jim Slocumb, he really helped us out this summer).
No one wants to answer the call. I suspect part of the reason might be finances. As the churches decline in attendance and finances, it is harder to be able to pay a full-time salary to a pastor today. Add to this trend the factor that many pastors are developing more sophisticated tastes, and it becomes even harder for churches to finance a man's ministry. So, ministers opt for secular employment that affords them more comfortable lifestyles, all the while God's work goes undone. I believe this is one of the many things Christ addressed when He said, "When the Son of man returns, shall he find any faithful?"
It gets worse. Some pastors are leaving the responsibilities of the pulpits so that they can be "pastors of the pastors." We don't need pastors for pastors, we need pastors for churches. We don't need a shepherd to shepherd the shepherds (we already have One). We need shepherds for the sheep.
Meanwhile, the churches and the lost people alike wander about with no solid spiritual leadership. How do we remedy this situation?
One solution was offered a few years ago. A new ministry was launched that would set up a network of church-planting coaches that would coach missionaries to reach people on stateside mission fields. While this effort may have been pure in its intent, it didn't address the fundamental problem, need and challenge- the availability of obedient God-called men to go to the fields to work the harvest.
So, how do we remedy the situation? I'm glad you asked. I'm launching a new ministry... ah nevermind. Here's what we should do.
(1) Follow Jesus' instructions to pray for laborers for the harvest.
(2) Quit treating the call to the ministry like a one-in-a-million call. I believe God calls way more men to the ministry than we think. Instead of hoping that God might one day call a man from our church to the ministry, how about we assume that He is calling the men of our church to the ministry, and design our Christian education ministries to equip the members of the church for ministry. It's scriptural. Read Ephesians 4.
(3) Streamline the ministerial education process in order to get men to the fields as soon as possible. It amazes me that it takes less than a year to train and equip a Marine for combat, but it takes five years to teach a God-called preacher to study God's word and be able to share it with others.
(4) Constantly be looking for new mission fields and evangelistic opportunities. We need to be in expansion mode, not maintenance, nor decline.
(5) Get the right priorities in order. Preachers, God didn't call us to manage our 401k's, investment accounts, have top of the line insurance plans, nice homes, big cars or even build radio careers. He called us to proclaim the Gospel. Everything He blesses us with needs to be put toward that goal. God blesses you financially? Good. Use it to spread the Gospel. God blesses your investment portfolio? Praise Him that one day you won't have to worry about maintaining employment while you minister.
We need to quit seeing God's call to ministry as a freak of nature and begin seeing it for what it is- standard operating procedure for God. We need to get back to assuming that God is calling men to the ministry, pray for Him to call more men, and prepare our church members for that call through our teaching/preaching ministries. Also, we need to prepare our churches to send out missionaries.
When it comes time for Grace Pointe to send out missionaries, we may not be able to get anyone from East Texas, Arkansas or Louisiana to come to West Texas. Our missionaries may have to be homegrown. That's okay. We'll prepare accordingly.
My advice is for you to do likewise.
If you are one whom God is calling into the ministry, and you are resisting God's call, you need to relent and surrender to that call. God rewards nothing that is done in disobedience. If you are resisting God's call to ministry, then you are being disobedient no matter how many good works you are doing. Answer God's call.
Let's man-up and honor our responsibilities, and to quote a famous philosopher, "get 'er done!"
While all of these are major factors we deal with daily, all pale in comparison to the lack of workers for the harvest. The Bible records how Jesus looked out upon the multitudes, and saw them as sheep with no shepherd, and His heart was moved with compassion. At this sight, He told the disciples that the fields are white unto harvest, and to pray for God to send more workers for the harvest.
Currently, our society is scattered as sheep with no shepherd. People are living life at a frenzied pace, but they don't know what they are living for, why they are here, or where they are going. To borrow a phrase, "We don't know where we are going, but we are getting there fast."
This tragedy is worsened when you look at the numbers of students who are enrolling in ministerial training programs to be equipped for full-time ministry. Few are surrendering to the pastoral ministry, few are surrendering to go to the mission fields, both foreign and domestic, and even fewer are willing to undertake personal evangelism.
Currently, our plans for West Central Texas are to evangelize and plant new churches in Brownwood and the surrounding areas. Provided that we are successful in that mission, who will be there to help us plant and pastor these churches? I have a hard enough time finding qualified preachers who will even fill in for one Sunday, even with room, board and honorariums factored in. (Thank God for Jim Slocumb, he really helped us out this summer).
No one wants to answer the call. I suspect part of the reason might be finances. As the churches decline in attendance and finances, it is harder to be able to pay a full-time salary to a pastor today. Add to this trend the factor that many pastors are developing more sophisticated tastes, and it becomes even harder for churches to finance a man's ministry. So, ministers opt for secular employment that affords them more comfortable lifestyles, all the while God's work goes undone. I believe this is one of the many things Christ addressed when He said, "When the Son of man returns, shall he find any faithful?"
It gets worse. Some pastors are leaving the responsibilities of the pulpits so that they can be "pastors of the pastors." We don't need pastors for pastors, we need pastors for churches. We don't need a shepherd to shepherd the shepherds (we already have One). We need shepherds for the sheep.
Meanwhile, the churches and the lost people alike wander about with no solid spiritual leadership. How do we remedy this situation?
One solution was offered a few years ago. A new ministry was launched that would set up a network of church-planting coaches that would coach missionaries to reach people on stateside mission fields. While this effort may have been pure in its intent, it didn't address the fundamental problem, need and challenge- the availability of obedient God-called men to go to the fields to work the harvest.
So, how do we remedy the situation? I'm glad you asked. I'm launching a new ministry... ah nevermind. Here's what we should do.
(1) Follow Jesus' instructions to pray for laborers for the harvest.
(2) Quit treating the call to the ministry like a one-in-a-million call. I believe God calls way more men to the ministry than we think. Instead of hoping that God might one day call a man from our church to the ministry, how about we assume that He is calling the men of our church to the ministry, and design our Christian education ministries to equip the members of the church for ministry. It's scriptural. Read Ephesians 4.
(3) Streamline the ministerial education process in order to get men to the fields as soon as possible. It amazes me that it takes less than a year to train and equip a Marine for combat, but it takes five years to teach a God-called preacher to study God's word and be able to share it with others.
(4) Constantly be looking for new mission fields and evangelistic opportunities. We need to be in expansion mode, not maintenance, nor decline.
(5) Get the right priorities in order. Preachers, God didn't call us to manage our 401k's, investment accounts, have top of the line insurance plans, nice homes, big cars or even build radio careers. He called us to proclaim the Gospel. Everything He blesses us with needs to be put toward that goal. God blesses you financially? Good. Use it to spread the Gospel. God blesses your investment portfolio? Praise Him that one day you won't have to worry about maintaining employment while you minister.
We need to quit seeing God's call to ministry as a freak of nature and begin seeing it for what it is- standard operating procedure for God. We need to get back to assuming that God is calling men to the ministry, pray for Him to call more men, and prepare our church members for that call through our teaching/preaching ministries. Also, we need to prepare our churches to send out missionaries.
When it comes time for Grace Pointe to send out missionaries, we may not be able to get anyone from East Texas, Arkansas or Louisiana to come to West Texas. Our missionaries may have to be homegrown. That's okay. We'll prepare accordingly.
My advice is for you to do likewise.
If you are one whom God is calling into the ministry, and you are resisting God's call, you need to relent and surrender to that call. God rewards nothing that is done in disobedience. If you are resisting God's call to ministry, then you are being disobedient no matter how many good works you are doing. Answer God's call.
Let's man-up and honor our responsibilities, and to quote a famous philosopher, "get 'er done!"
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday Mission Fields - Waco, TX
Waco, Texas, (pronounced WAY-co not WACK-oh) sits in the center of the Texas population. A short drive to the north will land one in the DFW Metroplex, a short drive to the south lands one in Austin and San Antonio. Just a few hours to the southeast is College Station, Houston and Galveston. To the west, Brownwood.
The Waco metro area is home to more than 228,000 people, and is rapidly growing. Cities like Woodway, Bellmeade, and even McGregor are springing up and developing places where previously there were corn or cotton fields.
The rapid rise in population is due partly to the favorable Texas economic climate as well as the proximity to Fort Hood. Expect that trend to continue as the Federal Government continues to consolidate military installations. Fort Hood will gain soldiers, who bring family with them. Often, merchants also set up shop nearby hoping to make a fortune selling wares to American Soldiers. Face it, U.S. Military and economic prosperity go hand in hand. Look at the prosperity that surrounds our bases in Colorado Springs, San Diego, Irvine (CA), and even overseas. Yes, the presence of the military brings prosperity to areas in the Middle East (just look at Saudi Arabia and the nations surrounding Afghanistan.) So, the presence of the military, the favorable economic climate (Texas has fewer taxes and employer fees than many states in the union), and low cost of living will continue to fuel growth in Waco.
