Letter to BFWC Family & Friends

Dear BFWC Family & Friends,

We have had some WONDERFUL RAIN – the grass is green, the birds are finding food a little easier, the flowers are happy, the umbrellas are finally getting the attention they desired and the auto store is selling out of windshield wipers.

YOU ARE GREAT! I just wanted to send a thank you to all of our BFWC Family & Friends for your continued support of this ministry. BFWC turns “50” this year and we are thankful for our past victories and for YOU a true FRIEND in the FAITH!

We will accomplish more TOGETHER than by ourselves apart! Perhaps the early disciples knew this best. They spent time TOGETHER fulfilling Acts 2:42-47 and thus they saw great success! I’m also reminded of Paul’s instructions in Hebrews 10:25 “NOT FORSAKING the ASSEMBLING of ourselves TOGETHER, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.”

• Don’t agree? Then what do you do with that Scripture?
• If we weren’t to be in church in a routine manner, why did Apostle Paul establish so many churches?
• Why were so many letters sent to “the churches” to help them in their living, government, operations and administrations?
• Is he wrong? Probably not…since he authored the majority of the New Testament.

Truthfully, God doesn’t mind me having fun…living my life…running the race…playing, shopping, laughing, camping, boating, hiking, hunting, bowling, riding bicycles, golfing, swimming, watching movies, enjoying sports, ETC….

BUT…He does mind when those things take His place in a routine manner. HE is #1 and coming together in HIS name is not an OPTION..but an OBLIGATION. It’s the FRUIT of your discipleship…it’s the PASSION of your heart…It’s the EVIDENCE of your transformation. Church attendance don’t save you…but SAVED people go to church…TOGETHER with their brothers and sisters.  TOGETHER we add the missing ingredient to one another’s life!

TOGETHER…doesn’t happen until we unite as one.
The opposite of the word together is = ALONE.

Alone is the place we resort to when we don’t want to see people, spend time with people, be bothered with people or have any expectations put on us. Sure…there’s value in time alone…but it’s NOT HOW WE WERE WIRED in the stretch.

Any Bible Hero that I read about that spent time ISOLATED did so either because they were driven by the Spirit to do so for a season…OR they were depressed, down and out, feeling sorry for themselves or were ON THE RUN from the WILL of GOD!

Our personalities, as odd as they may be, are not geared to spend life ALONE, under a ROCK, hidden in a cave…so we can FIND ourselves in the MAKE BELIEVE world of the internet. Anyone who constantly wants to be “left alone” and desires to avoid gathering together with the church, family, others (in general) …has symptoms of dysfunction, personality disorder and layered issues. (Of course that’s another email for another day)

The banana that leaves
the bunch gets peeled.

I got up this morning thanking the LORD for YOU! Thank you for seeing the value of TOGETHERNESS! Thank you for pushing past any personality issue, lack of confidence, fear of crowds, past hurt and regret or any snare of the enemy…to be FOUND in your rightful place!

• Thank you for your continual support in time, talent and treasure of BFWC.
• Thank you for being YOU!
• Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to modify your personality with His FRUIT (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Thank you for not GIVING up!
• Thank you for living holy unto the Lord and not yielding to SIN!
• Thank you for keeping a clean record and running the race with patience.
• Thank you for not being GOOFY and falling by the wayside.
• Thank you for raising your families in the Lord and being faithful to church!
• Thank you for serving the body of Christ.
• Thank you for giving.
• Thank you for loving.
• Thank you for sharing.
• Thank you for laughing.
• Thank you for weeping.
• Thank you for your compassion.
• Thank you for your passion.
• Thank you for your perseverance.
• Thank you for your faith.
• Thank you for your heart.
• Thank you for your excellence.
• Thank you for your careful attention to details.
• Thank you for reading my emails, blogs, tweets and posts.
• Thank you for remaining FULL of the Holy Spirit.
• Thank you for investing in missions/outreach.
• Thank you for being committed to personal and corporate discipleship.
• Thank you for saying YES to Jesus.
• Thank you for being concerned about SOULS!
• Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

TOGETHER…wow…what a word!

Your Problem Is Your Harvest

When did you get saved?

Do you remember how it happened?

Were you in a service and heard someone preach Hell so hot that you felt like your seat was on fire?

Or did they preach about the love of God with such passion that you were enveloped in the arms of God?

Did you read about God’s redemption in your hotel room where a Gideon Bible was in reach?

Did you have a neighbor who exemplified the love of God in front of you that made you want to run after the Lord with your whole heart?

Here’s another question…is your example one that would cause other people to want to live for Christ?

We have what the world needs

• And yet, we can easily become self absorbed with hectic schedules, family commitments, church volunteerism, school events, etc…and FORGET why we’re here on earth for.

Serving as a Pastor of a growing church is very demanding.

• If I don’t set my schedule it will be set for me with a plethora of activity.
• Meetings, training, planning, vision casting, administration, counseling, arbitrating, study, devotion, reading, prayer, returning emails, serving my leaders, serving my fellowship, being an available husband and father, etc.
• I know what I’m called to do…Primary FEEDER, LEADER & VISIONARY
• Honestly, even though I know what I’m supposed to do, if I do not stay focused I can lose focus very easily.

There is no difference in the church. The church is called to do certain things.

