The Barnabas Project

Oh That Men Would Praise the Lord

2011-11-30T15:24:00.003-05:00

I am overwhelmed with the call to worship that comes from the throne room of God. We see it over and over again, a cry for the men created in the image of God to rise up in worship and enter into intimate fellowship with the Father.

Psalm 107:8–9 (KJV): "⁸ Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! ⁹ For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness."

I really can't imagine what the Father must go through when He looks at mankind, knowing His heart's desire for us. Not unlike that day in the Garden of Eden, He is in search of those who will walk in intimate fellowship with Him. And where will He find them? Who will rise to the call and walk with Him?

John 4:23–24 (NKJV) - "²³ But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

True worship is not using God for what you can get out of Him, but the relationship does come with the promise of good gifts in abundance. True worship is not about the worshiper, no, it is not about you, and it is not about me; it is about the Father. For the Father it is all about us, but from our side it must be all about Him.

As a dad, there is nothing that warmed my heart more than to have one of my kids breeze into the room, climb up on my lap, put a grand hug on my neck and tell me, with no other motive, how much they loved me. That still warms my heart. Not to reduce God to my level, but, if I find such great joy in this simple expression of love, how much more the Father?

When that same child is walking in obedience and conformity to the "house rules" and pouring out the kind of love we're talking about, I look for ways to bless and increase them. I listen for clues to their heart's desire and try and make them come true. I don't do it because of their actions, I do because of my love for them, but their actions of cooperation and obedience put them in a place of increased favor. That favor brings blessing with it, and God tells us that He operates the same way. Look again at the Word:

Psalm 107:8–9 (KJV): "⁸ Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! ⁹ For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness."

Look at how the Father responds to our love. He fills to overflowing the one who has been exhaustively chasing after and diligently seeking Him. And what does He fill them with? Goodness! Study that out and you'll be amazed. Let it suffice to say here that those who make the Father the object of their affection and settle for nothing less that the reality of His manifest presence where they can snuggle up to Him, kiss His face and hug His neck will be abundantly rewarded. His presence would be enough, because it is Him we seek, but He then pours out His favor and blessing. It's a love relationship and it's mutually beneficial.

Please don't misunderstand, I don't love God to get blessings, I get blessing because I love God. If I never received another thing in exchange for my devotion, I would still worship Him. He is my loving Father, how could I not?

Psalm 37:4 4 - "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

As a worshiper, you will go about your day, simply living life in Him, and He will be listening to your heart. As the thoughts and dreams bubble up inside you, He will take notice, and He will bring it to reality for you.

Psalm 91:14–16 (NKJV) - ¹⁴ “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. ¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”

Will you rise in loving worship and pour yourself into His heart? You will find Him eagerly awaiting your arrival.

The Importance of Discipleship

2011-10-22T15:42:00.003-04:00

This week I had the privilege of teaching at the Armada Commission, a school for ministry preparation where those called to ministry can train and prepare within driving distance of their homes and families. Our topic for this week was "Discipleship," and it was a joy to interact with these disciples who are fired up and ready to go forth and change the world.

Discipleship has become passe in the churches of today, but it is still the mandate given to us by God in the Great Commission. Discipleship is our only means of reproduction in the Kingdom of God. Churches who fail to make disciples are nothing more than social clubs soothing the religious conscience. This is not who we are supposed to be.

There are some key elements to discipleship that we should all be out to master.

discipleship is all about relationship, make the most of the relationships God gives you
discipleship is not cloning, and we should see the differences that keep us from being blindsided
discipleship causes increase in both the student and the teacher
discipleship allows us to fulfill the "Prime Directive" and reproduce the image and likeness of God in our disciples

As we go forward in this time of real "harvest," let's not forget that, as Pastor Wayne always said, "We are here to make disciples, not decisions."

Burkina Report

2010-07-27T10:54:00.002-04:00

I am just back from 2 weeks in Burkina Faso, West Africa where I stood in for Br. Bob Dunphy. To say we had a successful trip would be to understate the results to the place of being insulting. Let it suffice to say, God began a change in Burkina this month that will last for generations, if the people continue to run the way they have started.

I arrived in Burkina with the tentative itinerary in had to minister to pastors, preach in churches, and minister to the widows only to find that this had been totally scrapped, and we were now doing (4) six hour seminars on "Women in the Church." Br. Hagin's admonition rings in me even now as I think about it, "Prepare the messenger, not the message." This is missions, things change, maximize flexibility, and let God be God. Fortunately, for me, this is a subject that is near and dear to me, and it stews in me on a regular basis. With just a little time to jot a few notes, I outlined the Seminar and prepared myself in prayer.

Day One found us at Pastor Timothee's church for a prayer meeting that would set the tone for our time together. We arrived to find them already praying with passion and diligence. Oh the sound of voices raised in intercession. We prayed, we worshiped, we prayed, we worshiped, and we prayed some more. It wasn't like we had anywhere else to be or something else to do. Praise God, faith works around the world.

Sunday found us at Pastor Abraham's church, but he had not yet returned from his own ministry trip to Togo. The service was very good and 6 responded to receive a genuine, personal, interactive relationship with the Father. They had prayed the "Sinner's Prayer" but did not enjoy the kind of dynamic relationship God intends. 3 times as many responded for healing and gave testimony to the manifestation of it, one after another. One woman came to us afterward and testified, "I do not go to this church, but I was drawn here today. Today God has spoken to me and called me into ministry, and I must obey Him."

I need you to understand that the things I shared were just teachings on Scriptures you take for granted: Joel 2:28, Acts 2:14-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, and especially Daniel 11:32 which says, "... but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do great things." For some, this was the first time they had heard such things, and they just don't know enough to NOT do them.

The Seminar, "Women in the Church," involved four teaching sessions and two question and answer sessions. About 160 women attended over the course of our trip. The sessions included:

● Women in the Word

● What can Women do in Church?

● What can Women do in the Home?

● How to be a Woman who Changes History

Back at Pastor Timothee's church, picking up right where we left off, we entered into praise and worship I saw the heavens opened and the Father was dancing back and forth in front of the throne, a typical African dance.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
17 The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will dance over you with singing."

Does God dance over you? Does He see your worship as something that thrills His heart? What a joy to be able to share with these precious people how God was celebrating over them with exceeding, great joy.

Closing out this seminar I came under attack and spent the next two days in bed, a real challenge when you have been teaching faith. But, God is faithful! I am healed, He said so, and all we need do to appropriate it is to take Him at His Word. I was laying there praying "in Jesus's Name," and I began to hear the words coming out of my mouth. "You cannot make me sick; I already defeated you. I hold the keys of death and hell. You are defeated, and I will not abide your lies." When we pray "in Jesus' Name" it is the same as if Jesus Himself is speaking. How can sickness and disease resist the power and authority of the Word?

Sunday came, and we were to go and preach at pastor Pengwende's church, but it was raining. Rain back home is not much of a problem, but this is Africa, and the rules are different. Rivers ran in the dirt streets of the capital. With no indication of where the hazards were, our Director said we would have to cancel, but this was not what the Father had in mind. After some discussion and a call to the pastor, we set out. Fording the flooded streets, navigating around various hazards, we finally got out of the city and the roads got better. Then our Director's fear was realized, a hole across the road with no way around. In he drove, the water rolling up over the hood, and then it quit. I knew we were done, Constantin knew we were done, but that was what we could see, and faith does not go by what it sees. As he reached for the key, I could see his hesitation, and the car started right up. Off we went and even got to the church on time - two miracles in the same morning.

The church had asked that I do a summary of the Seminar for the morning service, and I had every intention of complying, but the Holy Ghost had other ideas.

Daniel 11:32 (NKJV)
32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and do great things.

I began to share with the church and the Father kept steering me toward the stories that came from the great Indonesian revival. There they saw great miracles signs and wonders. They walked on water, they raised the dead, they healed the sick, they cast out devils, and they changed their nation. They saw creative miracles, spectacular things, and could only explain it like this, "We didn't know enough not to believe the Word we had heard." If God will do it in Indonesia, he will do it in Burkina Faso; He will do it anywhere He finds people who are just willing to take Him at His word and do it.

Two weeks isn't very long to accomplish much. Here is what the pastors reported the day I left:

❏ 4,700 people were ministered to either in church or door-to-door

❏ 1,692 people saved

❏ 448 people healed

God did great things and people like you made it possible. For those who supported us financially, thank you. I know God will multiply it back to you. For those who prayed for us, I cannot begin to express my gratitude. Your prayers changed the course of history and made our efforts successful. May the Father grant you the desire of your heart for your faithfulness in covering us in prayer.

Potholes and Alignment

2010-06-20T18:08:00.002-04:00

Life and ministry is filled with road hazards. Potholes, landslides, detours, and road blocks can hamper and even derail our pursuits. We need to get things right to see all God has for us.

Acts 15:36-41 (NKJV)
36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from [abandoned] them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

You know the back story:
▸ Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9)
▸ Barnabas’ recruiting Paul (Acts 11)
▸ 14 years of side-by-side service in Antioch (Galatians 2)
▸ The fateful prayer meeting and the Holy Ghost summons, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
▸ The phenomenal success of the first missionary journey. (Acts 13 and 14)
▸ The stoning of Paul at Lystra (Acts 14:19)

As ministers, we have all taught from these passages, but how many times have we been willing to look honestly at Acts 15? In Acts 15 the wheels come off the wagon.

How many of you had a tough winter this past winter? I haven’t plowed that much snow in a long time. I noticed this Spring that my truck was pulling to one side. I knew what that meant ... one pothole too many had knocked the truck out of alignment. Running out of alignment caused my tires to wear at an accelerated rate. Obviously, I scheduled a front end alignment. A few days before the alignment, I found out that my spring hanger was almost rusted through. It had caused the rear tires to be out of alignment and I was actually steering to correct the problem. Who knew that one pothole could cause such trouble.

The dynamic duo, Barnabas and Paul, are planning a missions trip to retrace their steps to evaluate their effectiveness and strengthen the churches. BUT, they hit a pothole.

A while back my pastor and I sat down and had a long talk about our roles in the Body of Christ. I shared with him that there was one thing I had learned about my calling, I make a great “#2,” (Number One for you trekkies) but I am just a mediocre #1. I can implement vision strategy, analyze and improve any process, and build a successful team, but I can’t cast vision with an Ugly Stick. My problem is that I expect everyone else to share my passion, share my commitment, and be at my level of revelation. I get blind-sided all the time when I lead. But, when I am in proper alignment with a visionary leader, we see things happen. I am a Barnabas.

Barnabas could see the potential in Mark and was committed to seeing him reach his full potential. Nothing, not even Paul, was going to make him give up on Mark.

Paul, on the other hand, was an apostle. He was interested in results and didn’t have time to waste on a quitter. The pothole of Mark’s abandonment had left a misalignment that wasn’t exposed until now.

Back to my truck ... I could have gotten the front end aligned, but I’d still have been driving down the road sideways. I would get to where I was going, but I would not have fixed the root problem. Sooner or later, I would have to deal with the problem or it was going to deal with me. Paul and Barnabas hadn’t dealt with the misalignment of Mark. They had been driving down the road sideways but didn’t know it.

You may be driving sideways. You may have hit a pothole long ago. A fractured relationship , a twisted doctrine, or maybe a simple disagreement over process has left you out of alignment. Maybe you need a front end alignment - the part that is home to the power and direction for your life and ministry. Or maybe you need the drive train realigned - the part that takes all that power and converts it to work. Your whole team may need some adjustment.