Waco and the surrounding areas are well populated by people, but are home to relatively few ABA churches. While the area is home to Baylor University (another driving force for economic development), we can not just sit back and assume the Southern Baptist Convention will handle all the evangelism, discipleship and mission work in Central Texas.
So, with all that in mind, will you consider Waco, Texas as a state/interstate mission field?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Monday Mission Fields - West Central Texas
As Grace Pointe MBC works toward organization, I would like to share my burden with you. My goal for Grace Pointe, even before we arrived in Brownwood, was to see a church established that in turn, planted other churches by sending out missionaries. West Central Texas, also referred to as The Big Country and The Heartland, is home to thousands of people, many sizeable towns, all located hours away from the nearest Missionary Baptist Church. If you don't think it matters, think again. I have met many who hope for and pray for Missionary Baptists or like-minded Baptists to come to their towns.
That being said, let's look at some of these towns, located near Brownwood, which are towns that I'd like to see missionaries go to. My plan is for Grace Pointe to send men to these towns as missionaries, but if some other ABA church beats us to the punch... PRAISE THE LORD!
Coleman, Texas
Coleman is a town of 5,000 people, with 10,000 residing in Coleman County. (In West Texas, county names make sense. Coleman is in Coleman County, Comanche in Comanche County, and Brownwood in Brown County, contrast that to Athens being in Henderson County, Henderson being in Rusk County, and Rusk being in Cherokee County.)
The population of Coleman County peaked at 30,000 back during the Great Depression, and has slowly declined ever since.
Coleman is home to five independent Baptist churches, three of which I would consider viable. Aside from that, Coleman lives on poverty. The city has several public housing projects and millions are paid to Coleman County every year through federal programs. Drug use is rampant, as is alcoholism, and the county jail only holds 9 inmates, all of which must be adult men.
Hopelessness also reigns in Coleman. The Texas Historic Commission recently offered to restore the county courthouse, offering to pay 80%, but as of yet, the commissioner's court hasn't accepted the offer. Two main points of contention are, (1) Coleman County will still have to pay 20% and (2) What's the point?
Coleman is a tough place to live, work, sell advertising, and maintain hope. Still, they need a good, doctrinally sound church to spread the Hope of Christ throughout the city. Coleman is 35 miles west of Brownwood.
Brady, Texas
Boasting a population of 5,500, Brady is already home to two Missionary Baptists. Not Missionary Baptist Churches, no, Missionary Baptists. These two individuals are core members of Grace Pointe, but I would like to see them be able to take part in a new mission work in Brady in the next few years.
In so far as socio-economics, Brady fares better than Coleman by way of chain retailers, restaurants, hotels and FM radio, as well as a Country Music Hall of Fame type museum. Still the problems that plague Brownwood and Coleman are also persistent in Brady.
Abilene, Texas
Yes, there is economic growth in West Texas, and Abilene is getting the lions share. There are also two ABA churches in Abilene, both located on the southside. Both of these churches, Wyndrock MBC and Texas Ave. MBC, are great churches with great men pastoring them. However, with a population of 158,000, more evangelical, dare I say missional, effort needs to be spent on Abilene than these two churches can do alone. Again, it's not that these churches aren't good, evangelical and missional churches (they are), it's just that there is so much population that a third, possibly fourth ABA church is warranted, in my opinion. (I also think Brownwood needs a second church, plus one in Early).
Abilene is home to three universities, McMurray, Hardin-Simmons, and Abilene Christian University, plus has a campus of Cisco College. The universities are Division II and Division III schools, but rank on the larger end of those divisions. All three are religiously affiliated. Hardin Simmons is Southern Baptist, Abilene Christian is Church of Christ, and I think McMurray is Methodist. Education ranks supreme in Abilene, as the city ranks 17th in the nation for public education.
Abilene is also the birthplace of Jessica Simpson... we'll forgive her for Tony Romo's bad football play. hehe.
Anyway, a large, growing population, combined with an active and mobile student population and a favorable economic atmosphere make Abilene a promising mission field.
Early, Texas
It's hard to say whether Early is Brownwood's suburb, or if Brownwood is Early's suburb. Sure, Brownwood has the population (20,000 vs. 4,000), but Early has the commerce (Heartland Mall, Humphrey Petes, Scott's Western Wear, Brownwood Muffler and Mi Familia Restaurant, among others.)
The Early Longhorns are also one of the most perennially feared 2A football teams in the state as well as softball. Last year, both made the state semifinals, if my memory is correct.
A good strong church in Early could evangelize that growing community, help Grace Pointe reach Brownwood, and be the spring board to Comanche, Texas.
Comanche, Texas
Comanche, Texas is home to 4,400 people, with 14,000 in the county. The nearest ABA church, other than Brownwood, is in the Fort Worth area.
Comanche is a typical small West Texas town, with signs celebrating the girls' basketball teams' state championships in the 1950s still hung on the courthouse square. Unlike Coleman, there are no independent or Missionary Baptists churches in Comanche.
Comanche is a good mission field to evangelize as we begin to work not only outward in West Texas, but also back toward Forth Worth.
Other local fields
Lake Brownwood
Stephenville
Cisco
Rising Star
Cross Plains
Baird
Goldthwaite
What to do about what to do
If you feel drawn to any of these fields, call me at (325) 200-8531 or email gracepointembc@aol.com. I'd like to discuss your burden, my burden, and how we can possibly reach these fields together.
That being said, let's look at some of these towns, located near Brownwood, which are towns that I'd like to see missionaries go to. My plan is for Grace Pointe to send men to these towns as missionaries, but if some other ABA church beats us to the punch... PRAISE THE LORD!
Coleman, Texas
Coleman is a town of 5,000 people, with 10,000 residing in Coleman County. (In West Texas, county names make sense. Coleman is in Coleman County, Comanche in Comanche County, and Brownwood in Brown County, contrast that to Athens being in Henderson County, Henderson being in Rusk County, and Rusk being in Cherokee County.)
The population of Coleman County peaked at 30,000 back during the Great Depression, and has slowly declined ever since.
Coleman is home to five independent Baptist churches, three of which I would consider viable. Aside from that, Coleman lives on poverty. The city has several public housing projects and millions are paid to Coleman County every year through federal programs. Drug use is rampant, as is alcoholism, and the county jail only holds 9 inmates, all of which must be adult men.
Hopelessness also reigns in Coleman. The Texas Historic Commission recently offered to restore the county courthouse, offering to pay 80%, but as of yet, the commissioner's court hasn't accepted the offer. Two main points of contention are, (1) Coleman County will still have to pay 20% and (2) What's the point?
Coleman is a tough place to live, work, sell advertising, and maintain hope. Still, they need a good, doctrinally sound church to spread the Hope of Christ throughout the city. Coleman is 35 miles west of Brownwood.
Brady, Texas
Boasting a population of 5,500, Brady is already home to two Missionary Baptists. Not Missionary Baptist Churches, no, Missionary Baptists. These two individuals are core members of Grace Pointe, but I would like to see them be able to take part in a new mission work in Brady in the next few years.
In so far as socio-economics, Brady fares better than Coleman by way of chain retailers, restaurants, hotels and FM radio, as well as a Country Music Hall of Fame type museum. Still the problems that plague Brownwood and Coleman are also persistent in Brady.
Abilene, Texas
Yes, there is economic growth in West Texas, and Abilene is getting the lions share. There are also two ABA churches in Abilene, both located on the southside. Both of these churches, Wyndrock MBC and Texas Ave. MBC, are great churches with great men pastoring them. However, with a population of 158,000, more evangelical, dare I say missional, effort needs to be spent on Abilene than these two churches can do alone. Again, it's not that these churches aren't good, evangelical and missional churches (they are), it's just that there is so much population that a third, possibly fourth ABA church is warranted, in my opinion. (I also think Brownwood needs a second church, plus one in Early).
Abilene is home to three universities, McMurray, Hardin-Simmons, and Abilene Christian University, plus has a campus of Cisco College. The universities are Division II and Division III schools, but rank on the larger end of those divisions. All three are religiously affiliated. Hardin Simmons is Southern Baptist, Abilene Christian is Church of Christ, and I think McMurray is Methodist. Education ranks supreme in Abilene, as the city ranks 17th in the nation for public education.