• We can easily get sidetracked into doing MANY things.
• If we were to narrow down a list of essentials for the church, this is what it might look like.

1. Reach Up

• The church is called to reach up to Christ. This is fulfilled when our focus on worship is personally lived.
• When we live a lifestyle of worship in private it will show up in our public gatherings.
• There is nothing like being engulfed in private prayer and praise.
• Reaching up prepares us to reach out.

2. Reach In

• The church is called to reach in through relational fellowship. In other words, we are to connect with one another through intimate fellowship.
• Fellowship equips us by building us, renewing us and firing us up for outreach.

3. Reach Out

• The church is called to reach out and share God’s love.
• Those three things don’t sound too hard.

Look at Matthew 28:18 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

• Jesus speaks these words to a group of leaders He had been training for 3 ½ years.
• His Disciples.
• Those He was INVESTING in.

His words “All power is given unto me two places” (Heaven & Earth) set the stage/entrance for what we affectionately refer to today as “The Great Commission.”

• Heaven & Earth – representing the encompassing power of kingdoms, dominions and worlds that were under His authority.

The THEME of the Great Commission was GO MAKE DISCIPLES of ALL NATIONS!

• Basically…REACH OUT.
• But isn’t that just for EVANGELISTS?
• Isn’t that just for the people who operate in the Grace Gift of Ephesians 4:11-12 with the title “Evangelist?”

Evangelism can be RAW!

• It can cause you to get nervous…the shear thought of going door-to-door and asking people about their relationship with God or where they are going to spend eternity can cause your palms to sweat and your blood pressure to rise.
• And yet…Jesus called the church to REACH OUT!

If we’re called to REACH OUT like an Evangelist, than why is the word Evangelist only mentioned twice in Scripture? (Acts 21:8; 2 Timothy 4:5)

• Studies show that only 2-3% of the Body of Christ are evangelists.

Allow me to make this observation: There is a difference between a GIFT and a ROLE.

• The gift of an evangelist is a gift from God where you’re anointed to BE and DO something.
• The role of an evangelist requires us to perform an expected function.

With that being said, how do we “do” evangelism? What if my personality isn’t “cut out” for it? Truthfully, we can all perform this role by simply INVESTING and INVITING.

• Investing our time in others. Spending time with them.
• Inviting them to do something. Come to church…attend a fellowship event…enjoy a concert together…join a Life Group…etc.

Isn’t that basically what Jesus did?

• He invested His time into a woman at the well of Samaria.
• We are doing that every time we offer a sports opportunity, whether it be basketball, football or aerobics.
• Those types of events have the ability to DRAW people…and people with problems and needs will come.

Our problem
can become our harvest.

Look at the life of Apostle Paul.

• Before he was ever known as PAUL he was Saul of Tarsus.
• Persecutor of the church.
• He was wreaking havoc against the cause of Christ.
• He was becoming a REAL PROBLEM.
• Yet he encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and that ONE ENCOUNTER turned the PROBLEM INTO A HARVEST.
• Now Paul is doing all he can do mend fences and promote the cause of Christ!

I believe Jesus spent His whole life INVESTING in others.

• We know for sure that He did in the 3 ½ years of public ministry that has been recorded.
• Investing in people who aren’t saved yet is what the church is called to do.
• We each have someone in our life that we can INVEST in.
• It will take INTENTIONALITY and EFFORT.
• It will involve our TIME.

Sure…we can do an outreach event once a month or even once a quarter and it may work. But what works the majority of the time is when people find GENUINE love and concern.


APPLICATION

• What would happen if we began to INVEST in the relationships we ALREADY have?
• You know…the ones that are already pretty good….
• What would happen if we started paying attention to the people where we LIVE, SHOP, PLAY and EAT?

THIS WILL MAKE YOU SWEAT

• When was the last time you invited someone to church?
• When was the last time you sat down with someone that doesn’t go to church, had a coffee and mentioned God?
• Do you even know anyone who doesn’t go to church?
• Sweating yet?

WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

• People have to know that they matter.

We have to show people

that we’re NORMAL people…

not crazy Christians who

just stepped off the mother ship.

• We’re not only normal…we’re building families, having babies, overcoming struggles and just REAL.
• They have to see it…if they’re going to take us serious.
• Unfortunately, the world has had to deal with weirdo’s and quacks that have given Christians a bad name.
• That weirdo at school, or at their job, or in their family, etc.
• You know those people…they act crazy and in turn their actions are so bizarre that God is not honored and people are not loved in the process.
• Friends…the world needs to see JESUS!

What made the woman at the well LISTEN to what Jesus had to say?

What made her run back into the city and TELL everyone about this man who had told her everything she ever did?

Her witness of Jesus caused those people to RUN to see Jesus.

John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

• Jesus tells His disciples in this passage to STOP WAITING.
• And immediately… John 4:39-40 the Samaritans start running towards them!
• And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 40So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

HERE CAME THEIR HARVEST!

• A FLOOD of men running towards them that were enemies of JEWS.
• THEY WERE THE HARVEST!
• Perhaps the DISCIPLES saw them as problems…

In order to SEE OUR HARVEST we have to do what JESUS said to do….”LIFT UP OUR EYES”


Today I want to challenge you to find that person in your life that is

• OVERLOOKED
• UNDER APPRECIATED
• HURTING and
• REJECTED

Today, lets INVEST & INVITE as we view our potential problems as our HARVEST!

