The Ramblings of a Bi-Vocational Minister

It was 2004 when I decided and felt the call on my life to become a minister. I was very nervous thinking how could God use a sinner like me? I felt very inadequate in the calling but God has a way of using us how we are and molding us into who he wants us to be. I have been a bi-vocational minister since then and I have to tell you it has its ups and downs. There is frustration and the are times I feel on top of the world and that the Lord has blessed me so. My frustrations are I can't do everything I want to do, be with those in need when I need to be because of my job. My job also has limited me because I am on call every five weeks and could get called away at any moment even on Sunday morning. The other frustrating thing is friendship. You think friendship? Yes, I have learned being a pastor has limited my friendships. Think about it, it is hard to be friends with those you serve because you are called to be their spiritual leader and that can get in the way of friendship. Don't get me wrong, I like all my congregation members but miss a true friendship because of the job. I have to look outside my church and I have a couple of friends one close friend but again I am rambling. I have times in my ministry I want to run as fast as I can away from it but you cannot outrun God...He is everywhere...he caught me in the first place...lol. I am blessed without fail but I sometimes find myself thinking about things before my life as a minister. Is that regret...no, but the weekends off were nice...lol.....the rambings continue......    

Time to hit the "reset" button

I was driving today thinking about my next Sunday morning message. My mind began to think about all the things going on in the church and what it is going to take to reverse the trend of people leaving the church because of one reason or another. It got me thinking about what happens when my home computer gets so polluted with stuff it slows down and the only way to clear it up is to hit ctrl-alt-del and restart. I sometimes have to reset my phone, in fact the only way to fix some electronics is to reset them. I think there are some other areas that we need to "reset".  I know there are times in my life I would like to hit ctrl-alt-del and reset some things in my life but I can't. But when it comes to some other things it is possible to "reset". I think our government is one thing that needs to be "reset". We need to get a handle on spending and debt. That could be said for us in our lives as well when it comes to debt and spending. I know I have to quit making the credit card companies rich...lol.

One important thing that needs to be reset is our concept of church. The church that our parents went to does not have relevance to today's younger generation. We have a generation who believes in God and that Jesus died for us so that we can live but they have no use for the church. The church has failed to change with the generations and in this world if someone does not relate with something they simply get rid of it or leave it out of their lives. I love the Methodist church and our denomination but as time continues we are a dying denomination because we are failing to step out of the box and the way we do things and in 10-20 years we will be dead. Some of our churches in the denomination are recognizing the need for change but some are not. I believe those will be the churches that will not be here in 10-20 years. It is not just a Methodist thing either...it is in most major denominations.

We need to "reset" the way we see the church and not let this younger generation miss out on the saving grace Jesus has to offer by being active in worship. I ask my colleagues to take a hard look at your church and see if there is an opportunity to stretch yourself and your churches to accommodate the younger generation. I pastor a congregation of 33-35 in worship on a Sunday and I do not know how I am going to accomplish this with the limited resources I have but I want to see my congregation thrive and make disciples but it is an uphill battle. I have to be able to reach my 20-30 year olds as well as continue to minister to my over 60's. My wife and I are one of the few in our 40's in my church.

God hit the reset button several times throughout history. He hit "reset" with Noah. He hit "reset" with Jesus dying on the cross and turning ministry over to us. We need to "reset" and make Jesus relevant to a generation that needs Him desperately.

Just a thought!!!! "RESET"

Until the Whole World Hears!!!!

Steve

Worship....more than just Sunday Morning

I enjoyed experiencing a sermon today from Rev. Adam Hamilton at Church of the Resurrection In Leawood, Kansas. I discovered just because I am a pastor I do not know everything about worship. Worship is a disciple's way of life. Everything we do not only on Sunday but everyday of our life is an act of worship to God. When we help a friend in need, aid a stranger, or anything else we are worshiping God. We know that when we pray, when we sing hymns or praise music, read and hear scripture and a sermon we are engaged in worship. Notice I used the word engaged. We need to be engaged in worship not only on Sunday or whenever you go but in everyday life. We gather for corporate worship but worship should be engaged everyday of our lives. Even when we give to our churches that is an act of worship. It is an outward act of an inward desire to please our God.
There are people out there who say they have no use for church. But remember Jesus is the one who calls us to worship him and follow him. Yes, church is filled with hypocrites and people who do not live their lives as they pretend to on Sundays. But what better place to start. I am starting with me....how about you? Strice to live your life as an act of worship to God!!!! You will be blessed by it!!!!