Abilene is also the birthplace of Jessica Simpson... we'll forgive her for Tony Romo's bad football play. hehe.
Anyway, a large, growing population, combined with an active and mobile student population and a favorable economic atmosphere make Abilene a promising mission field.
Early, Texas
It's hard to say whether Early is Brownwood's suburb, or if Brownwood is Early's suburb. Sure, Brownwood has the population (20,000 vs. 4,000), but Early has the commerce (Heartland Mall, Humphrey Petes, Scott's Western Wear, Brownwood Muffler and Mi Familia Restaurant, among others.)
The Early Longhorns are also one of the most perennially feared 2A football teams in the state as well as softball. Last year, both made the state semifinals, if my memory is correct.
A good strong church in Early could evangelize that growing community, help Grace Pointe reach Brownwood, and be the spring board to Comanche, Texas.
Comanche, Texas
Comanche, Texas is home to 4,400 people, with 14,000 in the county. The nearest ABA church, other than Brownwood, is in the Fort Worth area.
Comanche is a typical small West Texas town, with signs celebrating the girls' basketball teams' state championships in the 1950s still hung on the courthouse square. Unlike Coleman, there are no independent or Missionary Baptists churches in Comanche.
Comanche is a good mission field to evangelize as we begin to work not only outward in West Texas, but also back toward Forth Worth.
Other local fields
Lake Brownwood
Stephenville
Cisco
Rising Star
Cross Plains
Baird
Goldthwaite
What to do about what to do
If you feel drawn to any of these fields, call me at (325) 200-8531 or email gracepointembc@aol.com. I'd like to discuss your burden, my burden, and how we can possibly reach these fields together.
Friday, September 4, 2009
How to Thursday - Support Your Missionary
This will likely be the last of my How-to series. However, if you have any how-to questions, I'm always happy to share my ideas. Just send me an email or call me.
Support your missionary. When a missionary asks for support, most pastors and church members bristle... after all, the assumption is that he is asking for money.
While money is a blessing, and it affords you the ability to acquire tools to enhance your outreach and discipleship efforts, it is not the end all when it comes to missionary support.
Few things are worse than being on a mission field with a sponsoring church that is unaware of his efforts, successes and failures, no matter how in-depth the reporting. Few things are worse than having to leave the field to visit the sponsoring church to beg for a basic ministry necessity. Few things are worse than having to explain the scope of your work to the sponsor over and over again.
I am very blessed. Rocky Springs is very solidly behind the work in Brownwood, and they demonstrate this every single time a Brownwood-related matter comes up for a vote. It is a blessing to know that my strongest advocates are also active members of my sponsoring church. Rocky Springs is a good example of what a sponsoring church should do.
I have before stated that a church need not be wealthy financially to sponsor a missionary. While I still hold to that statement, a sponsoring church MUST have a committment to see that the missionary has the tools he needs for the work set out before him. If the sponsoring church has the ways and means to supply those tools, they should. If they sponsoring church does not have the finances to provide those tools, then they should aid the missionary in raising the support from sister churches. It is perfectly acceptable for a church to turn to sister churches for help in carrying out the Great Commission.
This is another way I am blessed by Rocky Springs. The Old Cherokee Association (Rocky's local association) is not going to have a mission rally without Bro. Charles Swilling or Bro. Jim Slocumb giving a Brownwood report and asking for support.
More important than financial support, however, is the issue of emotional and prayer support. The mission field can be very discouraging (and that's just Brownwood. I can only imagine what our brethren in France, Africa, Ukraine and Thailand are feeling). A missionary needs to know that the sponsoring church understands the importance of the mission work, is behind the work, and that they are there for moral support.
How can a sponsor show that support? Easy. Call the missionary and offer words of encouragement and thanks. Tell him that someone spoke on his behalf in Sunday School, Send him email and letters, and maybe even a gift package... and don't forget his wife and kids. All too often, they make the biggest sacrifices.
And last but not least, don't fall into this mentality that a mission work is a drain on church finances and resources. That mentality will lead to bitter feelings between missionary and sponsoring church. God blesses our church finances for the sole purpose of carrying out his work. That work is mission work, both local and beyond.
Thank you for your prayers and support. There have been hard times in Brownwood, but not many... and with your support and encouragement, they never seem all that bad. In fact, these are the best days of my ministry. Thank you so much.
Support your missionary. When a missionary asks for support, most pastors and church members bristle... after all, the assumption is that he is asking for money.
While money is a blessing, and it affords you the ability to acquire tools to enhance your outreach and discipleship efforts, it is not the end all when it comes to missionary support.
Few things are worse than being on a mission field with a sponsoring church that is unaware of his efforts, successes and failures, no matter how in-depth the reporting. Few things are worse than having to leave the field to visit the sponsoring church to beg for a basic ministry necessity. Few things are worse than having to explain the scope of your work to the sponsor over and over again.
I am very blessed. Rocky Springs is very solidly behind the work in Brownwood, and they demonstrate this every single time a Brownwood-related matter comes up for a vote. It is a blessing to know that my strongest advocates are also active members of my sponsoring church. Rocky Springs is a good example of what a sponsoring church should do.
I have before stated that a church need not be wealthy financially to sponsor a missionary. While I still hold to that statement, a sponsoring church MUST have a committment to see that the missionary has the tools he needs for the work set out before him. If the sponsoring church has the ways and means to supply those tools, they should. If they sponsoring church does not have the finances to provide those tools, then they should aid the missionary in raising the support from sister churches. It is perfectly acceptable for a church to turn to sister churches for help in carrying out the Great Commission.
This is another way I am blessed by Rocky Springs. The Old Cherokee Association (Rocky's local association) is not going to have a mission rally without Bro. Charles Swilling or Bro. Jim Slocumb giving a Brownwood report and asking for support.
More important than financial support, however, is the issue of emotional and prayer support. The mission field can be very discouraging (and that's just Brownwood. I can only imagine what our brethren in France, Africa, Ukraine and Thailand are feeling). A missionary needs to know that the sponsoring church understands the importance of the mission work, is behind the work, and that they are there for moral support.
How can a sponsor show that support? Easy. Call the missionary and offer words of encouragement and thanks. Tell him that someone spoke on his behalf in Sunday School, Send him email and letters, and maybe even a gift package... and don't forget his wife and kids. All too often, they make the biggest sacrifices.
And last but not least, don't fall into this mentality that a mission work is a drain on church finances and resources. That mentality will lead to bitter feelings between missionary and sponsoring church. God blesses our church finances for the sole purpose of carrying out his work. That work is mission work, both local and beyond.
Thank you for your prayers and support. There have been hard times in Brownwood, but not many... and with your support and encouragement, they never seem all that bad. In fact, these are the best days of my ministry. Thank you so much.
Monday Mission Fields on Friday (yeah, how's that for punctuality) - San Marcos, Texas
The Missionary Baptist Association of Texas is missing the state missions boat. The Texas Hill Country, along with all of the areas between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Waco, are among the fastest growing places in America... even in the midst of this recession/depression that we are in.
My first experience with San Marcos came in the summer of 1994, when my high school debate coach sent me to a two-week debate camp at Texas State University (then called Southwest Texas State). Evidently, my 3-14 record as a sophomore didn't impress her. At that time, San Marcos boasted a population of 28,000, with the university boasting an enrollment of 20,000. Today, San Marcos has a population that exceeds 50,000, with the university having almost 30,000 students enrolled, for a total of 80,000 souls that can be reached for Christ (plus or minus, these are estimates).
The rapid growth of San Marcos is typical of Hill Country/Southwest Texas cities. Check out New Braunfels, Marble Falls, Round Rock, and of course, Austin and San Antonio. In fact, it is getting to where you can drive I-35 from Austin to San Antonio without leaving "the city."
San Marcos, like other Hill Country cities, is a tourist stop. Visitors can rent inner tubes and float the San Marcos river for just a few dollars. (Access to the river is free, the tube rental is what cost money.) San Marcos is also a destination for those taking jobs at Apple Computer in Austin, Toyota in San Antonio (who is opening a new plant there), or one of the many local school districts who can not afford Austin or San Antonio housing.
So, why is the San Marcos population and economy growing exponentially without the presence of a Gospel preaching ABA church? It's not the money. The Missionary Baptist Association of Texas already has the fund balance to finance a missionary's endeavor there. Is it the lack of sponsoring churches? Probably not. I know of one church that is getting serious about Hill Country Missions, while another is looking to plant sister churches in the same area. No, the lack of an associated work in San Marcos is due to one reason, and one reason only. Few men are answering the call to go to the state mission fields.