12 Years Ago Today

Twelve years ago today, Beverly, Kaitlyn and I came to Indianapolis to serve as Pastors at Bethel Family Worship Center.

I remember having a conversation with the Lord prior to coming to Indianapolis that sounded something like this..."Lord, I'll do one of three things...1) Start a work from scratch 2) Serve another pastor with a large vision 3) pastor an existing work." 

As if, God is Monty Hall and this is
"let's make a deal!"

I've learned, you don't give God a list of things you WILL do and you WON'T do.  He knows the desires of your heart but He is GOD and He is sovereign enough to keep your feet on the path that leads towards your destiny.

If God has "called you" to pastor a church then He will keep you where He planted you if you're willing to go the distance.

If God is going to do  a work THROUGH you,
He'll have to do a work IN you.

In my humble opinion, churches that exhibit a pattern of growth are pastored by men and women who are committed to longevity. 

Our ministries will either be characterized by a
"WEED MINISTRY" or an "OAK TREE" ministry. 

Weeds shoot up over night and see fast results.  However, they don't have much root and are easily plucked up.  On the other hand, oak trees take a long time to reach maturity.  It's roots run deep and if you look at it's insides you'll see "RINGS" which are actually layers of bark that were added during each season of growth.

Long term pastors will have to pass several tests:

Money Test

I have learned over the years that I must depend on God way more than I depend on people.  God has always been the biggest giver in our church.  We've all heard the cliche "If it's God's will than it's God's bill."   

You can't preach to make people happy.  If you try to design your messages so they don't offend your "big givers" than you're actually "selling" God out.  If your desire is to keep the "big givers" happy than you're no longer leading...you're being led.  My vision is not for sale.

Scrutiny Test

Not everyone will celebrate your vision.  Ask Joseph.  Ask Nehemiah.  In fact, Nehemiah had to deal with people who lied about him and spread rumors about his leadership. 

"Look at Nehemiah, he's trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem so that he can make a name for himself."  Of course, Nehemiah's friends came to him and said, "Nehemiah, you'd better come down off the wall and put out these fires of gossip...they're talking about you down here."  Nehemiah simply responded..."I'm not coming down off the wall to put their fires of gossip out...they'll light them faster than I can put them out...I'm STAYING ON THE WALL and doing a work for God!"

Some people "hate ya, cause they ain't ya!"

Your vision will be scrutinized, criticized and ostracized.  What are you going to do???? GIVE UP????  NO SIR!!!!  If God called you...then God will keep you! 

DO NOT let those who have never actually done anything for God define what they believe you can or can't do in His name!

Belief Test

You have to keep believing no matter what the circumstances look like.  God is the one that called you. 

I remember facing serious challenges early on.  Good people can do some not so good things when they lack teaching and understanding of biblical protocol.

During a particular hard time I remember praying, "God I don't need this headache!  I don't need to put my family through this!  This is nothing but JUNK!  God, I just want to do what You called me to do, but perhaps I should do it somewhere else, these people are obviously not embracing the vision You gave me and it's clear to me that they just want to fight one another and me too."  God specifically told me, "I didn't call you here, to leave tomorrow."

If God has called you ... and I mean GOD....not daddy, mommy or bad pizza you ate before you went to bed which caused you to dream...then HE WILL KEEP YOU THROUGH IT if you simply BELIEVE!  (There is a fine line between faith and stupidity)

After 12 years, I've found that the further I go the more faith it takes to keep going! 

SOLD OUT Test

Not everyone that starts with you will stay with you.  There is a difference between people that LIKE you and people who are committed to the vision of the church.  You will not be able to please everyone and still pastor.  Your sermon choices will make some people mad.  Your leadership will draw unwelcomed opposition.  But those who feel called to the vision of the HOUSE will stay with you because they see the vision as their own.

You will have to ask your people to SELL OUT!  Don't be afraid to ask for commitment!  Ask your people to DO what you're willing to do!  I've found that people actually want to be held accountable and pushed towards commitment.  The more you expect from them the more they will rise to meet the expectation.

It is not my job to do all the ministry of the church.  Rather, it is my job to equip the church to the work of the ministry.

Pastor...if you do all the ministry...then you're people will let you do it.  Unfortunately, some pastors feel that they have to maintain the role of "SUPER PASTOR" because they may have an insecurity issue and need to feel needed or because the culture of their particular church dictates that the pastor does everything.

But, if you do it all...then you're people will cling to a climate of "having their needs met" rather than being a vessel that is USED UP for the Lord!  Believe me, you don't want to have a church full of people who just want their needs to be met!  You want a church full of people who want to meet the needs of others!

Ask your people to STEP UP!  Jesus wasn't afraid to ask for people to sell out!  (John 6)  He did lose some, but the ones who stayed with Him were able to see more happen and accomplish more than they could have dreamed!

Perspective Test

Keep the main thing the main thing! 

• "Pastor, I feel we should do this." 
• "Pastor, I feel you should do this."
• "Pastor, I feel we need to start a ___________________ ministry."
• "Pastor, I feel we're not doing a good job meeting this ______________ need."
• "Pastor, when are we going to do ________________?"

