One Pastor's Perspective

I blog today to pay a debt. A debt I’ve owed for some time now … To an institution that is long gone. To people I hardly ever see, but I do get to relate to some of them on Facebook. And I owe this place, as do many of them.

Washington Avenue Christian School was founded some time around 1970. It was borne out of a vision God gave Dan Greer, a wonderful pastor and leader for many years at Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. God burdened Dan with the emptiness of the halls of that church during the week and the vision of Christ-centered education. Dan and the church obeyed and God blessed that ministry.

THOUSANDS of families were touched by that ministry over the next two decades. There are many, many names of faculty members and adults that worked hard to help that vision succeed, but make NO MISTAKES, God’s hand was the reason that vision became reality.

That school was a tremendous part of my life. I look at who I am today and know that school made its mark on me. Teachers at that school helped to mold me. They are partially responsible for the pastor I am today (at least, the good parts). And I thank God for them.

This past spring brought the 25 anniversary of my graduation around. Sadly, there is no longer a school to celebrate, no longer a homecoming to attend. There was a reunion of sorts a few weeks ago, but I was unable to attend because of family obligations.

All of this brings me to my point. The debt, so to speak. There is a story to tell, a story that all of us in the kingdom of God need to hear …

Why did this school close???

The year was 1991. I was an active member of Washington Avenue Baptist Church, and a very active youth worker. My vocation was computer programming, and honestly, I was running from a call to ministry. I also had the privilege that year of being the first WACS alum to serve on the Board of Trustees.

We had a good year. Finances were good and we were even considering starting a retirement fund for the teachers. Everything was clicking on all cylinders when I got a phone call … The school was CLOSING! Even though it took a vote of the church to open the school, the relatively new pastor decided to close it. And did so. And no one stood up. The school was financially in the black, but it was being closed. As a young adult full of passion for that ministry, I went to the pastor (and I use the term very loosely) and asked him why?? He told me, and I quote, “Because we don’t need all those kids walking the halls every week and dirtying up this place! We’ve got to keep this place clean for all the church-shoppers that visit on Sunday!” I could not believe my ears!! (And, it was the first time I’d ever heard the term “church shoppers!”) He ended the meeting by telling us, and again I quote, that missionaries are “nothin but a bunch of preachers that couldn’t control their churches!” At the time, Diana’s aunt and uncle were missionaries in Caracas, Venezeula, so you can imagine how that ripped our hearts out. By the way, I think missionaries are AWESOME and are some of the bravest people I know!!!

Consequently, the church took a real turn at that point. Some people I dearly loved were fired from the staff, (YES, they resigned but were forced) and some people I once respected fell right in line with all of this. I stood up for the first time EVER in a church business meeting when I heard the explanation of all of this as “We are sacrificing the FIVE we might reach right now with the Christian school for the 500 we will reach down the road with the improvements this will bring!” For the first time in my life, the Holy Spirit took control of my mind because I responded with something I am NOT SMART ENOUGH to come up with: I stood up and said “My God is big enough to reach the FIVE AND THE FIVE-HUNDRED.” No one appreciated my statement, except my loving bride.

After that, the pastor started some rumors about Diana and me. We’d already left this church I loved. We had to. I stopped running from God when He got me into this corner and said “I need people like YOU in the ministry.” And the rest is history! Washington Avenue Baptist Church, which was once my home, had a rough time but God has raised up a new pastor and a new culture in that church. It seems to be doing well and I pray for that, because I have never stopped loving it.

So, there is my story. A debt paid. What can we learn from this story?? Think about it.

One of the most difficult tasks of any pastor is leading others to remain strong in their faith. We read the stories of the Children of Israel in the OT and cannot understand how they could have so little faith in God, considering all they had seen, and yet WE ARE JUST LIKE THEM. And it is very frustrating!!!

I love Ebenezer with all my heart. And there are times when I feel caught in the middle. Some people are very factual and black & white with their belief … And times are tough right now. And we all face challenges in every facet of our lives … And it would be so easy to rely on what we think ought to be and proceed in that direction. And the last time I checked, our church is a THEOCRACY: We FOLLOW GOD. I pray that we will let Him worry about the small stuff and just FOLLOW HIM!!