So, I'm going to pray for God to call men to these fields, and that these men will man-up and go whole heartedly.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Missions and Technology
When I look at how computers, the internet and emerging technology have revolutionized American life, I can't help but wonder if we could use technology to increase our efficiency at mission work.
Between new (and free) services such as YouTube, Facebook, Blogger, along with video chat services and some pay video conference softwares, I have been wondering how to best utilize these resources for the spread of the Gospel.
Some have already begun posting sermon videos on YouTube as well as their church web sites. Others have begin broadcasting their services live online, while others network using Facebook, and post God's truth using Blogger or Wordpress. I applaud the efforts and advancements being made here, but I wonder if we could use these resources to plant churches and win more souls.
Here's a scenario. Church A in MidSizeVille, Texas, has a burden for the folks of Metropolis, Texas. Church A prays for a missionary, but no missionaries answer the call. The church sends letters to all the associational churches inviting prospective missionaries and preachers to step forward for this church planting mission, but none do. Church A even promises to recommend full salary support and pay for housing. Still, no response. (This happens more than you know.)
Feeling the burden more than ever, Church A then strikes out on its own, and sends a group from the church on a "mission trip" to Metropolis. They canvass neighborhoods, shopping centers and parks, and win a few souls to the Lord. Over the course of a week, a few souls are saved, then baptized, and one of the new converts offers to host Bible studies, but is reluctant to teach.
A member from Church A then agrees to travel back and forth once a week from MidSizeVille to Metropolis to lead this Bible study, but all know that this is unsustainable. So, the newly formed Bible study group and the members of Church A come up with a solution. The member of Church A, as well as the pastor, can both lead the Bible studies via an online video conferencing software. Utilizing two lap-top computers, DSL or another high-speed internet connection, and two video cameras with mics and a video projector, the church member, pastor, or other church leader can actually present a lesson, interact, answer questions and disciple the Bible study members via video conferencing. It's a two-way communication.
At the same time, the Bible study host is trained to take on more of a leadership role. Over time, the Bible study group comes together, having been scripturally saved and baptized, and forms a local new testament church, receiving some of its teaching from the Bible study host, and some from the online video conferencing with the sponsoring church. In fact, the two bodies may actually hold "joint services" on Sunday mornings via video.
Over time, with the discipleship of the emerging leaders, routine visits from the sponsoring church, and the hand-up the new body receives from the sponsoring church, the new church eventually finds meeting facilities and calls a pastor. It then becomes self-sustaining without the need of the sponsor's support, and the sponsoring church moves on to the next project.
Granted, this is a fantasy arrangement of things and I have not taken various mission-work challenges into consideration, but I wonder if we could begin using technology to its fullest capabilities. What do you think about using new technologies to spread the Gospel more rapidly?
Between new (and free) services such as YouTube, Facebook, Blogger, along with video chat services and some pay video conference softwares, I have been wondering how to best utilize these resources for the spread of the Gospel.
Some have already begun posting sermon videos on YouTube as well as their church web sites. Others have begin broadcasting their services live online, while others network using Facebook, and post God's truth using Blogger or Wordpress. I applaud the efforts and advancements being made here, but I wonder if we could use these resources to plant churches and win more souls.
Here's a scenario. Church A in MidSizeVille, Texas, has a burden for the folks of Metropolis, Texas. Church A prays for a missionary, but no missionaries answer the call. The church sends letters to all the associational churches inviting prospective missionaries and preachers to step forward for this church planting mission, but none do. Church A even promises to recommend full salary support and pay for housing. Still, no response. (This happens more than you know.)
Feeling the burden more than ever, Church A then strikes out on its own, and sends a group from the church on a "mission trip" to Metropolis. They canvass neighborhoods, shopping centers and parks, and win a few souls to the Lord. Over the course of a week, a few souls are saved, then baptized, and one of the new converts offers to host Bible studies, but is reluctant to teach.
A member from Church A then agrees to travel back and forth once a week from MidSizeVille to Metropolis to lead this Bible study, but all know that this is unsustainable. So, the newly formed Bible study group and the members of Church A come up with a solution. The member of Church A, as well as the pastor, can both lead the Bible studies via an online video conferencing software. Utilizing two lap-top computers, DSL or another high-speed internet connection, and two video cameras with mics and a video projector, the church member, pastor, or other church leader can actually present a lesson, interact, answer questions and disciple the Bible study members via video conferencing. It's a two-way communication.
At the same time, the Bible study host is trained to take on more of a leadership role. Over time, the Bible study group comes together, having been scripturally saved and baptized, and forms a local new testament church, receiving some of its teaching from the Bible study host, and some from the online video conferencing with the sponsoring church. In fact, the two bodies may actually hold "joint services" on Sunday mornings via video.
Over time, with the discipleship of the emerging leaders, routine visits from the sponsoring church, and the hand-up the new body receives from the sponsoring church, the new church eventually finds meeting facilities and calls a pastor. It then becomes self-sustaining without the need of the sponsor's support, and the sponsoring church moves on to the next project.
Granted, this is a fantasy arrangement of things and I have not taken various mission-work challenges into consideration, but I wonder if we could begin using technology to its fullest capabilities. What do you think about using new technologies to spread the Gospel more rapidly?
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday Mission Fields: Austin, Texas
One or two trips down to the Texas Hill Country will convince anyone that the Austin area is one of the most rapidly growing metro areas in America. This premonition is backed up by U.S. Census data that shows that Austin is the third fastest growing city in the U.S. This, along with an absence of ABA-associated Missionary Baptist Churches should motivate any prospective church planter to at least consider Austin as a field.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Austin's population at 757,000 people. It serves as the state capital of Texas, is home to the University of Texas (T-u for my Aggie friends), is the second most influencial city in Country Music (second only to Nashville) and a major influence on music and pop-culture nationwide. Austin is known as the live-music capital of the world, which gives rise to night clubs, drinking and drug problems. Crime is increasingly becoming a problem in Austin.
Austin is home to politicians, musicians, actors, state employees and high-tech employees. In fact, it is even home to Apple computer. Many high-tech firms migrated from Silicone Valley, Calif., to Austin during the brown-outs of 2001, seeking more stable power supplies and better economic climates than California.
People from all walks of life, and I do mean all walks of life are flocking to Austin for education (UT has an enrollment of more than 150,000 undergrads), job opportunities, and new leases on life. They bring with them just about any type of philosophy and world view imaginable. Evangelism in this area should be interesting to say the least.
Acquiring property and building facilities will be difficult. Austin is very big on environmental protection, so expect there to be numerous environmental impact studies, and expect to have to include "green" features on any facility you plan to build. This may actually be cost-prohibitive, but who knows what God will provide for you.
Renting space will also be costly, but may prove to be a viable option for meeting space. There are also schools, conference centers, convention halls, and so on... but expect some resistance when you disclose that you are renting for church meetings.
Apartment ministries may be the most cost-effective, highest evangelical return rate method to use here, but I have not thoroughly researched this.
The bad news is that Austin is a difficult field. ABA mission works and church plants have failed here before.
The good news is that mission work can be successful in Austin. One church organized a few years ago in Round Rock, a northern sub-urb of Austin. The Missionary Baptist Association of Texas (the Texas state association) provides a generous salary structure, provided that you are sent out by a member church. Texas Mission Development is unrivaled in its ability to raise funds for buildings and land. SO, you do have resources to work with. Plus, you have sister churches to fellowship with in nearby Rockdale, Round Rock, and even as far as San Antonio.
Still interested and want to learn more, click here.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Agree or Disagree?
If you don’t love (agape) your brothers and sisters in Christ, you do not have faith in Christ.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
How-To Thursday: Keeping it Real
As a radio ad executive, I have to be completely sold on the value of my station if I'm going to be effective at selling radio campaigns. I also have to be creative... but I definitely have to be sold on my station's value.
In the same way, if I am going to be a successful evangelist, I must be completely sold out for the Gospel. I have to be totally convinced that it is true, that Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. If the Gospel is not real to me, or if I fail to see how it has totally changed and revolutionized my life, I'll be unable to present it with any passion and will have a hard time convincing people to believe it.
The problem that the unchurched have with church is not the hymns, the preaching, the "early" Sunday morning service at 11 a.m., the clothing, the "Baptist" on the sign, or even the moral lifestyle. The problem the unchurched have with church is that they perceive it is full of fake people, and the programs, presentation and dynamic services merely mask the fact that they are "experiencing" a fake celebration. They perceive church as fake.