There are lots of things you could do.  But I don't think you should do EVERYTHING that people bring to you.  Sure, it may be a good idea...but it may not line up with the vision God has called you to.  Remember, everything has a season.  It may be a good idea but the timing is off to implement it now.  If it be of God, hold it, it will still be God later when you have a peace about birthing it or releasing it.

The last thing I need to do is fill my calendar with MORE ACTIVITIES and PROGRAMS.  They can be good but they can also BOG you down and slow your vision.  I'm more concerned about the spiritual health of our people than their busy ministry schedule.  You can get out of balance in this area if you're not careful.

Keep it all in perspective!  Know what God has called you to do BEFORE you do it.  This will free you up from over committing to things that will actually slow you down.  Don't get hijacked by people, programs or productivity

Bethel Family Worship Center .... I love you!  Serving you this past 12 years has been a great privilege!  I've grown and I'm still growing. 

• Thank you for allowing me the freedom to be creative and experiment with new ideas! 
• Thank you for loving me unconditionally. 
• Thank you for overlooking my faults and mistakes! 
• Thank you for embracing my family and treating us like your own family!
• Thank you for taking such good care of us!
• Thank you for honoring us on our birthday's & anniversaries!
• Thank you for praying for us!
• Thank you for being faithful & fruitful!
• Thank you for being real!
• Thank you for committing to the vision!
• Thank you for striving for excellence!
• Thank you for being loyal!
• Thank you for your enthusiasm!
• Thank you for your friendship!
• Thank you for your sense of humor!
• Thank you for loving your church and community!
• Thank you for committing to discipleship!
• Thank you for the wonderful ways in which you SERVE!
• Thank you for living a Godly lifestyle!
• Thank you for loving each other!
• Thank you for the cards, emails, texts, etc., that constantly keep me encouraged!

I also want to express my love to Beverly & Kaitlyn!  I couldn't do what I'm doing without you!  You shoulder the load of our calling with strength, courage and passion.  I'm a better man, husband, father and Christian because of you. 

Most of all...THANK YOU JESUS!  You saved me, called me, equipped me and will sustain me!

Happy Mother's Day

My mother, Carol Hylton

Mother's are teachers.

Mother's are disciplinarians.

Mother's are cleaning ladies.

Some mothers are gardeners & mowers of lawns.

Most mothers understand that baking cookies is more important than washing windows, too.

Mother's are nurses, doctors, psychologists,
counselors, chauffeurs and coaches.

Mothers are developers of personalities, molders of vocabularies and shapers of attitudes.

Mothers are soft voices saying, "I love you."

Mothers are a link to God, a child's first impression of God's love.

Mothers are all of these things and much, much more.

What kind of Cheerio are you?

Proctor Gamble has kept one brand of soap on the market for more than 100 years.  In the process they have reformulated it more than 100 times.

Cheerios have been around for over half a century...since 1941.  Since it's creation, it has held true to it's "O" shape and oat taste.  However, in 1979 General Mills began to add varieties:

• Honey Nut Cheerios
• Apple Cinnamon Cheerios
• Multi grain Cheerios
• Frosted Cheerios
• Yogurt Burst Cheerios
• Chocolate Cheerios
• Berry Burst Cheerios

Some of the flavors of Cheerios that were introduced, but are no longer on the market include the following:  Team Cheerios, Millenios and Cheerios and X's.

Growth cannot occur without embracing change.

The only thing that is here to stay is change.

If you make a change - you have to be able to tie it to context.  (What's the purpose and reason for the change?)

Change can make people nervous.  One reason is because we feel secure and protected by the way things have always been.


A leader will do 2 things 

1) stick to their core values while
2) incorporating new methods.

Jesus was a world changer.  He brought more change than anyone else in history.  And as a result He was challenged at every turn.  But He met each challenge with a thought out response!

Change takes energy!

Change requires 4 things:

1) Research
2) Revision
3) Responsibility
4) Respect

When should you change your way of thinking?

1. When it violates the Word of God.
2. When the focus is taken off of Jesus.
3. When process and procedures become more important than people and production.
4. When it hinders the advancement of the vision.
5. When it violates the core values of the organization.
6. When other methods would produce greater results.
7. When you have fully counted the cost of change.

What Is Best For The Church?

I never dreamed I'd have the privilege to pastor such a great church!  When Beverly, Kaitlyn and I came to Indianapolis 12 years ago (May 11, 1999) we had high hopes and a burning fervor in our heart to run after God's design and desire for our lives.  The dream is still alive in us and the journey still fires me up!!!

We are also blessed to serve with an incredible team!  Last night we honored Darrell & Sue Vincent, our JOY Coordinators...(Just Older Youth 60+) for their stellar volunteerism! 

Darrell & Sue serve as a model of excellence when it comes to servant-leadership. 

They arrive early, stay late, help out, sweep floors, take out the trash, stand in the gap, pray for the sick, encourage their pastors, send cards of encouragement, greet guests, cook meals, minister to others, support the church with their finances, communicate routinely, deliver bread...and they do it all with a smile and you never have to wonder if they're going to be at church. 

For all you pastors reading this, you know full well how valuable a "Darrell & Sue" are to you at your church also.  People like that...REFRESH their pastors!

Can you imagine a church full of people like Darrell & Sue? 

I talk with pastors and leaders all the time who express how refreshing it is to have quality staff and volunteers on their team. 