Until the whole world hears.....

Steve

Mission Can Begin at Home!

I have a lot of friends and colleagues who do mission work all over the world. Many go to work on medical and construction mission trips in Mexico, Alaska, Israel, all over the world but I find it funny that some of these places are sending missionaries and doing mission work right here in the United States. Believe it or not there are people right in your own neighborhood that need help. We can look at it and think someone else will help....but guess what? Everyone is saying that and it ends up no one steps up to the plate. The task of mission work can look overwhelming but every little bit helps.

I am reminded about the task that Nehemiah faced on building a wall to protect the city. It seemed like when people took care of the wall right there in front of their own house the work got done in record time. So many times we think that mission work has to be done out of the country but that is simply not true. Mission work happens where you make it happen. I think about the lady down the street who is on a fixed income and is in need of help. It could be the little church in the middle of nowhere that has limited resources that is need of tender loving care. I think of the single mother who is doing all she can do to survive in this economy and not knowing where her next meal for her kids will come from. That is mission!!!!! That is being the hands and feet Jesus needs us to be.

Not everyone can afford to travel out of the country but we can help out that neighbor that is need of our help. I ask you to consider a mission project that helps someone in your own neighborhood. Maybe a little church or senior citizen's center in need of some TLC. You can make a difference in the life of someone who really does not have much hope at all. Look around you.......there is your mission field.....will you help?

Pray for God to place you in the path of someone in need and feel the power he can give you to make a difference!!!!

May the Lord bless you!!!

Steve

Remembering 9/11

I am going to step on a few toes here but sometimes I am good at that. We are hearing in the news about the upcoming 10th anniversary of 9/11. There will be lots of continuing stories about this and lots of preachers including me will be preaching about it this Sunday. I however am not one to dwell on the past but look to the future. I recognize the sacrifice and all the importance of 9/11. I recognize that it has significance and many lives were lost and the event changed our outlook on the world. I do however want to recognize that we cannot live in the past. Many of people have tried to do this and failed. People who grew up in the 60's and 70's sometimes try to continue to live in that time. I cherish the time I grew up in the 70's and the 80's. But I know I cannot live in them again. That part of my life is in the past. The church is this way as well. We try to do church as it was done back in the 60's, 70's and 80's and guess what? It does not work that way anymore. We have to make the church and our lives prosper in the here and now. WE CANNOT LIVE IN THE PAST AND SHOULD NOT DWELL ON IT. We have to live and breathe in the here and now. We need to be looking forward and working for the future and we cannot do that always looking in the past. Just as our parents made decisions for us that moved us into the future, we need to be making decisions and looking to the future for us and our children and our children's children. This deserves our full attention!!!! I was one who used to dwell in the negative and was hit by a brick or something by my heavenly father that he was tired of it. He wanted me to encourage as many as possible. That is where I am now. Encouraging and building up! Let's look forward to the life God wants us to live. It is okay to look back occasionally but it is important we do not dwell on it or we will be consumed by it!

May God bless you and join me in encouraging as we look to the future!!!!!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 13 Chapter 13

To what reached have you went to hear and even proclaim the word of God? Most people have not done this out of their own circle of influence but Paul and Barnabas followed the instructions of the Holy Spirit and many received the Word and were baptized because of their journey. There were still some skeptics and that is even true today in our world. There are many who are turning their backs to Jesus today and believe that Jesus does not have any relevance in our world today. That simply is not rue. Look at our world, turmoil, recession, war, all because we do not listen to the Word of God. Don't follow the ways of those who turn their back. Live today in the power of the Holy Spirit and Christ. Step outside the circle of influence you have and spread the Good News and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Step out in faith!!!!!!!