To a degree, this can't be controlled. Church members will fall, people will sin publicly, others will intentionally inflict harm on others' feelings and people will get turned off. However, as a church planter or missionary, you can control whether you are fake, or whether you are real.
What's your motivation for being on the field. Are you there to build a big, strong vibrant church with awesome praise and worship services with a dynamic youth program? Do you dream of a tech-savvy church that utilizes all the latest trends in evangelism and church planting? Do you want to be on the cutting edge of societal evolution? Do you want to show the rest of the association how it's done?
If so, you are in danger of being fake. I have never seen a praise chorus, powerpoint screen, or wind ensemble lead a single soul to Christ. (Conversely, I've never seen a Heavenly Highway Hymnal lead anyone to Christ either.) If you have gone to the field to start another "next biggest thing" organization (commonly referred to as a church), then you are just adding another problem to a field that is likely already littered with "church-growth-driven" casualties.
People need what's real, and what's real is the Gospel. If the fact that Christ paid for your sins on the cross has really changed your life, if you were truly transformed by your salvation experience, then let that be what drives you. Use your passion for Christ to do evangelism. The church that grows out of that will be the church that your mission field needed most.
Don't be program-driven. Be Gospel-driven. Be real, then keep it real. Peace out!
Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
In the same way, if I am going to be a successful evangelist, I must be completely sold out for the Gospel. I have to be totally convinced that it is true, that Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. If the Gospel is not real to me, or if I fail to see how it has totally changed and revolutionized my life, I'll be unable to present it with any passion and will have a hard time convincing people to believe it.
The problem that the unchurched have with church is not the hymns, the preaching, the "early" Sunday morning service at 11 a.m., the clothing, the "Baptist" on the sign, or even the moral lifestyle. The problem the unchurched have with church is that they perceive it is full of fake people, and the programs, presentation and dynamic services merely mask the fact that they are "experiencing" a fake celebration. They perceive church as fake.
To a degree, this can't be controlled. Church members will fall, people will sin publicly, others will intentionally inflict harm on others' feelings and people will get turned off. However, as a church planter or missionary, you can control whether you are fake, or whether you are real.
What's your motivation for being on the field. Are you there to build a big, strong vibrant church with awesome praise and worship services with a dynamic youth program? Do you dream of a tech-savvy church that utilizes all the latest trends in evangelism and church planting? Do you want to be on the cutting edge of societal evolution? Do you want to show the rest of the association how it's done?
If so, you are in danger of being fake. I have never seen a praise chorus, powerpoint screen, or wind ensemble lead a single soul to Christ. (Conversely, I've never seen a Heavenly Highway Hymnal lead anyone to Christ either.) If you have gone to the field to start another "next biggest thing" organization (commonly referred to as a church), then you are just adding another problem to a field that is likely already littered with "church-growth-driven" casualties.
People need what's real, and what's real is the Gospel. If the fact that Christ paid for your sins on the cross has really changed your life, if you were truly transformed by your salvation experience, then let that be what drives you. Use your passion for Christ to do evangelism. The church that grows out of that will be the church that your mission field needed most.
Don't be program-driven. Be Gospel-driven. Be real, then keep it real. Peace out!
Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Guiding Principles
Yesterday, Jessica and I had a rather in-depth discussion over dinner at Dairy Queen. We discussed the direction we'd like to see the mission go, and the things necessary for the mission to have an impact on the city of Brownwood. Over the course of the conversation, I identified five possible guiding principles for Grace Pointe. They are:
- Everyone deserves to hear the Gospel (see Romans 1:14).
- Every member proclaims the Gospel.
- Every church sends missionaries.
- Every member supports the church's ministry.
- Every household in Brownwood gets evangelized.
Jessica also identified some core practices, such as Service, Witnessing, Application and Teaching (or Training)... to form the acronymn, SWAT. She is developing a program for the ladies auxiliary, and I think SWAT will be the core values there.
All that being said, we will be canvassing north Brownwood neighborhoods this week, and have two major outreach events approaching.
- National Back to Church Sunday on Sept. 13.
- Brownwood Reunion Weekend Sept. 18-20.
I've been told that Grace Pointe MBM is off to a great start... but I don't feel like we've really gotten started. I am amazed at how far the mission has come in the past year, and I anxiously anticipate how amazed I'll be this time next year.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Welcome to the Future
14 consecutive #1 hits... my prediction is that this one becomes the 15th for Brad Paisley. Great Video about where we are, technologically, generationally, and racially. I think this is Brad's best video yet.
Kind of fires me up about world missions, too.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday Mission Fields: Falcon, Colorado
Are you feeling your church planting oats? Ready to head to a field that will challenge your abilities in evangelism, discipleship and fund raising? Want to see a church planted, established, and grow alongside a town? Want to be a missions pioneer? Have I got the field for you.
Introducing Falcon, Colorado! Don't be fooled by the wide open spaces and the 2,700 population. Falcon sits on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, and with the Springs overflowing with economic development and population growth (in spite of their best efforts to limit it), Falcon is picking up the overflow. Falcon's population is growing so rapidly that few can imagine where the 2010 census figure will be. Couple that with the proximity to Colorado Springs and Peyton, and you have a vast field to work.
Falcon is not a place for the faint-of-heart church planter. These days it seems that every church planter and their mothers are heading to the Springs metro area, and many are landing in Falcon. So, one of your obstacles is that many of the doors you knock on will have already been knocked on several times. Couple that with the fact that Coloradoans don't like to be bothered, and you have some evangelical barriers. That's the first challenge.
The second challenge is meeting space. Every school in Falcon has a new church plant meeting in it. One is a Presbyterian. One is an SBC. One is a non-denominational, and so on. Storefront space is also limited. While you will be able to get started by holding meetings in a home, the fact is that eventually you'll have to move out into a public venue. This is going to require some creativity. Either (a) you'll have to see about using a school, but holding worship at a non traditional time, or (b) you'll have to pony up and rent a store front (which is expensive and hard to come by in a growing economy), (c) live in an apartment community and use the community room (I'm unsure of the availability) or (d) purchase land and begin the building process (I hope deputation went well.)
In most cases, I shy away from building new facilities, especially in markets like Brownwood where vacant church buildings are plentiful and rented space comes cheap. However, Falcon is unique. Not only are rented venues hard to come by and expensive, but with the town still being built and established, perhaps a hearty building progam is not a bad way to go. Prime real estate is still available, and building now could pave the way for your church to be the cornerstone of Falcon tomorrow.
Building and facilities are only half the battle, though. Before you even get to the point where you are presenting plans to a regional planning and zoning board, you have to have a congregation. Springs area residents are professional people. They work hard, are organized, and have little tolerance for those who do not have their act together. You must be organized and professional, and take your calling very seriously. Furthermore, you have to be able to present the Gospel in a way that no one has before (which shouldn't be all that difficult when you look at what some churches are calling the Gospel these days).
So, if you are feeling up to a difficult field where ministry is expensive, other religions are active, and evangelism is distracted by lots of outside noises, Falcon is for you. But, hey! There are upsides. The Springs area has lots of ways to rest and relax, from traveling up Pike's Peak, to the Imagination Station at Focus on the Family (for the kids of course) to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, R&R is never more than 30 minutes away.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Vick signs with the Eagles
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has reportedly signed a one-year contract with a second-year option to play with the Philadelphia Eagles. I'm surprised. Outside of Terrell Owens, the Eagles have generally steered clear of players who might create off-the-field drama.
Mission: Brownwood July 2009 Report
Grace Pointe MBM makes most of rented facility
The mission moved into the new facility that it rented in June, and immediately went to work making the necessary improvements to bring the building up to a place of worship.
Following weeks of intense painting, flooring, and trim work, the mission hosted the Southwest Association Mission Rally on July 25.
Grace Pointe MBM hosts mission rally
The Southwest Mission Rally was a beaming success.
Fifty three people from 11 churches gathered to hear mission reports, give reports, and fellowship as we shared our passions for missions and reaching lost souls.
The district ladies auxiliary shared testimonies and planned a retreat, while the men’s brotherhood enjoyed an informative program presented by Bro. Marion Reed on state missions.
Bro. Jim Slocumb preached the afternoon message, and really challenged those in attendance.
The next Southwest Mission Rally is scheduled to be in Clovis, N.M., in October, but Grace Pointe is eager to host again.
Sizzlin’ summer months not so hot in Brownwood
While the city of Brownwood enjoyed above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures in July, the mission did not enjoy lower attendance. Attendance fell off slightly in July, and is on pace to be down in August due to vacations and illnesses. Offerings were up in July, but will likely be back to normal in August.