We see this God ordained team going through divorce, Barnabas unable to reconcile and Paul unwilling to yield. Paul's pothole turns into Barnabas' sinkhole. Even though they were called together, had been an awesome team, and had their destinies linked, they were now being broken apart by the jarring impact of a pothole which had not been dealt with in the past. Barnabas goes off in the bondage of his offense, and Paul puts a new rear end in his truck, Silas, they get a fresh lube job from the church, and they once again set the world on its ear.

Barnabas ... disappears into relative obscurity.

Folks, we can’t afford to go through life driving sideways. We need to be in proper alignment to see all that God has for us.

How do we check our alignment?

I was watching a NASCAR race the other day and saw one of the speedsters lose traction and slam into the wall in turn four. He immediately made his way to the pits where they pulled out a long, thin, metal piece that would tell them if his wheels were running true. This template was their reference to identify the need to make adjustments that would keep the car running straight and give them a shot at winning the race. You and I must measure ourselves against our template, the standard. Anything that does not measure up has to be readjusted to bring it back in line. Our template is the Word as modeled by Jesus.

James 1:22-27 (NKJV)
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

If you are out of alignment and things are not working like they should be, repent and realign yourself to the fundamentals of the Word.

If you need a tune-up, get into the presence of the Father and let Him get things back in proper working order, He is the expert.

If your misalignment is with someone else, patch the pothole, reconcile, don't let the circumstance or the enemy steal the treasure God has put in your life.

We are the children of God, nothing is impossible to us, if we will just get in line with what God requires and directs.

Be Proven Faithful

2010-02-13T22:36:00.002-05:00

For the past 18 months I have been listening to all of the "sky is falling" rhetoric that has swirled around current events in these great United States. I have to wonder, if God is so impotent as to leave His children at the mercy of the government, how do Christians survive in other countries like Venezuela, Cuba, Georgia, Ukraine, and China, to name a few?

What does it take for we who claim Christ to not just survive in the midst of adversity, but to thrive and prosper? The answer is faithfulness.

Faithfulness is the quality of standing steadfast, being consistently constant in execution of one's commitments, vows, and promises. Faithfulness is tested in prosperity and adversity. In prosperity our willingness to perform without compromise is tested; in adversity we are faced with the trial of refusing to quit when things are no longer convenient or the price becomes more than we planned. The faithful are unchanging in their commitment, uncompromising in execution, and unshakable in the pursuit of their destiny.

“Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day. Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job. A God-blessed man or woman, I tell you. It won’t be long before the Master will put this person in charge of the whole operation." (Mt 24:45-47)

Faithfulness is the marker of those who can be trusted, those who will just do what needs to be done without need for recognition, a pat on the back, or promotion. We do what we do because of who we are. Faithfulness has become our nature, just like our Father.

The road ahead may have more than a fair share of bumps and potholes, but for the faithful, no worries. How can I fear when I know what the Word says about my future?

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes." (Ps 118:6-9)

How can I fear a collapsing economy when I have the promises of God?

"Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty." (Ps 37:16-19)

As Christians, may we rise to the standard of living that is modeled in our Father, that was walked out in Christ, and that has been the way of life for the cloud of witnesses that have gone before us.

And Be Thankful

2009-12-06T19:46:00.003-05:00

A while back I had an experience that was at the same time both distressing and profound. Let me tell you the story.

First thing in the morning I launched out for a day fishing in the Back Bay. Excitement and anticipation were in my heart and soul, and I could hardly wait to wet a line and see what I could catch. About half way to "my spot" something happened and I lost propulsion. The outboard was still running, but I wasn't going anywhere. It was broken. I did not get discouraged, because I had my electric trolling motor to fall back on.

I lowered the ever dependable Minn-Kota into the water and turned it on. Once again I was on my way and ready to get to the business at hand. I got maybe another hundred yards and the trolling motor stopped; the battery was dead. Now, let me tell you, I was moved to prayer, and I don't mean rejoicing and praising. God was about to deal with my heart and paint a picture that is still giving me revelation today.

I got to a spot where I could pull my outboard and see what the trouble might be. I broke out my tools, did some troubleshooting, and found that the shear pin for the propeller was broken. What was a sailor to do? I decided to fish a while and then go home. As you might have figured out, nary a bite was to be had.

Now, I was not without propulsion. Being an experienced sailor, I had oars to get me home. I got them out, put them into the locks, and started making my way back, and the wind began to rise. Yes, I had to row into the wind.

All the way back I heard bubbling up out of my inner man, "In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thes. 5:18) With each stroke of the oars I said it. Over and over again I spoke it out as I rowed against the wind. For more than 30 minutes I rowed and spoke, rowed and gave thanks, rowed and saw God as faithful in the midst of my situation. Instead of getting angry, frustrated and discouraged, I just let the reality of the Word rise up within my spirit and spill out of my mouth.

As I reached the open water, where the wind would be an even greater trial, the wind quieted. It died down until I turned into the canal we were living on where I was sheltered and protected. I rowed back to the house, pulled the equipment and battery, and called my resident expert for counsel and guidance. Before the day was out I had the outboard back together and running.

God has really used this to teach me a great deal about dealing with trials. The lessons learned included:

Your success in facing trials will be a function of how well you have prepared for your journey.
You cannot let your circumstance dictate your course.
If you really believe that God is with you, you have no reason to get discouraged.
If you cannot give thanks in the midst of your trial, you really are not trusting God.
When you face challenges, there is no shame in asking for help.
Only ask help from people who have something to offer.
In everything give thanks! Thanksgiving is your key to victory.

I could fill pages with the details of this story and how it has impacted my walk, but let it suffice to say, I am going to be thankful in every situation, in the midst of every trial, and with the certain knowledge that God is on my side, pulling for me, and more interested on my victory and success than I am.

¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:15-17)

In the Midst of Adversity

2009-10-16T09:52:00.003-04:00

It's hard in our current economic climate and "news" environment not to be consumed by the adversity that so many are facing. The things we see can be a powerful influence if we allow them to be. But adversity also weeds out fair weather friends and helps put our priorities back in focus. Adversity is not something we desire, but it also is something that is common to mankind. Handling it properly is critical to achieving our destiny.

There are some real keys to not just surviving adversity, but to thriving in the midst of adversity. First, and foremost, is focus. Your focus will set your direction.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (Hebrews 12:2-3 ~ The Message)

We need, too, to always remember that faith, the force that allows us to put more stock in the unseen than we do in the seen, is the product of our receiving anointed impartation of the Word of God regarding our circumstance. (Rom. 10:17) A battle with sickness and disease demands a Word for healing. A war against poverty requires a Word on prosperity. And standing in the face of temptation, tests and trials is the time we need to hear a Word on faithfulness. It is not enough to study, you need to let those who have been victorious and overcome your kind of adversity speak into your life.

When we look at what it takes to overcome adversity, I think we would be remiss if we didn't address the need to surround ourselves with those who encourage us rather than enable us through commiseration. We have lot's of little adages we could quote that shows even those without Christ recognize this.

²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb 10:23-25 ~ NKJV)

Having trouble, pray, snuggle up to the Father's heart and let Him encourage you to the place where you are again free from adversity. Give His Word place, the Word that produces life, health, and prosperity for you. And through it all, get yourself in fellowship with those who will champion your success, who will cheer you on to victory. Adversity will come, but you can overcome and be an example to others around you how its done.

Not The Way I Had It Planned

2009-07-14T21:43:00.003-04:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11 NIV)

Ever have one of those days when you think that things are just not going the way YOU had planned. It can be frustrating, discouraging, and even depressing. You may find yourself scratching your head, trying to figure out what was going wrong, or even wondering what you have done to make God mad at you. Me, I take those times to go to prayer and find out what is going on from Someone who actually knows.

Knowing the Father's will is not an automatic peace generator. As a matter of fact, when I see the image of Jesus in Gethsemane I am reminded that submitting to the Father's will can be very painful. What are your options?

I love to counsel God about how things should be done, when they should be done, and how I think we could best use His power and influence. I must come across as a precocious little brat sometimes, God forgive me. Imagine, me, a speck, on a dot, on a spot in the Universe thinking I can tell God the best way to do things!

I have learned, be it the longest of learning curves, that Father actually does know best.

"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: ..." (Jer. 1:5 The Message)

Now, don't misunderstand what I am saying, you can miss God's plan by your own actions, and the enemy, Satan, is going to do everything in his power to keep you from seeing your destiny. You better know how to handle both problems. But that isn't what I am trying to address here.

God has a plan for you, tailor made with YOU in mind. Side tracks, delays, and catastrophes do not change His plan for your life. When things are not going as you plan, ask, are they going according to His plan? Don't ask yourself, don't ask a friend, no, ask the Father. He is not trying to keep His will a secret from you.

The Father's plan is a plan that leads to increase, to growth, to promotion, and to destiny. You cannot measure it by what you see, after all, Joseph didn't always look like he was in the will of God, but he was. Once you are confident you are in the Father's will, you can take on all the world and the devil have to offer without fear.

There is a declarative phrase in the Lord's Prayer that says it all. It is an expression that only those who are confident of the Father's will, a plan birthed out of His love for us, only when we have an assurance that is supernatural can we pray, ...

"COME! Your kingdom. BE DONE! Your will." (Matt. 6:10a Literal)

Today, in spite of facts that say otherwise, I know I am smack in the middle of the Father's will for me. I know it because I have been in His presence, sitting on His lap, listening to His heart speak to me, "I love you, and I have a wonderful plan for your life."

Stand Up - Stand Out!

2009-06-26T11:23:00.002-04:00

By Lynn Murphy

When I was a Junior in High School, I signed up for an elective that was cleverly named "Facing and Escaping Reality." Nowhere in the description of this course did it mention the student taking the course would be required to speak by themselves in front of the class and be critiqued by both the teacher and the students. I dropped the class within the first week, and chose another less challenging elective.

I tell you this because I had an epiphany a few weeks ago on my way to work. Most of my school years I tried hard to blend in to the crowd. I did not wish to be different or unique. Going to school in the sixties through 1974 (do the math, I was 53 in April) meant jeans, miniskirts, pantsuits, going to school dances and petitioning the school board to allow a smoking lounge. My mother made it her life goal (in my warped teen-aged mindset) to see to it that I stuck out like a sore thumb to my classmates. I did not smoke, which was my own choice, but my Mom’s rules were no miniskirts, dances, jeans that zipped in the front like a boy, and only pantsuits that fully covered my posterior. Sticking out like a sore thumb was not my choice or desire, but my Mom’s goal was met: that I would “stand out” as different! Mom loves the Lord, but the choice had to be mine to stand out for God. The thought that just changing what people were looking at on the exterior would make a difference in other’s lives is erroneous.

That day on my way to work, the Lord dropped down in my heart the revelation of the simple truth that we are to stand out in a crowd, we should be noticed by the world for the light within us. We are to be affecting the world around us with the Gospel of peace, love , health and prosperity! Now I “knew” this before, but it was hammered home that there is not time nor place for wallflower Christianity. What I perceived as shy and my personality, was a hindrance to what God wanted through my life. You see, in Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus tells us what He expects from His people.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost it’s taste (it’s strength, it’s quality), how can it’s saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” (Amplified)

We know Jesus came to men to show them the Father. This is also our job description, which is a labor of love. Not always easy mind you, as we saw when Jesus had to deal with the moneychangers in the temple.
Here’s the thing: I recognized that most of my life-even after I placed the Word of God first place in my life, even after my husband and I became Pastors- I was still in defensive mode. Think about it: how many goals do you reach in life or athletics by always being in defense mode? No, that offense is needed, that expectation to dream big because the Greater One lives in us and works through us!

