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.
Monday, April 28, 2008
AFCM Overnighter
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Beware False Doctrine
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
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
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Think About It
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
What is a friend worth?
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
What are you doing to make the neighborhood better?
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.
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.
Monday, March 3, 2008
"...and be thankful."
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.
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