Pastor Steve  

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 12 Chapter 12

Have you ever felt like you were a prisoner? Not literally but a prisoner to sin? A prisoner to debt? A prisoner to your situation. Angels of the Lord had aided Peter in this chapter with his escape from prison and freed him from almost certain doom. God protected and freed Peter and he can do the same for you today. If you feel like you are in captivity to something and cannot get out, take heart because if you ask for the Lord to help you he will! He can release you from your captivity including guilt, shame and other human emotions. God loves us and wants to free us to serve Him and Him only. Seek him out and be FREE!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 11 Chapter 11

This chapter picks up right after Peter had went to Caesarea had saved many Gentiles because of the vision he had. Peter received criticism for this because that gift was reserved only for the Jews. But Peter told them that this was not the case anymore. The gift of salvation was available to all as the Holy Spirit rested on those who received the Word and they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Peter explained his actions and they became accepting of the fact that the gift of salvation was for all.
Have you accepted this gift? If you have not find yourself a good church, and simply pray for Jesus to come into your heart. Your church can help aid you on your path! Have a blessed day!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 10 Chapter 10

This chapter speaks to me in many different ways. The one that stand out is about being prejudice. In the scripture he interprets a dream he has received from God about a white sheet coming down with animals on it and he was instructed to kill and eat. However his custom and law was they were not to eat anything unclean and hooved animals are considered unclean. That goes into association about Jews associating with Gentiles and Peter told him not to be this way because He created the Gentiles just as he created the Jews and we are all his children. So after being summoned by a group of gentiles Peter went as instructed and thos who believed received the Holy Spirit.
This really tells me that the Holy Spirit does not discriminate and neither should we. His spirit is available to all who believe and want to receive. That is Good News for you and for me!!!!!!
Have a great day!!!!!!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 9 Chapter 9

Good Morning...want a chance at a new life? that is exactly what happened in Acts 9. Saul a man who persecuted Christians became one and in a big way. Jesus made it possible to forgive him of his sins and made him into one of the most outspoken Apostles ever. Jesus changed his heart in a big way and he can do the same for you. Are you one who says "I don't need God." or "I have no use for the Bible"? That was Saul, and by conversion he became Paul. I ask you today are you in need of a new heart, a new life, one that is not filled with hate but one that is filled with Joy? Then ask Jesus into your heart...it will make you a new person and a member of a great family!!!! Have a blessed day!!!!!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 8 Chapter 8

Good Morning, In today's reading from Chapter 8 we see several things happening. Saul began his quest to destroy the church and those who believed scattered except for the Apostles. Phillip being one of them ventured to Samaria where many there accepted the Word of God and Peter and John also went down to witness. While there they came across Simon the Scorcerer who witnessed the laying on of hands and the people received the Holy Spirit, He offered them money to have that same power. Phillip also had dealings with an Ethiopian at the prompting of an angel and was there to help him understand Holy Scripture. I want you to think hard about a couple of things today. First there are a lot of people who think they can "buy" their way to righteousness. Guess what? It does not work that way! It takes giving one's life up for Jesus to be saved. Second thing, If you do not understand something you read in the Bible, seek out someone who can help you. I find it interesting that every time I read scripture, I get something new out of it that I can apply to my life. Have a blessed week!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 7 Chapter 7

How would you like to stand before the authorities and plead your case! Stephen did just that. He stood before people who he probably knew were going to kill them and gave them a history of what Joseph and Moses went through and we can read in the book of Exodus. He stood there and told them that they themselves were not filled with the Holy Spirit, they were stiff necked and all they wanted to do was persecute! He spoke his mind and was stoned for it! He though was able to see heaven opened up before him and received him as he fell asleep. I could only pray that God would give me the boldness to stand up before others to preach what I believe to be true. That Jesus came to teach and to save and the only way to heaven is through him. The rest of the world will live an empty life!