There are ups and downs in mission work, and we are not phased. We are, however, renewing our outreach efforts, follow up efforts, and ministries such as VBS.
Mission: Brownwood surge!
We are currently reaching a turning point in the discipleship process where emphasis will be placed on fundamentals, and where the mission will have to learn to be a church. The added strain of this, along with the ever increasing need of evangelism, combined with an increased workload at my job, has prompted me to request Rocky Springs to recommend me for full salary at the MBA of Texas meeting this fall. Rocky Springs has honored that request, so we ask you to pray about our pending request for full support. Those with questions may call me directly at (325) 200-8531, or we can discuss the conditions on the field at the pre-associational meeting at Rocky Springs in October. Thank you, and God bless.
By The Numbers…
Attendance
(Sunday Mornings)
7/5 – 17
7/12 – 18
7/19 – 13
7/26 – 24
Finances
Grace Pointe MBM
Offerings –$1,252.75
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $100
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $86.44
Jim Slocumb (Jacksonville, TX) $200
Expenses:
TMD - $62.64
Texas state missions - $62.64
Electricity - $70.91
Water - $26.22
Rent - $600
Leland salary - $100
Banking - $3
Mission: Brownwood Fund
Support:
MBA of Texas $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $300
Salmon MBC (Elkhart, TX) $65
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $113.05
Ridgecrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $25
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Heritage BC (Missouri City) $200
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bassett Road BC (Palestine, TX) $75
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX)$200
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
58th Ave BC (Amarillo, TX) $111.09
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant)$184.13
Sublett Road BC (Arlington, TX) $50
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $240
Expenses:
Salary: $1,911
Radio ads: $400
Tables and Chairs: $882.50
Refrigerator: $388.73
Paper goods: $88.56
Mission Rally food: $63.85
VBS Art Supplies: $128.46
Pulpit supply: $101.69
The mission moved into the new facility that it rented in June, and immediately went to work making the necessary improvements to bring the building up to a place of worship.
Following weeks of intense painting, flooring, and trim work, the mission hosted the Southwest Association Mission Rally on July 25.
Grace Pointe MBM hosts mission rally
The Southwest Mission Rally was a beaming success.
Fifty three people from 11 churches gathered to hear mission reports, give reports, and fellowship as we shared our passions for missions and reaching lost souls.
The district ladies auxiliary shared testimonies and planned a retreat, while the men’s brotherhood enjoyed an informative program presented by Bro. Marion Reed on state missions.
Bro. Jim Slocumb preached the afternoon message, and really challenged those in attendance.
The next Southwest Mission Rally is scheduled to be in Clovis, N.M., in October, but Grace Pointe is eager to host again.
Sizzlin’ summer months not so hot in Brownwood
While the city of Brownwood enjoyed above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures in July, the mission did not enjoy lower attendance. Attendance fell off slightly in July, and is on pace to be down in August due to vacations and illnesses. Offerings were up in July, but will likely be back to normal in August.
There are ups and downs in mission work, and we are not phased. We are, however, renewing our outreach efforts, follow up efforts, and ministries such as VBS.
Mission: Brownwood surge!
We are currently reaching a turning point in the discipleship process where emphasis will be placed on fundamentals, and where the mission will have to learn to be a church. The added strain of this, along with the ever increasing need of evangelism, combined with an increased workload at my job, has prompted me to request Rocky Springs to recommend me for full salary at the MBA of Texas meeting this fall. Rocky Springs has honored that request, so we ask you to pray about our pending request for full support. Those with questions may call me directly at (325) 200-8531, or we can discuss the conditions on the field at the pre-associational meeting at Rocky Springs in October. Thank you, and God bless.
By The Numbers…
Attendance
(Sunday Mornings)
7/5 – 17
7/12 – 18
7/19 – 13
7/26 – 24
Finances
Grace Pointe MBM
Offerings –$1,252.75
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $100
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $86.44
Jim Slocumb (Jacksonville, TX) $200
Expenses:
TMD - $62.64
Texas state missions - $62.64
Electricity - $70.91
Water - $26.22
Rent - $600
Leland salary - $100
Banking - $3
Mission: Brownwood Fund
Support:
MBA of Texas $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $300
Salmon MBC (Elkhart, TX) $65
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $113.05
Ridgecrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $25
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Heritage BC (Missouri City) $200
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bassett Road BC (Palestine, TX) $75
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX)$200
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
58th Ave BC (Amarillo, TX) $111.09
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant)$184.13
Sublett Road BC (Arlington, TX) $50
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $240
Expenses:
Salary: $1,911
Radio ads: $400
Tables and Chairs: $882.50
Refrigerator: $388.73
Paper goods: $88.56
Mission Rally food: $63.85
VBS Art Supplies: $128.46
Pulpit supply: $101.69
How-To Thursday: Arriving at the Field, or Getting Started
Bear in mind that my frame of reference is in state/interstate missions... so the following will not likely apply to a foreign mission field, with the possible exceptions of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and California.
The fanfare of deputation and associational meetings does not last forever. Those who loved you and supported you along the way will eventually help you unload the U-Haul... but then the U-Haul drives away, leaving your entire life in boxes in a house that looked much larger empty. You're there alone (or with your family, if you are married).
Events affect people differently. For me, this time was marked by fear. The moment we were settled into the house, the supporters had returned to East Texas, and there were no more deputation visits-only the work ahead of us, nervousness engulfed my soul. Here, I had spent seven months sharing my call to Brownwood and presenting my plan of action, and now, I had to put action behind those words. The one question that echoed so loudly in my mind that I could hear little else was, "Where do I start?"
"I'll invite people to church." (I have no church).
"I'll talk to my friends." (I don't know anyone here).
"I'll rent a building and hold services." (I have no congregation).
Then, this exchange happens...
(phone rings)
"Hey brother, how many did you have your first Sunday in Brownwood?"
"Five."
"Just your family, huh?"
"Yep."
"Well, don't worry, mission work takes time."
When you arrive at your mission field, you will feel a mixture of emotions. I can't tell you what those emotions will be because all people are different. I will tell you this. Don't fear failure in the first month. Don't be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand. Don't be afraid to start, but don't feel pressured to start the second the U-Haul drives away either.
Feel free to go on to bed and get a good night's sleep that first night. In the morning, if you don't already have to report to a job, feel free to just go into town and take it in. Go to Walmart. Go to the mall. Eat out a couple of meals. Maybe even go to the movies. Put yourself in as many public places as possible over the first few days. This accomplishes a few things.
First, you will begin to get a better feel for the culture of the town. That mall might have seemed like an economic hub during your survey trips, but having spent some time there now, you might notice that it is more of a teen hangout, or a tourist destination than a fishing hole to reach the people of the town. You will find out which establishments the townspeople are passionate about. You will also get a better idea of how they think. And don't think just because you are doing mission work in your home state, or even your home area that you know the culture. You don't. Brownwood and Coleman are only 35 miles apart (spitting distance by West Texas standards), and they are as different as night and day.
The second thing this accomplishes is it breaks the ice for you. You get to relax and enjoy your new life in this new town for a little while. It's okay to do so. You have about three to fifteen years of hard labor ahead of you. Take time and smell the roses.
My approach to this is not unique. In his book, "Gleanings from the Field, or Things I Learned as a First Time Missionary," Jack Spencer, current ABA missionary to Clovis, New Mexico, also advised taking time to acclamate yourself to your new field, and to rest up. I highly recommend "Gleanings" to any prospective missionary. Bro. Spencer shares his experiences in mission work in Maryland, and gives straight forward advice on all the things the new church planting books are too cool to address.
Anyway, back on topic. After a reasonable time of acclamation, get started. I recommend starting by meeting your neighbors and befriending them. (Which is why I also recommend living in town, in a neighborhood or apartment community as opposed to buying a 365 acre ranch). Be open and honest about who you are, and what you are doing, but let it come up naturally. Be a friend. Who knows, you might be meeting your first congregants. From there, continue to make friends and connections, and combine your evangelism approach. This is where having a job comes in handy, but is not a necessity.
There is much debate about street evangelism vs. relationship evangelism vs. servant evangelism. All three have their advantages and disadvantages. Use a comprehensive approach to your field which incorporates all three. Make friends and do relationship evangelism. Go door-to-door and use street evangelism, and if someone needs help, then servant evangelism becomes profitable. And host Bible studies. You need a way to disciple those you evangelize.
If this comes together for you the way it did for me, you'll see a core group emerge in a matter of months, not years. You'll see people being drawn together by the Lord, their common experiences and their friendships. It's a beautiful thing.