Our Father God had a picture of us, a destiny for us as His body, His children. He has plans for us...” For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11) For myself, and I know a lot of the body feels the same, I want God’s vision, His picture of us that He had in His heart when He sent His Son to die for us, I want my life to be that! Not some inferior version of that where I don’t know who I am in Christ so I am not bold. Allowing those in the world around me to stay sick, poor and without a hope because I can’t open my mouth to tell them of Jesus and what He has done for us and of His matchless love for mankind. Does a child of God, a believer really have an option in this? I Corinthians 7:23 says: “You were bought with a price (purchased with a preciousness and paid for by Christ); then do not yield yourselves up to become (in your own estimation) slaves to men (but consider yourselves slaves to Christ.)”

I may have dropped that class many years ago out of fear of public speaking, having people with their focus on me, but the good news is God did not leave me there. I fell for a man with ministry in his heart, that prodded me (gently most of the time) to step out, and before I knew it I was teaching two year olds in Church. Then I was approached to teach at a Women’s meeting, and asked to at least pray about it. In my eyes at the time, that was a huge step, but I did it with God’s help.

Pat and I moved back to Pa. and felt God wanted us to start a church. Guess who was tagged to lead worship? That would be me, again a huge step. There was awhile (a couple years) that I would be in the bathroom before every service, because my eyes were not focused on God and what He wanted to accomplish in that service, but getting through it without making a blooper. Understand, the planning part of the worship I paid close attention to the Spirit of God so we got it right. I even made the right decision in the bathroom, to not allow my flesh to rule me and I came out and led worship every time. As soon as I started, I was fine and the dry mouth went away, but it was not till I knew who I was in Christ, and saw the bigger picture, that fear went away and I could walk in what God called me to do. As a matter of fact, probably ten years went by before God was able to change my mindset from, I am a temporary solution till we get a real worship leader, to I am called to this! At that point I could lead with confidence.

He took me from there to teaching classes in our Bible School, teaching for special services in other churches, and He is not done yet. The point is-we are here on this earth for a reason, and it is NOT without a directive from God. We have a destiny to fulfill, people to minister to in our workplaces, and communities, and families. I exhort you: Stand up and be counted! Yield yourself to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and expect God to use you. When my kids were very little, I stayed close to home and ministered mostly to my family (We have five children). But, one day on my way to grocery shop with one child in the car, I prayed earnestly to be used of God that day and surrendered my plans for His. Do you know I ended up ministering to a lady from the church we were attending that had just tried to commit suicide? God is looking for yielded, obedient vessels that know their Lord and are not ashamed or afraid to speak of Him! Let’s be the people in God’s heart dream!

Minister or Hireling?

2009-06-23T16:39:00.003-04:00

Because of the way our ministry works here at the Barnabas Project, we get to see lots of different settings and observe lots of different situations where people minister. There are those who serve at the will of the Father, and then there are those who serve at the will of the people or the dollar. One is a true minister and the other but a temple prostitute.

Let's talk about the hireling first. Hirelings are ones who do what they do to keep the bills paid or to support a standard of living that they desire. They will compromise as long as they can keep their position, title, pay grade, or celebrity. They may espouse godly philosophy, but it is a matter of preference and they will relinquish their stand if it becomes expedient. They prostitute themselves to keep their situation stable and comfortable.

The genuine minister, however, seeks to please the Father, doing His will, and seeking the increase of the Kingdom even if it is at his own expense. He comes to serve, to love, to see the child of God rise to be all that the Father desires. He is it it for those he serves, but he answers to the Father.

⁷ Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹ I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. ¹² But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³ The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. ¹⁵ As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (Jn 10:7-16)

So where are you in the mix? I chose early on to learn how to walk by faith so that my pay check would never set my agenda. I long far more for the Father's favor than that of any man. I fear the Lord's wrath way more than that of any board, council, or congregation. I seek to be the servant who hears, "Well done."

Watching Your Step

2009-05-17T23:04:00.003-04:00

I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was doing my laundry in the barracks, minding my own business, when I was taken from the reality of my washing to the reality of the spirit realm. There before me was absolute darkness, so dark I could not distinguish anything around me. Then a familiar voice came from everywhere, a voice that I knew, my Father asked, "Do you want to know how to follow?"

I was struggling with some things in which I needed clear direction from God. I had no idea what to do, no plan I could execute, and I was feeling overwhelmed. I had spent much time in prayer, but the direction eluded me, or so it seemed. Then, when I was not really looking for it, my answer came. As I closed the lid on the washer it was "lights out."

I remember saying, "You know I do, I want to know what to do." As the words came forth the area beneath my feet lit up. I could see nothing but my two feet in a halo of brilliant white light. I remember thinking, "I know where I am, but where am I going?" Again the Father's voice spoke gently to me, "Step out."

I had no idea what I was going to step into, but, at His word I lifted my foot. Immediately the light under my foot went out and a new light lit the place where I would step. I remember it being such a cool thing that I just sat and enjoyed it for a minute. Then I picked up my other foot, and the same thing happened. I never thought about what was around me, what was beyond that next footfall, or where the journey would lead. I was taken with the next step.

Suddenly, I was once again in the laundry and heard the thud of the washer lid. Isn't it funny how the realm of the spirit is not limited by time or space. As the noise of lid echoed through the tub of the washer I asked, "But where am I going, what am I to do?" I got no answer as such, but heard a friends voice singing as song that has followed me for more than 20 years. The words are that of the psalmist, ...

"The steps of the righteous man are ordered of the Lord, and he delights in His way." (Ps. 37:23)

I am thankful I did not know all of the ins and outs of the path that lay ahead of me. It would have terrified me to see some of what I have faced, and it could have caused me to be discouraged and quit, but God had other plans. As I sit at this keyboard, I can truthfully say that the Father has been faithful in leading me in paths that have been for His glory and my blessing. When I have stepped into the lighted marks, I have seen Him come through mightily on my behalf. When I tried to do it my way, ignored His direction, or failed to seek the next step, I have always paid a price. But, even then, the Father has been always ready to forgive my failings and restore me to the path He has set before me.

I have watched others who have found the Father's lead to be all they need. They are amazing men and women of God. Would that we would all take this in its simplicity, follow His lead, and change our world for His glory.

What About Me?

2009-04-24T00:43:00.003-04:00

So much of what goes on in ministry goes without detection by the church in general. The pastor of the Local Church can live in virtual isolation, without someone to encourage him or speak into his life. It isn't necessarily by design, but the thing that happens by default as they seek to protect and serve the sheep of their fold.

We seek, as pastors, to serve our parishioners and meet them in their need with answers to their problems. In the process, how do we deal with our own issues? You know as well as I do that we are just like our people, have all the same challenges, all the same kinds of problems and are subjected to all the same kinds of temptations. They have us, but who do we have?

In ministry, we who are leaders must have people who speak into our lives, leaders we can turn to for encouragement, and counselors we can look to for sound, biblical advice as we seek to do the will of God in our lives and in service to our congregations. All of us, no matter how high in the food chain, need these key elements to healthy Christian living. We need each other!

It isn't always easy. Sometimes those we serve cause us great pain as they reject our counsel, fail to heed the Word, and seek their own agenda. We cry over them, lose sleep over them, and cry out to God on their behalf, but we cannot change their course. When I see this, I have to ask myself, "Do I do this to my pastor, my overseer, my Lord?" It is sobering to think that we could be the cause of such heart ache.

As a pastor, I want God's best for every member of my congregation. My heart's cry is to see them rise to the full potential of all God has for them. I thank God for those who have sown into my life, have given me the leadership that has led me to this path toward my destiny, and who never give up on me. They answer when I call, help when they can, and pray for me continually. They are my heroes.

I trust that you are seeking to be a hero to those who follow you, but also that you have heroes you look to who will be a great resource in the actualization of the pursuit of the will of God for your life. I leave you with the passage below.

"Obey your leaders and follow their orders. They watch over your souls without resting, since they must give an account of their service. If you obey them, they will do their work gladly; if not, they will do it with sadness, and that would be of no help to you." (Hebrews 13:17 TEV)

Take time to meditate on this passage, and see what the Father shares with you. Don't focus on just those who you serve, but look also at those to whom you submit yourself. Are you a source of joy? Are you a living example of what God desires? Let's rise to God's standard and see His best in our lives and in the lives of those we serve. Let's be a source of joy to our leaders.

The Lines Are Open ... Or Are They?

2009-04-18T13:48:00.004-04:00

As I travel and hear the heart of pastors across teh countryside, I am always sensitive to the things that weigh heavy on their hearts. I have learned, both by my own experience and by interaction with others, that the situation is rarely as it is perceived. I have found this especially true in our era of electronic communication.

Most of us, when we find that there is tension developing, if we are honest, will realize that we hear through a filter of bias. The bias in audio recording is critical to getting the outcome we desire from a recording. As a sound technician you learn that your bias is effected by everything in the environment you are hearing. Birds, temperature, humidity, the amount of direct sunlight, background noise, and everything else you can or can't imagine affects your input. By constantly monitoring and adjusting your bias you can get the optimum results. It is a great picture of our relationships with one another.

Think about those with whom you have a relationship. When you hear something about them, immediately your bias filter kicks in and you decide whether or not you believe everything you are hearing. If you are kindly affectioned toward them, you bias filter will add grace and favor to the things you hear. If you have issues with them your bias filter will tend to amplify the things that reinforce your opinion and diminish the things that don't agree with your feelings about them. The problem with the bias in either case is that we do not hear with accuracy what is being said.

How often did we hear Jesus say, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." It seems like a silly statement, doesn't it. Everyone there had ears. They could all hear what He was saying. There must have been more to the statement. Jesus was addressing the fact that our biases often ruin our ability to effectively communicate with one another and with God. He was implying, if not saying outright, "Turn off the bias filter and let the message get through in its purest form, then you will understand what it is I am saying." It applies wiht Him, how much more wiht the people we interact with on a daily basis.

Sometimes our bias so skews things that it is as if we are speaking two different languages. Turn off the bias and see what comes out. 1 Cor. 13:4-8, you know, the love passage, gives a couple of key elements to overcoming our biases. "Love thinks no evil, ... Love isn't keeping score to see if it wins, ...love always believes the best, ... Love is full of hope and always expects the best in every situation, ... love never quits, never runs out, and is never the victim." Love will cancel out the bias, if we will cooperate, and we will be able to see relationships grow, even in the midst of adversity.

Let's turn off the bias, see the Kingdom advance, and make the Father proud of His kids.

Submission and Authority

2009-04-13T22:04:00.004-04:00

Of late I have been faced with some challenges with regard to the topic of submission and authority. I have been drawn back to Hebrews 13:17 over and over again in keeping my attitude tuned to the heart of the Father while dealing with those in our network of ministries.

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (Heb. 13:17 NKJV)

I think that subordinates balk at this passage because of the way it starts. Most of us don't like to have someone else telling us what to do. The very thought of being bossed around gets the hair on our neck standing up and brings our flesh to full attention. We see it in little children who defiantly declare, "You're not the boss of me!" The wording chosen by God here is not what we mean by obey, but rather, it is to "trust with confidence and yield to instruction." As subordinates we are to allow those who are in authority over us to speak into our lives and trust that they are here to bless us, to bring us to our full potential, and to help us reach our destiny. If we trust them to have that as their motive, obedience will not be an issue.