May you read and believe!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 6 Chapter 6

Is God choosing you? Sometimes I think he has but we fail to recognize it and we fail to act. The work of the Apostles was to teach and preach and the work of taking care of the poor and widows was too much for the Apostles and the teaching suffered. So they chose strong God fearing men to help with the task of the daily distribution of the food. They chose seven spirit filled men to serve in this capacity. One of them Stephen was seized because he spoke the truth of Christ while doing his daily work then those who were not happy about what he was doing had some people lie about what he was doing including many miracles. Stephen tough did not back down. Scripture says in Acts 6:15 while he stood in front of the Sanhedrin, his face was like that of an Angel. Wow, the spirit was with him in all he did and that same spirit that blessed him is available to you today to live in you throughout you daily life. What a blessing that could be. Ask the Holy Spirit today to come into your life!

Blessings to you!!!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 5 Chapter 5

I would have to say the first part of this Chapter scares me. To hold back from God and to knowingly do it and to fall over dead scares me. It scares me to the point of not making promises to God I cannot keep. It really gave me something to think about in my own life and making sure I give my first and best to God. The reast of the chapter dealt with the many healings the Apostles did and the persecution they faced.How would you like to be dragged before the authorities because you were sharing the Good News of our Lord!. It is amazing but to some degree it still happens today, not by the authorities as much here in America, but by the people who think that God and the church is no longer relevant to their lives. Sad to think about but really that is how many have turned away from God. Speak up, be bold and receive the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May your weekend be blessed!!!!!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 4 Chapter 4

Have you ever felt like people treat you different because you are a follower of Christ? Have you ever had people look down on you because of your belief in Christ? Peter and John were carrying out their mission and they were seized for performing a public healing and professing it in Jesus name. They were thrown in jail and the next day admonished by the church leaders for doing it and told not to do it anymore. The two spoke boldly filled with the Spirit and told the leaders they could not obey their directive and only obey Jesus. They were finally let go. When the two reported to the other followers what had happened, they prayed the believer’s prayer and the Holy Spirit came upon all of them again. They all shared what they had with each other and even sold possessions from time to time to aid anyone in need.

When was the last time you spoke boldly about your belief in Christ? When was the last time you asked Christ to help you share his message of salvation with someone who needed to hear it. Spend some time in prayer today asking for the Holy Spirit to come into you and you might be astonished what you can accomplish in Jesus name!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 3 Chapter 3

Chapter 3

This chapter has a lot of power in it for those needing encouragement in time of need. When Peter and John came across the crippled beggar at the gate called Beautiful, they were normally asked for money from those in need but on this occasion they exercised their faith and demanded the beggars attention and gave him something even better than money…the ability to walk  in the name of Jesus Christ and without fail Jesus answered. They closed out by addressing all those who were at the gate and saw the miracle they performed and told them that this was meant to be.

The two acted out their faith in Jesus name and was able to help a crippled man to walk. Faith, simple faith. A faith you and I have and can make stronger by living each day not for ourselves but for Jesus. When you surrender yourself to the power of the Holy Spirit and Christ a new life begins and the old crippled life is gone. Strengthen you faith today and make your life one worth living by the power of His name. You might be amazed on the things you can accomplish for your life! Live For Jesus!!!!!!!

Have a Blessed Day in the Name of our Lord!!!!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 2 Chapter 2

As we continue through the book of Acts…this is one of my favorite chapters, Chapter 2. Pentecost!!! The day that Jesus had promised to the apostles had arrived…..the winds of the Holy Spirit came down and touched each one of them and they received many gifts and power from the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues! Some thought they were drunk but Peter received boldness and spoke to those gathered and in essence preached his first sermon and the church was born. Now the church that was born then does not resemble the church of now. There were not any battles on what type of music was going to be played or sung, or any of the things that we deal with today, just the word and the Spirit of God and three thousand were baptized and added to their numbers. They devoted themselves to these things, learning from the Apostles and fellowship in the breaking of the bread and prayer. They gave to anyone in need, met daily in the temple courts and praised God!!