Whatever you do on the field, do things the way God leads you to. The conditions on the field and his direction might very well open the door for you to use a completely different approach than I did. However, if you find yourself on the field that first day saying, "Where do I start?" then give this method a try. It worked well for me.
The fanfare of deputation and associational meetings does not last forever. Those who loved you and supported you along the way will eventually help you unload the U-Haul... but then the U-Haul drives away, leaving your entire life in boxes in a house that looked much larger empty. You're there alone (or with your family, if you are married).
Events affect people differently. For me, this time was marked by fear. The moment we were settled into the house, the supporters had returned to East Texas, and there were no more deputation visits-only the work ahead of us, nervousness engulfed my soul. Here, I had spent seven months sharing my call to Brownwood and presenting my plan of action, and now, I had to put action behind those words. The one question that echoed so loudly in my mind that I could hear little else was, "Where do I start?"
"I'll invite people to church." (I have no church).
"I'll talk to my friends." (I don't know anyone here).
"I'll rent a building and hold services." (I have no congregation).
Then, this exchange happens...
(phone rings)
"Hey brother, how many did you have your first Sunday in Brownwood?"
"Five."
"Just your family, huh?"
"Yep."
"Well, don't worry, mission work takes time."
When you arrive at your mission field, you will feel a mixture of emotions. I can't tell you what those emotions will be because all people are different. I will tell you this. Don't fear failure in the first month. Don't be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand. Don't be afraid to start, but don't feel pressured to start the second the U-Haul drives away either.
Feel free to go on to bed and get a good night's sleep that first night. In the morning, if you don't already have to report to a job, feel free to just go into town and take it in. Go to Walmart. Go to the mall. Eat out a couple of meals. Maybe even go to the movies. Put yourself in as many public places as possible over the first few days. This accomplishes a few things.
First, you will begin to get a better feel for the culture of the town. That mall might have seemed like an economic hub during your survey trips, but having spent some time there now, you might notice that it is more of a teen hangout, or a tourist destination than a fishing hole to reach the people of the town. You will find out which establishments the townspeople are passionate about. You will also get a better idea of how they think. And don't think just because you are doing mission work in your home state, or even your home area that you know the culture. You don't. Brownwood and Coleman are only 35 miles apart (spitting distance by West Texas standards), and they are as different as night and day.
The second thing this accomplishes is it breaks the ice for you. You get to relax and enjoy your new life in this new town for a little while. It's okay to do so. You have about three to fifteen years of hard labor ahead of you. Take time and smell the roses.
My approach to this is not unique. In his book, "Gleanings from the Field, or Things I Learned as a First Time Missionary," Jack Spencer, current ABA missionary to Clovis, New Mexico, also advised taking time to acclamate yourself to your new field, and to rest up. I highly recommend "Gleanings" to any prospective missionary. Bro. Spencer shares his experiences in mission work in Maryland, and gives straight forward advice on all the things the new church planting books are too cool to address.
Anyway, back on topic. After a reasonable time of acclamation, get started. I recommend starting by meeting your neighbors and befriending them. (Which is why I also recommend living in town, in a neighborhood or apartment community as opposed to buying a 365 acre ranch). Be open and honest about who you are, and what you are doing, but let it come up naturally. Be a friend. Who knows, you might be meeting your first congregants. From there, continue to make friends and connections, and combine your evangelism approach. This is where having a job comes in handy, but is not a necessity.
There is much debate about street evangelism vs. relationship evangelism vs. servant evangelism. All three have their advantages and disadvantages. Use a comprehensive approach to your field which incorporates all three. Make friends and do relationship evangelism. Go door-to-door and use street evangelism, and if someone needs help, then servant evangelism becomes profitable. And host Bible studies. You need a way to disciple those you evangelize.
If this comes together for you the way it did for me, you'll see a core group emerge in a matter of months, not years. You'll see people being drawn together by the Lord, their common experiences and their friendships. It's a beautiful thing.
Whatever you do on the field, do things the way God leads you to. The conditions on the field and his direction might very well open the door for you to use a completely different approach than I did. However, if you find yourself on the field that first day saying, "Where do I start?" then give this method a try. It worked well for me.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Major Barbara
Did you ever see Major Barbara, the 1941 film based on the George Bernard Shaw play? I did. I watched it during a college English class at Jacksonville College.
Shaw was a socialist, and he satired not only capitalism, but just about every facet of every day life, from business, to marriage, family, and so on. In fact, many of these very things were satirized in the Major Barbara play. Imagine, a Major in the Salvation Army who was a woman, Major Barbara. Or how about a man named Dolly (Major Barbara's love interest?) Or a wealthy weapons manufacturer looking for an heir to his empire (he didn't want to pass it down to his kids because he didn't want his kids to take over a business they didn't understand.) One comical line came during the movie when said weapons manufacturer was asking his son what line of work he'd like to enter into. Upon exhausting a list of possible skills, all of which the son said he didn't have, the weapons manufacturer replied "I suppose then the only thing left for you then is politics."
I don't share Shaw's views, but his plays (Major Barbara, The Chocolate Soldier, and others) were good reads.
One thing that came out in Major Barbara, that I believe is infiltrating the churches of the Lord today is the price of salvation. After Major Barbara compromised her principles in order to receive a large financial gift from a wealthy donor, one of the transients at the Salvation Army began to ask, "What's the price of Salvation now?" He continued to ask this question over and over again.
Over the past few years, I have noticed this question is becoming relevant in today's churches. Business meetings, missions meetings, and associational meetings are dominated, not by the validity of the missionary's work, but rather, if the body wants to commit the funds to it. How much will it cost, what's our obligation, how long will this mission project continue to need financial support, hasn't this work been financially supported long enough, and can't we do something more efficient with this money, are all questions that arise on the floor in any given Missionary Baptist meeting.
Now I agree that we need to be good stewards of the funds God has given us, and I also agree that missionaries should be held accountable for what they do with funds sent to support them. I also agree that we need to have a general idea of what the purposes of the general fund and the missions funds are.
However, while we deliberate the direction of our missions programs, let's not forget the reason we labor, give, request, and report for the Lord. It is the millions of souls in Texas, and worldwide who currently do not know the Lord as their Savior. It is the millions of people who will die in their sins and go to Hell.
Our goal is to win these souls to the Lord, baptize them and disciple them... help them grow in their faith and watch, help and enable their Spiritual growth. The result of this is new churches that are solidly planted in God's truth.
So while we debate questions as to what the definition of missions is, how much a missionary should be paid, how long he should be paid, and how much money he should receive for the mission/church he is working to see planted, let's keep in mind the value of the human souls reached... or to put it another way, "How much is the cost of salvation now?"
Shaw was a socialist, and he satired not only capitalism, but just about every facet of every day life, from business, to marriage, family, and so on. In fact, many of these very things were satirized in the Major Barbara play. Imagine, a Major in the Salvation Army who was a woman, Major Barbara. Or how about a man named Dolly (Major Barbara's love interest?) Or a wealthy weapons manufacturer looking for an heir to his empire (he didn't want to pass it down to his kids because he didn't want his kids to take over a business they didn't understand.) One comical line came during the movie when said weapons manufacturer was asking his son what line of work he'd like to enter into. Upon exhausting a list of possible skills, all of which the son said he didn't have, the weapons manufacturer replied "I suppose then the only thing left for you then is politics."
I don't share Shaw's views, but his plays (Major Barbara, The Chocolate Soldier, and others) were good reads.
One thing that came out in Major Barbara, that I believe is infiltrating the churches of the Lord today is the price of salvation. After Major Barbara compromised her principles in order to receive a large financial gift from a wealthy donor, one of the transients at the Salvation Army began to ask, "What's the price of Salvation now?" He continued to ask this question over and over again.
Over the past few years, I have noticed this question is becoming relevant in today's churches. Business meetings, missions meetings, and associational meetings are dominated, not by the validity of the missionary's work, but rather, if the body wants to commit the funds to it. How much will it cost, what's our obligation, how long will this mission project continue to need financial support, hasn't this work been financially supported long enough, and can't we do something more efficient with this money, are all questions that arise on the floor in any given Missionary Baptist meeting.
Now I agree that we need to be good stewards of the funds God has given us, and I also agree that missionaries should be held accountable for what they do with funds sent to support them. I also agree that we need to have a general idea of what the purposes of the general fund and the missions funds are.
However, while we deliberate the direction of our missions programs, let's not forget the reason we labor, give, request, and report for the Lord. It is the millions of souls in Texas, and worldwide who currently do not know the Lord as their Savior. It is the millions of people who will die in their sins and go to Hell.