Then there is the part that we as leaders must be carefully aware of, "... for they watch for your souls, ..." Literally, the Word tells us that those in leadership lose sleep over their disciples, not in fear and worry, but in prayer. As a matter of fact, this counsel is meant to prevent leaders from losing sleep over their disciples for negative reasons, "Let them do so with joy and not grief, ..." We are to be interceding for our disciples, just like Jesus intercedes for us. (Heb. 7:23-25) If we are, we have a right to expect their devotion, submission, and cooperation. It is still voluntary, but it should not be hard for them to yield to our leadership because our heart will be the heart of the Father.

This matter is one of trust and commitment to one another. Because of our time with the Father, knowing the Father's heart and will, we see resistance to our counsel and instruction as resistance to God's will. It grieves us, we agonize over what it takes to get our followers on track, and a chain of events is set in motion that will either bring us back to agreement or separate us in spiritual divorce. It is no wonder that we agonize over those who refuse our leadership. But, we must keep our heart right lest our agony become merely an emotional response to being rejected. The key to our success it to stay in agreement with the Father and the path is laying out before us.

I cannot express how much value I place on the counsel of those who are "in authority" over me. I trust them to see beyond my biases, my fears, and my personal issues. They keep me form being blind sided, make wisdom beyond my years and experience available, and know how to hear from the Holy Ghost and counsel me accordingly. Nothing means more to me in ministry than these precious men and their wise counsel. I know that their correction is for my benefit, and have learned to quickly heed it. I know their "suggestions" are often the voice of God speaking gently to me. These relationships have saved me untold wealth, kept me from serious error, and built in me an expectation of success in life and ministry.

The relationship we share with our disciples and mentors is to be one of love, devotion, and mutual benefit. We are the reason God put our mentors in our life, and we are the vehicle God wants to use to bless our disciples with success. I don't know how the situation here is going to end, but I know what the Father's heart is. I will continue to stay after it until the door is closed, and even then I will be praying and seeking reconciliation and restoration. Let's commit ourselves to covering these situations in prayer and work diligently to see God's kingdom advance.

To God be the glory!

Looking to the Future

2009-04-09T04:17:00.003-04:00

Life has a way of making you revisit your priorities and perspective on things. As Pastor Steve Kelly of the Wave Church has often said, "It is not about where we've been, but it is about where we're going." Too often we get caught up in the affairs of daily living and forget about the plan and purpose God has ordained. This loss of the big picture can leave us feeling like we are treading water.

Let me be clear, we need to keep the present in focus, the past in perspective, and the future in clear view to stay on track in our adventures in God.

^12–14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

^15–16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. - The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Philippians 3:12-16).

Our past is an important part of who we are, after all, it is what got us here. But the past can be either an anchor or a launchpad, and that is up to you. If you are constantly rehearsing past events, bitter over past hurts, or only able to revel over past victories, the past is your anchor. If, however, you look to the past for the testimony to the faithfulness of God, are spurred to compassion in the lives of others because of the hurt you have experienced, or take comfort from the blessings God has poured out on you knowing that it pales in comparison to what He has ahead of you, then the past can be your launchpad. It is your choice. Choose well. Choose life!

Our present can often be a distraction to mire us in cares and worries and deter our destiny. Bills, health problems, relationship issues, and such can steal our time, our motivation, and our resources. Whether it is nagging, chronic problems, looming, major challenges, or just the test of the mundane, we must not allow ourselves the luxury of getting caught up and entangled in the things that will deter our destiny. We can do anything, with the help of the Holy Ghost. Let's commit ourselves to living in such a way that the Father is proud to call us His children, focused and driven by His agenda, His dreams, and His plan for our lives.

Above all, we must never loose sight of the very reason for our being here in the first place - intimate, personal fellowship with the Father. No matter what our vision or dream, it is only as we are in all out pursuit of the Father that we will find fulfillment and satisfaction. No amount of money is enough to bring that, no amount of possessions, no career path, and certainly no earthly relationship apart from Christ can offer what it is that makes us feel like life is worth living in the long run. It is the hope that is before us, that we can have this relationship here and now and grow into an ever deepening, ever increasing, ever intensifying relationship with the Father that gives us hope for the future and a reason for getting up in the morning.

With the Father is all that we need. He has promised us abundant life. It is up to us to pursue Him with all that we are, shedding the things that hinder us along the way, and, as Paul so aptly says, "press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Run! Run like you have never run before! Run, and with every step know that around the next bend is a blessing waiting, over the next hill He has prepared a rest for you, and at the end is a prize that will cause all of the run to fade into the mist of the past as we revel in the reward of our destiny.

Our Thoughts Turn to Gardening

2009-03-26T22:13:00.004-04:00

With the onset of Spring the thoughts of many turn to gardening. Dirt to be tilled, seeds to be sown, and beds to be tended are all a part of our annual ritual. Each action with the anticipation of the end result.

A farmer friend and I were talking, discussing the vast amount of work that comes with the dawning of Spring. As our conversation progressed the many references to gardening in Scripture were brought up. I remember asking him about his take on the Parable of the Sower. His response took me a bit by surprise. "All ground can be good ground if you are willing to invest enough to prepare it."

Different plants require different care and feeding. One garden does not fit all, and thus we see different plants growing with different results. The acidic soil that gives peak potato performance will cause your spinach to under produce. What we do then is to adjust the pH to an average that will give the best overall results. We settle for less than the best in order to maximize the overall performance of the garden.

The Word shows that God views the Church much like a garden. Stones, weeds, fertilizer, and seeds all represent issues that we in the Church deal with on a daily basis. Unlike us, God seeks to move each of us into ideal conditions for growth. He wants us to be fed, watered and exposed to the light that will cause us to be the most fruitful we can be.

Unlike a backyard garden, we, the seeds of God's garden, get to have a say in which garden we will grow. Some of us just take which ever garden is most readily available no matter what it has to offer to support our growth. Others of us are part of a garden that is actually detrimental to our growth. A few of us are actually in the garden God wants us in and we can thrive in fruitful living.

If we can understand that the key to success in life and ministry is staying in proper perspective, keeping the end game in focus, we increase our chances of seeing destiny manifest. Just as seeds are planted and must be allowed to grow to the place of producing and ripening fruit, we need to stay connected to the life giving ministry of the Local Church until our mission has been fulfilled and our destiny reached. Like some plants, we may need to be repotted from time to time to allow us to continue to grow, but we should never fail to avail ourselves of the powerful, life-giving infusion of the Local Church.

²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Changing churches can be painful, but keep the end game in sight. It is all about being the most fruitful believer we can be.

No matter who you are, you need to be planted, rooted and grounded in a Local Church that gives you the best chance to reach your destiny.

Get a Move On

2009-03-10T10:41:00.002-04:00

I had a chance this week to help a friend in ministry move. He was not moving because he wanted to, but rather because he was forced to move. The church he had been pastoring fired him over what they felt were irreconcilable differences. You see, he actually expected those who were part of the leadership team to be in church more than once a month.

You and I may have trouble relating to this kind of a problem, but it is something that many pastors are faced with, the politics of church life. In a church where the pastor is not the final authority, which is more often than not, politics often decide the fate of those in ministry. Pastors are often kept distracted by the sniglets of church politics and are not free to pursue the call of God. The life of the church suffers, the pastor suffers, and the Body of Christ suffers as a result.

I never cease to be amazed at how many of my friends in ministry just quit and walk away. Call it frustration, burn out, or weariness, the fact of the matter is we lose those who have great potential and much to offer because, as one friend of mine put it, "sheep bite."

As you look at what is going on in your world, keep a proper perspective. The Bible says that pastors have two overriding priorities: prayer and the Word. (Acts 6:1-4) If the politics of church is getting you down, perhaps it is time to expand your team and delegate the things that distract you from your time with the Father and your ability to get a word in season for your church family. Remember, take care of yourself or you won't be able to take care of your church. Here's a great article that drives that point home. (http://www.pastorfinder.com/article.asp?article=Robert-Withers-Changing-Oil-Vacation-Re-creation)

If you are thinking of quitting, consider that you may just need someone to come along side you and encourage you. If you don't have anyone like that, call us, write us, email us, but don't let the devil steal your destiny. We are here to cheer you on to success and to see you become all God has called you to be. Don't wait; get a move on before you are forced to move on.

The Heart of Missions

2008-12-09T17:07:00.002-05:00

This week we had the pleasure of visiting with Jack and Audrey Hicks, missionaries and mentors to those in ministry. We enjoyed the services in their home church, Freedom Worship Center, and then went on to have a time of fellowship and sharing.

The Hicks' have served as pastors, missionaries, and mentors. As you sit and visit with them they quickly make their passion evident; they love people. Such is the heart of those who have been in the presence of the Father, who have found what God calls important, who share the values that mark out the reality of the Kingdom of God. They willingly set their own lives, careers, dreams, and fortunes at risk in order to see the will of God done in the earth.

Be it on the streets of Columbia or in the neighborhoods of their rural Pennsylvania community, Jack and Audrey are living to make the Name of God great among men by leading others into a personal, powerful relationship with Jesus Christ. Seeing people born again is not enough, Jack and Audrey are committed to seeing those they interact with walk out the life of the Kingdom here on earth.

Life is filled with choices. Jack and Audrey have chosen to live in fellowship and active agreement with God and His will for their life. They are changing the world, sometimes one life at a time. Whether here or abroad, the positive influence of these children of the living God are the kind of people we can all be proud to know, support, and emulate.

Well Said

2008-11-22T22:19:00.002-05:00

Each week I get an e-newsletter from a cherished friend in ministry. Pastors Virgil and Judy Stokes pastor Faith Christian Fellowship in Tucson, AZ. They have a real heart for missions that has resulted in an international impact that is worth emulating. Please take a minute to hear this word of encouragement.

Posted: Saturday, November 22, 2008

Building People of Substance for Works of Power

Thank God for you!

I went in for breakfast this morning and found Doña Maria Inez cooking eggs and chiles. The odor of fresh tortillas was in the air. We are in Nezahualcoyotl beginning the third day of a Bible School class: Sanidad Divina. It is normal for her to be preparing breakfast, but what made this morning different was she was wearing an overcoat and head scarf because of the cold. It has been chilly this trip, and in this humble Mexican home, there is no heat. Last night, shortly before class started at 6, I was about to open my mouth to complain about my numbed extremities when I looked up and saw the room filling with students. They were young and old, male and female, and all bundled up as they found seats in the stark concrete garage with double doors wide open for the cold breeze to blow in. Little kids played indoors dressed as if for a snowball fight. I had to shut my mouth and marvel that 20 to 30 precious people were coming to sit for 2-4 hours a day on hard wooden benches in the dimly lit cold because they want to grasp a Message of faith that has the promise of freedom to them and the ones they love.

There is the pastor from Guerrero who rides a donkey up a mountain to preach, then walks to a bus, then a train to get here. Once here he sleeps in an unheated room with no door because he wants to be a better shepherd. There are the pastors of 2 churches where we will speak tomorrow. There is 63 year old Don Roberto who will take us in the morning on his weekly 2 hour ride to another country church that he has started, and that is waiting for us to train a pastor for them. There are teens preparing for ministry, children’s teachers, evangelists, musicians, and youth leaders, all striving to grow. As we sit in our mostly padded pews this Sunday and enjoy the teaching of the Word over sound equipment oh-so-fine in auditoriums warm and comfy, it would be a good idea to utter a word of thanksgiving to the God who has entrusted us with such a precious commodity as this Word. Never forget the high value that others place on the Message we so frequently take for granted.