How we need to get back to this type of worship and fellowship today! Think and pray about the way you worship and be blessed by just doing these things!!!!

Pastor Steve

A Journey Through The Book of Acts Day 1 Chapter 1

During the next 28 days I am going to be reading a chapter a day in the Book of Acts. I invite you to join me in the venture. Each day’s readings only take about 15 minutes at the most and you might learn something about yourself along the way. Each day I will post some thoughts here on my Blog on each day’s reading.

Acts 1

This chapter talks a lot about what had happened to Jesus. He was taken up into Heaven, He told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit, I want to talk about today how they replaced Judas in their inner circle. The Peter addressed the apostles about the situation with Judas. What he had done, how he had died and the fallout from his actions. He also said they needed to replace him and Matthias was chosen by the group. Joseph also known as Barsabbas was also considered.  Here is what I think about in this Chapter, Have you been chosen to step up to the task that the apostles left for us. Is Jesus calling to you to stretch yourself in your discipleship.  Believers follow Jesus, but maybe he is calling on you to step up your role in His kingdom. Maybe he is calling you to be a leader.

Spend some time in prayer about your role in the Kingdom today.

Have a blessed day!!!!!

What Kind Of Soil Do You Have?

In Matthew 13 1-8, Jesus talks about the three types of soil that the seeds that the sower sowed. (say that three times fast). Some fell on a hard path some on rocky soil and some of good soil. Jesus went on in verses 18-23 to describe and explain this parable. We are the soil. He is the sower and what we do with his words and teachings describes our human condition. Some of us are a hard path where nothing can grow, some have rocky soil that we hear but do not listen, and very few hear and apply His teachings to our lives. It is possible to have all three types of soil at different times in our lives. I have been one who has had a hard soil in which His message did not register. I also have had rocky soil in which went in one ear and later out the other, and every once in a while I have good soil in which I can apply to my life. We all need to strive to have good soil. Slow down, learn His teachings, and become good a fertile soil that will blossom and grow in His grace and love. May you hear the words and live the words!!!!!

Grace and Peace

Pastor Steve

Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your Relationship With God?

I have spent many days just going through the motions when it comes with my relationship with Jesus. I would shortchange my congregation by not spending enough time in my own preparation for Sunday morning then give a sub-par message that did not offer much hope or encouragement to them. Isn’t that my calling? Isn’t my calling to encourage all that will listen how important it is to have a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus? How can I be encouraging when I myself am the one lacking in a proper relationship with Christ. Why is it I don’t lean on Him and His Holy Spirit as the driving force in my life. I have found that too often I am selfish with my time and my gifts. It was not until recently that I myself decided to spend more time in prayer. I would always encourage and tell my congregation to spend more time in study and prayer but I myself would not do it. It was more of “do as I say, don’t do as I do.” How wrong is that. I tell my little congregation too often that if we do not grow we are going to die as a congregation but really I need to be saying if we put first the things we need to put first including prayer, study and the sharing of God’s love we will grow. We will first grow ourselves and our faith that will in turn reflect back in the people we interact with. There is a scripture I have read time and time again but never really lived it. I am a Pastor. I should have already done this. Matthew 7: 1-5 says this…¹ “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

I as a pastor should practice what the scripture teaches. I have failed in so many ways to do this. I am currently involved in a bible study called  “That’s What The Man Said” based on a book by Maxie Dunham. I was asked the question by our leader, “Locate in your memory an experience in your life when you took the easy way rather than the hard way, and it led to disaster. “ That hit too close to home just to pick one. Why not just put up my whole life story? I seem to take the easy way out as much as possible even in my relationship with Christ. I do not give him my best. Just enough to get by. I sometimes do this in my marriage and my role as a father.

Can anybody relate with me? 

I am resolving to really give Him my best in my life. This will not be easy and it will take every ounce of my being but I find the need at this point in my life to get off the fencepost and really give Him my all!

How do you feel? 

Will you join me?