Our goal is to win these souls to the Lord, baptize them and disciple them... help them grow in their faith and watch, help and enable their Spiritual growth. The result of this is new churches that are solidly planted in God's truth.
So while we debate questions as to what the definition of missions is, how much a missionary should be paid, how long he should be paid, and how much money he should receive for the mission/church he is working to see planted, let's keep in mind the value of the human souls reached... or to put it another way, "How much is the cost of salvation now?"
Cruel Summer
Sorry for the reference to the old Bananarama song, but here's how things are going in Brownwood.
1. Mission attendance is way down, as are the offerings for August. I feel that this is temporary as some have been on vacation and others are falling prey to Satan's distractions, but still it can be discouraging. I am fully aware, though, that ups and downs are a part of mission work and general church ministry as well.
2. Mission advancement is challenging. Over the next few months I am going to work to teach the fundamentals about being a scriptural church, and even plan to introduce a church constitution and set of by-laws, as well as a church covenant, documents all prepared for one of our sister churches, as an example. I suspect with the watering down of Christianity, and how that watered down system has been prevalently taught in Brownwood, that there will be problems here. Hence, I have been very slow to move in this direction.
3. Missionary time continues to be strained. Due to the increasing workload of my job (namely trying to get the sales caught up), my time and ability to follow up and evangelize is being cut into heavily.
4. For the fourth time this summer, my home air conditioner is not working. It works fine as long as the temperature stays below 80 degrees outside. Here in Brownwood, it routinely tops 100.
Keep us in prayer, the next two years (the time table for being self-supporting) are going to be times of difficult transition.
1. Mission attendance is way down, as are the offerings for August. I feel that this is temporary as some have been on vacation and others are falling prey to Satan's distractions, but still it can be discouraging. I am fully aware, though, that ups and downs are a part of mission work and general church ministry as well.
2. Mission advancement is challenging. Over the next few months I am going to work to teach the fundamentals about being a scriptural church, and even plan to introduce a church constitution and set of by-laws, as well as a church covenant, documents all prepared for one of our sister churches, as an example. I suspect with the watering down of Christianity, and how that watered down system has been prevalently taught in Brownwood, that there will be problems here. Hence, I have been very slow to move in this direction.
3. Missionary time continues to be strained. Due to the increasing workload of my job (namely trying to get the sales caught up), my time and ability to follow up and evangelize is being cut into heavily.
4. For the fourth time this summer, my home air conditioner is not working. It works fine as long as the temperature stays below 80 degrees outside. Here in Brownwood, it routinely tops 100.
Keep us in prayer, the next two years (the time table for being self-supporting) are going to be times of difficult transition.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Hello, old friend
It's been more than a month since I've blogged. While I enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts and the exploits of the core believers at Grace Pointe, things have been ridiculously hectic over the past two and a half months.
We moved into the rented building at the end of May and held our first services there the first Sunday in June. We immediately went to work refurbishing the back rooms (now a kitchen and fellowship hall, both of which can double as classrooms.) We spent a lot of money at Home Depot and several late nights painting walls and installing floor base (also called baseboard.)
Brothers Mike and John Johnson installed new vinyl composition flooring in the back rooms, as well as carpet in the hallway and nursery.
At the beginning of July, Jessica, the kids and I had to go to Colorado to care for Jessica's mother. We were there for two weeks. While it wasn't really a vacation (we were doing home health), we did enjoy a slowed down pace of life for a while, and got to see the top of Pike's Peak. While I was in Colorado, the operations of KSTA basically fell apart, especially in regard to Sunday programming. One Sunday, the WireReady automation software failed to load the Sunday programs... which is not all that uncommon... but no one caught it until well into the day. Other problems later arose when the person responsible for recording the programs failed to record them in the proper file format.
This is one of the latest in a long series of frustrations that has hindered our mission work. The inability of the station to properly operate during automated hours causes me to have to spend my "off time" (which is when I do the mission work) repairing issues with the radio station.
Three Sundays were horribly botched, and that has had a negative effect on the well being of the station. So, when I returned to Brownwood, I had that mess to clean up... as well as preparations for the Southwest Mission Rally and VBS.
The Southwest Mission Rally went very well. Following a great weekend of fellowship, we hurriedly resumed VBS planning, and finding that a number of our volunteers were falling off due to various reasons, we had to reformat VBS to be more of a youth seminar/presentation than a VBS. Think of it as church camp where the kids go home every night. Attendance has fluctuated at VBS, ranging from six to 22 kids.
Church attendance at the mission is struggling as well. A lot of the regulars have become lax in their attendance, which means that I have to do more follow up, which further strains evangelism efforts.
Notwithstanding all of this, the work at Grace Pointe continues, and will continue and God will see His church established in Brownwood. As we see more challenges, we are getting together (Jessica, myself and several of the "members") and praying and adjusting to overcome the adversities. I have heard that battles never go according to the battle plan... the same holds true in mission work. A mission project never goes according to plan. There are adversities, hurdles, attacks by Satan, heartbreaks and dissappointments. However, there are also sweet victories that come when you see lives changed and souls saved. AMEN!
So, be in prayer for us. We are transitioning now to empower and enable Grace Pointe to undertake the Great Commission given to the Lord's Churches, and we are looking at ways to transform the work in Brownwood so that the mission work here becomes even more robust, and more abundant than it already has become. I feel that if we work the fields, God will give an abundant harvest... so in the traditions of our agricultural ancestors, we'll work the fields from sun up to sundown, possibly later.
Thank you for your prayers, and to our financial partners, thanks for your financial support. We'll see you in Jacksonville in October, and Denison in November. Until then, here's hoping I can keep up the Mission: Brownwood blog better.
We moved into the rented building at the end of May and held our first services there the first Sunday in June. We immediately went to work refurbishing the back rooms (now a kitchen and fellowship hall, both of which can double as classrooms.) We spent a lot of money at Home Depot and several late nights painting walls and installing floor base (also called baseboard.)
Brothers Mike and John Johnson installed new vinyl composition flooring in the back rooms, as well as carpet in the hallway and nursery.
At the beginning of July, Jessica, the kids and I had to go to Colorado to care for Jessica's mother. We were there for two weeks. While it wasn't really a vacation (we were doing home health), we did enjoy a slowed down pace of life for a while, and got to see the top of Pike's Peak. While I was in Colorado, the operations of KSTA basically fell apart, especially in regard to Sunday programming. One Sunday, the WireReady automation software failed to load the Sunday programs... which is not all that uncommon... but no one caught it until well into the day. Other problems later arose when the person responsible for recording the programs failed to record them in the proper file format.
This is one of the latest in a long series of frustrations that has hindered our mission work. The inability of the station to properly operate during automated hours causes me to have to spend my "off time" (which is when I do the mission work) repairing issues with the radio station.
Three Sundays were horribly botched, and that has had a negative effect on the well being of the station. So, when I returned to Brownwood, I had that mess to clean up... as well as preparations for the Southwest Mission Rally and VBS.
The Southwest Mission Rally went very well. Following a great weekend of fellowship, we hurriedly resumed VBS planning, and finding that a number of our volunteers were falling off due to various reasons, we had to reformat VBS to be more of a youth seminar/presentation than a VBS. Think of it as church camp where the kids go home every night. Attendance has fluctuated at VBS, ranging from six to 22 kids.
Church attendance at the mission is struggling as well. A lot of the regulars have become lax in their attendance, which means that I have to do more follow up, which further strains evangelism efforts.
Notwithstanding all of this, the work at Grace Pointe continues, and will continue and God will see His church established in Brownwood. As we see more challenges, we are getting together (Jessica, myself and several of the "members") and praying and adjusting to overcome the adversities. I have heard that battles never go according to the battle plan... the same holds true in mission work. A mission project never goes according to plan. There are adversities, hurdles, attacks by Satan, heartbreaks and dissappointments. However, there are also sweet victories that come when you see lives changed and souls saved. AMEN!
So, be in prayer for us. We are transitioning now to empower and enable Grace Pointe to undertake the Great Commission given to the Lord's Churches, and we are looking at ways to transform the work in Brownwood so that the mission work here becomes even more robust, and more abundant than it already has become. I feel that if we work the fields, God will give an abundant harvest... so in the traditions of our agricultural ancestors, we'll work the fields from sun up to sundown, possibly later.
Thank you for your prayers, and to our financial partners, thanks for your financial support. We'll see you in Jacksonville in October, and Denison in November. Until then, here's hoping I can keep up the Mission: Brownwood blog better.
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