Scripture Reading: "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NKJV)

Somebody Said: "Some people are born on third base and go through life thinking they hit a triple." - Barry Switzer

It is a privilege to be able to work with you in finding ways to get this Message to places and people that otherwise could not hope to receive it. The sense of gratitude I have for what I have been given includes gratitude for each one who has teamed with us in the quest.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Pastor Virgil Stokes

www.fcftucson.org

Welcome to Pennsylvania

2008-11-15T19:42:00.002-05:00

Erie Pennsylvania has become home to a new pastor, a church pioneer, and a man whose love for God is only rivaled by his love for people. Phil Richiuso and his lovely wife Elaine have moved to Erie, PA, on the coast of one of America's Great Lakes, from the coastal pain of New Jersey. They are stepping out in faith to plant a new church with the Four Square Churches.

We have known Phil and Elaine for almost two decades. They have served in missions in Russia, Belarus, and other Soviet Block countries. They are strongly committed to missions and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

These two understand the role and power of the Local Church. They have faithfully served others, sown into the visions of those they served, and built the dreams of those who faithfully led them in the building of the Kingdom of God. Now it is their turn to lead.

If you get a chance, come out, join the team, become part of the family and see what God will do. Look out Erie, here comes the power of God!

Pastor Appreciation

2008-11-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

The Scriptures say, "How lovely on the mountains are the feet of them that bring good news." Have you ever looked at feet, ugly. Having been to nations where feet are subjected to rougher treatment than we have here, this statement takes on even greater irony. But I know how very precious those who preach the Gospel are.

Saturday night was our annual Pastor Appreciation Banquet where we had the chance to honor those who have stepped up to lead the church to the destiny God has for it. It can be a pretty thankless job, and I am always blessed to see people honor their pastor.

Pastors are people just like those they serve. They have the same challenges, fight the same battles, and are expected to get it exactly right every time. They don't, any more than you do. We, as the people they serve, need to get in behind them and make them a success.

Long-term Relationships

2008-11-06T19:04:00.002-05:00

This passed week we had the pleasure of sitting under the ministry of friends of 17 years, missionaries to Belgium and Europe. Steve and Karen Yohe always bring a word in season, but their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and willingness to yield to His leading makes them powerful ministers.

The Yohes have faithfully served in Belgium since just after we met them. They pioneered a church there and have based out of Belgium to do outreaches to Poland, Germany, and France. They have been an inspiration to many who have been privileged to sit under their ministry.

There is a lot to be said for faithfulness. In the face of adversity, trials, and challenges, they have stayed in faith, clung to what God has called them to do, the vision God has given them.

Steve and Karen have met the ultimate measure of success, they have obeyed God. The exciting part is, they are not done. The best is yet to come!

Confrontation

2008-10-29T23:50:00.002-04:00

What do you do when you run into a major point of contention in ministry? It is a difficult question because of the people who are affected by our service. Here are some basics to follow in navigating the hazards of strife.

First, is your issue addressed in the Word? The things in the Word are black and white. Either God allows and approves it or He doesn't. What God approves, we approve, and what God forbids we forbid. These things are non-negotiable. We cannot compromise, even if it means we offend people or run afoul of what is culturally accepted.

What if the Word is silent? I have yet to find an issue that is not addressed in the Word, so I have to say this is a question that comes for people looking for self justification.

Harder questions are found when they are based on relational and values differences. Just because we call ourselves Christian doesn't mean we truly measure up to the standards of what God calls Christian. These issues often cause us great stress and trouble.

Not everyone in the Church shares the same values. This isn't a new problem, and I imagine it is something that has existed as long as there has been flesh on the earth. Differing opinions of when a deviation from the truth becomes a lie, what constitutes theft, when not keeping one's word is acceptable, and so on. Often I have heard that I was not walking in love or forgiveness when I have been forced to confront such departure from the standard of the Word.

Paul gives us great insight in how to deal with such matters. He "calls a spade a spade" and reveals the biblical standard to which we must adhere, and held both the individuals and leadership accountable accordingly. He advocates private confrontation followed by a witnessed confrontation. If these do not produce repentance and a return to biblical standards, a public action is in order. As a last resort, an obvious extreme action, the offender was to be excluded from fellowship for the sake of the body.

Now understand, the goal of any confrontation is reconciliation and restoration. While we cannot guarantee that one who is in error will turn back to the truth, we must stay in position to restore those who do.

Don't be afraid of confrontation, but make certain you get it right. Approach every confrontation with prayer and discernment. Rely on the power and leading of the Holy Spirit to guide your actions in love and compassion. But, don't hesitate to confront the things that need to be addressed.

Let me give you an example. A minister is in financial difficulty and asks to borrow $100.00 dollars from you. In your compassion you loan him the money with the understanding that you will be repaid within 30 days. By the end of the month you have received $75.00, and the minister apologizes profusely and promises to make good on the debt within two weeks. It is the last you hear from him on the matter. What are you to do? If you immediately think forgiveness, I must ask, would you forgive it so easily if it was 100 times as much. The principle of integrity and faithfulness is the same. Even if you choose the course of forgiveness, you need to confront the offender. If you don't, you become complicit in the crime.

The biblical pattern of Matthew 18 now comes into play. 1. Go to the offender and confront him. Ideally, this is where repentance happens, the debt is paid, and all is well with the world. If not ... 2. Take a witness and once again confront the offender, presenting your case, and seeking reconciliation. Again, ideally, repentance is the result. If not ... 3. Take it before the church, that is, bring the issue before the local church to which this person is connected. This not only puts additional pressure on the offender, it gives more witnesses, gives more opportunity for discernment, and makes the Body aware of the problem. If that still does not result in a change in behavior and satisfaction of the debt, the next thing to do is to act to exclude the offender from fellowship until they repent and reconcile.

This can seem harsh, can result in additional problems, and can be costly, which may be why so many people don't bother. Ask yourself, do you love them enough to help them overcome their destructive and offensive behavior? Do you care enough to turn them from their hellish path?

We need to be committed to upholding God's measure of a man's character, God's standard of morality, and godly integrity. Together we can be a people of biblical values, of godly character, and of life God approves of. May we pay the price of integrity ans see God pour out His favor on the Church as a result.

Cheer Them On

2008-10-28T12:43:00.002-04:00

Some people in our lives just make our day. They are beacons of faith and hope in our world. When the turbulence of life becomes overwhelming, we look to them as the lighthouse of hope and find our way through the storm. For us, Cliff and Christie Graham (http://unisonharvest.com/) are just those kind of people.

Cliff and Christie are missionaries to the youth of the world. They design and build youth rooms in local churches, do youth conferences and camps internationally, and travel at breakneck speed around the globe for the sake of the Gospel. They deserve to be in the category of heroes for their tenacity in the face of adversity, their passion in the midst of an ambivalent world, and for their unwavering commitment to take the Good News of the Gospel to those who are shaping the future.

I have watched them go through things that would have sidelined the average minister and bankrupted the common believer, but not them. They clung to the truth of the Word, encouraged themselves in the faithfulness of God, and accomplished the impossible. We love them as if they are our own family, because they are. We have the same Father.

Pastors, believers, this is the kind of ministry that we should be supporting. No they aren't celebrities, they don't have a mega-church, they don't do the Christian TV circuit, but they are getting the job done, just doing what Jesus called us to do. If you get a chance, sit down with them, hear their heart, let them challenge you to a new level of faith, a new level of service, and a new perspective on what it means to take this Gospel to the nations.

Coastal Family Church

2008-10-27T16:56:00.002-04:00

We got the chance to meet the folks at Coastal Family Church face-to-face for the first time. (http://www.coastalfamilychurch.com/main.html) It was a time of encouragment in the Word and celebration in the Holy Ghost that made us feel right at home. Pastors Stephen and Tiffany are leading a group of people who are sold out to seeing the Gospel taken to all the world while changing their local community.

We couldn't help but feel like we had been at CFC before due to its similarity to our home church, Believers Fellowship Center. I found myself identifying individuals by the person who filled their role at BFC. What you may not know is that BFC is our home, the root we cling to to measure whether or not we are staying on track. They are the ones we identify with as family. To have CFC feel so closely like our home before we have had a chance to put down roots in the OBX is to have a tie to our new community via DNA that can only happen via the Holy Ghost. We look forward to what the future holds with these folks when we move.

If you get a chance to stop in or hear Pastor Stephen, jump on it. You will be blessed.

Wonderful Wave Conference

2008-10-27T15:41:00.002-04:00

We are just back from the Wave Conference in Virginia Beach. (http://wavechurch.com/index.aspx?parentnavigationid=1555) The conference featured great speakers and top of the line worship. We were so encouraged, not just by the word and the worship, but also by the fellowship with people from across the country and around the world. Speakers this year included:

Judah Smith (http://www.generationchurch.org/)
Joel Houston (http://www2.hillsong.com/default.asp)
Bayliss Conley (http://www.cottonwood.org/)
Chris Hill (http://www.chrishill.org/main.htm)
Mark Crow (http://www.victorychurch.tv/p/5949/Default.aspx)
Steve Kelly (http://wavechurch.com/index.aspx?parentnavigationid=1555)
Scott Wilson
AND MORE!

Three cheers to Pastors Steve and Sharon Kelly and their team for a job well done on putting together a great conference in their new facility. I know there were challenges, but you did a fantastic job.

Pastors Steve and Sharon have been providing leadership in Virginia Beach for ten years. They have taken a wounded church, brought healing and infused it with life through sharing a vision that is bigger than this church has ever been. They didn't stop with the vision, they have gone on to build a team that has provided the leadership that it has taken to lift this church to greatness. I like something Pastor Steve said this week. "Don't try and build a great church, build great people. A great church is the fruit of great people."

Having been in lots of churches over the course of the past year, it was a refreshing time to be back at the Wave Church. They are friends and families to us and always make our visit full of life and encouragement.

I would invite you to make plans now for next year's Wave Conference. It well be held August 5-7, 2009. You can register now by calling (757)481-5005. See you there!

What Makes A Church Worthwhile?

2008-10-13T07:31:00.003-04:00

My wife and I were talking yesterday about what it is that keeps people hooked up to a church. If you know us you might not be surprised that we have very differing views on many subjects, Lynn being a "Purple" person and me being "Crimson Red," but on this we have agreement. People hook up with a church that touches their deepest needs, the needs of the inner man.

My mother-in-law feels the need to be brow beaten and told what a sinner she is, thus she is drawn to those who preach a fiery message of damnation and judgment. My brother is eagerly anticipating the end of the world and is drawn to those who claim a special prophetic anointing. I myself am drawn to those who preach "the whole counsel of God", that is, the Bible "from Genesis to Maps" as my pastor used to say. I want practical Christian teaching for practical Christian living.

I was listening to Joel Osteen the other day and realized what it is that draws tens of thousands to his church. Joel is an encourager, a cheerleader of champions. After being under his ministry you feel like you can take on the devil, overcome temptation, and even walk on water if the need arose. Isn't this what church is about? Anyone can tell you you're a sinner, and it wouldn't even be a revelation. All have sinned, and all know it. The question is, who can give you a cure and lead you out to victorious Christian living?

Sometimes I come out of a service and wonder why people go to the church I just visited? The pastor may say what the Bible says, but he says it with condemnation or condescension and you come away feeling depressed, beat down, and defeated. Another minister can say the same thing with a different attitude and bring you to the place where you feel like you can overcome, be victorious, and live the life God intended. Pastors, which message are you preaching?

I have come to really enjoy the ministry of Keith Moore. (www.moorelifeministries.org) He doesn't mince words when talking about sin, but he gives you what you need to beat it. When I get to preach, that is my goal as well. I like hanging out with people like this, people who build up, lift up, and encourage from a genuine heart of love and compassion. To me, these are the real world changers.