Apostle Paul was particularly fond of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16-18) whose name means "bringing profit."  Onesiphorus sought out Paul while he was in prison in Rome.  He offered him hospitality, kindness and courage. 

Can you imagine a church full of Onesiphorus's?

If you're going to last in ministry, working with a team is essential.  Each team member will be different and will bring to the table their unique gifts, talents and personalities.  Diversity can add flavor to your team but there are some things that should be a staple amongst all team members.

Each member of the team should SPEAK the SAME LANGUAGE as their LEADER and the VISION of the HOUSE. 

You should NEVER hear the following said from a member of your staff/team:

"That's Not My Job!"

• If you ask a member of your team to do something and they reply "That's not my job," then rest assured that they do not have a heart that is fully devoted to the ministry.  Your team should walk around with FIRE in their eyes and when they are asked to do something they just make it happen because they are there to SERVE and their answer should always be yes!

"That Can't Be Done!"

• Sometimes the people who make that statement realize how much work will be required to finish the task, so they just say it can't be done.
• I don't want to hear it can't be done.  I want to hear someone come up with a solution of how it can be done and their recommendations as it pertains to cost, time and so forth.  That's the attitude I'm looking for.
• If someone is constantly saying, "It can't be done" they either have a LAZY work ethic or a very small view of who GOD is.  Neither are beneficial for your team.

"I Need More Money & Staff To Make This Happen!"

• If someone is using resources as an excuse for a stale or declining ministry then you can be sure they are in trouble and have more than likely become spoiled not having to be routinely creative.

"I Want Recognition!"

• You have to watch out for the team member who is always telling you how much work they do, how many hours they put in and how tired they are.
• We have to balance ministry with family and everyday life.  But when someone is always demanding attention for the work they've done then you can be sure that either PRIDE or INSECURITY is coming out...and neither are good.

"My ministry needs ________ to...and if we don't get it then..."

• When a staff/team member begins to focus on his/her ministry more than the church as a whole...then there is a HUGE problem.
• A good staff/team member will have passion and vision for their particular area of ministry; however, they have an even greater passion for the CHURCH as a WHOLE and will gladly lay aside their plans if it means that it is BEST FOR THE CHURCH.
• The church will either be a loosely organized group of sub-ministries or ONE BODY with many parts...and if a staff/team member cannot be a part of the BODY then they most likely do not have a KINGDOM MINDSET and will not fit on your team.

Serving in ministry will cost you something! 

There are many people who say they want to be in ministry today but when push comes to shove and the rubber meets the road, they quickly look for the path of least resistance.  Friends, the Lord's work is demanding but is also very REWARDING not only here but in the hereafter.

Determine to give your best! 

Serve WHEREVER, WHENEVER and HOWEVER you're asked to, with a good attitude, humble spirit and a blazing fervor.....and then you'll do what's BEST FOR THE CHURCH. :-)

The Shopping Spirit

We live in a day of church consumerism. Consumerism is a term we’re all familiar with because we deal with it on a daily basis. It shapes how we purchase, how we relate and how we shape our identities.

Consumerism can even effect our spirituality. Basically, it creates an exchange where we expect instant returns for our investments.

In my studies and personal experience of why people leave a church after spending years volunteering their time, I’ve discovered that the themes that stand out the most to me are:

• They feel ripped off.
• That they have given and gotten nothing back.
• They view discipleship not as self-sacrificing service but rather a consumer exchange, in which instant gratification is sought.

In those conversations, It seemed to me that they were happy to follow Christ as long as He delivered a kind of consumerist heaven on earth. However, when this kind of heaven did not arrive, they became disillusioned. Of course, the advertising industry did not get the blame, God did, and active faith was thrown out the window.

When we follow God because we are expecting a kind of consumer pay off; we have invested in a faith that cannot last, you can only church shop for so long. When we worship a God who we believe will make our dreams come true we are not following the God of the Bible. Believers who live out their faith through the pattern of consumerism will end up almost definitely outside of the church and very disappointed.

I’ve been in the church all of my life. I was raised in a pastor’s home and have been surround by ministry all my life. One thing that I specifically remember about my parents is the amount of time they invested in the church. They would clean the church, shovel the snow, mow the yard, pray for our pastors, teach classes, drive buses, attend meetings, support leadership, give financially, participate in activities, attend every service possible, serve wherever needed – day or night, and make meals. There were many times that my dad would be called out at night to pray for the sick or visit someone at the request of our pastor. He did all of that and he worked a full time job in the factory.

They did all of it without complaining or asking for anything in return. In our home, there wasn’t an expectation of “receiving something” for our service unto the Lord. I never heard my parents say anything about “being owed” something. They viewed their service as UNTO the Lord. Of course, they served their leaders as they served the Lord and for that service I believe the Lord honored and blessed them for their commitment. In fact, I believe I’m serving where I am today because of my parent’s “serving” anointing.

None of us will ever be able to lead our “own” ministry if we cannot first serve in someone else’s…and for that matter...serve with integrity, honor, character and distinction. Knowing this has kept my feet on the narrow path and my heart content to be happy where I am and serve wherever and whenever for however long.

Who are you going to follow? Are you going to follow someone with a proven track record or someone who’s character is questionable and motives uncertain? Your advice is only as good as your advisor. Who you follow will determine where you end up.