And then, on the other side of the trap, are some who seem to see no future in things. God is a convenience to them, and as long as He is wrapped up in a package they like, an easily-consumable God who is 50% less filling, 70% more cost efficient, and will stay out of 90% of their lives!! The flu season has hit Ebenezer hard this year. I’ve had some tell me they will be back when flu season is over because the CLC said we should avoid public places!! (Does flu season ever end??) I wish I could’ve pulled that one when I was in high school, but good thing I didn’t because I would be even DUMBER than I am today!!!! 🙂

Seriously, when someone is sick, they are sick … They need to stay home if that is the case. But are there some that are merely using this as today’s excuse??

And then, in the middle with me, are some really cool people who see the value of ministry, the value of allowing God to be in control of their lives. And it shows. And I LIVE FOR THESE FOLKS!!! God uses you guys to keep me going, to keep me focused, and I am SOOOOOO thankful for all of you!!!! (And a bunch of those folks read this blog … you know who you are!!) And I want YOU to be encouraged just as you encourage me!! And even if it is just us in the fight, we fight His fight, we build His way, and we strengthen each other with our faith. And I couldn’t make it without you guys … You are a gift from God to me!!

So, which are you in all of this?? And who do you WANT to be?? The great thing about this is YOU CAN CHANGE WHO YOU ARE IN THIS!! HAVE FAITH!!!!!

(A funny from http://www.mikeysfunnies.com/)

There was this lady who was visiting a church for the first time one Sunday. The sermon seemed to go on forever, and many in the congregation actually fell asleep.

After the service, to be social, she walked up to a very sleepy looking gentleman, extended her hand in greeting, and said, “Hello, I’m Gladys Dunn.”

The man replied, “You’re not the only one, ma’am. I’m glad it’s done, too!”

**********************

Have you been there?? A sermon. A funeral. Even a wedding when the speaker didn’t seem to know when to finish or how to finish. And it bothers us. And we get uncomfortable. And we stop listening, we disengage, and worship ceases in our hearts.

Worship is a state of our hearts, NOT a program or specific order of things. When we worship we proclaim the WORTH of God in our hearts! And God is worth FAR MORE than we can imagine … and He is certainly WORTH our rapt attention!

In fact, instead of being glad it’s done, shouldn’t we be thirsting for more?? Where are YOU in all of this?

Well, are you?? People can tell …

A lifelong ambition for any person should be to find a vocation that God calls them to. And this shouldn’t scare you: God calls His people into ALL FIELDS. God doesn’t just call ministers and missionaries: He calls dentists, clerks, teachers, plumbers … well, you get the idea. One of the most important things we can do is FIND that calling and fulfill it!

So, are you in a vocation, or just a job?? There is a difference! A job is something we dread, something we attend. At a job we mark time. A vocation is a life’s calling. At a vocation we find purpose and meaning. Where a job is something we just do, a vocation is something in which we can invest our lives. We actually like it, and the passion for it spills out into what we do.

And, those around us can tell the difference. Believe me. So which are you???

I LOVE MY JOB
(apologies to Dr. Seuss)

I love my job, I love the pay, I love it more and more each day.
I love my boss and he’s the best. I love HIS boss and all the rest.
I love my office and it’s location. I hate to have to take vacation.
I love my desk, drab and gray, and love those paper piles each day.
I love my chair in my padded cell; there’s nothing else I love so well.
I love to work among my peers. I love their leers ‘n jeers ‘n sneers.
I love my computer and all its ware; I hug it often to show I care.
I love each program and every file; I even try using it once in a while.
I’m happy to be here, I am, I am…I’m the happiest slave to my Uncle Sam.
I love this work; I love these chores; I love the meetings with deadly bores.
I love my job AND I’ll say it again, I even love these friendly men:
These men who’ve come to visit today, in lovely white coats to take me away!

today’sTHOT============================

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they are sticking to their diets.

(Subscribe at www.mikeysfunnies.com)

An artist asked a gallery owner if there had been any interest in his paintings on display …

“I have good news and bad news” the owner replied. “The good news is a man inquired about your work and asked if it would appreciate after your death. I replied ‘yes’ and he bought EVERY PIECE!”

“WOW, that is GREAT NEWS!” replied the artist. “So, what is the bad news?”

“The guy said he was your doctor!”

I had a recheck yesterday with my doctor for my medications. I guess it went well, will hear back from the blood work today or tomorrow. One of the things I hate about going to the doctor is the inevitable blood pressure spike it causes. It ALWAYS reads high in their office. Last week I had some dental work and they always take my BP there. And it ALWAYS reads around 120/80 like it does at home. But NOT YESTERDAY!! However, I keep a check on it at home and it always reads 120ish / 80ish.

