The Random Thinker

Not as flamboyant as the SuperBowl Shuffle (performed by the ’85 Chicago Bears), the Passive-Aggressive Shuffle is a dance often-performed at volunteer organizations worldwide.  VERY OFTEN this dance can be seen at churches, especially those which are volunteer-led.  And I see it all the time!!

I’m no Simon Cowell, but … wait a minute … I’m really dipping low with that comparison.  Okay, I’m not a professional talent judge, but I can tell you the PA Shuffle is NEVER a good thing.  I’ve never seen it work well and I’ve never seen it build the kingdom of God or build others up.  It results in quite the opposite.

The passive-aggressive approach is close to our human nature.  When we are angered and feel threatened, our nature will lead us to a defensive posture.  Passive-aggressivism is a way to defend ourselves without actually appearing to take action.  It often includes half-truths, twisted truths, and a dab of misinformation.  And it is very harmful to the church!!

There is a strong biblical approach to conflict resolution.  It’s not easy, but it IS God’s way and results in building His kingdom, His church, and His people.  Here is a great article on that:

http://www.peaceful-conflict-resolution.com/biblicalconflictresolution-2.html

For goodness sake, please do the right thing when it comes to conflict!!  The church NEEDS people who are sold out to God and dedicated to doing the right thing!!

One of the greatest resources available to YOU TODAY is free.  And often goes untapped.

When I think about what God is doing at Ebenezer right now, I am humbled.  Thankful to be a part.  Sunday School is STRONG and serves to bind us into close relationships with others for support and accountability.  Worship sets the tone of where we are going as a church:  Our vision, our mission, our marching orders.

When people choose to pursue one but not both facets of Sunday morning, they sell themselves short.  There is something really meaningful happening in morning worship AND in each small group class at Ebenezer.  All excuses aside, there are too many people missing out on one or the other OR BOTH of these!!!

So, here I am this morning praying for Ebenezer.  Praying for my fellow pastors in Florence and their churches.  Praying that we will ALL seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and do the right thing in every aspect of our lives!!  Join me!!

Happy New Year and I pray 2011 will be great for you in the the service and ministry of our Lord!!! The Lord blessed

the ministry of Parson’s Pantry in a wonderful way in 2010. The Lord provided the resources to help 123 needy pastors,

retired pastors, widows of pastors and married ministerial students with $62,800 dollars this past year. We were able to

reach our goal of $200,010 in the year 2010. We had prayed that the Lord would allow us to reach this amount given

to help needy families since we started the ministry. At the end of 2009 we had granted $139,550 dollars and at the end

of 2010 we have been able to give $202,350 dollars to 426 needy families. Praise the name of our Lord! He is doing the

work and it is all about Him!

Please be in prayer for the ministry of Parson’s Pantry. The needs are great and more could be done with the

support of God’s people. We are so grateful for the churches who have Parson’s Pantry in their budgets and indivduals

who give on a regular basis. We thank the Lord for more than 20 Parson’s Pantry Partners who pray for the ministry

and make a monthly gift. We are asking the Lord to raise up more Parson’s Pantry Partners this year.

A widow of a pastor in SC said,”I continue to be amazed at how our Lord works! The timing for receiving the gift was unbelievable. Thank you for being our loving Lord’s instrument to meet my needs.”

A student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary said, ” Thank you so much for your financial assistance.

These have been difficult days financially with family and school expenses. God has used you to demonstrate His

Faithfulness to us again. Thank you for all you do to help fellow ministers.”

A retired Pastor in SC said, ” What a blessing you have been to me and my wife as I try to daily climb a mountain of serious health problems.Know you have made my life brighter with the generous gift. I am thankful for the ministry of

Parson’s Pantry and all you do to help the Lord’s servants!”

One hundred per cent of all tax deductable gifts goes to help needy families. We are praying the Lord will provide the resources this year to go over $300,000 dollars – $300,011 in 2011! Gifts are sent to Parson’s Pantry PO Box 777, Gaffney,SC 29342. We can be contacted by calling 864-489-6709 or cell 864-490-0596, Ron Jackson.