How are you going to follow? How you follow will determine what you get. How you see your leader will determine what you receive from your leader. How you perceive is how you receive. In my own life, If I’ve wanted something from my pastor/leader (not in a greedy way) I made myself available to them and became their shadow. It’s the squeaky wheel that get’s the oil. You have to position yourself to receive from your leader.  If you're a "no show" or following from a distance than your leader will not be able to lean on you when they're tired, frustrated or need encouragement.

How long will you follow? If you view your place of service as a “stepping stone” till something better comes along or until you are the one who is eventually calling the shots…then you’ll never fully learn what you need to learn where you’re at because your mind will be somewhere else instead of focused on your God given assignment.

Elisha served Elijah for ten years – and would have continued doing that no matter what…until Elijah told Elisha that he was leaving and was going to entrust him with his anointing to fill his shoes. Elisha was hungry to receive everything he could from his leader but he was content to stay where he was planted…for “there” was where his anointing accumulated.

One thing I admire about Elisha is that he didn’t TAKE ministry…he INHERITED it.

Elisha was content where he was until his leader called him out and sent him forth. Another thing I like about Elisha is that he didn’t start getting goofy by withdrawing from his leader or getting himself in a bunch of mess. Had he done that…how on earth would Elijah have been able to promote him? The bottom line is…learn what you need to learn and do it over and over and over and over without losing your testimony in the process. THEN…you’ll be blessed and sent forth.

Ask yourself this:

1. Do I have a servant’s heart?
2. Am I willing and able to stand the test of time?
3. Am I committed to the development process that will be required of me?
4. Are my priorities in alignment to the Lord’s authority over me?
5. Am I faithful and fruitful where I’m presently serving?
6. How close am I following my leaders? (Near or far?)
7. Will I follow to the end? (When the dust settles, will I still be there?)

Pastor...don't give up!

Navigating a church through the rigorous terrain of today's cultural climate can be challenging to say the least.  It seems I'm constantly on the phone with pastor's and church leaders exchanging ideas and sharing principles.

Sometimes I sense that the conversation doesn't end on a high note because I wasn't able to share a "magic formula" or a three step infallible program.

In my humble opinion...if you're going to build a church, impact a community and raise up leaders...IT'S GOING TO TAKE WORK!

More and more pastors are quitting the ministry at an unprecedented rate.  According to H.B. London in his book, Pastors At Greater Risk, he states that  "Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could."

• 13% of active pastors are divorced.
• Those in ministry are equally likely to have their marriage end in divorce as general church members.
• The clergy has the second highest divorce rate among all professions.
• 23% have been fired or pressured to resign at least once in their careers.
• 25% don't know where to turn when they have a family or personal conflict or issue.
• 25% of pastors' wives see their husband's work schedule as a source of conflict.
• 33% felt burned out within their first five years of ministry.
• 33% say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family.

I've asked myself the question, "Why am I doing this?"  In all honesty, and I hope those of you reading this will allow me to be human, sometimes I've thought about dropping the whole "kit and caboodle" in someone else's lap and saying, "ENJOY!"

• When you think about the overwhelming demands of ministry today...
• The fickleness of personalities...
• The unnecessary junk you go through...
• The refereeing of needless squabbles...
• The media's downplay of the church...
• The constant personal attacks...
• The immaturity of people who "should" know better by now but won't do better...
• The traveling mindset of folks you have continually helped over and over who jump ship thinking a new environment will cure what ails them...truth is if they can't be stable here...they won't be stable there.
• The spirit of consumerism amongst casual Christians who are just looking for a place to attend without any accountability concerning their discipleship, attendance or lifestyle.
• The lost art of loyalty...
• The lack of ministerial etiquette...
• The lack of protocol coupled with a "don't tell me what to do" attitude...
• Broken promises and covenants...
• Health issues...

Those things alone are enough to keep you distracted from your vision and make you want to run towards Elijah's cave & juniper tree.

But the reason I haven't quit is because I know that God has called me to do what I'm doing and He's given me a special GRACE to do it.  Without His grace and His assurance...I would have yielded to the flesh long ago.

Ministry today TAKES WORK!
EFFECTIVE ministry requires longevity!
Ministry requires THICK SKIN and a "made up" mind.

Ministry takes EFFORT!  It takes prayer, planning and preparation...and either you will do it or you won't.  It really is that simple.

Pastors...you'll never be able to please EVERYONE.  Don't you dare think about quitting today!  It is WORTH it!

I'm not saying this because I'm just looking for a Comforting Christian Cliché to encourage you with.  I'm speaking this from experience!  There are days when I feel like I can conquer the world...and then there are others where I feel the world has conquered me.

I've been there!

• You feel like your sermon stunk...
• A member of your team bails on you or does something crazy...
• You can't sleep at night cause you're bombarded with decisions and concerns...
• People lie about you (or tell half truths, same thing really!)...
• The critics take shots at you...
• Increased spiritual warfare...
• You wrestle with your own inadequacies...
• Only a few people understand the levels of loneliness you experience...
• Etc...

In the past 12 years as pastor of BFWC I've experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  I've asked the question, "Is it really worth all of this?"

And I hear a "YES" in my spirit!  Pastor...if God CALLED you...He will SUSTAIN you!  He is with you and will never leave you!  HE IS WORTH IT!