How does Jesus fit into all this? I'm glad you asked! If you look at the ministry of Jesus you see Him dealing with three groups: unbelievers, the "traditional" church, and His disciples. The only people he is consistently hard on is the "traditional" church. They were supposed to be the ones giving people what they needed, and instead were blocking people's access to God and keeping them down and depressed. Jesus gave the masses clear teaching that inspired them to rise to a level that was foreign to them, a level that was far above where they lived, but not unattainable. He called on them to become what God had created them to be in the first place. His disciples got a powerful look at both the teaching and how to walk it out as they lived with Jesus day in and day out. Now it is our turn.

Pastors, be the beacon of hope to your sheep. Take your staff to a place of transparency where they can see you walk out the principles you are teaching. Build into your church a culture that sees those who are unbelievers as people worth pursuing. Go out where they are and let them know what God has for them. Let them hear the "Good News" that gives them hope and draws them to levels of life that they have never known before. And, oh yes, take a stand against anything in religion that blocks access to the presence, love, and blessing of the Father. Remember, Jesus died to give us free and unfettered access, don't be trying to rehang the veil that keeps people from God. We need not not compromise the message, after all, the whole earth is "groaning in eager expectation waiting for the sons of God to be revealed." You are the hope and inspiration of a world out of control. They are looking for your leadership, go get 'em!

Feasting in the Midst of Famine

2008-09-26T11:40:00.002-04:00

Psalm 37 says of the righteous, "In the midst of famine, they shall have plenty." It is a word of promise that should be comforting in these turbulent financial times. When we listen to the news and talking heads we can grow increasingly anxious over what will happen in the future. What we should be doing is giving thanks to God.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6 NKJV

You see, you may have no control over the circumstances or how they will affect your daily living, but you can control what you think about, what you feed on. If you feed on things that make you worry, anxiety will be the dominant force in your life.

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes him glad." Prov. 12:25 NKJV

While the world is experiencing a feeding frenzy and seems to almost be craving a new Great Depression, that should not be the dream or outcome of the believer. But, unless you are following God's Word and plan, you will be right there with the world when the house of cards all comes crashing down. Like finances, your end will be determined by what you invest. Lots of adages spring to mind, but let it suffice to say, your thought life will determine your direction, thus you need to make sure you think about the right things.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." Phil. 4:8 NKJV

Doesn't sound much like the evening news, does it? This doesn't mean you can't watch the news, but it should not be allowed to dominate your thought life. If you are going to overcome the circumstances of life in the natural world, you are going to have to learn how to tap into the supernatural so that miraculous things happen in your life. This is not just for you, but so that you can be a blessing to others.

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:3-5 NKJV

Remember, "you are what you eat," and if your diet is 24 hour news channels, it is likely you will be filled with anxiety and depression. But, if you feed on the faithfulness of God, His power, resources, and willingness to get involved in your life will be the thing that springs to the forefront of your mind. Remember Sarah? Past menopause, a geriatric, and married to a guy pushing 100, she is supposed to be giving birth to the family of faith and the nation of Israel. How did she overcome her circumstance to become a blessing?

"By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised." Heb. 11:11 NKJV

You see, miraculous things happen when you let your thought life rise to the level of God's realm. Just like Sarah, when you feed on His faithfulness the impossibility of your circumstance becomes no more than one more opportunity for God to act on your behalf. Then, in the midst of global famine, economic destitution, or international pandemic, you have an answer that supercedes everything available to those in the world. If you will be what God has made you to be, if you will draw on the supernatural resources available to all who believe, if you will be a real Christian, a real believer, then you will have help for those in need and hope for those who are without. You are the answer to the problem!

So Much To Do, So Little Time

2008-09-22T17:03:00.002-04:00

We get so busy in ministry, have you noticed? A service here, a meeting there, one to visit and another to counsel, sometimes it is difficult to keep it all in perspective. As I travel I am reminded that there is more to this world than the little part of it I inhabit. What a healthy revelation!

With the hurricanes and flooding in Galveston, how many Americans will forget the Haitians that have no food or shelter or place to go? How many people will fill their fuel tanks for winter and forget those displaced by the war in Georgia? They say the news cycle has been compressed to about 36 hours. Once a headline has dropped from the screen it will quickly be forgotten. How sad if we can be so easily "pushed by the wind and tossed." Pastor, here is your chance to shine. You can keep the perspective by keeping God's heart in front of the people.

What God cares about is PEOPLE. In the race for President, God cares about people's eternal condition as well as their temporal state. In the midst of the storm, He is still aware of every windblown hair on their head. I have always loved Jeremiah 29:11.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

What encouragement we can draw from His words, but only if we have those who will come along side us and speak them into our lives. Are you being a cheerleader for those around you?

Tuesday I was in Huntington, WV for the New Life Church (http://www.nlconline.org) Campmeeting. What a wonderful time, a refreshing time, a time of inspiration and encouragement. As Brother Mark Hankins ministered, I heard the Holy Ghost speak inside me and say,

"Where you are is the starting point, not the end. This is not a stop along the way. On this journey there is no reverse so let's get on with what is ahead."

It speaks to my heart and stirs in me a desire to finish the race set before me. It should also be a word to each of us that reminds us that there is lots more to what is going on than what we have experienced. As Rev. Jim Kaseman said recently,

"We need to focus on what God has commissioned us to do - reach the lost, train disciples - and know that God will supply everything we need to get the job done."

Let's not loose sight of our goal, not be distracted by the cares of this world, not be led astray by the circumstances that face us, but rather, let us rise with each new day and press on in our destiny to see the will of the Father done in the earth.

What keeps you in church?

2008-09-08T22:57:00.003-04:00

As you may know, we travel around a great deal visiting churches of all kinds. This week we were back with friends at Pittsburgh East. The worship is, as always, tremendous. The sermon was great. The "Kids Stuff" presentation was powerful and inspiring. After such a good day, I found myself pondering, what is it that keeps us coming back to a church.

We will tolerate mediocre preaching, children's ministry that is lacking, and off key music as long as we don't have them all at the same time. But, we will tolerate a mediocre service IF the thing that makes church valuable for us is present.

Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another." A church where you know or at least feel you are loved is a church where you will find it easy to "stick."

I see this at PECC. These are people who genuinely care for each other. They love their pastors, cheer their membership, and seem like one big extended family. It doesn't take very long to feel the love here. Youth loving on the little guys, staff loving on "the sheep", congregation loving on the Father, ... you get the picture.

As I took in all that was going on around me, I thought, "I could be part of this church." Apparently, others feel the same way. The church is growing, the community is noticing, and the city of Pittsburgh will never be the same.

Three cheers to Pastor Lee and his staff, to all those who give of themselves in ministry, and to those who make up PECC for building a church that is salt and light in the Pittsburgh area.

Getting the Job Done

2008-08-08T12:05:00.002-04:00

Many ministries talk a great line about what they claim to be doing or what they have planned for the future. Not unlike those in the business world, we have big dreams and hope for future success. Sometimes what is accomplished is somewhat less than what we dream, but we keep putting on a good face and pressing forward. That is laudable, and I try to encourage those who are pressing on to their destiny.

While some ministries don't measure up to their advertising, I want to introduce you to one that exceeds what you would expect from reading their materials. Robert Dunphy is a man who walks in a genuine New Testament anointing. His outreach, Robert Dunphy Ministries, Inc. (http://www.bobdunphy.org/ or http://www.robertdunphyministries.org/) is an internationally impacting ministry.

I have had the pleasure of seeing first hand what the ministry is doing in Burkina Faso, West Africa, been present in services where Br. Dunphy has ministered in the US, and seen the changes in people who have benefited from Br. Bob's submission to the Father's leading.

Reports from Africa include four people raised from the dead, yes, certified to have been dead and raised to life when either Bob or one of his staff have prayed for them. Also reported are hundreds of people receiving deliverance from demon possession. These people were literally chained to trees to control their destructive and extreme behavior. Some delivered with just a word, others with great struggle, but all who have been brought have been set free as either Bob or one of those he has trained have come to the aid of those in need. Add to this the hundreds who have been healed of various diseases or injuries and the thousands who have received Christ as their Lord and Savior and you have a wonderful story that reads much like the Book of Acts.

Back in the states people are experiencing the same impact on their lives in the reports are being shared. One woman who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable form of lung cancer, was certified to have been completely headed when Br. Bob laid his hands on her. This is typical of the services that happen here in the States. Blind eyes opened, cancer gone, blood disorders disappear, AIDS completely healed, and more. This is a ministry that restores hope in the preaching of the power of God on behalf of men.

Now, as if that is not enough, there is another side of this ministry that you need to know about. RDM also is the overseeing body for Child's Hope, an outreach which supplies the needs of thousands of orphans across Burkina. In addition, they are building orphanages, schools, and clinics to meet the needs of a nation marked by poverty and death. They support more than 1,200 widows and 300 pastors and are building a strong Christian community in an Islamic nation.

If you would like to be a partner with a ministry that has such great success and impact, you can get more information by contacting their offices.

http://www.bobdunphy.org/ or http://www.robertdunphyministries.org/

Stepping Up to the Plate

2008-08-06T18:42:00.004-04:00

Step Up ... Step Out!

I had a wonderful visit by phone with a friend down south. I was thrilled with his excitement, exhuberance, and abandon in celebrating what God is doing in his part of the world. He has seen that numbers are no indication of success, but rather, it is when the people we serve are inspired to a greater hunger, a deeper intimacy for the Father that we are truly successful. He is seeing his church rise to a desire to see the manifest presence of God in every service, not so they can get their goosebumps going, but so that the needs of people can be met. What a wonderful spirit has descended on the house and God is getting all the glory.

Shortly we will be making our move south, finally. I am excited as we move to see the level of expectation and ministry for the area we are moving to. I miss preaching, but I love being part of what God is doing through the Local Church.

What about you? Are you excited to be part of what God is doing in your community? Are you willing to be the vehicle of His anointing that breaks every yoke? Will you be the Father's point of contact here on the earth for those who desperately need His touch? Rise up! Be what He has made you to be in the first place, the expression of His image and likeness. Go out where the people are and make a difference. Let those who know you see Him. They are waiting for you!

Christopher Laurie Moved to Heaven

2008-08-02T23:19:00.004-04:00

Please pray for the family of Christopher Laurie, son of Pastor Greg Laurie. Christopher died in an auto accident leaving a pregnant wife, Brittany, and beautiful little girl, Stella. Oh that the Father would be their comfort and strength.

2008 has been a very tough year for us and for those who are our friends in ministry. I have lost so many friends and family that I don't want to go to one more funeral or memorial service this year.

How does one justify the losses of those who are righteous, those who are innocent, those with so much life to look forward to, and those who are taken from us far too soon? Teh reality is, you cannot. A beautiful, vibrant, and dedicated young woman taken on a country road in the dark of night, why? A darling and precious little girl taken in the middle of the night, how could this happen? A dear friend lost to us at the tender age of sixty-something, how could he go so young? Babies lost, friends passing, loved ones ... how can we make sense of it all? The reality is, you cannot. We have such a fragile existence, and it can so quickly gone, but we do not always keep the reality in perspective.

Two things stand out as I pray over such events, asking God for the insight and wisdom to deal with these tragedies. First, life happens. So much of what goes on is not a product of God's actions or the devil's diabolic plots. It is just life. We make bad decisions, take bad actions, and leave so much open to failure, all because we just didn't think or listen or obey like we should. Additionally, we have a real enemy who is out to steal from us, to kill us, and to wipe all memory of us out of existence. If we give him an opening, he'll exploit it. Don't let this be true of you.

Together we press on and get through the hard times, thank God. This is what the family of God is for, why we meet together, pledge ourselves to one another, and stand in intercession for our brothers and sisters. We need each other.