Joplin and Oklahoma Tornados

As I reflect back on this week’s mass destruction in Missouri and Oklahoma. I think about how quickly our lives can change. It seems far too often we focus our lives on the accumulation of things and status. This week we have seen those things ripped from people, which leaves them with only memories. I think how my life could be so different. You see I lived in Joplin from 94-98. I was watching the television very close seeing where the damage was. It turns out that the apartment complex in which Liz, Cathleen, Matt and I lived in is no longer standing. When we left Joplin in 1998, I did not want to leave. I liked living in Joplin. I liked the big city feel in a medium size town. I loved the church I attended. (Which was also hit by this week’s tornado) But as I think about it, I know that my Lord and savior has a plan for me. I could easily say that could be me with my life torn to shreds but it is not. Please be in prayer for those affected by the tornadoes and consider giving something to help out. Even a little means a lot. May God pour out his blessings on those affected by the tornadoes.

Are You Listening?

There are so many times in my life I do a lot of talking but I don't do a lot of listening. My wife accuses me of not listening to her and I believe God says the same thing to me. I have never been at a loss for words and I can talk for miles on end. I am good at listening to people (other than my wife she says..lol) But I am not good at listening to God. I tend to brush off his messages only to find out later he was speaking to me. Does this happen to you? We tend to cloud our lives with a lot of noise. TV, radio, computer, and the like. We have forgotten what it is to listen. I don't nearly spend the time I need to in prayer. I do spend a lot of time griping and complaining to God but not listening to Him. I complain about my ministry, my finances, my problems, but I never really take the time to listen for his answer. We males have what they call "selective hearing". We hear what we want and ignore the rest. That it is when it comes to listening to God, we hear the things we want to hear but not the things HE wants us to hear.

I would encourage you to join me in listening to God's message for us. We might find out he knows better what is good for us than we do!

In His Service

Steve

Relationships and friendships

A couple of weeks ago, my best friends from high school lost their 17 year old son. He died with no apparent cause or warning. I received a phone call from one of my friends requesting my presence. I know as a pastor in the United Methodist Church that this is one of my callings. But I did not consider this a part of my calling. I considered it an act of friendship and support. I will have to admit I have not been as close to my friends as I should have and I regret that a lot. It has really been out of my selfishness and busyness that I allowed this to occur. I love my friends dearly and as a pastor, I don’t have many friends. We are taught to some extent to keep church friends at a distance because in the Methodist church as a pastor, we could be moved in a moments notice. I had and still have some close friends that moved away and I miss them dearly. We were close and did a lot of things together but life sent them to another part of the country. I have learned in the past couple of weeks that relationships should be cherished and nurtured. I spoke of this when I did the service for my friend’s son.
To all my friends here on facebook and elsewhere I want to share my thoughts that I shared that day to those at the funeral. Cherish your friendships, relationships, and love for one another. You never can tell when life will throw you a curveball and you might miss out. I certainly have. I too often see married couples who go into relationships with the best of intentions to love one another and end up hurting each other because of selfishness, anger, and disappointment. Relationships take work my friends. It takes lots of work. I am guilty of shutting my family out of my feelings and have found myself a bit of a recluse because of this. I am striving to reverse that in my life. I encourage all of my friends to take a hard look at your relationships, friendships and the like and really look at yourself and your actions before you blame the other one. If you are married or in a relationship when was the last time you told your spouse you loved them and meant it. Love takes work, relationships take communications between husband and wife and girlfriend/ boyfriend. Friendships also take this same kind of work. About a year ago a rekindled a friendship from my high school days. She told me everything that happened to her in her life and I thought to myself "Where was I when this happened?" I was glad to see her and am glad to call her my friend. I love my best friends dearly and would do anything for them. Can you say the same for yourself?
I would ask each of you to look at your relationships and friendships from the eyes of the other person. I think you might find areas of improvement that you can do to not only say the words ”I Love You” but find a new love, one that includes friendship and a caring attitude and not one of selfishness. Take time out from the computer, TV, and anything else that might keep you from getting the most out of your relationships or friendships. You might find a new lease on life!
In love for you and one another,
Steve