I've had rough days, weeks & months!  And yet, God always gives me what I need JUST when I need it.  Perhaps you're reading this today and you feel overwhelmed...let me remind you that FOLLOWING JESUS is worth it!  Yes, there is a price to pay in ministry...but it is NOWHERE near the price He paid for us!

Last Sunday night when we were on the streets of Indianapolis serving, we connected with over 2000 people in one hour!  Eight people prayed to receive Christ and we ministered Christ's love in an impactful way.  During the praise rally following, I was thinking to myself, "I am SO GLAD that I haven't quit or given up on the vision God gave me in 1999 when I came to BFWC...following Him has not been easy, but is SO worth it!"

Pastor, God did not call you so that you would have to run around like a chicken with your head cut off trying to PROVE yourself to Him or anyone else for that matter.  He called you to PROVE His Son to the world!  Just be yourself and be true to the freedoms He has given you!  Heaven is cheering you on!

It's worth it!  Don't give up!  Stay in the game!  Focus on Jesus!  Keep your vision before you!  Listen to His voice and not the naysayers!

God has not given up on you!

Pastor...

• I pray this weekend will be INCREDIBLE for you! 
• I pray you'll PREACH YOUR GUTS OUT!  
• I pray you'll see RESULTS! 
• I pray you'll IMPACT your community! 
• I pray you'll get your SECOND wind!
• PREACH PREACHER!

Does Anyone Keep Their Word?

• Are we responsible for promises made? 
• What about honesty & integrity? 
• Is there a double standard for pastors, politicians, world leaders and everyone else?
• How do you feel when someone makes a promise to you and doesn't keep their word or makes excuses to get out of it?
• If a "vow" is not faithfully honored then how can the person ever be trusted?
• Is keeping one's word really important and will God hold people accountable for what they promise?
• How can people believe a person who doesn't keep their promised word?
• What does God think when people make up excuses in order to get out of keeping their word?

God spoke the world into existence and promised to save us from our sins by sending us His Son to die on the cross. If we repent asking Jesus to come into our heart, God will keep His word to save us!

• God keeps His word. Does He expect us to keep ours?
• Does God hear every word said and every promise made?
• Will He hold Pastors, Politicians, and World leaders more accountable than the rest of the world for what they speak and promise to do?
• Why?

Keeping promises demonstrates our “True Inner Self.” It shows whether or not we have corruptible or incorruptible morals (fruitful seed) inside of us. Integrity, Honor, Self-respect and Honesty means everything to man and to the Lord! What kind of Christian walk does the Lord desire us to have? Is keeping one's word really important or do we have the right to alter and change it? Does the world respect people who break their promises? A broken promise means a broken trust and relationship. Trust and respect as well as one's honor is the basis of our relationship with our Lord. He expects us to keep our word, (vow, oath) to others as well!



God doesn't accept altering promises!


Leviticus 27:9-10 And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy. He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good


When you give your word to someone you are also giving it unto the Lord. The Lord teaches us in the Bible that we must not go back on our promises even if we have to pay a higher price to keep them. Our promises are taken seriously and we will be held accountable for them. Changing our minds is not acceptable to the Lord!

Pastors, as keepers of the flock, must have a high standard of morals because they answer directly to God. A Pillar of society!


1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.


The local congregation belongs to the Lord and the responsibility of them is a serious matter. Pastors must be blameless and morally pure. Promises must be taken seriously! God holds them accountable because where Pastors lead the flock (congregation) will follow. To be like Jesus is to keep your promise!


A man shall NOT break his word, the Bible says.


Numbers 30:2 If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.


Moses being directed of God told people that they must keep their promises. A person's word is just the same as a written legal contract in the eyes of God. People who by their own free will have given a vow to do something must keep their word! Only a child's broken promises can be overruled by a parent, but even then correction must be made by the parent to teach the child about keeping one's word. (Numbers 30:3-8)


The importance of keeping one's word is a matter of Integrity!


Psalms 25:20-21 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.


Integrity and righteousness are the two most important things for a Christian to have. Uprightness and Integrity demonstrate what we believe, and how consistent of a walk we have with Jesus. Pray to the Lord to help you keep your promises and strive to be pure before the Lord. A man has real dignity of character when he has high integrity!


A broken promise is a sin and will be judged by the Lord. God punishes the wicked!


Leviticus 5:4-5 Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these. And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:


God requires Christians to keep their word no matter how uncomfortable or unpleasant it may become. Our "yea," is enough to bind us before God as a promise to someone. The only promises that we should not keep are sinful ones. Many times promises involve sacrifices out of our comfort zones. If you promised something just by saying you would do it then God expects you to do it to the "best of your ability" as if you were doing it for the Lord Himself.


We can't just confess the sin of breaking a promise and think we can go our merry way thinking that we no longer are accountable. As long as you are still able to fulfill your word (even if it's uncomfortable and you don't want to) you need to go to that person, repent of your sin and make amends by keeping your promise. Can you really come into the presence of God knowing that you refuse to keep your word? What kind of relationship can you have with the Lord if your are able to keep your word and don't?


Integrity means Honor with Respect.


Proverbs 19:1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.