Building the Kingdom, One Friend at a Time

2008-07-14T21:30:00.005-04:00

I spend lots of time on the road traveling to meet with those who are on the front lines of ministry. Some of those who I meet are purely by divine appointment are the most wonderful stories to hear. That was the case with my recent trip to Tulsa, OK.

Ministers all start somewhere, and Dave is just at the entrance ramp to ministry. As a student in his second year of bible school, Dave is learning what it means to flow in the gifting God has put on his life. I love talking to those whose level of anticipation and excitement about ministry is so fresh and encouraging.

Dave is experiencing the tangible leading and empowerment of the Spirit of God. He sees the vision of the ministry ahead of him and cannot wait to get going. He is investing himself in school, learning all he can. He has his values and priorities in order and will be a great man of God.

As one committed to the success of those in ministry, I love meeting people like Dave. They remind me of why the call of God is so powerful. They renew in me the excitement of following God in the course of daily life and ministry.

Those of you who have proteges coming up under your ministry, do all that you can to foster their excitement and encourage their vocation. The Father is seeking to use them, and your investment in them will not be in vain.

As for Dave, we will be praying for him on a regular basis, encouraging him every chance we get, and tracking his progress in ministry. What a great opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in the earth.

The Value of a Local Church

2008-05-04T21:35:00.004-04:00

Since I got saved I have always been part of a Local Church. I haven't always appreciated the value of these relationships, but I have always valued them.

So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out.
Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his
word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not
avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially
as we see the big Day approaching.
Peterson, E. H. (2003). The Message : The Bible in contemporary
language (Heb 10:22-25). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.

You see, we need each other. We have so much that is of value to one another, so much to make our brothers and sisters a success in living the Christian life. We need those who come along side to cheer us on, to encourage us, to build one another up, and to help each other realize our destiny together. We need to be speaking into one another's lives, sharing the truth that produces faith, and letting God speak through us. No, we are not all called to pulpit ministry, but Jesus did call us all to preach.

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature."
The New King James Version. 1982 (Mk 16:15). Nashville: Thomas
Nelson.

As we think about this we are often intimidated, but the truth is we don't need to come up with some rehearsed speech or clever argument, but rather, we need do nothing more than share the reality of what the Lord has done in our lives. We are here to share the Good News!

Good news, the healing God promised is real, I know because He has healed me of my sickness and disease.
Good news, God answers prayer, I know because He answers my prayers.
Good news, you can have peace in the midst of your turmoil, I know because He has given me the peace that passes all understanding.
Good news, God will set you free, I know you can have it, because I have been set free.
Good news, I know how you can have a sense of security that will keep you on top of any and every situation, I know because He has given me the safety and security that has changed my world.
Good news, God has a plan for your life, a plan to give you so much blessing, so many good things that you haven't even begun to imagine, I know because I am walking out HIs plan for me and am overwhelmed by His goodness.
God loves you, God wants to have an intimate personal friendship with you, to make you part of His family, and that is the best news of all.

Let us not forget how we got into the kingdom. Someone cared enough to tell us about the good news, to share with us what had become reality to them. As a result of what they "preached" to us, we joined God's family and now have a life that we could only have dreamed about before we met Christ.

This is what we, the Local Church, do. Then we join as members of the same family, gather to encourage one another, gather to disciple one another, and gather to make one another a success in following after God with all our hearts.

Wonderful Inroduction to TNT Church, NJ

2008-04-28T18:41:00.003-04:00

We had the wonderful experience of meeting another part of the church family this week as we visited the New Testament Church of Mt. Olive, NJ. Pastors Bonnie and Arlo made us feel welcome and at home, and Rev. Phil Richiuso brought a message of hope and encouragement entitled "So You Want To Go Fishing."

New Testament Church (http://www.tntchurchnj.com/) is a Four Square Church. (http://www.foursquare.org/) This local church is very much in touch with their local community and ready to walk into a strong future. They have a great facility, an anointed worship team, and a committed staff. The congregation welcomes visitors with warm open arms and let's you know how valuable they feel you are.

TNTC has a contemporary worship style and Pastor Bonnie preaches the Word without apology.

If you are in the Mt. Olive area and looking for a church home, check out TNTC, you may find it to be all that you are looking for.

AFCM Overnighter

2008-04-28T18:22:00.003-04:00

April 24/25 we had the joy of gathering with other members of AFCM for the Northeast Regional Overnighter with our founders, Jim and Kathleen Kaseman. (http://afcminternational.org/) It was a refreshing time of fellowship and impartation as we spent precious time together in fellowship around the Word. Br. Kaseman not only shared his heart for the future of AFCM, but he also brought some clear direction from the heart of God about dealing with false doctrine and regarding the next move of God that has already begun. While some people would shy away from "controversy" our leadership has met it head on and given us solid biblical counsel on each and every issue.

During this gathering we were able to renew old friendships, catch up with distant friends, and meet new folks. The Lord said, "It isn't good for man to be alone," and it is so easy to see the value of our friendship. We are not alone in our challenges and should not celebrate our victories alone either. We need each other.

Let me give a shout out for our Regional Director, Pastor Lowell MacDonald. He and his lovely wife Joan have done a great job of leading our region and give us a wonderful example of how to live with integrity and honor as ministers. We love you guys and pray for you daily.

Our thanks to Dr. and Kathleen Kaseman. Without your vision and encouragement we would truly be adrift. Thanks for being consistent and stable in your leadership, committed in the value you place on the Word, and your example of generosity to which we can rise in faith. You are in our hearts and prayers as you go forward in what God has called you to do.

Beware False Doctrine

2008-04-22T14:56:00.003-04:00

As we travel and interact with others in ministry, I am at times distressed by those who espouse positions and doctrines that fly in the face of the whole of the Scriptures. As you know, by "cherry picking" verses, you can make the Bible support any position you choose. BUT, those who honestly hold the Scriptures in total to be the full expression of the Father's heart cannot tolerate pet doctrines.

In a recent visit I was exposed to more false doctine in one hour than I did in all of the years before I came to Christ. How sad to have a congregation that is subjected to such teaching. I feel sad for the sheep in that most of them not only won't dig in to find the truth for themselves, but they are ill equipped to know how to discover the truth through study. While I trust the Holy Ghost to guide believers into the truth, I am aware of Paul's words to the Galations about being "bewitched." Those who have not been exposed to solid teaching will trust the leadership to take them in the right direction, and we who lead will be judged accordingly.

I remind you leaders to be certain that you are teaching the truth as revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Make certain that you are not just teaching some doctrine you learned but have not studied out for yourself.

I remind those of you who are in the pews, 2 Timothy 2:15 was written to you. "Study to show yourself approved ..."

Finally, I remind you that we are all to be submitted to one another, keeping each other acountable, keeping each other on track.

For more information on the things I'm running into, see my posts at http://faithprevails.org/HotTopics.dsp -OR- http://murphygang.netforums.us/viewforum.php?f=24

Think About It

2008-03-16T23:54:00.003-04:00

Have you ever thought about what you would change about how someone else does things? I think we all do that. But as we go through life, we should be sensitive to the things other people see in our lives. We should be open to the things in our lives that might need to change. As pastors we should be aware of the truth of an old adage, "As goes the head, so goes the body."

Where are you leading your flock? Are you so tied to the past that your still only singing stuff from the 70's? You see, if you aren't able to change with the times, neither will your church. How often have I heard pastors complain that their young people are leaving in droves, but is that because we are anchored to the past and can't find a way to relate to them?

I am amazed by the Hillsongs Church and how well they do church. Their congregation is huge and has a wonderful cross-section of age groups. It is nothing to see senior citizens worshiping side-by-side with teens, to see singles and marrieds shoulder to shoulder. Their worship is so rich and moving, and not at the expense of the past, to the contrary, you'll hear hymns and old choruses mixed with brand new expressions of worship. True, the older stuff may have a new arrangement, but you know all the words. And they are changing their world.

I'm not here to dictate how you should do church, but let me encourage you to be courageous in the face of change. Let your past be a launchpad for the ministry you have today. Remember, were are enjoined to hold fast to the good, and just because it provokes a memory or a feeling doesn't make it good. What God is doing, that is what is good. Get in there and do it with Him.

What is a friend worth?

2008-03-12T09:31:00.004-04:00

Life has a way of teaching us things that we might miss otherwise.

This past weekend we had the chance to visit with friends who pastor St. John's Church (http://www.saintjohnschurch.us/) in Grantsville, MD. St Johns is a traditional church with some contemporary crossover elements. The pastors, Jerry and Judi Rogers, have been dear friends of ours for years and have served in three different pastorates since we have known them.

I am reminded by my visit of how vitally important these two precious people have been to our lives. At a time when I was ready to leave the ministry it was Jerry who came along side and encouraged me in my calling and vision. Where we were hurting, they brought healing, and I couldn't be more grateful. After their ministry to us we went on to pioneer Household of Faith and saw 16 wonderful years of success.

Jerry and Judi are great pastors. You cannot be in their presence without knowing that you are loved and that they place a high value on you. No matter where you fit in the body, they always have a place for you. It is obvious that they have what it takes to build a strong church, look at what they have accomplished.

Jerry comes from a sordid and corrupt past, no stranger to the vices of men. Judi's background is as pure as Jerry's is corrupt. It took a miracle to bring them together and make them the successful team that today set such a wonderful example for the flock they lead and the ministers around them. It isn't that they don't have problems, flaws, or failings, it is just that they have shown how to handle them with God. These two are in my book of heroes, and I encourage you to let them be an example of what it means to follow God.

The life lesson here: friends are of inestimable value, cherish them.

If you are in the Grantsville area stop by St. Johns and enjoy the worship, the solid biblical teaching, and inspiring leadership of Jerry and Judi Rogers. You will be blessed.

What are you doing to make the neighborhood better?

2008-03-05T00:13:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking more about what God has done in many of the churches I have been visiting lately. Several are good sized, healthy, and prosperous. Many others are small churches where the lives of people are so entwined that church and family are one in the same. They have great vision, but little resource to work with. As I think about my own experience as Pastor, I realize that most of these pastors are just like me. They work hard, invest themselves in building relationships and pulling the team together to build the vision God has given them. They aren't asking for help and would likely be shocked if it was offered. But shouldn't we be helping each other?

Hebrews 10 says, "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together ... let us consider one another ... provoking one another to love and good works." We are supposed to be on the same winning team. We are supposed to be headed for the same goal, to bring people into the Kingdom. There is no need for competition, no room for shutting each other out, and a clear mandate from our Lord to contribute to one another's success. Are we?

Pastor, who are you helping succeed, not just inside your four walls? Whose vision are you helping bring to manifestation? Who sees you as a partner for their success and feels teamed together with you? Remember, "Two are better than one, ... and a threefold cord is not easily broken." We can do more together than we can ever do alone. Let's take time to "consider one another," be proactive, and, TOGETHER, change our world.

"...and be thankful."

2008-03-03T22:01:00.002-05:00

Over and over we are enjoined to be thankful by the Word. We have so much to be thankful for, and yet we seem so negligent at times. Let me see if I can make up for lost time.

I am so thankful that God gave me time and opportunity to meet Christ and learn to love Him.
I am thankful that the grace of God gave me a wonderful wife and five kids I am proud to brag on.
I am forever grateful for the great men of God who have invested themselves in my destiny. Br. Nat Saginario - who gave us the opportunity to discover and then answer the call of God on our lives; Pastor Wayne Elston - who had enough security in his calling to share his pulpit and classrooms with those of us God sent across his path; Lowell MacDonald - a friend, mentor, and encourager.
My heart swells with joy at the thought of the likes of Kenneth E. Hagin, Billy Graham, Charles Stanley, AW Tozer, FF Bosworth, and other great fathers of faith whose insight into the Word and ability to communicate the heart of the Father have changed my life.
I am unable to express my gratitude to all of the ministers who have shared the Word at conferences, services, and gatherings. Peers, students, teachers, and so many more that I cannot begin to list.