In other news, Fall Festival last night, once again, was incredible. God keeps doing great things with this outreach event. Much thanks to the Family Enrichment Team for all the hard work they did, like every year, to coordinate this thing and pull it off. Where would Ebenezer be without faithful people working hard to help stuff happen??

One of the most exciting, tiring, awesome, crowded, fun, significant events in the Ebenezer year will happen tonight. Our annual Fall Festival. The history of the EBC festival goes back many years … Before we even had a Family Life Center. But, the level of organized festival we have today, one that we do for the community, goes back at least fifteen years.

Years ago, EBC decided we would do something for the community, giving children a safe alternative. Some criticize such festivals, saying churches that do them are caving to a secular and demonic holiday. I say we are taking an old tradition and using it to build the kingdom for Christ! Using it to reach families! And that we do!! Last year we identified over 60 families that did not have a church home and reached out to EVERY ONE OF THEM!!! THAT is what WE do with Fall Festival! We are careful not to use it to steal families from other churches, but we aggressively go after families that do not have church homes.

And, even beyond that, there is something really cool about have 1000 guests for fun, free games and candy, and a chance for us to show others that Ebenezer folks are just like them!!

It will be a long day … a late night … Feet will hurt … HUNDREDS of Ebenezerites will pitch in and work … And it will be great!!

Hope to see you there!

Today’s funny from Mikey is just too good not to share … Especially #4!!

TOP EIGHT SIGNS YOU’RE TOO OLD TO BE TRICK OR TREATING:

8. You get winded from knocking on the door.

7. You have to have another kid chew the candy for you.

6. You ask for high fiber candy only.

5. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you lose your balance and fall over.

4. People say, “Great Keith Richards mask!” and you’re not wearing a mask.

3. When the door opens you yell, “Trick or…” and can’t remember the rest.

2. You have to carefully choose a costume that won’t dislodge your hairpiece.

1. You’re the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker.

(Subscribe at www.mikeysfunnies.com)

This morning I am headed for a divine appointment. I don’t believe in coincidence, nor do I believe it is by accident that I am preaching Daniel 6 this morning. God put it on my heart and I know it is exactly what He wants us to hear. This morning I am headed into a supernatural situation … And I have proof!!

First of all, I can’t tell you how many times God leads us to something in worship and people say “How did you know?? That is EXACTLY where I am, EXACTLY what I needed to hear??” My answer is that God knows … No, I haven’t been eavesdropping. No, I didn’t look at the Sunday School lesson and coordinate. No, I had no idea that is what was in Guideposts, Open Windows, or any other devotional booklet. God did it!

He does stuff like that every Sunday … All the time, really! And I am comfortable allowing Him to do His job and me just doing mine.

With that said, another fact of ministry, a fact of people is that as their pastor, I CANNOT MAKE THEM BEHAVE!! I can’t even make them pay attention! And I have to adjust to that, to be able to work in that environment. And that is tough. As a young minister, that was very frustrating … It’s like telling someone, over and over again, that their house is on fire as they refuse to leave it. And certainly won’t allow me to pull them out.

I can tell them, I can show them, I can beg them, I can plead with them, I can do everything within my power to pull them to God … But ultimately THEY MUST MAKE THE CHOICE. I cannot live their lives for them. I cannot make them live the way I want them to live.

That is between them and God. And He wants their hearts. He wants to be THEIR CHOICE. And I HAVE to allow Him to do His job.

Recent events and discussions prompt me to write this today. There are some that would throw the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to the organized church today. I am not one of those. I love the church!

YES, we have our faults. Problems. Yes, we are far from perfect. Yes, there are hypocrites and those who have false motives. There is even pain and hurt to be found for those in ministry. And with all of that, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Personally, I know the pain. I’ve had people express their displeasure with me as their pastor to my face. I’ve had people tell everyone in the world BUT me when they are mad. Whether we like it or not, this is the nature of some. When 1300 find their church home at the same place, there will be disagreements. There will be problems.

But there are a lot of great people following God and doing His will for their lives, too! I can’t begin to name them, because I know I would leave someone out. But there are men and women to make great sacrifices to carry on the work God’s calls them to, both at Ebenezer and at other churches all over Florence (and all over the world). People who give of their time, talents, energy, as well as income to help ministry continue. People who put aside their own agendas and pride because they know God has a better plan for them, and sometimes it takes them around the world! People I feel drawn toward, because I see them all the time and I know their handiwork!!! And I love them!! People who invest themselves into others because they are obedient to the Great Commission. People who TRULY follow Christ, both in word and action.

And I am proud to be a part of such a church!!!