God classes Integrity more valuable than the riches of this world. He classes Integrity more valuable than anything that we could ever own. Cheating, stealing, lying, breaking one's promises, withholding tithe money out of greed or spite is the world's way but not what the Lord desires a Christian to be. We are required to live a higher standard of living by holding our integrity dear to ourselves. When people of the world look at you as a Christian do they say you are no different than them or do they say they really respect you? Poverty if far better if a person has integrity and honor than all the riches that every existed throughout time. What is your life worth? Can you take any material thing with you when you die? We all need to get our priorities straight and realize that keeping our word is important to our self-respect as well as our integrity.

A Pastor should never Compromise his Integrity no matter what!


Proverbs 12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.


Solomon knew that our word is our bond (promise,) and following the Lords word is important as a Christian because His word is our bond to us. Our character is reflected by the words that we speak and the vows that we make. Broken promises cause a great deal of hurt and is the same sin of lying. Personal Integrity as a Christian is held valuable by God when we honor our commitments. People can't sin and get away with it because the Lord sees everything we say and do. No one can get away from their responsibilities (the promises that they make) and not answer to God for them. What kinds of rewards do you want in Heaven? When you see the face of Jesus, will He say, "Well done good and faithful servant," or will He have tears in His eyes over the hurts caused by broken promises?


Half truths are deceptive…


Genesis 12:11-13 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.


Sarai was Abraham's wife as well as his half sister but it was immorally deceptive and caused hurt as well as shame. Sarai was wealthy and beautiful and Abraham believed that she would be taken from him. He was also afraid that he would be killed too. Did Abraham trust God to keep His word to protect them? Abraham forgot that what God says He will do, He will do! His word is valuable and the Lord has integrity! Can we do no less than to faithfully follow God's example by keeping our word? If we trust the Lord to keep His word can people trust us to keep ours?

Once given our word we should never go back or alter it!


Leviticus 27:9-10 And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy. He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.


God expects us to keep our word even if it costs us dearly. He wants us to take and keep our promises and not alter or change our word to suit our selfishness. No matter how difficult, embarrassing, hard, or burdensome it may be, we still need to keep our word to the best of our ability. That doesn't mean that we have a right to grudgingly do it in a spiritual manner but as pleasing unto the Lord.


Be responsible with your words and vows!


Titus 2:7-8 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.


God desires us to be moral witness in our daily walk and that includes our morals. The words that we speak and the promises that we make demonstrate our Christian values. This is because of the people around us watching. We must value our words as if they were gold. People might see Jesus through our eyes if we are honest with our words. Avoid criticism and hurt by listening before you speak and honoring what you commit to when you do. Be sound of speech and honest in your promises!


Words reveal to the world and to God how honest we are.


James 3:9-10 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.


Speak words that are pleasing to God and act with honor upon the promises made. If you have promised something and back out of it, deep hurt can be left behind. This grieves the Holy Spirit and can cause a wound that may last a lifetime. We are never to hurt anyone of the Lord's children and when we do than there is a price to be paid. Can anyone truly stand before Jesus knowing that they hurt someone and not feel convicted? I can't, can you?


God never breaks His word nor does He give us the right to break ours.


2 Chronicle 21:7 Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons forever.


The light mentioned in this verse was the light of Jesus Christ God's very own son. Jesus the Messiah of the world sits upon the throne of David and will rule forever. He paid the price for our sins upon the cross. God kept His word by giving us His only begotten Son to take away the sins of the world. The Lord's word is valuable to us because by that promise being kept and fulfilled we might be saved. Words have value and we too must keep our promises like He did for us.


God's delights in people who keep their promises.


Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart maketh it stoop: (is heavy and hurts) but a word maketh it glad.


Words are important and have a great deal of value when used in the right way for Godly purposes. Have you ever seen someone who just had a promise broken to them or maybe you had a promise broken to you? What did it feel like? Think of something that really matters to you that someone has promised to do. Maybe they kept you waiting for it a long, long time and it really mattered to you. Now consider how you would feel if it were broken. Try stepping into someone else's shoes when you break your word to them. Feel terrible doesn't it? Is this the will of the Father to cause this kind of hurt? Is there a promise that you made to someone that you can still keep? What does God want you to do? What are you waiting for, honor your word and go do it!

The Vows we say must be said in truth and honesty. (Be careful for what you promise because God will hold you responsible!)


Ephesians 4:24-25 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.


When we act like Godly people full of honor and self-respect than we are pleasing to the Lord. Our Christian walk should be seen by everyone we meet. We should daily strive to leave our sins behind taking up our cross and following the Lord's example. We should daily work at changing our attitudes and bring our words into line with the Word of God.


Lying by not keeping one's word causes hurts, disappointments, disruptions and disharmony to the body of Christ. It makes people loose respect as well as creates conflicts and destroys relationships. Don't let the devil deceive you into breaking your word or make you think that you can justify altering your word to suit you. That is being deceptive and God sees right through it. This kind of pain can become bottled up inside a person's heart for years to come.


We shouldn't allow the devil to divide us when the best thing we could do would be to honor our word in the first place. Integrity, honesty, decency, truthfulness and virtue are all required to show people that we love them. This is the will of the Father!


Just by saying you “will” do something, you have “given your word!”


Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.


What does God want you to do but let your word be yes, yes or no, no when you are speaking?  People will come to respect you and follow your lead if you are honest. Always be truthful saying what you mean and meaning what you say! Honor your word so that it will be right before the Lord. Integrity, honor and respect is the reward for keeping one's word. Let's all remember to live up to the high standards that the Lord has set before us.