The Lord is so good to me, I only hope that He will use me to be good to someone else.

What about you? Who are you investing in? Who are you helping become a success? May our success, all that we have learned, and all that God has done in us become the stepping stones to other's success.

Check Out Pittsburgh East

2008-03-02T20:40:00.003-05:00

We had a great first time visit at Pittsburgh East Community Church.

Pittsburgh East was founded in 1976 as a Bible study by Pastor Lee Kichner. It has grown into a wonderful and dynamic fellowship that is changing the face of Pittsburgh.

Today's service was typical of what you will find at Pittsburgh East. The worship was amazing, the word was powerful, and the congregation made us feel right at home. The church shows the power of vision and what can be accomplished when people work together in agreement.

The way they have designed the Children's Ministry area is really creative and reflects a connection to the local community. The whole wing is done in a Main Street theme with a Post Office, hardware store, candy store, community center and "Savings and Trust." The Children's Auditorium is done in a movie theater theme outside and stage theater theme inside. The outside is decked with posters that are parody's of popular movies in Gospel remakes. It was quite impressive and professional in every respect.

At Pittsburgh East you will find an alive and vital ministry to young people who have outgrown "The Underground" and are impacting their community. Though the congregation is large, they maintain a close knit community through "xcel" Groups which meet inside and outside the church building. Couples with young children find the freedom to be part of xcel through the ministry of xcel.central at the church. Childcare is provided during their xcel group meeting. The strength and vitality of this congregation says what they are doing is working!

Check out their web site, and, if you are in the area, stop in.
http://www.pittsburgheast.com/flash/index.html

You Are Not Alone

2008-02-29T17:33:00.002-05:00

From the insightful pen of my friend, Pastor Virgil Stokes:

"I thank God that I am not alone in this world. I am hopelessly unqualified to survive without help. Last week I was in Panama City. While there, I rented a car and drove to various destinations. Left to my own devices, the only place I know how to find is Pastor Vicente’s house and that is only if I start from the airport. Fortunately, Vicente was with me everywhere else I had to go. We are a team. I let him know that I was totally lost, so he had to let me know what lane to get in and warn me ahead of time if I needed to turn. We negotiated many fascinating situations. Going over one bridge, we came to a traffic circle. Vicente warned that I needed to turn right at the third opportunity. He let me know that drivers from the first 2 entrances would be barging in, and then at the last minute I should watch my left side, as others would be swerving in front of me to make the same turn I was going for. He described the situation very accurately, and with great fear, trembling, and angelic intervention we negotiated the turn - vehicles parting before us just like the sea in Exodus. Arriving downtown, we drove down a relatively calm 2-way street. “Turn left here,” he said. I did so, then was admonished, “Stay to the left, stay to the left. This street you drive on the left.” “Oh, a one-way, I suppose.” “No. For this one block, all traffic drives on the left.” To confirm this I looked up and noted oncoming traffic passing to my right. Question: Did I miss a sign. Answer: No. This is the only drive-to-the-left street in Panama. It lasts only one block, and there is no sign. You just have to know. Thank God for a friend in the car who knows!

"As we proceed through life and ministry, we need a friend who knows - one who can foresee difficulties and warn us of odd situations coming up. As ministers, we know some things about the Word. We may have some training or background in business, or administration, or whatever. Doing the daily work of ministry, however, requires more than knowing some information, or even than having great skills and talents. Real life is full of interesting problems and pitfalls, not just unforeseen, but unforeseeable. For this reason, our education must include the opportunity to get some real experience, to get dirty, to make mistakes, and to hear God in the trenches. Every real-life project has adjustments to be made on the move. We need to know how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit who is always with us. He knows the plans and devices of our enemy. He goes before us in both time and space to spy out the landscape and warn us if the road changes. Our job is to stay alert, keep our ears open, and trust the direction we receive. If I had to give one word of advice to those starting out in ministry it would have to be, 'You are not alone. Don’t try to do it alone. Learn to slow down and pay attention to the oh-so-quiet direction of the Spirit in your heart.'”

Scripture Reading: Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12 NKJV)

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Said: People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,but when the darkness sets in,their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

"In the midst of every situation, be it the crush of apparent failure, the condemnation of friends, or just good old self-flagellation and self-centered fear, we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Hearing and obeying God separate success from failure, deliverance from disaster, and joy from despair. We are not alone."

Good Word, brother!

Who Is Your Support

2008-02-28T22:13:00.004-05:00

For those of us in ministry it can be a lonely walk. Sometimes we feel like we are all alone, we are the modern day Elijah on the mountainside. We feel alone, isolated, and in fear of our future. But! ... like Elijah, we often have no clue about those who are faithfully walking out the call of God on their lives and bringing the plan of God to fruition. We need friends of like precious faith, people who understand where we are coming from, those who share our passion and conviction. But where are they?

The Bible is clear, "He who would have friends must show himself friendly." (Prov. 18:24a) Who are your friends? Who do you have that you can trust to talk to you frankly and openly? Who can you turn to when things aren't going the way you think they should? You need friends.

We are counseled not to get too close to those we serve, think about that for a minute. We may be part of a ministerial fellowship, but how often do we actually spend time with those "friends," how close are we to them, really? We need someone we can get together with over coffee, share breakfast with at the drop of a hat, or go for a walk with to just get things off our chest.

Pastors are notorious for running off with their secretaries, but why are we surprised? We isolate them in ivory towers, put pressure on their families and hold them to unrealistic expectations. They turn to someone they feel they can talk to, a secretary, choir director, or other staff member who has shown they care and listen to their hurting heart. Before they realize, they are in a boat that is being tossed, turned and going down. The thing that was supposed to be their "salvation" becomes their destruction. The pain of isolation turns into the pain of destruction. And it all could have been avoided if they just had a real friend.

My best friend in ministry is a wonderful man of God named Jerry Rogers. He is a real friend. He can listen to my whining and tell me what a baby I am. He cries with me in my suffering, laughs with me in my joy, and celebrates my victories. I know he is praying for me in my trials. And you can be sure, I'm not going to run off to the Bahamas with him! He is my friend, and that is worth more than anything I own or dream of possessing. His support has saved my life; that is a bit extreme, but it is because of Jerry that I am still in ministry.

Who do you have? Who can God speak through to change your life?

At the church I pastored last I broke the rules; I let the men of our church into my life. I let myself be open and honest with them. I chose to let them see that I have problems and how I dealt with them. In turn, I had a church like nothing I have ever experienced before. Our men became the spiritual leaders of their homes, the leaders and teachers in our church, and a strong influence for the Kingdom of God in our community. They have been my friends, my lifeline, my help in time of trouble. We are family, some have found the ties here have become stronger than the blood ties that brought them to earth.

Who do you have; who's your friend?

The Barnabas Project exists to be friends to those in ministry. We reach out to you to champion your success in life, your success in ministry, and your success in fulfilling the plan of God for your life. But we can only do so much. Reach out to someone close by, be a friend, and get someone involved in your life that will help you be what God called you to be. Chose carefully, follow the leading of the Holy Ghost, and maintain your integrity. Success is yours!

Men Make A Difference

2008-02-27T22:05:00.002-05:00

For years while I was growing up I thought men didn't go to church unless they had to. Men were not leaders, were not teachers, and did not get involved. How refreshing it is to see men get involved and become what God has called them to be.

Pastors, go after your men. They are looking for someone who will challenge them to rise to what it means to be a real man. Jesus called 12 men to join Him in fulfilling the plan of God. They were real men, hard working and able to make a difference. 11 of those men went on to change the world.

You may need to change the way you do things, and become more of a leader, but it will be worth it. You may need to invest yourself in things you wouldn't normally be interested in, but it will be worth it. You may have to watch a race, shoot a gun, bait a hook, or don a hard hat, but it will be worth it.

God appreciates what it means to be a man, it was He who challenged Job to "quit yourself like a man." Now it is our turn to lead this generation of men into a personal, practical, powerful relationship with the Father.

Stay Ready

2008-02-22T18:10:00.002-05:00

I remember being in a sales meeting years ago and hearing Zig Ziglar say, "You are going to spend a lot more time dead than you are alive, make your plans accordingly." It wasn't a Christian meeting, but he was not ashamed to address the issue of our mortality. I want to echo that today, be ready, stay ready, and leave this earth with no regrets.

It seems I have heard of way too many people who have died recently. Dear friends of ours lost their little one year old daughter, My grandmother lost her sister, and today I got word of the loss of another dear friend. I really got sown over the loss of little Lauren. A precious life stolen in the night, it just isn't right. I was less moved by Aunt Sis's passing, after all, she was in her 80's, had lived a full life, and had set under the preaching of the Gospel for her whole life. Today's news, while sad, is not a defeat. My friend Jim was a champion in faith. I watched him beat cancer, not once, but twice. He was alive and vibrant, active in his church, and an unapologetic witness for our Lord. I will miss having breakfast with him, will miss his encouragement, and will likely long for his childlike hunger for the things of God. I know he is with Jesus, without a doubt, and I know that he has achieved what his heart desired.

Jim and I were talking recently about how utterly lost he was, and how clueless he was about his condition. I remember him lighting up over the revelation of the reality, Jesus loved Jim personally, completely, and just as he was. He would go on literally for hours about how that love has manifest over the years. Whether it was a tangible manifestation of the presence of God in worship, the grace and mercy that brought him healing, or just the supernatural insight into a passage of Scripture, Jim knew God loved him. He was so grateful that God had speared his life until he came to know Christ. He said, "I know one thing, I am going to stay ready to meet Him," and he did.

As we go through our busy days, stay ready.

WHEW!

2008-02-20T18:29:00.002-05:00

Been a little busy, did you notice?

We continue to make strides toward our relocation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As of our last trip to the OBX we visited the Nags Head Church (http://nagsheadchurch.com) where we had the chance to celebrate the presence of God, were encouraged in the Word, and found ourselves feeling quite at home. To me, finding a church home is more important than finding a house, and I think we have found a place we would like to plumb the depths of.

We did find a house! It is a beautiful English cottage nestled in amongst the dunes of Duck. It is a short walk to the Currituck Sound and just 1,000 yards from the Atlantic beach. While we are excited about the house, it will take God acting to get us into it. Please pray.

We have turned over our church to the new pastors, Rick and Sandy. We will work side-by-side with them until our departure, and we are excited about what their leadership will bring to the future of this congregation. Check them out at (http://www.faithprevails.org) If you are close by, drop in!

We continue to reach out to local pastors, missionaries, and friends in ministry. If you know someone who needs a friend, could use a little encouragement, or you'd just like to see blessed, drop us a line and we'll touch base with them.

Welcome

2007-05-22T12:02:00.000-04:00

Welcome to what I hope will become a source of encouragement for you as you walk out your calling in service to the Kingdom of God.

The Barnabas Project is here to make you a success through encouragement, moral and emotional support, and tangible support when possible.

Ministers who are a part of the Barnabas Project will find our Ministers-at-Large stopping by to visit over coffee, will find a Spirit inspired note in their inbox, and may even find that they are the guest of honor at a getaway for those who are in need of rest and recovery from the rigors of front line ministry.

We are here to help make you a success in life and in ministry.